MAN TGX XXL 8x4 Prime Mover with Ballast Box
"Felbermayr"
Presented here is the 1:50th scale MAN TGX XXL prime mover in Felbermayr decoration from Conrad. There are several differences to the model from the previous versions of the MAN TGX with two holes in the cab roof where the self-fit radio antenna are located whilst the rear ballast box is a different design with taller sides and cast handle detailing which is removable, revealing the functional fifth wheel coupling
The front bumper has integrated driving lights with clear and amber tinted plastic lenses along with a front towing frame with removable bar and red & white chevron safety panels. The cab interior has been replicated and is visible through the front and side windows with plastic inserts above the cab doors, a plastic sun screen across the front of the cab and the prominent raised MAN name and logo across the front body panel.
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. The model features a tilting cab that reveals the engine block at the heart of the chassis. The cab's side panels have accurate panel detailing with amber warning beacons mounted to the roof with chromed air horns and self-fit rear view mirrors which have blue painted facias.
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Twin chromed exhaust stacks rise from the engine bay with the MAN logo embossed onto the silencer housing for added realism.
The ballast box has crisp structural detailing cast into the surfaces with simulated tie-down brackets |
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 a silver walkway with a textured surface. |
The underside of the MAN TGX has a replicated drivetrain between the two rear axles although, due to the construction of the front two axles, the driveshaft is not modelled between the engine moulding and the driven axles. The front two axles do have working, linked steering and achieve a reasonable degree of turn and the rear axles float within the frame, simulating the suspension of the full sized truck while the tyres have a detailed tread pattern mounded into the surfaces with silver plastic wheel hubs.
The model is packaged in the familiar cardboard box with inner, foam lined insert. As expected from Conrad, the paint finish is excellent with crisp decal printing throughout. This is another good addition to the growing range of Felbermayr decorated replics.