Saturday, September 21, 2013

MiniMovers visits Tonkin Replicas Europe

Originally, the main focus of Tonkin Replicas was truck and trailer models. However, Tonkin recently succeeded in obtaining the Caterpillar license and the company now aims to set the standard in the construction machinery sector.

On 1 July 2013 the US company Tonkin Replicas Inc. opened a new site in Europe. Tonkin, which has its head office in Seattle, is entering into a joint venture for this purpose with Industrial Merchandising Concepts B.V. (IMC Branding) from Montfoort in the Netherlands. One of the intentions of the joint venture, Tonkin Replicas Europe B.V., is to distribute the brand new Caterpillar program as well as the full range of Tonkin truck and trailer models. The working area will be Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

imageAt Friday 13th September I was invited by Joep Hansen to meet the Tonkin Replicas Europe team. Armed with my photo camera and a box containing pastry (Zeeuwse Bolussen) I arrived at the new European HQ in Montfoort.

Joep Hansen (Managing Director), Erik Siks (Product Development) and Joris Gielen (Marketing) spend the whole afternoon with me talking about their vision and future plans with Tonkin Replicas and especially their upcoming Caterpillar scale models. Sadly for now I can not tell you any inside details, (I spotted a glimpse from a new project but its still top secret –( ) but I can assure you that the Caterpillar scale model collector will be thrilled with the ambition this team has.

I was “interrogated” and they were very interested in my opinion as a Caterpillar scale model collector about the DO’s and DONT’s. The idea of starting up a “Tonkin collector’s think tank” will be further elaborated.

The meeting ended with the presentation of the prototype of the Caterpillar 988K Wheel loader in 1:50th scale. Although I knew it was still a prototype I could see that Tonkin has the intention to set new standards with their Caterpillar construction model line up. “Functionality and an eye for details” is my first positive reaction holding this Tonkin Wheel Loader model in my hands.

Frisked and checked to be sure I did not leave with the 988K I left them loaded with Tonkin promotion goodies in the trunk and a new appointment to meet soon.

Wouter

AVAILABLE! BAGGERMODELLE 5-2013

The latest edition of BAGGERMODELLE is out now! 

Each issue features a full color double-sided poster in the middle of the magazine. Always a 1:1 action photo shoot of one or more construction machinery and on the other side of the page, a similar set up showing the 1:50 scale diorama. 

This time attention for the Caterpillar D11 Track-Type Tractors series and the latest release from Norscot: Caterpillar 336E Hydraulic Excavator and to make this magazine complete an making of.. the custom Caterpillar 330D FM Forest Machine built by Urs Peyer. 
A MASTERPIECE YOU MUST SEE!

image

Learn more about this full-color magazine for collectors? 

Take a look at BAGGERMODELLE Or even better, Follow my choice: Yes, I want to subscribe to BAGGERMODELLE!
 
DO!

Thursday, September 19, 2013

NEWS FLASH! Caterpillar XQ500 [OBC 1:50]

The following new Otter Bro Customs model in 1:50th scale is recently released:
  • Caterpillar XQ500 RENTAL POWER Generator Set
The Caterpillar XQ500 RENTAL POWER 20 ft container mobile generator set is powered by a Caterpillar C15 ACERT Diesel Engine and meets Tier 4 Interim emission standards and is rated for prime operation at 455 ekW. 

Under the name Otter Bro Customs (OBC) appear regularly exclusive custom built models that allows you to add another unique replica Caterpillar model to your collection.

This Caterpillar XQ500 RENTAL POWER generator set can be ideally placed as cargo load on the Caterpillar CT660 with HIAB XS800 Hi Pro knuckle boom crane, but can also be built by Otter Bro Customs on a 20ft container trailer. The choice is yours!

Enjoy the first photos! As soon as the Caterpillar XQ500 scale model arrives I will add more pictures from the model, machine 1:1 and background information in the category Generator sets
 
So stay tuned for more!


Wednesday, September 18, 2013

NEWS FLASH! Caterpillar CT660 [OBC 1:50]

The following new Otter Bro Customs model in 1:50th scale is recently released:
  • Caterpillar CT660 with HIAB XS 800 Hi Pro knuckle boom crane
Under the name Otter Bro Customs (OBC) appear regularly exclusive custom built models that allows you to add another unique replica Caterpillar model to your collection.
Enjoy the first photos! As soon as the model arrives I will add more pictures from the model, machine 1:1 and background information in the category On-Highway Trucks
So stay tuned for more!


Saturday, September 14, 2013

LATEST ADDITION! Caterpillar 245 Grapple [CCM 1:48]

Today I received from the USA this latest addition from CCM in my collection and directly took it to the photo set:
  • Caterpillar 245 with Grapple

Soon I will add more pictures from the model, machine 1:1 and background information in the category Hydraulic Excavators
 
So stay tuned for more!


Wouter 

Friday, September 13, 2013

Sunday, September 1, 2013

UPDATE! Caterpillar 777 &776 [CCM 1:48]

This week CCM has released the first photos of their pre production samples off the upcoming new Caterpillar scalemodels in their 1:48 Diecast Series:
  • Caterpillar 777 Off-Highway Haul Truck
  • Caterpillar 776 Off-Highway Tractor with Mega MET-185 Trailer.

Curious for more?  Check out: