1:50th Scale Liebherr LRB255 Drilling/Piling Rig

Presented here is the limited edition Liebherr LRB255 modular foundation rig in the Ludwig Freytag company colours from NZG. The LRB255 is a modular system allowing the machine to be used for piling jobs with hydraulic and vibratory hammers and also drilling jobs with continuous flight augers and kelly drilling equipment. The 1:50th scale version reviewed here is configured with a vibratory hammer.

The cab is fully detailed inside with centre mounted display screen and full operator controls visible through the clear glazed windows. The cab roof has faling debris protection and rear view mirrors have been added.

the main body panels have crisp cast detailing with several hinged, allowing access to the winch winding mechanisms within. The upper cooling housing has good ridge detail and the two tone blue colour scheme has been applied very well.

The level of details throughout the model is high with some nice details, like the silver hose guides along the top of the body where the hydraulic hose bundle rests when the mast is lowered. There is a ladder fitted to the side of the body, complete with lower platform giving access to the top of the main body.

The working end of the model is fully functional and positionable and even has the working lateral inclination adjustment, just like the real machine. 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. The leader is over 53cm tall from base to tip with operating sheave head.

The mast on the model authentically folds down into transport mode which is a great touch on the model, allowing it to be posed on the back of a suitable low loader. The top of the mast has pivoting arms which fold to reduce the height during transport.

The undercarriage on the model features an extending track frame to provide better stability. The metal tracks are free rolling and individually linked with tensioned idlers. The track frames have integrated access steps and the lower rollers are free-rolling while the main drive housing has the Liebherr name embossed across the front.

The model has hydraulic hoses fitted from the base carrier which are authentically shaped and hang accurately. The hoses also fit into the hammer head which has working adjustment on the pile gripping mechanism.

The piling hammer has some nice surface detailing with the twin hydraulic clamps able to slide along the main housing to accommodate different sizes of sheet piles. The Liebherr LRB255 is a good addition to the Ludwig Freytag model range although most of the previously released models have been exclusive to Ludwig Freytag and very difficult for collectors to obtain.