 | | Standard Mercedes-Benz Actros truck cab. |  |  | | Underside of the trailer showing the linked rear steering. |  | | Rear steering is modelled well. |  | | Opened up to the full size, the telescopic arrangement is demonstrated. |  | | Very impressive displayed at full size - if you have the space. |
| The 4 axle telescopic trailer is one of a series of Goldhofer trailer models which have been produced by Conrad.
Packaging
The model is packed in the usual Conrad truck style of a long plain box which encloses the model in a foam wrapping. The review model was undamaged. No instructions are provided and none are necessary. There is some user-assembly of the wing mirrors and the trailer deck posts.
Detail
The tractor unit is a 3 axle Mercedes-Benz Actros unit. The chassis has a fuel tank and exhaust detail with the rear axles having differentials and prop shafts. Wheel hubs are plastic and at the rear, the light clusters are painted on. The cab has orange beacon lights, wing mirrors and a windscreen visor whilst the front bumper has inlaid headlight lenses and also tiny indicator lenses. Inside the cab has the normal seating and steering wheel details.
The trailer is mostly metal with the deck painted brown to represent timber. Separate plastic deck posts are provided which fit into holes in the deck. However these are not a tight fit so they tend to be loose and not straight which detracts from the look a little, unless they are fitted in with a little packing to make them tight. There is a spare wheel under the deck and the telescoping drive machinery is all modelled. The side guards are plastic. At the back of the trailer light details are painted and additional signage such as the maximum speed limit are included.
Features
As usual for Actros tractors, the cab tilts to reveal a detailed engine block. The front steering can be turned to represent a very hard lock.
Moving to the trailer, there are two jacks which can be pulled down to enable the trailer to stand when disconnected from the trailer. At the rear the four axles are linked together for steering and the range of movement is very good.
The model comes into its own when opening up the telescope arrangement. The telescope is essentially in four sections; the trailer and three beams. These open up to produce an overall trailer length of around 900mm (36 inches) and is a very impressive sight. Pleasingly, the metal telescope sections are quite strong so the model does not feel flimsy. Also the telescope is just stiff enough that they can be set to any desired length up to the maximum and they will hold that length when pulled by the tractor without opening up.
Quality
Most of the model is metal and the plastic elements used do not detract too much from the quality feel of the model. The working parts all operate very well. The paintwork and lettering is good.
Price
The model is good value for money.
Overall
This model provides some good display choices as either a 'normal' length flatbed truck or in a variety of lengths up to the enormous. It could also be shown as a passable ballast truck to accompany a crane model. It is well made and an unusual and good addition for the heavy haulage collector.
Footnotes
The model was announced in 2003 and appeared at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in 2004. It originally appeared in Goldhofer livery with a Mercedes-Benz Actros Tractor. A version with a MAN tractor was also produced. Later in 2004 a version was produced in Titschkus livery. In 2005 a version appeared in Mammoet livery.
|
| |
|  | | Rear view. |  | | Tilting cab reveals the engine block. |  | | Trailer with deck posts. |  | | The truck can be shown with a conventional load. |  | | Carrying a very long beam load. |
|
