Thomas Körmer builds working Liebherr crane replicas from Lego
30 Second Takeaway
Crane operator Thomas Körmer has spent the past 10 years building functional crane models from Lego, designing each one himself without computer planning. His largest model is a remote-controlled replica of a Liebherr EC-H series top-slewing crane, standing about 2.8 metres tall. It can erect and telescope its own tower, extend its two-metre jib, adjust the jib tip by around 45 degrees and move loads. Körmer’s experience operating tower cranes helps him recreate their movements and solve the challenge of keeping a model made from plugged-together bricks stable.
From construction site to model workshop
Körmer is a trained bricklayer and works as a crane operator for a family-run construction company near Spielberg, close to Gunzenhausen, Germany. The company has around 12 employees and mainly builds houses and carries out smaller house connection and sewer projects.
He completed crane operator training about 20 years ago and also holds an excavator operator’s licence. His work with tower cranes from different manufacturers gives him practical reference points for the models he builds in his free time.
A 2.8-metre working EC-H model
Körmer’s largest model to date is a replica of a Liebherr top-slewing crane from the EC-H series. Built entirely from Lego, it stands approximately 2.8 metres tall, with a two-metre jib and a counter-jib measuring around 0.9 metres.
The crane is remotely controlled using a mobile phone or PlayStation controller. It can erect and telescope its tower, extend the jib, adjust the jib tip by about 45 degrees and move loads.
Körmer spent around a year building the model. He worked from photographs of real cranes, modifying the design as he assembled and tested it. He described stability as the main challenge:
“You constantly have to consider what is actually feasible without the crane tipping over.”
Building without computer planning
Körmer designs his models himself and does not use computer planning. Instead, he relies on photographs, hands-on testing and his understanding of how full-size cranes move and are assembled.
He shares his builds under the name Kormo Technic on YouTube and Facebook. More than 5,800 people follow his Facebook page, and he exchanges ideas with other model builders through WhatsApp groups and at trade fairs. He says one of the most rewarding reactions is when crane operators recognise their own machines in his models.
His next planned build is a Liebherr HC-LH crane. Its adjustable jib mechanics offer a new design challenge for a Lego model.
About Liebherr
Liebherr is a family-owned technology company that manufactures equipment across several sectors, including mobile, crawler and tower cranes. Its tower crane range includes fast-erecting, top-slewing, luffing-jib and special-purpose models for construction, industrial and infrastructure projects. The EC-H series is part of its high-top crane range.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long has Thomas Körmer been building Lego crane models?
Körmer has been building functional crane models from Lego for 10 years.
What is Körmer’s largest Lego crane model?
His largest model is a remote-controlled replica of a Liebherr EC-H series top-slewing crane. It stands about 2.8 metres tall.
What can the Lego EC-H crane model do?
It can erect and telescope its tower, extend the jib, adjust the jib tip by around 45 degrees and move loads.
How does Körmer control the model?
The model can be controlled using a mobile phone or a PlayStation controller.
What crane does Körmer plan to build next?
He plans to build a Lego replica of a Liebherr HC-LH crane, whose adjustable jib presents a new mechanical design challenge.
