Liebherr R994B Tracked Face Shovel

This is the Liebherr R994B tracked face shovel model in 1:50th scale from NZG.

The rear deck of the model is highly detailed with reproduced fire suppressent equipment and fully reproduced walkways and hand railing. The hydraulic distribution system is present on the model with flexible pipework added bewteen the body and main boom. The access ladder can be rotated from the raised to lowered position just like the real machine.

The picture above shows the amount of detail that has been added to the cab including sun screens, mirrors, full hand railing, roof mounted beacons and light clusters and even the addition of a fog horn. This has been previously unheard of from a mainstream manufacturer and is a feature normally only found on custom highly priced models from manufacturers like Peter Keim and OHS to name two.

When it comes to detail on a model, few are as highly detailed as the R994B and attention to detail has been followed right down to the panel on the underside of the rear body which houses the fuel and hydraulic fluid refuelling system which can be lowered revealing the hose connections.

The undercarriage is supperb, with sprung loaded idler wheels and individually linked metal tracks. This is another example of the detail that can be achieved on 1:50th scale models and spare track links are supplied in the box which is another nice touch.

The paint finish on the model is very good with accurate markings. NZG have, in my opinion, raised the bar another notch in producing a must have model. I am now hoping that the R994B backhoe version follows and is as highly detailed as the model presented here.