1:50th Scale Liebherr LB28 Drilling Rig
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 1:50th scale model presented here from NZG is somewhat of a surprise addition considering they have already produced the LRB255 drilling/piling rig and the accessory set but it is a totally different animal with the same high levels of detail throughout. The model is surprisingly heavy with the majority of the model made of metal which is good to see.
The undercarriage on the model features an extending track frame to provide better stability and is the same as that found on the LRB255, complete with the mounting sockets to fit the casing oscillator unit from the LRB accessory set for an alternative setup. The metal tracks are free rolling and individually linked with tensioned idlers and individually rotating rollers mounted in the track frames.
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 and it can be collapsed into it's transport mode by folding the mast down.
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Hydraulic cable guides and metal re-enforcment protection plates have been added to protect the body panels from getting damaged from the winch cables which is a nice addition on the model. The roof mounted panels have an authentic diamond plate texture with access steps fitted behind the cab. |
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The doors 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.
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.
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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. |
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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.
This is another great release from NZG with an excellent paint finish and crisp Liebherr markings. The mast is a very different design from the LRB model which prevents the use of many of the accessories in the LRB accessory set but the casing oscillator can be fitted to the undercarriage of the model and I would not be too surprised if an accessory set specifically for the LB28 is released at a later date.