The Big Brutus Mining Shovel is the largest surviving electric mining shovel in the world. Pittsburg State University's Senior Design Project "Little Brutus" aims to create two scaled models of the machine, with one being given to Crawford County and the other given to Pittsburg State University's Crossland College of Technology.

The model will be scaled to a height of approximately two feet and will include movement functions designed for showcasing one of Southeast Kansas' greatest attractions. We will be building the model with a combination of 3D printing, casting, welding, and plasma cutting in hopes that we will be able to create a model that represents and does justice to an important part of Southeast Kansas' history. Once the model is complete, we hope that it will inspire people of all ages to learn more about local history and the engineering feats that our predecessors were responsible for.

Thank you for your consideration of a gift that will help turn our idea into action!

2026-2027 Little Brutus Senior Project Team Members

From left to right:
Aubrey Hanes (Scheduling Manager and Documentation Manager), Tye Bollman (Financial Officer and Procurement Officer), Michael Henson (Manufacturing Lead and Quality Assurance), Finn Kennedy (Design Lead), Seth Gann (Marketing Liaison), and Bryan Morris (Team Lead).

Faculty Advisors (not pictured): Daniel Maxwell and Jacob Lehman

Below is a breakdown of all expenses.

Support 2026-2027 PSU Little Brutus Senior Project

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