Introduction

Caterpillar’s D7 bulldozer has been a staple of both civilian and military construction teams since 1938. New versions have been introduced with greater and greater power, and you will find them all around the world, and in every military campaign since WW2 building roads and housing, clearing forest and cleaning up messes.

Now Hobby Link of Vietnam has introduced a D7G version thatwas launched in the 1970s, which makes it a little late for the Second Vietnam War, but the upgrade apparently to the G was an increase from 180HP to 200HP over the F variant launched in 1969. Modelers looking to create and VN War depiction should not hesitate the use this kit in my opinion, though experts should feel free to correct me.  You won't go wrong using it in Gulf scenarios, especially OIF.

Contents

Inside the usual Hobby Link generic brown cardboard box are ten bags on orange-colored 3D-printed resin parts, along with a tiny sliver of waterslide decals.

The Review

I have already reviewed and built Hobby Link’s D7 dozer with Rome Plow, a denizen of the jungles of Vietnam, along with their M76 Otter. I can say with confidence that Hobby Link is producing some of the best3D-printed kits on the market. They are well-produced, go together without issues, and include subjects not being kitted by other manufacturers.

Resin models are not recommended for beginner modelers, though the Hobby Link kits are more like styrene kits made from 3D-printed resin: lots of parts that go together easily and build up into excellent models. If you have never built a resin kit before, I recommend studying a YouTube video, going slowly, and purchasing a really good non-styrene cement.

While the kit is mostly complete with everything you will need, including line for the tow winch, the engine could probably profit from some super-detailing with ignition wires, etc. Consult photo references and proceed.

Building one of these models takes some patience, since removing the parts from their trees is delicate work. I recommend a good pair of snippers and possibly a micro saw like the ones CMK makes. Extra parts for fiddly bits are often included, which makes encounters with the carpet monster or broken pieces less anxiety-producing.

Hobby Link also makes an inexpensive conversion kit to add an armored cab.

Conclusion

If, like me, you are a motor pool or Seabees fan, then this kit is for you. There is almost no scene where earth is being moved, or something is being torn up where this model won't be right at home. The tracks in particular are gorgeous, and go together better than most styrene AM tracks. Detail is high-quality, and 3D printing is getting better all the time. You might encounter some "nibs" on some flat surfaces, which is a by-product of the printing process. These should sand out with minimal effort.

Thanks to Hobby Link and Wanamaker Hobbies for this review sample. Be sure to mention you saw it reviewed on Armorama when ordering your kit.

Engine area with cover on.

Engine exposed.

Rear without its digging hooks.