1:50 Scale Model LIEBHERR R996 Backhoe Mining Excavator

Presented here is the limited edition Liebherr R996 Backhoe model from Conrad, painted in the Liebherr Yellow & grey colours. The model has been available for a number of years in the mining white colours and the version reviewed here gives new life to a great model.

The engine covers and service crane frame can be removed to reveal the two engine packs within. Each engine is housed in a frame and can be removed from the model (As pictured below). the yellow and grey colours of each powerpack allow the casting of the engine to stand out.

The service crane can be deployed with hydraulics stiff enough to allow the boom to be positioned as required. The end section is telescopic allowing the tip of the boom to reach over the sides of the body with ease.

The large cab is authentically painted white with large glazed windows giving a view of the sparce interior. AT&C Diecast Models sell a set of white metal sun screens to fit the R996 and these would look excellent on this new version. Also available is a retractable access stairway which will fit easily to the R996.

The grey painted safety railings are fitted throughout the model and are authentically scaled and look good, with a sliding plastic ladder added to the rear side, giving access to the lower deck of the main carbody. A ladder is also added leading up to the cab.

Safety railings also need adding to the sides of the boom and these are simple to fix into place. An access ladder is already fixed to the side of the boom along with flexible hydraulic hoses which help to add more detail and realism to the model.

Flexible hoses have been added from the main distribution block to the back of the boom where raised metal piping has been added with the intercrossing of the pipes also helping to add to the realism.

 The boom, stick and bucket have a good range of movement allowing various poses to be achieved. Unfortunately, due to the shear weight of the all-metal boom, the hydraulics are not quite stiff enough to hold the boom in the raised position for very long and the bucket has a tendancy to slowly lower over a period of about 4 hours.

The stick casting has been nicely engineered, with integrated holders for the flexible hydraulic pipes and simulated cast lifting brackets on the sides.

 The large bucket has a lot of detail, from the contoured teeth and cutting plates integrated into the sides of the bucket to the wear plate detailing on the underside and corners.

The paint finish is excellent as usual from Conrad with the Liebherr name and machine designation authentically printed on the boom and body sides. The yellow version of the R996 is the perfect partner to the recently launched Liebherr T282B mining truck, also a limited edition finished in the Liebherr yellow & grey colours.

Source: MINIATURE CONSTRUCTION WORLD