In 1955 the Lesney model of the 18a Caterpillar bulldozer was introduced into the Matchbox 1-75 series,
This model was based on the earlier large scale Bulldozer which was scaled down to fit in the 1-75 series,
The body casting was the same one that was used by the 8a Caterpillar crawler tractor and although the 8a was also introduced in 1955 the casting variations that are found on the 8a are not found on the 18a as they had already been done by the time the 18a made it's appearance so the body had all the areas between the engine and bonnet (hood) were already filled,
(see the 8a section for details).Like the earlier 8a the body was coloured yellow and it was enhanced by being fitted with a bulldozer blade that was held in place by longer axles being used which would fit through holes cast into the dozer blade arms, The dozer blade is usually found in red but a late run appeared with orange-red blades,
The rollers were 9mm metal on flat head axles with crimped ends which were longer than those used on the 8a crawler tractor because they had to locate the Bulldozer blade as well as hold the wheels on,
It was fitted with 24 tread green rubber trackswhich can dry out over time and become brittle,
The only other variation was to the drivers helmet which could be left in yellow or painted black,
Unlike the 8a silver or gold trim was never applied to the grille this model,
It was sold in 'B' type boxes and was replaced by the next Caterpillar bulldozer the 18b in 1958.
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