MAN DHAK Dump Truck
Presented here is the 1:50th scale M.A.N DHAK 3-axle dump truck from Conrad. The model is available direct from the MAN online shop with a yellow body and cab with a red chassis while the blue and red version reviewed here is available from all good model dealers.
The model is supplied in a foam lined cardboard inner with outer printed box and the wing mirrors and front fender rods are supplied loose in the box and need fitting to the model.
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The lift up opening bonnet reveals a replicated engine block and radiator beneath and the bonnet remains in the raised position on it's own without falling down which is a nice touch. The front axle has working steering which achieves a good degree of turn and the rubber tyres have an authentic moulded tread pattern. The front bumper has integrated lights with clear plastic lenses whilst the main headlights and indicator lights are painted on the opening bonnet |
The dump body can be raised and the twin hydraulics are stiff so the body remains in the position chosen. The tailgate also opens as the body tips and the casting has re-enforcing rib detailing on the underside along with detailed side and front panels.
The chassis on the model has a very nicely modelled suspension system whereby the rear axles float within the chassis frame allowing the wheels to oscilate on uneven ground. The drivetrain is replicated from the engine block through the distribution gearbox to the rear axles with fuel and air tanks mounted to the chassis along with a silver exhaust.
In my opinion, this does not look to be a bad model but I have been contacted by a fellow collector who is a very keen fan of the bonneted MAN trucks and he has described some errors in the model which, in his opinion really let the model down. The main issue of contention is the shape of the front grill and the upper part of the cab, both of which are inaccurate when compared to the full sized truck. Another issue is the location of the tipping cylinders which are mounted behind the cab on the model and yet on the real truck, the cylinders are multi-stage and are mounted near the second axle. As the DHAK is an all wheel drive truck, there should be a driveshaft to the front axle which has been omitted on the model. It is interesting that some of these issues were not picked up by MAN when they approved the model and i can understand why fans of the historic MAN trucks could well be dissapointed in the model reviewed here.
