Cat 12E Motor Grader in 1/35

[Warren D]

I had purchased several kits from Hobby Link before building my first one.  I'll not do that again.  QC issues seem to be rampant with these, warped parts, soft, sticky "resin" in spite of being 3D printed.  They do provide extras for the small parts but the larger ones always are the worst.

The frame had a noticable twist which was helped by a relief cut.  Before and after pics below.  It's not what it should be, but it's better.

 

[Warren D]

Another day of work (it's been raining here for what seems like 3 weeks) and some guessing on the intent of the minimalistic instructions and it's coming along.  The cab is in bad shape and will require a lot of tweaking to make it look decent.

 

Edited May 31 by Warren D

[Biggu]

This is really cool, Warren. A long time ago I saw a rendering from a manufacturer that a 1/35 Cat 140H was in the pipes but nothing so far. I will be watching your build with great interest  as that was one of my main tasks just prior to my retirement.  The grader can do magical things. An amazing machine. Love the old school iron. Keep going this will be great 

[Swamp Dog]

6 hours ago, Warren D said:

Another day of work (it's been raining here for what seems like 3 weeks) and some guessing on the intent of the minimalistic instructions and it's coming along.  The cab is in bad shape and will require a lot of tweaking to make it look decent.

 

how long is the model ? website does not say.

[Warren D]

17 hours ago, Swamp Dog said:

how long is the model ? website does not say.

It's 9-1/2" as shown in the pic.

[gotnitro?]

cool model of a grader !!! The details are mind blowing that you've shown so far

[Warren D]

Update photos.  I finally got the cab fitted after almost 8 hrs of adjustments.  Not sure how it will look in the long term, the material seems to return to a pre-adjustment state after a few days.  It's been sitting for a few days now and the super-glue is holding the shape.  The bad news is I can't get the doors to fit.  So, I decided to attach them in the door-open position.  Next decision is color.  The model was designed as a Vietnam era military grader but I'm thinking I may just do it in civilian yellow.

 

[Warren D]

On 6/7/2025 at 10:04 AM, gotnitro? said:

cool model of a grader !!! The details are mind blowing that you've shown so far

Thanks, there is a surprizing amount of detail but it comes at a cost, parts are small and break easily especially when you try to smooth out the support attach points!

[Warren D]

Calling it done: