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Introduction

Backhoe, trackhoe and wheel loader excavators are my favorite class of construction machinery.  Before I wanted to be a pilot, I wanted to be a railroad engineer; before I wanted to drive trains, I wanted to operate heavy machinery.   Whether models are the real deal, these machines capture my attention.  Thus, pulling this model out of a package was an exciting find.  Lets look at this product.

This is the Herpa HO scale Liebherr A 918 Litronic Wheel Loader.   Herpa catalogues this as Product number: 316491, decorated for "Schlenter Aachen" (North Rhine Westphalia/Aachen).

Herpa describes this model thusly;

In the series of models of the company H.P. Schlenter this Liebherr wheeled excavator A918 is the now more sixth model (after 304924, 305044,0 305927, 305945 and 316651). The company H.P. Schlenter was founded more than 70 years ago and is now managed by the second and third generation. The company has 30 employees, who move 50 vehicles. The model (based on the A920) appears in limited edition.

Let us dig in to this review.  First, the model arrives fully assembled in Herpa's red carton with a clear viewing window.  It is protected in a two-piece cradle.  There are no instructions.

Two-piece cradle

The Prototype

Liebherr advertises the A918 Litronic as a powerful precise excavator, controlled by their proprietary Litronic system.    Liebherr provides the following data on their site*:

• Operating weight 17,600 - 20,100 kg
• Engine output (ISO 9249) 120 kW / 163 hp
• Emission stage Tier 4f
• Tail radius 2,380mm
• Backhoe bucket capacity 0.17 - 1.05 m³
• Grapple capacity 0.17 - 0.80 m³

Liebherr also manufacturers railroad excavators  that can be configured to various track gauges and wheel configurations.  Hopefully, Herpa will release other Liebherr Litronic variants.

The Model

An inspection of this model shows the typical Herpa quality of molding and assembly.   I noticed no flash, sink marks, mold seams, or other flaws.  Nor did I spot any glue smears.

Surface detail is an appropriate mix of raised and recessed panel lines.

After removing the model from  the cradle I started adjusting the positional parts.  The upperstructure/turret (I have not found the proper term, maybe "pivot cab"?) rotates above the frame.   The boom, arm/stick and bucket all move about hinge pins, with moving boom, arm/stick and bucket actuator cylinders.   The pins seem very sturdy.  Apparently, the Liebherr A 918 is well balanced as it features no outriggers.  It does have a dozer blade.   The wheels roll.

Not only do those features afford the modeler to display the model in a variety of action positions, they are simply a lot of fun!

Finish

Herpa does not use decals.  This model is a combination of colored plastic and painted areas.  The printing is exceptional.  Everything is legible.

Detail

Functional detail is described above.  Finer detail includes a flexible length of control conduits extending from the engine cowling behind the book to the bucket.  The tires feature full tread and are made of a hybrid plastic-rubber composite.

Look through the clear distortion-free cab glazing and you will see a seat, steering wheel, and other items.  Above the cab is a tinted clear safety strobe.  Small clear lenses simulate driving and brake lights.  Detachable side mirrors are present on both sides at the front of the cab.  A nice looking engine area includes a separately applied air filter and exhaust pipe.

Conclusion

There are many eye-catching vehicles to set on your diorama or railroad layout.  In my scale world, few subjects are as cool as construction machinery, especially backhoes, trackhoes and wheel loader excavators.   Thus I am particularly happy that Herpa produced an HO Liebherr A 918 Litronic Wheel Loader.  This model features an abundance of detail.  Workable components allow positioning of the boom and bucket for action scenes.  Painting and lettering is top-notch.

This Liebherr A 918 Litronic Loader is an impressive model and certainly can dominate a scene in a diorama or railway layout.  Happily recommended.

Please remember to mention to Herpa and retailers that you saw this product here - on RailRoad Modeling.

*Liebherr Group.    A 918 Litronic.  www.liebherr.com/en/usa/products/construction-machines/earthmoving/wheeled-excavators/details/69778.html   April 2024.