New Model Announcement: Caterpillar^® D8 Twin

Patented as the ‘Tractor with Twin Power Plants’, Classic Construction Models is proud to introduce the D8 Twin as the latest 1:24 precision scale all-brass model to join our ever expanding family of museum quality reproductions. Standing at approximately 9″ long x 8.2″ wide x 3.6″ tall, the level of detail achieved on this model is second to none and is sure to be a focal point in even the most impressive of collections.

Engineered circa 1949 by Peterson Tractor, only three of these incredibly unique machines were ever purpose-built for job site use, including two high-clearance versions for Holt Tractor, although several others were constructed from a conversion kit supplied by Peterson. A final variation, which was recreated by Peterson Cat for the company’s 80th anniversary, was surveyed by our team for accuracy. With a little luck, you can catch it on display at one of the Peterson Cat dealerships.

In the sense that a truly great model can be studied for hours and newly discovered details continue to impress, this model lives up to that expectation. Areas of exceptional detailing include the operator’s stations, complete with foot pedals and control levers for both tractors as well as an accurately depicted instrumentation panel. An open engine bay will reveal even more details to the observant as minute as fuel injector, oil and fuel lines and pulley belts which adds to the realistic appearance.

Attached to the front of the this machine and controlled by a cable-driven system on each tractor is an 8.2″ wide blade. The undercarriage of the model consists of individually linked, free-rolling tracks wrapped around functional track tensioners and drive sprockets.

Special attention was also paid to the custom plates and frame pieces which were engineered to connect these tractors, as well as an accurately replicated control system which allowed for operation of this machine by a single operator on the right tractor.

Each one of these incredible models is hand-crafted from hundreds of perfectly reproduced parts, painted in period correct colors with markings and warning labels providing the finishing details – all of which has been approved by the manufacturer for accuracy.

Although we are too early in the process to determine pricing, production run, or availability, we will keep you up to date on progress and photos of this incredible model as we know more!

A huge thank you goes out to Peterson Cat for their support, allowing us to survey the D8 Twin they recreated for the company’s 80th anniversary, and for all of the information they provided about the D8 Twin tractor. Without the assistance of their historian, Eileen Grafton, as well as the information obtained from Eric Orlemann and Edgar Browning, this model would not have been possible.