Mercedes Benz Actros with Goldhofer STZ-H10 Semi-Trailer

Presented here is the 1:50th scale Mercedes Benz Actros MP3 8x4 prime mover with Goldhofer STZ-H10 10-axle semi trailer from Conrad. The STZ range of semi-trailers are flexible and sturdy, designed for a diverse range of applications from general logistics to construction and mining industries. The rear trailer chassis houses ten axle lines with eight of them featuring functional steering.

The six rear most axles have proportionate linked steering which has a reasonable amount of movement with each axle having a little oscilation to simulate the suspension found on the full sized trailer.

.The front four axles can be raised off the ground by pushing them up until they catch on the cast studs and this is another nice functional touch from Conrad with the front two axles having independent steering.

The gooseneck can be adjusted and has stiff hydraulic pistons which keep the neck in the position chosen. The kingpin allows the trailer to connect to any Conrad heavy haulage tractor and push-fits into the fifth wheel. A nice touch on the trailer are the extending white and red chevron painted width warning boards which are integrated into the trailer frame and slide out as required

The top deck of the trailer has some very good casting detail with simulated wooden deck panels along with recessed tie-down rings and an authentic diamond plate texture all present. The trailer width can be extended by pulling out the extension bars found along the sides of the trailer (As pictured below) although there are no simulated wooden planks supplied with the model to rest on the extended bars.

The single beam extending trailer has a smooth operation with a floating bar which can be positioned at any point along the extended frame. The side castings of the trailer bed also have some good detailing with tie-down rings spaced along the length of the trailer with plastic safety frames fitted to each side.

Removable metal ramps are also supplied which locate into the groove along the rear edge of the trailer during use and, when not needed, slide into the storage compartment mounted under the trailer bed which has opening doors on both sides. The trailer has four extending stabilisers, two at the front and two at the rear to keep the trailer sturdy during loading/unloading. A number of metal poles are supplied with the model and push fit into the holes along the top edges of the deck.

The Actros MP3 cab has been nicely captured with crisp body panel detailing and roof mounted window with chromed air horns and amber beacons. 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 linked front axles have a limited amount of steering movement with a partly replicated drivetrain to the rear axles with a fuel tank mounted on one side of the chassis and the exhaust silencer box on the other side, complete with embossed Mercedes logo on the front.

The detail behind the cab is very good with a frame containing a large tank and several cylindrical tanks with a ridged cooling pack and two plastic wheel chocks. A textured silver walkway has been added across the back with the chromed exhaust stack peeking from the top of the contoured side panels.

The front bumper incorporates a towing linkage with plastic pin which allows the tractor to be used in a push/pull configuration.

The fifth wheel pivots and there is a towing pintle hitch fitted to the rear frame. The plastic wheel guards have some nice fixing detailing with integrated brake, reversing and indicator light clusters.

Holes have been incorporated into the casting for the rear view mirrors and radio aerials to be fitted. The aerials need to be inserted at an angle from the front and I have to say, this can be 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.

The model is packaged in a sturdy cardboard box with opening top using a shaped foam inner to securely hold the model in place. As expected from Conrad, the paint finish is excellent with crisp decal printing throughout. This is another good addition to the Goldhofer model range and looks great alongside the Actros 6x4 with Palfinger PK53002 crane.