Liebherr R916 Multi-User (Long Reach) boom
Following from the R954 long reach boom, Gaz has created a long reach boom to fit the Liebherr R916 from NZG. The kit consists of a resin boom and stick with flexible rubber hose and pins and uses the hydraulics and bucket linkage from the original model.
The first task is to strip down the original model and this is relativeny easy to achieve. All the hydraulic cylinders are re-used, as are the bucket linkage and the boom mounting pieces which need to be carefully prized away from the original boom. Only removing the rivets that are neccesary allows the model to be easily re-assembled, so the bucket hydraulic, linkage and quick coupler can be removed from the original in one piece (As pictured above)
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Once the model has been striped down, the parts can be dry assembled on the new long reach boom and stick (pictured right) to ensure everything fits. The boom side pieces will need the lugs removing and as these are plastic pieces, this is simple with a small file. |
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Holes need drilling in the resin boom and stick. The quick coupler and bucket linkage require 1.5mm holes whereas the holes for the bucket and stick hydraulics and the hole where the stick connects to the boom can all be drilled at 1mm.
The paint used to finish the model was obtained from the Liebherr depot and is a very close match to the NZG colour. The primer coat is halfords white primer which helps to lighten the shade a touch.
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The boom has pipework cast into the surface so the only requirement is to glue the black hoses extending from the super-structure into place. |
The bucket linkage and quick coupler are re-attached to the model using the original pins
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The hose supplied in the kit can be used to connect the fixed piping between the stick and boom. I have drilled shallow 1mm holes in the ends of the fixed piping to make it easier to glue the hoses into position. |
The model is pictured below alongside the standard R916 fitted with the stick extension and they make a good looking pair.
