Mercedes Actros with Palfinger PK53002-SH Knuckle Boom Crane

Presented here is the 1:50th scale Mercedes Actros 3-axle truck with Palfinger PK 53002-SH knuckle boom crane from Conrad. This is one of four models produced exclusively for Palfinger for the IAA commercial vehicle show that was held in Hannover in 2010. Tekno were the first model manufacturer to bring out a large knuckle boom crane which was very well received on its release. While not perfect, there were some nice touches and the collectors were happy. With the introduction of the Palfinger PK53002-SH, Conrad have demonstrated their ability to produce a very robust and detailed model which, in my opinion, is far superior to the Tekno offering.

The front detailing of the cab and grill has been accurately produced with the tilting cab revealing the engine block at the heart of the chassis. The front wheels have a good amount of steering movement with a replicated drivetrain to the rear axles and a large chromed fuel tank mounted to the side of the chassis.

The chassis frame has a covered upper surface where the fully functional fifth wheel coupling has been added. The ballast box features a ball and socket connection allowing it to be easily removed as required, which is different from past truck models from Conrad where the fifth wheel coupling was used to secure the ballast box.

The rear of the chassis has single-stage extending outriggers with screw down pads with plastic wheel chocks and a pintle hitch also fitted. The rear bumper has painted reversing, brake and indicator lights with plastic wheel guards fitted over the rear wheels.

The Actros MP3 cab has been nicely captured with crisp body panel detailing and roof mounted window. Holes have been incorporated into the casting for the rear view mirrors and radio aerials to be fitted. Unlike the roof mounted aerials on other Conrad models, the aerials on this model need to be inserted at an angle from the front and I have to say, this proved very difficult to achieve. The plastic material is very pliable and it is hard to keep hold of it while trying to insert the end into the hole.

It is obvious that Conrad have put a lot of effort into the model to capture all the functional details of the full sized crane. This has been done very well and there are some very nice touches, including the fixed and winch mounted hooks that can be connected to any of the three outermost boom sections. The heavy weight and feel of the model is typically Conrad with accurate and smooth movement of the boom.

The geometry of the boom movement has been captured well and folds neatly behind the cab when in a transport configuration. When extended, the hydraulics are stiff enough to allow the boom to be positioned as required, without being too stiff to risk causing damage. One of the great features on the boom is that each telescoping section is connected to a functional hydraulic cylinder which give the model a very realistic appearance. The boom sections are plastic and fit snugly which allows them to slide smoothly and remain in the position chosen which is a vast improvement over the Tekno crane where the boom sections are very loose.

The model reviewed here is one of four models produced exclusively for Palfinger with the Iveco, Volvo and MAN chassis version also available direct from the Palfinger shop. It has been a long wait for a heavy duty truck mounted crane and Conrad have once again produced a stunning replica. I have no doubt that the Palfinger PK53002-SH will feature on a number of heavy haulage trucks in the coming months and it is a perfect companion to the heavy haulage models from Conrad.