Mercedes Benz Actros MP3 8x4 with Brechtel Recovery Body
Presented here is the 1:50th scale Mercedes Benz Actros 8x4 truck chassis with Brechtel truck recovery body from Conrad. The cab tilts forward to uncover the metal engine block mounted to the chassis and the large chromed exhaust stack has an intricate photo-etched cooling jacket which looks very authentic with a metal frame on the opposite side of the chassis, cleverly integrated into the contours of the bodywork
The cab doors have handle detail cast into the surface and highlighted with black for added effect with silver highlighted access steps leading up to the cab. The sun visor fitted above the windscreen has a central silver section, a highlight of the new cab aesthetics and the interior has been replicated with the moulded dashboard and ridged seats clearly visible. The roof has two holes where the flexible plastic aerials need fitting while holes in the cab frame allow the rear view mirrors to be easily fitted.
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The cab features a new casting with crisply modelled grills and the chromed Mercedes logo is prominently displayed centrally. Integrated driving lights with clear plastic lenses have been added to the bumper with small amber indicator lights on the corners and a low set skirt around the bottom of the bumper with a red and white chevron printing. |
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The lower side panels are hinged allowing the separate towing brackets to be stored when not in use which is a nice addition on the model |
Once removed, they slide onto the rear towing frame which is hydraulically controlled allowing it to raise/lower and also change the angle of the arm.
The central diamond plate panel can be removed to reveal the twin winches which are thumb operated. |
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The tip of the towing bar can pivot and has a twin-stage telescopic extension allowing it to recover any heavy haulage prime mover with ease. The towing frame is dual-purpose, with two pulleys fixed to the tip of the frame connected to two winches housed in the body allowing the model to be posed in a recovery mode. |
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The rear of the chassis has pull down stabilisers offering stability and a good footing during recovery operations with a good range of movement of the main recovery frame which has stiff hydraulics allowing it to be posed as required.
The printwork all around the model has been very nicely applied with the white block pattern along the edges really standing out. The silver hand rails along the sides of the body are accurately scaled and the large amber light bar looks the part.
The front axles have working steering and are fitted with accurately moulded rubber tyres which have a detailed road tread pattern along with chromed wheel hubs. The rear axles are mounted to the chassis with simulated and non-functional suspension which keep the axles rigid. A drive shaft is connected between the rear axle hubs and to the front transmission block.
