Dennis Bosman

Thanks! @Milan The A904B really was from another era. It was the first excavator I built myself and it had to be a wheeled version since there weren't sprockets large enough (however ...). The R964 is on 1:17 scale but I still prefer building on 1:13. The level of detail there is much higher however building heavy equipment on 1:17 scale does have certain benefits (easier to build really heavy equipment). Next one will be a massive CAT dozer. Don't know which one yet, but it'll also fit on this combo.

A few months ago I made a lot of pictures of not yet published models but I didn't took time to sort everything. I got quite a backlog and I was asked to show something new. Well, here I got one. It's a Liebherr R964C excavator and yes, it's based on the 9800 set. When it was released about five years ago I immediately thought of building a "smaller" one to put onto one of my scale 1:17 low loader combos. Till then I actually didn't had a suitable load. I temporary had a Volvo excavator set loaded but it's a standard set and the looks weren't that good either (sets always can be improved). With scaling it down I came to the 964 which weights about 75 tons in real, heavy enough for a 3-bed-5 low loader combo. As I'm always building modular that also had to be the case with this excavator. Both the hubs are put in the upper structure and when removing the batteries the body work has to be removed in the first place. The entire bodywork can be disconnected in six components. All hoses on the arm are just like the real thing. I studied a few machines to see where everything goes and what its serves for. That really took some time but it definitely gives the model the right looks. With all detailing it became a lot more heavier than I was meant to but with using many light weight panels I decreased the weight a little bit. With this model I tried to simulate how it's loaded onto the trailer. I built the Liebherr to be carried onto my existing Nooteboom 5-axle low loader but I also made a tri-axle Interdolly. Total length is 175 cm. A lot more details and pictures I put in my Flickr stream: Album of the Liebherr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/legotrucks/albums/72177720315738120/ Album of the truck + trailer: https://www.flickr.com/photos/legotrucks/albums/72177720312628116

No worries, I didn't consider it as harsh critic :-) I saw the diameter of the wheels is correct, but I really need to have one in my hand to draw a conclusion. It'll give a model a totally different look for sure and I may try with this one that actually should have red wheels: In the very past (early 90s) I built a couple of trucks on these 20x30 wheels. The rim/tire ratio is totally gone there but 30 years ago you didn't had many options (and no one was bothering about anyway). With the more recent wheels the looks are way better.

I don't have these tires yet so I couldn't make a proper comparison yet. But swapping all these classis 24x43s would be a major investment. And I need proper rims too ....

Saw it at LW last year where you gave a little demonstration. Not easy to make it fully automated but with a little help it always works. Also build the trailer I would say!

Thanks! Weight might be a thing indeed. However, these model are not made to drive with. The fact of the front axle bending a little bit doesn't matter then. Real suspension on models like these won't have any effect either; they're far too heavy and the shock absorbers doesn't look that right. Main goal is to add as much detail as possible. If you're familiar with scale 1 to 24 modeling you know what I mean, compare it with those. Picture below is giving you bit of an idea how a chassis looks like. I would only be interested in the tires since they're having the right size.

Thanks! These yellow gears are from the early 70s; I don't think many people use them anymore. I didn't had those during my childhood but I acquired some after buying various second hand parties during the second half of the 90s, together with the oldskool chains. I also found this picture. Together with a friend of mine we took some pictures and a short movie of this line up. That was in 2011. I had seven different scale 1:13 trucks then and six trailers. Two of these still exist; the yellow Volvo and the vintage blue Scania of course. All the others I took apart during the years. I think I've to take a similar picture of my current models.

Before I start building something new I first picture everything I built the last couple of years. With a fresh year just started I recognized I already having this Scania 111 for 20 years now. I built the combo in 2003 and finished the Menck M154 excavator early 2004. Twenty years ago the variety of elements was far below today's level. A lot of colors still didn't exist as well as a huge number of shapes. Tiles weren't a common sight yet, something which you do not realize today. This model is studs all around, I didn't change it ever since. But I still think it's a good model that comes close to the real thing. Once I thought building a fresh one according to today's standards, but I don't think I will ever do. I'll keep this one for another 10 years. Link to more pictures: https://www.flickr.com/photos/legotrucks/albums/72157629173849957/

It’ll be 1:17 then, to match it with my trucks. Can also build one to carry the boom and additional equipment. Maybe it’s a nice idea.

Actually I was thinking of building that one once again. It has been 25 years since I built the 2nd version of it. When I would build it, it’ll be much better, more detailed and have more functionality. The possibilities are endless nowadays.

