MAN TGA 8x4 with Goldhofer STZ-H6 Semi-Trailer

Presented here is the limited edition 1:50th scale MAN TGA 8x4 truck with Goldhofer STZ-H6 6-axle semi trailer from Conrad. The model is finished in the H.N. Krane company colours and is exclusive to Heavy Transport Models.

The MAN TGA prime mover supplied with the trailer is nicely detailed with a tilting cab that reveals the engine block at the heart of the chassis. The side panels have accurate panel detailing with amber warning beacons and a chromed light bar mounted to the roof.

The underside of the MAN TGA has a replicated drive train between the rear axles although due to the mechanism for the paired steering of the front two axles, the drive shaft is missing from the gearbox to the rear axle. The front wheels have wide tyres fitted while the driven wheels have double tyres, all of which have a replicated tread pattern with the rear axles floating within the frame, simulating the suspension of the full sized truck.

The front bumper has integrated driving lights with clear and amber tinted plastic lenses. The cab interior has been replicated and is visible through the front and side windows with plastic inserts above the cab doors and the prominent raised MAN name and logo across the front body panel.

The rear view mirrors fit into the holes on the cab frame with a front safety mirror also supplied. The front surfaces of the mirror housings have been painted to match the body colour with reflective material on the inner surface.

The detail behind the cab is very good with a frame containing the large fuel tank with storage compartment which has raised door handle detailing. A chromed service platform has been added and the exhaust stack raises up behind the cab.

The fifth wheel pivots and there is a towing pintle hitch fitted to the rear frame with a hole in the frame to fit a second towing hitch (Pictured right). The plastic wheel guards have some nice fixing detailing with integrated brake, reversing and indicator light clusters and simulated rubber mud guards, complete with printed MAN logo.

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 and available with up to 10 axles. The 6-axle version modeled here has a gooseneck that can be adjusted and has stiff hydraulic rams 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 panels 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 above) 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 along with plastic safety frames fitted along each side.

A number of metal poles are supplied with the model and push fit into the holes along the sides of the upper deck.

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.

The length of the trailer measures 330mm as pictured below, increasing to 485mm when fully extended and is painted in the Maximum company colours with the name printed on the sides of the storage compartment where a single spare wheel is also fitted.

The rear trailer chassis houses six axle lines with five of them featuring functional steering. The four rear most axles have proportionate linked steering which has a reasonable amount of movement with each axle having a little oscillation to simulate the suspension found on the full sized trailer. The front two 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.

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 H.N. Krane model range. It is pictured below as a support truck for the Liebherr LTM1200-5.1 mobile crane which is also available in H.N. Krane colours from Heavy Transport Models.