Liebherr TA230 Articulated Dump Truck
The Liebherr range of articulated haulers has been in development for a number of years and, at the Bauma trade show in 2010, the first truck was finally launched. Rated at 30 ton with a 19 cubic metre dump body, the truck is powered by a 367hp 6-cylinder Liebherr D936 L A6 turbo-charged diesel engine. The electronically controlled automatic power-shift transmission has 8 forward and 4 reverse gears to offer an impressive 57km/h travel speed.
The rocker arm front axle with hydro-pneumatic cushioning cylinders and heavy duty rear axles with self-locking transverse differential give the truck excellent mobility in the most demanding underfoot conditions and it is no surprise that Liebherr have commissioned a scale model of their newest truck and Conrad have done a great job in creating a very detailed and realistic 1:50th scale miniature.
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The rear axles are made from plastic and have drive hub and driveline detailing with pivoting suspension which works well. One of the interesting finds on the model is the tensioned front axle which actually simulates the hydro-pneumatic cushioning found on the full sized truck. The tyres have a crisp and accurate moulded tread pattern with plastic wheel hubs that show the bolt fixing details. |
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The dump body has been fitted with a functioning tailgate which is pinned in place and uses flexible plastic bars to operate as the body is raised. This is a nice addition on the model and works very well with the body able to tip to a very good and realistic height. It is interesting that the tailgate on the full sized truck is annodized with a silver finish which has been nicely captured on the model.
Black plastic mud guards have been added to the body and there is a slight flex in them, simulating the stiff rubber guards fitted to the real truck. Flexible hydraulic lines have been added between front and rear chassis for extra detailing and the articulated steering achieves a good degree of turn with twin hydraulics and simulated safety bar which is finished in red.
The styling of the bonnet is interesting and my first reflections were that it is somewhat unfinished. I do think it would look more "Liebherr like" if it had a yellow painted engine bay instead of white, although this is a true representation of the full sized truck displayed at Bauma.
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The front of the model accurately captures the rugged looks of the truck very well with the main driving lights integrated into the front bumper and protected by photo-etched grills whilst the textured front and side grills look good.
Another nice addition is the photo-etched cooling jacket fitted over the exhaust stack. |
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There are flexible access steps on both sides with more steps integrated into the side panels with a diamond plate surface texture. Self fit safety railings and poles, complete with integrated rear view mirrors are supplied in the box and fit snugly into the holes in the casting on both sides of the cab |
The roof mounted amber beacons and scaled plastic grab rail running round the top of the cab add to the realism with a mesh screen fixed over the rear window. The cab interior has been replicated, as expected from Conrad and is visible through the clear glazed windows.
The paint finish is very good throughout with crisp printing of the Liebherr logos and this is a must have model for any Liebherr enthusiast. It will be interesting to see how the truck performs over the next year or two and, with anticipated releases upto 50 ton capacity, maybe a replica of the TA230's bigger brother will appear in the future.
