Breaking new ground in the vegetable patch
Marco Weigand builds superbly detailed scale models of Wirtgen Group machines.

Milling among the strawberries with a 1:14.5 scale WR 250i

Marco Weigand has a passion for big construction machines – and is a master modeller, too. He also builds incredibly detailed, true-to-life replicas of Wirtgen Group machines at a scale of 1:14.5. And it’s very important to him that every model he builds works just like the real thing. A real highlight for us was that he chose to build a model of the WR 250i S-Pack, the version featuring dust-free addition of binding agents.

Mr Weigand, how long did it take you to build this model of the WR 250i, and what materials did you use?

I spent around 4 months building this model. Most of it is made from steel, aluminium and plastic. I made a lot of the parts with a 3D printer to make them as realistic as possible – for instance the cabin. The mainframe is completely welded or hard soldered I then sanded and cleaned up all the parts, applied a coat of primer and then air-brushed them in the original factory colour scheme with industrial paints.

Milling and mixing rotor

The milling and mixing rotor shows the distinctive spiral configuration of the cutting tools.

Power transmission

A toothed belt for the power transmission.

Precision engineered – just like the real thing

The dimensions of the height-adjustable chassis are replicated from scale drawings.

Marco Weigand builds superbly detailed scale models of Wirtgen Group machines.
Marco Weigand builds superbly detailed scale models of Wirtgen Group machines.
Marco Weigand builds superbly detailed scale models of Wirtgen Group machines.

Can you steer the machine by remote control?

The machine has all the functions of the original. Forward and reverse travel is just one of the radio controlled functions. The front and rear axles can also be independently steered to reproduce the various different steering modes that make the original so manoeuvrable.

You mentioned earlier that your model is fully functional. Does that mean that it can work just like the original, too?

Yes. For me, it’s particularly important that the machines I build also replicate the key functions of the originals. The WR can even be fully raised and lowered via the lifting columns. The milling and mixing rotor is driven by a toothed belt and can naturally also be separately raised and lowered. This means that the machine can mill off the ground just like the real thing. Sadly, there was one function I wasn’t able to replicate on the model – the dust-free addition of binding agents via the S-Pack.

That’s pretty impressive. Is there anything else that can be remotely controlled?

The front and rear flaps on the mixing chamber can be individually opened. The cabin can be shifted to the side to ensure that the operator has an ideal view of the machine’s zero edge, and I equipped the machine with all the LED working lights and the flashing warning beacons you’ll find on the original.

How big is the model, and what do you do with it?

It’s about 800 mm long and 210 mm wide. The all-up weight is around 20 kg, so it’s quite a handful. I actually do put all my models to work. I use the WR for loosening up the soil in my garden. In the vegetable patch, for example. (he says with a big smile)

Tolles Produkt
Marco Weigand builds superbly detailed scale models of Wirtgen Group machines.
Marco Weigand builds superbly detailed scale models of Wirtgen Group machines.
Marco Weigand builds superbly detailed scale models of Wirtgen Group machines.
Marco Weigand builds superbly detailed scale models of Wirtgen Group machines.

What’s your next project going to be? Which Wirtgen Group machine is still missing from your fleet?

I only build models I can really work with, so a Vögele paver is out of the question. But a Hamm compactor for earthworks is something that could be an exciting challenge.

It would also fit in nicely in working scenarios with the WR.

That’s the way I see it, too.

Marco Weigand builds superbly detailed scale models of Wirtgen Group machines.

Marco Weigand, standing by an original WR at Bauma 2022

The interview took place at the Wirtgen Group booth during a visit to Bauma 2022.

See more models from Marco Weigand on Instagram – @die_modellbauer

You can find details and more information on our product pages.

Recyclers and Soil Stabilizers

Recyclers and Soil Stabilizers