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Northern Michigan Hobby gets out of hand says Don Campbell from Gaylord, Michigan and this Liebherr R9800 Excavator Model., originally uploaded by Don Campbell Models.
1/12th scale Liebherr R9800 Mining Excavator Model- Todays picture shows Don Campbell connecting over two dozen hydraulic hoses on the center of the scratch built model he built from 18 ga. sheet metal.
This picture also shows the cab now bolted in place. Just a few more parts to attach and then decals and it will be completed .
Next week Don will start all over building another larger O&K RH-400 Mining Shovel .
The 6 months of winter in Northern Michigan prompted Don Campbell to get as real hobby. Don has now built over 100 one of a kind , scratch built models. These are not kits , Don designs every part and shapes them by hand . It is a great, out of control hobby !!
With the many weeks it takes to make one model, after the labor, the materials and the wear and tear on his tools, the profits are not that great . Figures out to around minimum wage, Don says it is a labor of love and if he can make a few dollars to buy new tools that is great.
