18d Bulldozer question

[Cam]

A question on the 18d Bulldozer as well. Again, I am having problems identifying the variation on it. This has most of the features of a code 4 but has no hole in the base. The edge behind the rear axle is rounded as near as I can tell, it has the larger exhaust stack, and there is a blade brace.

Cam

[kwakers]

Hello Cam, kwakers again! Another Great Question with a brand new, although fairly common oddity to be added to Nick's variation table. I have had mine for years that is identical to yours, may even have a spare tucked away, and have seen others available on E Bay from U.S. collections. It is the early base without hole, Silver Plastic Rollers, Second style blade with a brace, and the SQUARE edged ridge on the inside at the rear. In looking at Nick's very clear base pictures of both the rounded and square ridge under the rear of the body, I am now a bit more educated on that feature that has confused both you and I up until now. The rounded rear is much different than I had expected from using my trusty Stannards Guide illustrations, so I have learned a bit from your question and Nick's Excellent Guide tonight Cam. I am sure Nick can now add this one when we update his #18 Cat listings one day. This SPR version with early holeless base and braced blade now opens the door to the discovery of a BPR version using the same combination of those components. A very nice variation you have pictured for everyone tonight on this one cam.........kwakers

[Cam]

Thanks for the information on this and the other questions I have. I am sure it will be just the start of my questions as a lot of these variations are very hard to determine for my old eyes. Unfortunately this dozer has a broken blade support, but I should be able to fix that.

Cam

[kwakers]

Usually mending it a little is O.K., but do not remove either axle at all Cam. The reinforced blade is the strong point on this model's variation. If the axle that holds the blade is ever removed or modified, the originality as an unlisted variation is destroyed. To restore a common model is fine, but an odd one like this will always be in demand as an example and/or filler for a detail collector. If it can be later upgraded, this uncommon model can be sold on to another collector for him/her to enjoy. The broken blade support is no big deal, it shows the Dozer was used and loved by a child much like myself many years ago. The owner of this Dozer sold off his old Toys, but we are still playing with ours......kwakers