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1:50th Scale Liebherr LB28 Drilling Rig - "Soletanche Bachy" The Liebherr LB28 is a dedicated rotary drilling rig, weighing in at 95 ton and powered by the Liebherr D846 A7 diesel engine generating 469hp, the machine is capable of executing all the common drilling methods including kelly drilling, continuous flight auger drilling, double rotary drilling, soil mixing and partial/full displacement tool drilling. The limited edition 1:50th scale model presented here from NZG is finished in the Soletanche Bachy livery, a sub-division of the VINCI Group. The model is surprisingly heavy with the majority of the model made of metal which is good to see. While both the standard Liebherr version and the limited edition Botte Foundation version have dark coloured masts, the red colours of the Soletanche version really allow all the casting details to stand out.
The working end of the model is fully functional and positionable with relatively stiff hydraulics allowing the mast to be positioned as required. The model is supplied in it's fully erected state straight out of the box, only requiring the drill frame to be coupled to the sledge for a fully rigged finish while it can easily be collapsed into a transport configuration by folding the mast down, as pictured below.
The cab is fully detailed inside with centre mounted display screen and full operator controls visible through the clear glazed windows with printed window seals. The cab roof has falling debris protection and rear view mirrors have been added to the cab frame with a radio antenna and work lights also added. The door panels on both sides of the body are non-opening but have good casting details with grills and handles highlighted well with a walkway fitted along both sides of the body frame and an accurately scaled access ladder leading up to the top of the engine compartment. The model has hydraulic hoses fitted from the base carrier which are authentically shaped and hang accurately with a protective cage added to the side of the mast for added realism. The sledge houses the hydraulic rotary drive which has been nicely detailed with a screw utilised to give friction to the sledge allowing it to remain in position on the mast. The head of the mast can be folded to reduce the height of the machine during transport and this is functional on the model, removing the two small pins and folding the head backwards. The auger has been very nicely cast with a kelly bar connected to the kelly winch drum. There are two additional winches fitted to the rear of the mast and all function with the supplied winding key. This is another great addition to the rapidly expanding VINCI group model collection and is the second Liebherr LB28 to be produced in a VINCI group livery, joining the Botte Foundation version previously released. With an excellent paint finish and crisp Soletanche Bachy graphics, this latest version is another must have model. |
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