As a boy one of my favorite construction machines was the road grader. Roco Minitanks released one for their Minitanks line; it was actually the Umex Minimovers U-303 (click here for Umex/AHM Reviews), produced by Roco as #97 Cat Road Grader, the subject of this review.†

The Model

The model is packaged in Roco's traditional orange and blue bubble pack, with text in English and German. A brief history is on the back.

The molding is sharp and without sinkholes, but with flash on some parts. Also, there are some blemishes where parts were separated from their sprue. The model is snap-tight, parts held by tabs and slots. There is a basic interior detail. The cab can be removed. The rear suspension moves.

A nicely molded engine is visible.

Most of the parts, such as the blade and rear plow, are positionable.

Roco did not use any clear lenses for lights.

Finally

I wanted one of these forever. Finally I got a hold of one for review. It is a nice model-- and big! I like the movable parts and the attempt at detail. The model is over 40 years-old now so some flash can be expected. No decals were provided.

Still, this model is a favorite on Minitank dioramas and model railroads. Recommend.

Minitanks--Roco or Herpa?

Austrian model railroad giant Roco released this grader as part of their huge HO (1/87) Minitanks series. Minitanks is known for detailing, scale and precision in the model building world ever since. Roco was forced into reorganization recently and the Minitanks series is now distributed by Herpa. For this reason, I refer to the series simply as Minitanks. Herpa's website states, ”On October 1, 2007, Herpa has taken on the worldwide distribution of the military series Minitanks. In cooperation with the Modelleisenbahn GmbH (Roco), the line will be continuously advanced and extended.”

Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here – on RailRoadModeling.net.

†Roco Minitanks Collectors Club. Minitanks
Page 1. 10-5-2009. http://www.geocities.com/Pentagon/5351/index.html.