This is a Bucyrus 495HR electric rope shovel, a 1970s-designed mining excavator capable of lifting over 100 tons at a time. Which make is very large indeed.
So large in fact, that this astounding fully-functional recreation of the 495HR is actually mini-figure scale, making this probably the largest ‘Town’ category post this site has ever published.
Created by Konajra of Flickr, it’s an update to his previously blogged Caterpillar 7495, adopting the original red livery of its creator Bucyrus before the design was purchased by Caterpillar, who painted it yellow and who still use it today.
With remote control movement via a suite of motors and several third-party programmable SBricks, LED lighting, and authentically replicated decals, Konajra’s creation is one of the most impressive of 2025, and there’s lots more to see – including some work-in-progress shots – at his ‘Bucyrus 495HR’ album. Take a closer look red rope shovelling before Caterpillar yellow via the link above.
