 | | Liebherr branded box. |  |  | | The parts out of the box. |  | | The tracks are different width on each side just like the real machine. |  | | The counterweight slabs are separate pieces which pin into position. |  | | The boom lowered to its maximum reach. |  | | Lifting one end of a pipe string. |
| The Liebherr RL 64 Pipelayer is manufactured at the Telfs plant in Austria. It is the largest pipelayer in the range at the time of the review and has an operating weight of nearly 60 tonnes and a maximum lifting capacity of over 90 tonnes. This is a robust machine designed for work in difficult terrain.
Packaging
The RL 64 comes in a standard style Liebherr box and it is well packed with tissue into two expanded polystyrene trays. There were no defects or missing parts on the review model.
There is no information provided about the real machine which is a pity, but there is a simple instruction sheet which describes how the separate counterweight slabs are attached, and this takes only moments to achieve. Also included are some spare track links of different sizes and some spare counterweight bolts. A couple of metal keys, a thimble and some wooden pointers are also included and this all leads to a feel-good factor about the model.
Detail
The metal tracks are really good and it is nice to see that NZG have gone to the trouble of providing different width tracks on either side of the pipelayer, which is true to the real machine. The track frames have working rollers which is another nice touch.
The body is well detailed with metal grab handles, small graphics and nicely represented grilles. The cab is just as good with the faintly tinted windows having the appearance of seals around the edges. Mirrors, wipers and lights are used liberally, and the wipers particularly are very finely made items.
The counterweight mechanism is mainly metal with the slabs being cast well and are complete with lifting points. Both the main winch and the cylinders controlling the counterweight and the boom have rubber hydraulic hoses detailed. The boom has a four sheave metal block attached, and the hook also has four sheaves.
Features
The tracks roll well, and are mounted on spring loaded sprockets for easier removal if required. At the rear there is a working auxiliary winch which can be operated by turning the motor casing, and this works well.
The counterweight mechanism moves in and out and the cylinders controlling it are sufficiently stiff to hold any pose set. Adjustments to the boom angle are made by setting a hydraulic cylinder, and again this holds any given angle set. It can be lowered from vertical to about 30° to the horizontal. The winch is operated by a supplied key and the drum has enough friction to hold any reasonable load applied.
It would have been really nice if the model could have been stripped down to make loads for transport vehicles but as it is it can only really be displayed in a working configuration.
Quality
NZG have produced another high quality model for Liebherr. It is mostly metal, with fine details. The paintwork and graphics are very good.
Price
The model is certainly good value for the quality offered.
Overall
This is a very nice model of a machine which is a little different from the majority of earthmoving and construction equipment. It has been executed very well on the whole and is highly recommended.
Footnotes
The model first appeared at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in 2010.
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|  | | The model in the tray. |  | | Set up for lifting. |  | | Very good cab detail. |  | | Plenty of hydraulic hoses to the winch and cylinders. |  | | The auxiliary winch at the back works and has a small hook attached. |  | | Lifting a short section of pipe. |
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