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Mercedes Actros Titan 4155 MP3 with Goldhofer THP XLE 3+5 Trailer Presented here is the limited edition H.N. Krane 1:50th scale heavy haulage set, consisting of the Mercedes Benz Actros Titan 4155 4-axle tractor and the Goldhofer THP XLE 3+5 low loader trailer from Tekno. The truck and trailer are packaged separately and have been commissioned by Heavy Transport Models, who offer several different options including offering the trailer and truck separately. Both models are supplied with a printed certificate card with signature and serial number which is a very nice touch. Starting with the Titan 4155, the model is highly detailed with a good build quality on par with the likes of WSI, Conrad and NZG. While not as heavy as a Conrad model, there is still a sturdy feel with a good paint finish throughout.
The entire cabin is hinged and can be tilted forward to uncover the modeled engine block at the heart of the chassis. The detailing is good with clear definition of the cylinder head while a small tank with highlighted filler cap and the air intake filter housing are fixed to the side of the chassis.
The underside of the model is reasonably detailed with rear suspension detailing coupled with drive-shafts from the transmission to the rear driven axles. The tyres fitted to the model have different tread pattern for the steering and drive wheels and the chromed hubs are very nicely finished. The Goldhofer trailer is configured as a 5-axle rear module with telescopically extending narrow bed and a three axle module connected to a gooseneck.
Two warning boards need to be fitted and these have cable bundles attached which need to be positioned on the underside of the neck, but it is not clear from the instructions exactly where these cables should be fitted. One nice touch are the flexible mud flaps that have been fitted to the module. The deck of the trailer is solidly constructed and has a number of arms inset into the side frame which will pivot out into position to allow the deck plates to be fitted. On the sample reviewed here, the paint is a little thick and has chipped off when the arms have been deployed.
This is a nice addition on the model and allows the trailer to be configured in a number of different ways, depending on the chosen load. The five axle rear module is integrated with the trailer deck and, as with the 3-axle module, each of the axles features working steering with small linkage bars fixed to the steering mechanism so that all the axles turn together. The pivoting arms on each axle are sprung, allowing the trailer to sit with all the wheels making contact with the ground. The tyres fitted to the hubs have a wavy radial groove tread pattern which is molded well with green finished hub surfaces with cream centres and all the wheels rotate freely within the frame The rear of the trailer requires the two amber beacons to be fitted and these are a little loose fitting, so a touch of glue is needed to keep them in place. The Goldhofer name is printed onto the simulated mud flaps and the trailer is finished with an authentic printed number plate. This set is certainly a good addition to the H.N. Krane model range and can be purchased with the optional Mercedes Actros Titan 4160 tractor unit. Check out the Heavy Transport Models website for the full range of H.N. Krane model replicas. |
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