Ginaf X 4345 TSV 4-axle Tipper

Presented here is the 4-axle Ginaf X 4345 TSV tipper truck in 1:50th scale from WSI. The Dutch Ginaf brand started in 1948 with the rebuilding of ex-US army trucks before becoming licenced to construct vehicles in 1967. The truck chassis features hydro-pneumatic suspension with a trademark hydraulically operated steering rear axle. The 1:50th scale model from WSI has captured all the aspects of this unique truck to perfection.

The cab casting captures the contours and ridges of the full sized cab with the dark grey grills having very crisp detailing with a fully replicated interior with contoured dashboard, seats and steering wheel visible through the clear windows. The lower bumper has integrated driving lights with orange tinted ends representing the indicator lenses with small ridged steps leading up to the cab.

Rear view mirrors are fitted to the model along with a sun screen above the front windscreen and an air conditioning unit fitted to the roof, complete with a pair of amber beacons. Side skirts are fitted behind the cab complete with a cutout for the air intake with the exhaust stack rising up behind the cab.

Also found behind the cab are several tanks for the hydraulic fluid, complete with modelled filler caps while the large fuel tank is mouted to the side of the chassis on one side while the exhaust silencer box is mounted to the opposite side, complete with printed Ginaf logo.

The underside of the model has been authentically captured with all the details found on the full sized truck accurately modelled, from the driven front axle, transfer box and replicated suspension through to the choice of tyres, with wide floatation tyres fitted to the front two steering axles while double tyres are fitted to the rear pair of axles. The tread pattern of each tyre has been crisply moulded and looks very realistic.

The drive shafts travel to each of the rear axles with a pair of hydraulic cylinders operating the steering rear axle which is linked to the front axles. The wheel hubs are all chromed with some very good detailing, topped with dark grey centres. The air cylinders are strategically fixed to the chassis between the rear wheels and small tanks are also fitted to the chassis between the second and third axles, utilising the space very well with a single piece cover which has a textured upper surface mounted above the three rear axles.

The tipping body has large hinged covers which realistically open for loading. The geometry has been captured well and the doors fold accurately, resting along the sides of the body ready for loading. Attention to detail includes the small rubber flaps on the door ends with cast locking details on the tailgate and protective covers fitted to the inside of the dump body to protect the hinge mechanisms.

The body tips to a reasonable height with the single, multi-stage hydraulic cylinder having a smooth operation allowing the body to be positioned as required. The rear tailgate pivots, as does the frame connecting the lift hydraulic to the body while the addition of a shovel and integrated ladder on the end of the body is a nice touch.

The paint finish is very good, with a metallic grey finish complementing the silver door panels and dark grey chassis frame. The various printed safety panels and logos are all crisp with Ginaf logos added to the mud guards and small printing found on the air conditioning unit.

The four axle X 4345 TSV joins the five axle X 5250 TS which has been finished in the same colours and is equally well detailed throughout.