MAN TGX XXL 8x4 with Nooteboom Pendel-X Trailer

Presented here is the 1:50th scale MAN TGX XXL 8x4 prime mover with Nooteboom 5-axle Pendel-X low loader trailer and 2-axle dolly in the livery of Gruber Logistics from NZG. The model is based on the previously released MAN TGX XXL 8x4 truck which has plenty of fine details throughout with some very crisp body and cab castings showing all the panel detailing. The cab interior has been replicated and is visible through the large front windscreen which has wipers and sun screen fitted. The rear module has more fine detailing including the cooling system with a visible fan blade that is surrounded by a protective safety cage. Coiled service lines have been added along with pipework, air tanks and the large fuel tank.

The front of the cab features a very interesting cover over the front towing assembly. This is secured with a metal pin and can be removed to reveal the towing frame.

The cab features a roof window with amber beacons and twin aerials with two small side windows above the door. Rear view mirrors have been fitted along with both front and off-side safety viewing mirrors which add to the levels of realism.

The front grill features the MAN logo with authentic number plate and clear lenses utilised for the main driving lights. The access step up to the cab is integrated into the curved bumper bar

The underside of the model is equally well detailed with a replicated drivetrain from the front engine to the rear drive axles which are connected to the framework suspension. The front two axles have working linked steering and, unlike on the WSI models, the range of movement is very reasonable.

The rear frame of the chassis has the fifth wheel coupling and pintle towing hitch with silver access panels that have a fine textured surface. The plastic wheel guards have the fixing detailing visible along with simulated rubber guards, topped off with integrated wheel chocks.

The rear light clusters are produced in transparent plastic with tinted coloured lenses for the reversing, brake and indicator lights with the MAN logo and number plate also visible. The tyres fitted on the model have an intricate moulded tread pattern with crisply detailed plastic wheel hubs showing all the bolt heads and central hub.

The 2-axle dolly unit has a kingpin which connects to the fifth wheel of the truck by using a little force to engage. The top of the dolly has the mounting point for the trailer goosneck which clips into place. Both wheels are covered with metal guards with simulated rubber end pieces and two air tanks are located between the chassis frame.

The bed of the trailer has a central, simulated wooded deck with extension and tie down ring detailing cast into the side frames of the trailer bed. The trailer frame has an extending construction allowing longer items to be transported and to adjust this, the two pins that secure the bed need removing to allow the bed to extend. There are a number of holes in the bed frame where metal pins can be inserted. Also in the box are a set of extension pieces which can be inserted into the holes on the frame sides to extend the width of the trailer. These extension pieces also have a simulated wooden top surface.

The design of the rear section of the trailer is interesting with the five axles mounted to the framework on each side allowing the centre to be at the same height as the trailer bed. This is useful when transporting excavators where the stick can be lowered into the space between the rear axles to reduce the height.

The rear module is connected to the bed with a long metal pin and can be disconnected if required, while each of the axles has working suspension which is stiff enough to raise some of the wheels off the ground. There is a linked steering bar connecting each axle which gives a fair amount of steering movement before the tyres contact with the frame.

The rear of the trailer has printed warning markings, number plate and nooteboom logo with two warning beacons and painted light clusters. Four plastic safety markers are supplied which fit into the holes on the frame and gooseneck and have printed red chevron markings.

The gooseneck can be detached from the trailer frame and has stiff hydraulics allowing the bed to be raised into travel position. The sides of the storage area are printed with the Gruber conmpany logo with simulated wooden and diamond plate panels painted onto the upper surface. The paint finish is to NZG's usual high standards with crisp printing of the Gruber company logos and details.