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Mercedes-Benz Actros + Putzmeister M52 Concrete Pump

Maker:  Conrad
Model No:  3086
Scale:  1:50
Review Date:  November 2004


Conrad Index
Concrete Equipment Index


Cranes Etc Model Rating
Packaging   (max 10)
Detail   (max 30)14
Features   (max 20)12
Quality   (max 25)11
Price   (max 15)9
Overall   (max 100)53%

Footnotes

 
On the road.
Colourful picture box has technical data.
Good chassis detail.
Pump being raised for use.
This is a model of a five axle concrete pump.  At the time of the review Conrad was unique as a maker of concrete pump models.

Packaging

The model comes in a picture box containing a foam insert which wraps the model.  The review model was undamaged.  No instructions are provided or necessary.

Detail

The model is a relatively old casting as indicated by the maker's mark on the underside which reads 'Made in W Germany'.  The chassis contains a degree of detailing with parts of the power train and fuel tank modelled.  There is no prop shaft or rear axle detail however although the wheel hubs are effectively-detailed plastic mouldings.  At the front end the cab is a standard Mercedes-Benz Actros with the usual light lens details and plastic wing mirrors.  The tilting cab reveals an engine block.

The outriggers are well detailed and, somewhat unusually for Conrad, are metal on this model.  The rest of the body looks good also with a metal pump line and a good chute at the rear.  On the negative side, there is an absence of lighting detail at the rear.

The pump boom is almost completely plastic and therefore its natural springiness means that it does not quite sit down properly in transport mode.  Although the plastic gives the model less of a quality feel it is a good representation of the real machine and does look effective.

Features

The front axles steer in tandem and a good lock can be obtained.  There is no suspension on the rear axles.

The outriggers fold out and the front ones are telescopic, with the pads screwing down in the usual way.

The boom is articulated and has five separate sections which can be articulated and posed in any fashion.  The whole boom arrangement also rotates in any direction. As the boom is lightweight there is little likelihood of cylinder bleed when the model is posed.

Quality

Aspects of the model are good, the outriggers in particular.  The paintwork and graphics are satisfactory.  The plastic boom detracts from what otherwise would be a very good model.

Price

The model is reasonable value.

Overall

Although the first impressions are coloured a little by the plastic boom the model does look very good either in travelling configuration or when posed as if pumping.  The model pairs well in conjunction with a couple of suitable truck mixers.  Some newer pump models have metal booms and these would offer superior quality at a price.

Footnotes


 
Rear axle has single tyres. There is no light cluster.
Metal outriggers spread wide.
The model is a good match up with a truck mixer and the boom folds out and stays up well.
Tipping cab shows the engine detail.