MAN TGX XXL SLT with Goldhofer Vessel Bed Trailer
Presented here is the 1:50th scale MAN TGX XXL SLT prime mover with Goldhofer vessel bed trailer from Conrad.
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Opening the box, there are a number of parts allowing the model to be constructed in several different configurations. |
The main deck parts are plastic with a simulated wooden finish and moulded tie-down rings integrated into the corners. |
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The main beam sections are pinned into place. Here, the collector can decide on the configuration of the trailer. One option is to construct a narrow bed trailer by connecting the beams into the narrow adaptors which then pin into place on the trailer modules (Pictured above).
The second option is to place the plastic deck sections to create a more standard looking trailer, with the front section having ridges where a vehicle can be loaded onto the trailer frame. This then connects to the bar of the front adaptor which pins onto the front module.
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The frame has working hydraulics allowing it to open in width (As pictured left) and this is a nice touch on the model.
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The telescoping beams can also be extended to increase the length of the trailer as required |
Plastic support bars of three different lengths are supplied allowing the vessel carrier to remain rigid. These bars clip into the holes on the inner lip of the beams.
The modules consist of a single four axle and a single six axle unit with good detailing of the frame and independent working suspension of each axle. The wheels rotate freely with an accurate moulded tread pattern on the tyres and plastic silver wheel hubs.
The gooseneck has an upper storage area with diamond plate patterned flooring and accurately scaled safety railings with stiff hydraulics allowing the ange of the neck to be adjusted. Controls have been printed on the side of the gooseneck and a yellow stripe is painted along the sides of the neck and modules.
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The rear of the trailer has a silver plate with integrated light clusters with painted lenses, safety markings and the Goldhofer name printed along the bottom. The plate push-fits into the holes in the rear frame of the module |
Pictured above, the trailer is set up with a narrow bed, a perfect trailer for transporting tracked construction equipment. Another option is to link the modules together to present a heavy transport trailer, as pictured below.
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
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.
