It's been a while since I posted some progress photos of this project. There's been more interest in heavy mining machinery lately so I guess this is perhaps timed to perfection. I make no apologies for the resolution - they just look better untampered with. This project has taken some 18 months of on and off work (more off than on) but a recent change in work circumstances has seen me have more time on my hands to complete this.

A lot of hard work has gone in to the development of the resin backhoe kit by Ricky-1 and the brass / diecast detailing by myself and some very talented UK individuals (you know who you are!!).

Anyway, the pictures - hope you enjoy looking at them as much as I have.

Very cool!



-Josh

Very nice work Richard, where did you get the catwalk grating? Tom Mc

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Tom
It's pretty sad when the only modeling tool you own is a box cutter.

If the only tool you have is a hammer, you start to see every problem as a nail. Abraham Maslow

Hello Rich F,

The model looks fantastic! Can you use your powers of influence on model creation to give us a proper UK coaling shovel in the future?

By the way; are you going to offer conversion kits for the RH120s, or is this just a one-off? Are you possibly considering doing a high-detail shovel version?

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Please use this before clicking "post"??? You may be surprised with what you see!

That is a fantastic creation Richard! Well done.

Mark

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Mark L.

It's what you learn after you know it all that counts

Thanks for the encouraging words!.

Shovelman - yes, the kit will be available shortly via Ricky-1 and myself in varying stages so you can build in however much or little you want. Will keep you posted. We're just working out one or two issues.

I would love to do a high detail face shovel which wouldn't be all that hard to pull off. I'm also planning to do three more backhoes in;Miller Mining livery, Taylor Woodrow livery and Crouch Mining. Currently gathering some photos together for reference.

Brian - I've got to say that it's turned out even better than i'd hoped. I'm really pleased with it. Can't wait to see your output of your projects in the near future (I hope?)

Tom - the catwalk grating is actually an aluminium repair mesh from a car accessory chain in the UK called Halfords. It's designed to bridge large holes in car bodywork as a base for fibreglass repairs. While not to 1:50 scale, i think it looks the part. The other mesh on the walkways is a stainless steel filter mesh from another supplier in the UK. I managed to get a roll end for a decent price giving me enough for the future too.

For anyone from the UK going to the Spalding show next month, both this and Ricky-1's conversion will be on display along with a limited number (from the first production run) of kits and accessory packs.

Thanks

Richard

Amazing work.

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Fantastic level of detail and perfect finish
It´s amazing to see what a skilled model builder can make from this type of elder models.

Jan

Rich, that is a fantastic looking model! Those fine details are outstanding.

Rowan,

The track links are indivividual links of diecast metal and believe me, were an absolute pain to assemble - there's around 46 links per side. These were done by Mattia (Ricky-1).

The metal is quite a soft on by comparison to other diecasting metals so that the 'clamping' arrangement is easier to fasten together.

I seem to have an O&K obsession!

Regards

Richard