MAN TGX 8x4 tractor with Boom Transporter
"Mammoet"
Presented here is the 1:50th scale MAN TGX prime mover with 7-axle boom transporter in Mammoet livery from WSI Models B.V. The purpose of the specially designed trailer is to transport the enormous telescopic boom from the Liebherr LTM11200-9.1 mobile crane to and from the job site.
The seven axle trailer is based on the Mega Windmill Tranporter design with a cradle mounted to the poviting joint allowing the boom of the LTM11200 to be transported. There are some very nice details on the trailer with the front three and rear three axles featuring linked steering which is operated by two small hydraulics.
Air tanks are fitted to the inner structure of the trailer with flexible lines all visible. Each axle has plastic wheel guards and simulated rubber mud flaps with a printed Nooteboom logo on each. A tow bar has been permanently fixed to the rear of the trailer and the pivoting cradle has hydraulics operating the steering movement of the cradle which is isolated from the axle steering.
The tyres fitted to the trailer have a defined pattern moulded into the surfaces with silver wheel hubs with four wheels fitted to each axle. Only the central axle is fixed, all the others are steerable and have suspension detailing with a little oscillation possible
The most dissapointing aspect of the trailer is that there is no ability to connect the trailer and tractor unit without the boom from the LTM11200 model from NZG. With the attention to detail that WSI add to each of their models, it is a big surprise that they chose not to add the ability to set the model up in a towing configuration with a functional towing bar (As per the full sized truck & trailer) This will be most notable for those collectors who did not purchase the LTM11200 model.
The cab interior has been replicated and is visible through the front and side windows. Rear view mirrors have been added to the cab frame, along with amber beacons on the roof, chromed air horns and roof mounted light bar with blue tinted lenses. A red and white chevron pattern has been printed across the front bumper with the MAN logo prominent on the front grill.
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The rear chassis of the tractor features a pintle hitch which would be used to connect and position the trailer under the boom and this is not possible to replicate on the model. The plastic fenders have integrated light bars with clear, red and white tinted lenses. |
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The fifth wheel coupling is functional and the tractor can be connected to other WSI trailers. The boom mounting conponent push fits into the fifth wheel and metal pins are then used to connect the boom securely. The tractor has some very good detailing including silver walkways, coiled service lines and storage boxes mounted above the large tank, behind the tilting cab that reveals the engine block detailing beneath. |
The front two axles have a linked steering system which does move a little, however, as with most WSI models, the range of movement is very limited. The tyres look good and the silver and red wheel hubs are finely detailed. For the RRP of 169 Euros, this model is a little overpriced in my opinion, especially as the model cannot be correctly posed without also purchasing the LTM11200 and this is a big dissapointment.
When the LTM11200 telescopic crane boom is added (Available by purchasing the NZG LTM11200 model seperately), there is no doubting that the setup looks very interesting. When connecting the boom to the trailer for the first time, the pins are very stiff and it is recommended to place the boom upside down on a firm surface and attach the trailer on top, allowing more access to insert the pins. Once it has been connected once, it is easier for the pins to fit the second time.
The model is supplied in a specially printed Mammoet cardboard box and is held securely in a polystyrene inner carton. Only 600 have been produced and there is a small certificate provided in the box. This is a great model when displayed with the LTM11200 boom and other colour versions of the model are likely to follow including a Liebherr yellow version.
