MAN TGS 3-axle chassis with Roll on/off body and Palfinger crane
"Bad Reichenhall Fire Service"
Presented here is the interesting 1:50th scale MAN TGS 6x2 truck chassis with skip handling body and palfinger crane in the distinctive Feuerwehr German fire service decoration from Conrad.
The container loading mechanism fitted to the model is fully functional, allowing the supplied container to be accurately posed at any stage throughout the loading/unloading cycle, demonstrating the exacting levels of realism. Even the small rollers fitted to the bottom corners of the container rotate.
A large chromed fuel tank is mounted to the side of the chassis with a storage area integrated into the side frame for the log grapple which is supplied with the model. The silver guards over the rear wheels has a textured diamond plate texture with a fold down rear bar, painted lights and blue beacons. The opposite side of the chassis has two large compartments fitted along the side.
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The design of the storage area for the utility grapple is interesting and fully replicated with the grab folding away when not in use, still allowing the skip loading mechanism to function.
Two extending outriggers are fitted with screw down pads which lower for added stability when using the crane. The rear tag axle pivots with a reasonable amount of steering movement to assist in manouvering in tight spaces with the front axle having working steering which achieves a good range of movement with all wheels fitted with accurately moulded rubber tyres which have a detailed road tread pattern and silver wheel hubs. |
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The Palfinger folding crane can be extended and posed realistically and the tip of the extending telescopic sections have a coupling which allows the grab to be fitted. |
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The drivetrain has been replicated with a driveshaft fitted from the gearbox to the first of the rear axles which is mounted in a replicated but non-functional suspension frame.
The cab can be tilted forward to reveal the modelled engine block within along with the chrome finished exhaust silencer box and tank.
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The cab interior is visible through the clear glazed windows and rear view mirrors are supplied in the box and need fitting to the model by inserting into the pre drilled holes in the cab frame. These are a new design and incorporate the front safety mirror while a single radio antenna needs fitting to the roof between the chromed air horns and blue beacons. |
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The supplied container has three simulated roller shutter doors on each side with an extending floodlight mast mounted to the end which has two stages with 360 degree rotation and two silver floodlight lenses whilst at the other end, the pivoting rear door can be opened to reveal the inner detailing. The roof has a textured finish with good painting and crisp tampo printed markings on the sides, complete with a yellow safety stripe. |
The paint finish on the model is excellent, as expected from Conrad and the model is supplied in a protective foam covered inner cardboard wrap with outer printed box. This is an interesting addition to the range of German fire service models and looks good posed next to the Liebherr LTM1070-4.1.
