Liebherr R9800 Mining Shovel
When it comes to mining, there are several players all competing to produce the most cost effective loading solution when it comes to mining applications and with the flagship R9800, Liebherr can now offer a cost effective and reliable solution for loading some of the largest mining trucks available. It is no surprise that a 1:50th scale model of the R9800 has been commissioned, although considering that most units in the field are of a backhoe design, the model has been presented by Conrad in a face shovel configuration.
The first thing you notice when unpacking the model is the weight and this is an impressive piece with good levels of detail coupled with excellent functionality. The undercarriage is fitted with individually linked plastic track pads to help keep the weight down and these actually look fine and rotate well. The track frames have rotating lower and upper rollers with cast surface detailing of the service covers.
The final drive housings are very nicely finished with the raised Liebherr name and bolt heads added. A lowering single-piece rear ladder folds down to provide access to the cabin and engine bay areas while on the underside of the superstructure, a simple casting of the service and refueling panel is fitted, folding down to simulate refueling operations.
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The upper engine compartment houses a line of red painted fire suppression canisters, a nice addition which adds a little extra realism. A number of components are located on the upper deck including the large chromed exhaust pipes, air filters and an etched grill which partly hides the large cooling fan detailing that has been cast into the upper surface of the hydraulic oil cooler. Anti-slip floor mats have been replicated on the upper surface with metal safety railings throughout. |
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The side of the model is constructed from a fine slotted grill which looks much more authentic than incorporating ridges into the surface of the casting, giving more of an impression of an actual interior and this works very well, with additional slotted panels located on the opposite side of the model along with textured walkways.
The cabin has a replicated interior with side and rear fitted sun screens which really do look good. The roof has a re-enforced safety plate with amber beacon and both front and rear facing light housings are located on the roof, complete with silver painted lenses. The cabin interior has a simplistic casting highlighting the main drivers seat and controls. |
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The main slewing ring has been cast with the rings of fixing bolts showing, with a front access ladder fitted to the main body and a ladder integrated into the undercarriage frame. |
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Metal safety railings are fitted around the main structure with several self-fit railings fitted to the boom which has cleverly engineered plastic hydraulic pipe detailing leading to flexible rubber hoses that connect to the massive hydraulic cylinders, each of which are very stiff allowing the shovel to remain in position despite the considerable weight of the boom, dipper and shovel.
The tooth detailing on the shovel’s cutting edge looks to have captured the authentic contours with the wear plating integrated into the casting on the curved sides of the shovel. The opening mechanism operates from two hydraulic cylinders which allow the model to be posed and interestingly, the main components are assembled with silver coloured moulded plastic pins that have raised bolt heads.
The paint finish is of a very high standard as expected from Conrad and the end result is a very good, solid and detailed replica showing much more fine detailing than previous large shovels that Conrad have produced. The R9800 is the ideal partner to fill the Liebherr T282 mining truck, also produced by Conrad and I would not be surprised for the R9800 in backhoe configuration to be produced within the next 2-3 years.
