When the power to Brutus was shut off in 1974, no one was thinking in terms of trying to preserve its legacy.  However, thanks to machinery enthusiasts of every age and from every walk of life, that is what happened with the conservation of the machine.  To add to that mystique, Classic Construction Models will be producing a one time, limited edition model of this machine that promises to capture its power and unique personality.

If the sign of a truly great model is that it is so detailed that every time you look at it you notice something new, this model will live up to that test.  So, in true CCM fashion, all the stops have been pulled to recreate this legendary machine.  Modeled from brass in precision 1:87 scale, the level of detail achieved places this model at the top of its class.  At first glance, the overall size of this model in such a small scale gives a sense of the enormous size of Brutus.  Given a full-size pickup at this scale would measure approximately 2.5” long, the width (8”), length (30” with the bucket extended) and height (a full 22” to the top of the boom) makes its size even more impressive.

A number of changes were made to Brutus during its working life which complicated exactly how it would be configured.  However, in the end it was decided to recreate the shovel as it appeared on its last working day to help ensure the absolute accuracy of the model while making it instantly recognizable to as many people as possible.

Crawler Mounting
The model stands on four crawler units located at the corners of the base frame.  Each crawler unit is made up by a pair of tracks composed from individually linked, free-rolling track pads.  Functioning drive and take-up tumblers located at each end of the track, as well as rollers on both the upper and lower crawler frame provided a smooth-rolling track.

Leveling Equipment
Four accurately replicated, large diameter hydraulic pistons support the weight of the model and connect the crawler units to the base frame.  Though modeled at a fixed height, these hydraulic cylinders depict the leveling capabilities of this machine.

Base, Roller Circle, & Revolving Frame
The roller circle connects the base to the revolving frame through the use of individual rollers which allow the model to swing exactly as the machine during its working life.

Hoist Machinery
Double twin hoist ropes pass in a single lead from the drum over large boom point sheaves to the dipper.  Both ends of the rope are attached to the drum and the bights are passed around equalizing sheaves at each side of the dipper.  This arrangement was utilized on the machine to steady the dipper in the bank while digging and has been accurately portrayed at scale.  Self-locking hoist drums allow for the recreation of a work cycle and make it possible to position the shovel in an accurate working position when being displayed.

Crowd Machinery
The dipper handle is extended or retracted by a positive rope crowd.  The double twin crowd ropes pass from the crowd drums over large diameter sheaves at the saddle block.  Two retract ropes are used with one end of each rope attached to the crowd drum while the other end is tied to a take-up device which can be independently controlled.

A-Frame & Boom
The A-Frame provides support for the boom and is pin connected to the revolving frame in both the front and back and is supported at the rear by two safety cables for each leg.  The boom is comprised of both an upper and lower boom sections.  The lower boom section, built in a tapered configuration with widespread boom feet, is tied to the top of the A-Frame by struts.  The upper boom is pinned to the lower boom section just above the shipper shaft, and supported through a series of bridge strands which connect to the top of the A-Frame.

Boom machinery on this model includes the saddle block and crowd rope sheaves which are located at the junction of the upper and lower boom sections.  The saddle block guides the tubular dipper handle and transmits lateral swing load to the lower boom section.

Additional detailing modeled on the boom and A-Frame include walkways, stairs & platforms, maintenance ladders, hand rails and safety cages, and lights which were essential for the nighttime operation of Brutus.  Even a service crane, which was used for maintenance work, has been portrayed at the boom point.

Dipper
The cylindrical dipper handle on this model measures 12.5” in length.  The dipper connection is hand-soldered to the handle on the front end, while the crowd sheaves are securely attached to the other end.  Anchors for the retract ropes and dipper trip machinery are located under the handle and back of the dipper to protect them against damage.  The dipper is carefully detailed and features a functional dipper door.

Operator’s Cab

The fully detailed operator’s cab is visible and includes the accurately portrayed master controls for hoist, swing, and crowd which were grouped appropriately for operation by one man.  Cab windows are tinted to reduce glare and heat, and the specialized windshield wiper utilized on Brutus has been replicated at scale.

House
The house on Brutus covers the entire rotating frame and is modeled and detailed at the appropriate thickness from etched sheet brass.  Exhaust ventilation ports have been included which were essential to insure adequate air circulation, preventing hot spots within the house during operation.  Even pick points from the original construction of the machine have been precisely replicated to enhance the authenticity.  Finishing details, such as era appropriate Bucyrus-Erie paint and Pittsburg & Midway markings set this model apart as a true museum-quality work of art.

Strictly Limited Production
This legendary machine is now destined to be replicated as one of our legendary models in a single limited edition of individually serial numbered models.  We hope you take advantage of this one-time opportunity to add this exemplary, all brass model in precision 1:87 scale to your collection.