Mercedes Benz Actros MP3 8x4 with Carnehl Tipping Body

Presented here is the 1:50th scale Mercedes Benz Actros MP3 8x4 with Carnehl tipping body from Conrad. 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.

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 chromed section, a highlight of the new cab aesthetics and the interior has been replicated with the moulded dashboard and ridged seats clearly visible.

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 whilst a protective plate has been fitted to the lower edge of the bumper panel.

The hydraulic fluid tank for the tipping cylinder is fixed behind the cab with the multi-stage hydraulic piston allowing the body to tilt to a reasonable angle. The rear tailgate pivots open to discharge material and the body has a curved floor to assist in full discharge of the load, just like the full sized truck.

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.

The front axles have working steering and are fitted with accurately moulded rubber tyres which have a detailed road tread pattern along with silver wheel hubs. The rear axles are mounted to the chassis with simulated and non-functional leaf spring suspension which keep the axles rigid. A drive shaft is connected between the rear axle hubs and to the front transmission block.

The model is supplied in a printed cardboard box with an inner, foam lined wrap and the model reviewed here is painted in a dark metalic grey finish with red trim on the body while several additional painted versions have been produced for the IAA 2010 trade show.