1:50th Scale Liebherr R944C Industrial Scrap Handler
Presented here is the first Liebherr model to be produced by Universal Hobbies. The 1:50th scale Liebherr R944C tracked Industrial scrap handler is an interesting choice and was first unveiled early in 2008. It has taken over a year to be produced and the model presented here looks amazing from a detail point of view. It is still hard to say if it should be called a die-cast model as over 50% is plastic but this is now typical of Universal Hobbies.
The cab interior has been accurately captured with everything visible that is found on the full sized machine. The front and roof cab screening is plastic with a fine grill structure along with plastic grab rails and access step below the cab door which has an anti-slip textured surface.
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The undercarriage has very well detailed plastic track frames with side fitted access steps with anti-slip texturing and silver painted track guides. The idler wheels are sprung to keep the tension on the undividually linked metal track pads which hook together and remain in place due to friction (similar construction to the NZG tracks) |
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The main body casting is metal with most of the detailing parts made of plastic including the engine cover, grab rails and access steps. More companies are using more plastic these days to reduce costs and in some places, this is actually beneficial as more finer detailing can be added, as seen here on the R944C. |
The rear of the plastic boom has flexible hydraulic piping with silver highlighted fixing bars which does add greatly to the level of realism. Hydraulic piping has also been added to the cab riser frame and throughout the boom to the five tine, fully functional grab fitted to the end of the stick. |
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The cab can be elevated and the linkage is relatively stiff, allowing the cab to remain at the height chosen. The parallel linkage is a little off so when it is fully raised, the cab tilts forward a little which is a shame as this is a very nice feature on the model.
Another dissapointment throughout the model is that, despite the detail, the assembly has been done with posi-head screws and I personally think this is very poor on a model and should only be used where absolutely neccesary and yet the R944C has screws used throughout.
The paint finish is also a little off and looks a little too dark and yellow from the other Liebherr construction machines although Brami were also off with the shade when they released the PR734 dozers. The paint is relatively even throughout and it is very difficult to tell which parts are plastic and which parts are metal. The printing of the Liebherr markings are nice and crisp with safety labels visible. They have even painted the access panels on the underside of the super structure which is a nice touch.
Overall, the model is a welcomed addition to the constantly growing Liebherr model range and despite the use of screws and many plastic parts, the model really does look the part. It will be interesting to see if Universal Hobbies release any further Liebherr models in the future.