1:50th Scale Liebherr A918 Compact Wheeled Excavator
The Liebherr A918 Compact was first announced at the Bauma 2010 trade show where it was known as the A900 Compact. The machine is powered by a Liebherr D834/Stage IIIB 4 cylinder in-line diesel engine generating 150hp which is mounted on the side of the upper carriage to reduce the overall dimensions and it is no surprise that Liebherr have commissioned a 1:50th scale replica from NZG.
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The fully modeled likufix quick coupler is a nice addition to the model with flexible hoses fixed to the stick and terminating at the head of the coupler. The model is supplied with a removable tilting grading bucket which is a touch smaller than the version fitted to the A924C wheeled excavator and it is a shame that a clamshell bucket was not supplied with the model. The bucket shape has been captured well and the tilting motion is fairly tight, allowing the angle to remain set. The hydraulic cylinders are smooth in operation and stiff enough to hold the chosen pose, while all the pin connections have been touched up with paint to allow them to blend in very well. |
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The two section boom has good casting detail of the re-enforcing structure with flexible hoses added throughout, complete with silver highlighted fixed piping on the upper surface of the boom.
The design of the body caters for a side mounted engine and all the contours and shape of the full sized machine have been accurately captured. The side grills have been printed with a fine mesh pattern which looks authentic with tiny safety labels and highlighted door catches and hinges all adding to the level of realism. The addition of a silver housing on the side for a safety camera is a nice touch and shows the attention to detail.
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The rear counterweight has lines cast into the surface with inset rear facing light housings which have painted lenses. Warning labels are present and the Liebherr name across the rear is raised off the surface.
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The inner surface of the engine compartment has been painted grey and has the hydraulic distribution block with silver highlighted caps and hinges and the rear facing exhaust pipe. |
The cabin is spacious with a replicated interior which is visible through the slightly tinted windows which have printed window seals while the exterior of the cab has good casting details of the door handle, hinges and ridge details. A metal safety railing is mounted to the cab frame with an integrated rear view mirror while another grab rail is fitted to the rear of the cab for safe servicing, where a small filler cap is also visible just below the rear window along with stiff plastic aerial.
The large roof window allows for plenty of light to flood into the cabin where the seat, side housing and joystick controls can be viewed, along with the central console topped with a steering wheel. Small casting details, like the windscreen wiper motor housing and photo-etched wiper frame add to the level of realism.
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The undercarriage has a central housing from which two drive shafts connect to the axles, with the front axles having a steering mechanism which achieves a reasonable degree of steering motion. A support bar on one end of the chassis and a blade mounted to the other end which can be raised/lowered to provide full stability |
The model is presented with double tyres which have a clearly defined tread pattern moulded into the surface with grey finished hubs that have nicely cast centres. |
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The paint finish is very good, as expected from NZG with an even coat allowing all the casting detail to show through. The Liebherr markings are crisply printed and the tiny safety labels are a nice addition to the model. The packaging consists of a two section polystyrene carton with printed outer cardboard box.
