 | | Small Conrad box. |  |  | | H N Krane livery is reasonably crisp, but no number plate. |  | | Underneath view with the steering at the maximum. |  | | Opening rear doors. |  | | Hazard sign on display. |  | | Ready to escort a H N Krane Goldhofer. |  | | Just in time to sneak a ride in the back. |
| The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter BF3 is a support vehicle used to escort heavy haulage vehicles or large cranes.
This model is an exclusive by Heavy Transport Models (HTM) and is made for them by Conrad. It is in the colours of H N Krane, a German crane and heavy haulage company headquartered near Rostock.
Packaging
The model comes in a small 'Conrad Collection' box with the model held inside a foam rubber wrapper. The review model had no defects or missing parts, although the rear doors were prone to detaching after a number of uses.
The only parts to fit are door mirrors and the warning sign. It is straightforward to assemble.
There is no information supplied about H N Krane or the real vehicle.
Detail
The chassis and bottom of the van is a single metal casting with the transmission and spare wheel holder detailed, and the rear axle is plastic. The wheels have decent small tyres on plastic hubs.
At the front the Mercedes-Benz emblem stands out and the main headlights have plastic lenses but the number plate is missing which is a pity for a model representing a real vehicle.
The doors have nicely detailed handles and the interior detail inside the cab is reasonable, with the interior of the load area being plain. The sides and roof have casting details to represent the lines of the real van and these look good, and the applied graphics are sharp.
The rear doors have reasonably discreet hinges given the scale and there is a good little Mercedes-Benz badge. On the roof the four beacon lights look good. The roof mounted hazard warning sign is all plastic and the colour match is fine.
Features
The steering can be posed at a realistic angle without being fouled by the wheel arches.
The side sliding door opens by a clever switch on the underside and it works well without impacting on the look and realism of the model with unsightly hinges. The two rear doors can be opened as well although the hinges seem delicate and one door on the review model did not close fully flat.
The hazard warning sign holder on the roof can be posed opened or closed. Three different warning signs are supplied and they easily drop into the holder.
Quality
This is a well made small model up to Conrad's usual standards. The paintwork and graphics are applied to a good finish.
Price
The model is a limited edition and it is therefore reasonable value.
Overall
A support vehicle such as this is a good addition to pose with a suitable large crane or heavy haulage vehicle and it has been implemented well. As a limited edition model it is recommended to anyone wanting the H N Krane livery.
Footnotes
This H N Krane liveried model appeared in November 2011 and supports other haulage and crane models in the same livery which have been commissioned by Heavy Transport models. It was made in a limited run of 100 models.
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|  | | The model is packed inside a foam rubber insert. |  | | Profile view. |  | | Rear door just not quite shutting properly on the review model. |  | | Sliding door shuts snugly. |  | | Sliding side door. |  | | Different hazard warning signs. |
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