Recently I build the Doosan DL-420 7, designed by Eric Trax. Normally I don't build other peoples models but I liked his design and it's in the same scale as the low loaders I currently have. It was also fun to build and I already had about 95% of the elements to be used in my collection. Here it's loaded onto a 5-axle Nooteboom low loader that is pulled by a Scania T143E. The combo I'm having since 2017 already. Originally I was built with a 2-axle jeep dolly but for this instance I built another neck that is straightly fitted to the tractor's fifth wheel. The Scania itself I gave red rims with a white trim, just like the real thing had. Everything is remote controlled and the trailer's axles are steeds by the fifth wheel. Link to more picures: https://www.flickr.com/photos/legotrucks/albums/72157677744927072/ More of these kind of models will follow soon!

Thanks! Well, last year I found I get more satisfaction with building large scale models. The more detail I can add the more challenging a build is. However, together with the low loader and excavator it’s quite an impressive model I think. The Kenworth underwent an overhaul two years ago. The entire crane and bodywork can be removed from the chassis. Still need to picture that too.

Why do a lot people think there’s any kind on instructions of every model? This vessel is an one of a kind masterpiece. I’ve seen it last year at a small LEGO event. Really a great job! We have a couple of excellent ship builders in The Netherlands.

Since I'm having quite a backlog in picturing models I'm starting up a new tread to show all 'newly' created truck models. A couple of years ago I started building RC-controlled scale 1-17 truck models. Currently I more or less stopped with that, however I have a new one which was provided with excellent decals by Jaaptechnic earlier this year. It's a Scania R143 prime mover, basically similar to the bonneted version I'm having for a couple of years right now. Here it's show n with a ballast box on top of the fifth wheel but I actually built it to merge with my Nooteboom low loader. Pictures of the whole combo will follow soon. The whole album you'll find here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/legotrucks/albums/72177720312628116

Very impressive model. I’ve seen similar cranes by blokes here in NL but they are far, absolutely far from what you are presenting here. Not just the functionality but also the looks of it. It must take quite some time to set it up or dismantle it, especially with all these wires. Magnificant piece of engineering!

This year I spent less time online due to several reasons (like my career) but I haven’t been hanging around when it comes to LEGO. Next to co-organize LW I built a couple of models and one of them is this Scania T143 bulk hauler. I originally started with mk1 in 2016 but gave it an overhaul in 2017. For sure it is based on Ingmar Spijkhoven’s model but actually I wanted to give it a personnal touch. Is has another chassis and drive train which is more based on Jaaptechnic’s Actros. The cab is different from Ingmar’s. I chose for the original side panels with the typical 2-series and 3-series shapes. The rear panel got the same treatment. The truck is powered by a singe XL motor with is strong enough to pull a drawbar trailer. Both bodyworks can tip with a XL motor and it has lights on front and rear. It is supplied with an SBrick. Special thanks to Dirk Klijn and Jaaptechnic for the high quality decals. For more pictures please have a look in my album: https://flic.kr/s/aHskrBEUtv

Thanks Igor! Nice to read it inspires others :-) We get rid of the LEGOish look more or less however it's not to bad to still have the original 'vintage' Technic wheels underneath them.

This one's very neat. I remember I sent you a bunch of pictures some years ago. Just to compare the model with the real thing:

Very smart! Great job how you put all LA's in the arm of the tiny excavator! It operates very good!

I tried to solely use LEGO parts for my models many years ago but to get everything right is hardly possible. I'm using the SBricks and will turn into Brickstuff lighting systems as well as I see great benefits compared to the genuine LEGO one. My goal is to create lifelike models and when it comes to adding non-LEGO stuff I think that legitimate as far as it's not going to be over the top. Another great feature is adding chrome or pearl chrome pieces to your models. LEGO has some, but far too less. As soon as you stick to pure LEGO bricks that's up to you but in my opinion you can make your models even better by adding some non-existing (LEGO) parts.

You definitely need a custom make bucket of this size to able to make proper scoops. It fits very well with the artic dumper. Impressive model!

I won't do this to each of my existing models. Like the orange Renault I still have on the shelf laden with the CAT dozer. That one's too aged (over 10 years now). The Volvo could use an update and I like the techniques inside the trailer. Awaiting for the final pieces to finish the model. Updating an existing model might be an easy job to do in between. It doesn't take as much time as raising a new one. And to be honest; some of these I still have to keep ...

Great job Dirk!

Good to see this model here! Nice livery and details (like the opening doors).

And do not forget; the ability to visualize.