 | | High quality picture box. |  |  | | Configuration of modules for heavy loads without the lowbed. |  | | The lowbed opened out to its maximum size. |  | | Linked steering is visible. Cover plates, and pin for joining the modules lie by the side. |
| This is a model of a multi axle module trailer pulled by a Mercedes-Benz Actros SLT 4-axle tractor unit. It is one of a series of models made for the Dutch company Nooteboom by Conrad.
Packaging
The model comes in a high quality picture box with a top opening lid which reveals the various pieces of the model slotted into cut outs in a foam rubber insert. This gives the box the feel of being presentation quality and certainly protects the model very well indeed. No instructions are provided although there are a large number of separate pieces. Most collectors will have no problem at all putting the model together but a novice would appreciate a simple parts list and assembly diagram. There was no damage to the review model. It was supplied in the red and grey colours of Nooteboom.
Detail
The tractor unit is a heavy four axle Mercedes-Benz Actros which shares a common casting of the cab with other Conrad Actros models, but the rest is all bespoke. Underneath, the chassis has some good detailing of the suspension to the rear axles but not all prop shafts are present. The tyres are have realistic treads, and the plastic wheel hubs are differentiated for the steering and non-steering axles.
The cab is the usual tipping variety and has the usual level of detail including imprinted windscreen wipers and user-fixed wing mirrors, with the roof sporting a couple of good orange beacon lights. On the front bumper is a heavy duty towing point although sadly it does not have a hole for fitting the hitch so it cannot really be joined up to another vehicle. Behind the cab is some very good all metal detailing of a cooling unit, equipment box and fuel tank, and the exhaust stack is textured. Towards the rear, the wheels have plastic mud flaps and at the back there are painted light arrays and a towing point.
Module units are provided in two, three and four axle sets. Each axle consists of an independent pair of wheels mounted on their own suspension unit. The wheel hubs are plastic and the small sized tyres are all treaded. The modules consist of a very strong chassis frame screwed to the top frame which is a single casting and is well detailed along its edges including very good 'Eurocombi' logos. Through the top frame are openings which provide access to the linked steering of the independent axles. These openings are covered with excellent metal textured cover plates which slot into place to provide a flat top surface.
The remainder of the model consists of the gooseneck attachment to the tractor, the lowbed and the rear light array.
The gooseneck is a heavy set of castings detailed with a couple of spare tyres for the module units, wheel chocks and a couple of non-working hydraulic cylinders for the module connection. The lowbed is a rectangular metal frame which is extendible for width and length and has various detailing within the casting. Also supplied is a couple of plastic pieces which represent timber beds grooved to show planking which can be fitted into the lowbed frame. However the colour of these seems a little too light and a darker brown would have looked better. A separate metal lighting array is provided which has painted lights and some very fine lettering. This piece fits onto the trailing module unit.
Features
The tractor unit features linked steering on the two front axles although the lock is limited as the tyres fall foul of the wheel arches.
Pulling the cab forward allows it to open and reveal an engine block.
The module units have independent floating wheel bogies which are linked together to enable all bogies to steer in unison. These links can be removed if required although the real benefit is that extra steering link bars are provided which enable the steering across modules to be linked so all bogies in all modules can steer together. Module units are coupled together, to the goose neck, or to the lowbed using simple and effective plastic pins.
The lowbed provides a variety of options. It can be displayed in its smallest size or opened up to approximately twice the width to carry wide loads. It can also be extended to approximately double the length to provide a very large carrying frame. Depending on the configuration the timber insert panels can be fitted either lengthways or sideways. With the three module units and lowbed forming the model, a huge variety of different display options is possible. The modules can be combined in any order with or without the lowbed, and the lowbed can be set in various sizes.
Quality
The castings are all up to the usual Conrad quality and the paintwork and graphics are also first rate. The large number of individual pieces are well made and all fit together with ease. A very good quality piece of work.
Price
This model is relatively costly for a lowbed truck but is good value nonetheless.
Overall
Collectors of heavy haulage will be attracted to this model by its good quality but mainly because of the large variety of display options it provides from the tractor unit pulling just one trailer module right up to being truly huge model some 75cm long. All in all this is a very good model from Conrad.
Footnotes
The model first appeared in 2002 in Nooteboom red and grey colours. At the end of 2002 Conrad introduced the 'Kubler' version of the model in green and displayed it at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in 2003.
|
| |
|  | | Inside the box. |  | | Impressive tractor unit. |  | | Good details when viewed close up. |  | | Two modules joined together with the rear light array fitted. |  | | Short configuration for that wide but no so heavy load. |
|
