DAF CF85 Truck with Trailer and Load
Presented here is the 1:50th scale DAF CF85 four axle flatbed truck with 3 axle towed trailer complete with an authentic load in the Mammoet company livery from Tekno. The addition of the chain drum and container really adds to the visual appeal of the model and is a welcomed addition.
This is the first Tekno model I have added to my collection and I have to say it is a very good model. The level of detail throughout is very high, with just enough functionality and intricate detailing for great visual effect.
The underside of the model has a replicated drivetrain which, while not quite as detailed as some of the recent releases from WSI, there is still enough there for the model to look realistic. The front axles have linked steering which have limited movement with crisply moulded rubber tyres that have an authentic road tread pattern.
The cab casting has all the contours and panels accurately modelled with integrated roof mounted lights, amber beacons and a plastic sun visor fitted. The cab tilts forward to reveal the engine block mounted beneath with a large fuel tank and silencer box fitted to the chassis sides.
The folding Hiab XS crane fitted to the model is a nice addition with good sound engineering allowing the crane to accurately fold into the width of the truck chassis. While in the folded transport position, the crane looks very good but there are some negative aspects as you try positioning the crane.
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The main lift hydraulics are fairly slack, certainly on the model reviewed here and there is not much grip to hold the crane in position, this is made worse as the boom sections are extended with the cylinders unable to hold the weight for long. Each section of the boom is made of metal which is a positive aspect but they are very loose fitting, so just tilting the model a little causes all the boom sections to fully extend. The added metal bars that simulate the hydraulics are a nice touch and make the crane look a little more realistic. |
The casting of the truck bed includes simulated load tie-down rings with textured and painted panels simulating the protective wooden deck boards with small raised pins in the corners of the bed where the container can be fixed into place.
The pads on the rear extending outriggers are cast in one piece so it is not possible to lower them while the front, two stage extending stabilisers are a little dissapointing with the pads loosely fitting into the jack legs. The rods are only just long enough to prevent them from falling out completely and there is no ability to raise/lower them.
The 20 foot container included in the box looks very authentic with simulated rubber door seals highlighted in black paint with silver door hinge, locking bar and handle detailing all present.
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The trailer frame can be extended to accommodate different sizes of load with four raised bars on the corners of the bed which connect with the holes in the container to keep it in place. |
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The underside of the trailer has functional suspension arms for each axle which do have a little movement while the front axle is mounted to a rotating frame which rotates through 360 degrees, coupled to the draw bar which connects to the pintle hitch on the truck. |
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The paint finish is very good with accurate and crisp printing of the Mammoet logos and markings. This is a great addition to the Mammoet model fleet and really looks authentic with the supplied loads. The majority of the model is made of metal with plastic only used where neccesary which is good to see and it is presented in a specially printed Mammoet box.
