Mercedes Benz Actros MP3 8x4 with Dautel 3-way Tipping Body

Presented here is the latest addition to the 1:50th scale truck fleet in the shape of the Mercedes Benz Actros MP3 8x4 with Dautel three way tipping 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.

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 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 rear suspension frame and float, allowing the axles a small amount of oscillation to simulate the suspension found on the full sized truck. A drive shaft is connected between the rear axle hubs but there is no driveshaft from the axle to the transmission block on the sample reviewed here.

The fully functional 3-way tipping body is a nice piece of engineering, allowing the dump bed to be positioned in each of the three tipping configurations. This has been achieved by using plastic strips on the underside of the body which connect to metal ball joints on the chassis. Depending on which pair of ball joints are connected depends on which side the body will tip and this is a very nice feature on the model.

The design of the dump body casting allows for the side doors to swing open with a cleverly constructed hinge on the upper edge. The tailgate can be opened and the casting includes the overhanging rear discharge chute.