**    Announcements     **

The Hillhead aggregates, recycling & construction show is fast approaching and is looking like being another great event, held as usual at the Hillhead quarry in Buxton from the 19th to the 21st June. With all the big players taking part, there should be a lot of interesting kit to see. I have been informed that Liebherr will have a merchandise shop at the show and will once again be offering their range of models and merchandise at special show prices. An excellent oportunity to pick up a bargain. For full details of the show, check out the
Hillhead 2012 website.

**    Confirmed Models     **

   TWH Collectibles have announced a new run of the Manitowoc 18000 crawler crane. The model will feature the same castings as the first run with the boom sections die-cast rather than the brass sections supplied with the original release. Only 300 pieces will be produced and are expected to be available in August 2012.

   Classic Construction Models have unveiled another two additions to the 1:48th scale Caterpillar Precision Scale model range. First up is the 777 quarry truck, a perfect companion to the recently released 992C loading shovels. The model will feature an opening cab door revealing the replicated interior, a replicated engine and drive-train, tipping body and steering front axle. Joining the 777 is the 776 prime mover with Mega MET-185 trailer.

Images of the rapid prototypes of both models can be viewed on the CCM Blog page.

   The VINCI webshop have launched two models of the Sandvik TH550 underground hauler to the range, one decorated in the Soletanche Bachy red colours and limited in availability while the other is decorated in VINCI white and is exclusive to the VINCI Online Shop.

First Gear have announced two brand new Komatsu models, the D65EX bulldozer which will be available in two versions, one with ripper and one with PAT blade and towbar. In addition to these, they are also updating the Komatsu 960E mining truck into the 960E-2K version. More details on the First Gear Website.

  Ertl have released details of a new 1:50th scale model of the Deere 470G LC tracked excavator for release summer 2012. The model will feature linked metal tracks with opening engine compartment and functional digging equipment.

        Tooling samples of some interesting heavy duty lifters and haulers from WSI have been announced. The large crane in the foreground is the Palfinger PK150002 while the smaller one in the background is the Palfinger PK74002.

     Classic Construction Models have released details of three new additions to the 1:48th scale Caterpillar die-cast line which are expected to appear mid to late 2012. The models include the D9L bulldozer which will have a full cab with blade and impact ripper fitted to the rear along with a canopy version of the D9L with cussion blade and rear push block. Also being produced is a bladeless D9L with 631E towed scraper and a 637E motor scraper.

The 1:50th scale Manitowoc 31000 lattice boom crawler crane model is selling very fast and new images of the tooling sample have been unveiled. With the 150 allocated for model distributors worldwide sold out in the first three weeks, the model is sure to be a great success with exacting levels of detail throughout. Anyone wanting to own one of these amazing replica who has not already ordered can place there reservation here. The production run is limited to only 500 pieces and is being produced by TWH Collectibles. Further images of the tooling sample are available here.

   DHS Diecasts have released details of the 1:48th scale historic Hulett Ore Unloader model which is being produced in very limited quantities by TWH Collectibles. The Hulett ore unloader is a unique piece of engineering, originally designed in the late 1800's and a familiar site on the great lakes over the years. All proceeds go to the Ohio Museum of Transportation and Industry and the model is expected to be released late 2011. For full details, click here.