MAN TGS 3-axle chassis with Meiller Dump Body

Presented here is the latest 1:50th scale MAN TGS 3-axle truck chassis with Meiller 3-way tipping body from Conrad. The sample reviewed here is finished in a bright red colour scheme with the Meiller logo printed on the sides and rear of the body.

The design of the Meiller body casting allows for the side doors to open which are hinged on the lower edge, allowing the truck to discharge the material away from the side of the chassis. The pivoting tailgate can also be opened with the body achieving a reasonable tipping height.

The engineering of the 3-way tipping linkage is good, with two metal bars with ball ends secured to the chassis and plastic bars on the underside of the body which connect with the metal bars. Posing the body in the required tipping mode is achieved by choosing which connections are made between the ball joints and sockets.

Fuel and air tanks are fitted to the chassis frame along with a rear towing pintle and push bar whilst silver finished guards with a textured diamond plate pattern are fitted above the rear wheels. The front axle has 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 along with silver wheel hubs.

The drivetrain has been replicated with a driveshaft fitted from the gearbox to the first of the rear axles. A small driveshaft is then connected to the rear axle and both are housed in a replicated suspension frame which offers a little pivoting movement.

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. The cab can be tilted forward to reveal the modelled engine block within along with the chrome finished exhaust silencer box with the MAN logo embossed across the front surface.

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.