This is a 1:45 scale model of a Liebherr R 996 Litronic^® hydraulic mining excavator. It is my first attempt at a true scale model, and I have attempted to capture the appearance and function of the real thing.

I started construction of this model in November of 2001, and then stopped work about a month later. I started work again in March 2002, and finally finished it in June 2002.

When I re-started construction of the model in March, I was planning to attend Brickfest in July and take the model with me. Things worked out, and I finished the model in time! It made its first public appearance at the fest.

During construction I took many photos of the unfinshed pieces. The Construction Notes feature these pictures with detailed descriptions. Hopefully you will get a better understanding of how the model was built and also an insight to my building processes.

Operating digging arm.
(click to see lift in series)

The model has all the main operational features of the real machine. It uses 14 pnuematic clyinders and 4 electric motors (Lego geared 9V motor).

• Scale: 1:45 (approx. minifig scale)
• Total Weight: 9.5 lbs (4.3 kg)
• Batteries*: 6AA batteries (7.2V)
• Crawler Drive: two 9V geared motors (with 1:9 gear train)
• Turntable Drive: one 9V geared motor (with 1:56 gear train)
• Compressor: double acting with one 9V geared motor
• Shovel: 14 pneumatic cylinders

* Batteries for crawler and turntable drive are 6 AA total; there are an extra two AA's in series with the compressor circuit so it sees a total of 8 AA's

For Fun
Model at My Work Cat Storage