MAN TGX XXL SLT with Goldhofer STZ-H6 Semi-Trailer
Presented here is the 1:50th scale MAN TGX XXL SLT prime mover with Goldhofer STZ-H6 6-axle semi trailer from Conrad. 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 upto 10 axles.
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 oscilation 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.
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The gooseneck can be adjusted and has stiff hydraulic pistons 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. |
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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 below) 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.
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The trailer has four extending stabilisers, two at the front and two at the rear to keep the trailer sturdy during loading/unloading.
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. |
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A number of metal poles are supplied with the model and push fit into the holes along the sides of the upper deck. |
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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 MAN TGX XXL SLT 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 mounted to the roof and chromed air horns on the side.
The front bumper has integrated driving lights with clear and amber tinted plastic lenses along with a front towing frame with removable bar. 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.
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The fifth wheel pivots and there is a towing pintle hitch fitted to the rear frame. 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
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The detail behind the cab is very good with a frame containing two large tanks along with a cooling pack complete with a circular mesh guard and silver walkways with a textured surface. |
The underside of the MAN TGX has a replicated drivetrain from the front engine moulding to the rear axles and the front two axles have working linked steering and achieve a reasonable degree of turn. The rear axles float within the frame simulating the suspension of the full sized truck and the tyres have a detailed tread pattern mounded into the surfaces with silver plastic wheel hubs.
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 Goldhofer model range.
