MAN TGX with Doll 5-axle low-bed semitrailer

Doll Fahrzeugbau AG are a fourth generation family company that specialise in high-tech transport solutions. Based in Germany, the company produce specialised trailers in the logging transport and special haulage sectors and have a number of trailer designs including the 5-axle low-bed semi trailer which has been accurately captured in 1:50th scale by Conrad, shown here in the Hofmann company decoration.

The sides of the trailer feature five, slide out extension arms allowing the trailer to carry wider loads than the deck width. The trailer also has an extending section allowing for longer loads to be transported and this mechanism extends smoothly on the sample reviewed here.

The underside of the trailer features five steerable axles which are all linked together to give progressively tighter turning radius on each axle from front to back. This is a nice addition on the model and the steering works well with the rear most axle achieving a very tight turn radius. Each axle also oscilates with simulated suspension which is another nice touch to the model.

The trailer bed can be completely detached from the gooseneck (as pictured above) by removing the plastic pin. This appears to be a strange requirement on the trailer and it is not clear to me as to why the gooseneck would be detached in this way.

The side edges of the trailer deck have a number of rectangular holes which allow the small metal bars provided in the box to be inserted (As pictured above). This is another good addition to the model and demonstrates the level of thought and engineering that Conrad have added to replicate as much functionality as possible from the full sized trailer. The upper deck surfaces of the trailer have an inset strip on each side with a raised single diamond pattern texture which is very nicely defined while the side walls of the trailer have tie-down rings cast into the surface.

The gooseneck features two spare wheels at the tip with plastic moulded wheel chocks and a course textured bed surface with silver side walls giving a large storage area for accessories and rigging equipment. Four plastic stabilisers can be deployed by extending them gently to give the trailer stability during loading.

The MAN TGX 6x4 truck has plenty of surface detailing cast into the various panels of the cabin including the authentic ridges on the sides with roof mounted amber beacons and two holes where the flexible plastic aerials need to be fitted.

The black plastic air cleaner grill running up the corner of the cab has some intricate perforation detailing with the MAN name and logo embossed on the surface which is a nice addition while the Hofmann graphics have been accurately reproduced and are crisp and clear. The pivoting plastic fifth wheel coupling allows the truck to be connected to any Conrad trailer while the large chromed fuel tank, complete with integral access steps and plastic wheel guards all add to the realistic appearance.

As with most Conrad models, the rear view mirrors need attaching to the cab frame and they have a reflective mirrored surface which adds to the realism. The front bumber has integrated clear plastic lenses with large bolt fixing details and the chromed name and logo prominently displayed across the engine. The front axle has steering movement which allows for a very tight turning circle with accurately treaded rubber tyres.

The Doll trailer has various posing possibilities and can accommodate a number of loads and is pictured below alongside the Liebherr LTM1070-4.1 mobile crane which is also finished in the Hofmann company livery. For more information on the Doll range of products, check out their website.