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MAN TGS with Doll 5-axle low-bed semitrailerDoll Fahrzeugbau AG are a fourth generation family company that specialise in high-tech transport solutions. Based in Germany, the company produce specialised trailers in the logging transport and special haulage sectors and have a number of trailer designs including the 5-axle low-bed semi trailer which has been accurately captured in 1:50th scale by Conrad, shown here in the limited edition Eurovia company decoration. The MAN TGS 6x2 truck has plenty of surface detailing cast into the various panels of the cabin including the authentic ridges on the sides with a painted roof panel and a single hole where the flexible plastic aerial needs to be inserted. As with most Conrad models, the rear view mirrors need attaching to the cab frame and they have a reflective mirrored surface which adds to the realism and a white painted front surface. The black plastic air cleaner grill running up the corner of the cab has some intricate perforation detailing with the MAN name and logo embossed on the surface which is a nice addition while the Eurovia graphics and logos have been added around the cabin and are crisp and clear. The pivoting plastic fifth wheel coupling allows the truck to be connected to any Conrad trailer while the large chromed fuel tank, complete with integral access steps and plastic wheel guards all add to the realistic appearance. The rear of the chassis houses a towing hitch while an additional hitch is also supplied which fits into the hole on the end of the chassis beneath the fitted hitch (as pictured below) The front bumper has integrated clear plastic lenses with the chromed MAN name and logo prominently displayed across the engine. The front and tag axle both have a linked steering bar but the range of movement is fairly limited. The wheels have accurately treaded rubber tyres and the rear driven axle floats within the suspension frame although there is no drive shaft fitted due to the operation of the steering tag axle. The entire cabin can be tilted forward to reveal the engine block beneath.
The trailer bed can be completely detached from the gooseneck (as pictured below) by removing the plastic pin. This appears to be a strange requirement on the trailer and it is not clear to me as to why the gooseneck would be detached in this way.
The side edges of the trailer deck have a number of rectangular holes which allow the small metal bars provided in the box to be inserted. This is another good addition to the model and demonstrates the level of thought and engineering that Conrad have added to replicate as much functionality as possible from the full sized trailer. The upper deck surfaces of the trailer have an inset strip on each side with a raised single diamond pattern texture which is very nicely defined while the side walls of the trailer have tie-down rings cast into the surface.
The Doll trailer has various posing possibilities and can accommodate a number of loads, as pictured above carrying the Liebherr L586 wheel loader while below, it is pictured with the Liebherr R916 tracked excavator, both in matching Eurovia livery from NZG.
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