Conrad 2811 -  Liebherr R 996 Mining Shovel
Model Review March 2004

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The 996 is a large and imposing model with a weight to match.

Rear view.

Plastic ladder pulls down to allow access.

Good hand railing surrounds the roof

From ground level the machine towers above.

Engine covers removed revealing the two engine blocks.

The Liebherr R 996 mining shovel is one of the largest hydraulic shovel excavators in the world, weighing 577 tonnes in the version which has been modelled, with the latest version of the real machine weighing 655 tonnes. This model is presented in 1:50 scale.

Packaging

This large model comes in standard Liebherr packaging comprising a two-section polystyrene box held together with a picture cardboard sleeve.  The box is large and impressive which gives a clue to the model inside.  The robust packaging prevented any damage to the review model. No instructions are provided.

Detail

Lifting the model out of the box is a challenge due to the heavy weight.  The model requires no assembly except for the fitting of the handrails on to the main boom, which is an easy exercise.

The metal tracks are impressive, and the smooth rolling action is assisted by both the main sprockets and the working rollers provided on the top and bottom of each track frame. The sprocket detail on the track frames is not part of the moving sprocket however. Handrails are provided extensively and these all look good having regard to the scale of the model.  Main hydraulic hosing is modelled using rubberised material which looks better than plastic. Cab detail is simple and lights on the front of the machine are painted on.

On the roof of the body the engine exhausts are detailed, there is a textured walkway and a simply detailed lifting arm.

Along the digging arm hydraulic lines are detailed within the casting.  The shovel has large and impressive teeth.

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