 | | Conrad box. |  |  | | Christen livery is striking |  | | This is a shorter wheelbase version of the Mercedes tractor. |  | | Tilting cab and silver engine. |  | | Underside of a module unit. |  | | Gooseneck hooked up to a module. |  | | Goldhofer badge is the only graphic on the modules. |  | | Narrow bed extended for length. |  | | Manitowoc 555 stands by. |  | | Loading a Liebherr LB28. |  | | Bed partly extended. |  | | Carrying a Christen Liebherr R954C. |
| This model is an exclusive by Heavy Transport Models (HTM) and is made for them by Conrad. It includes a Mercedes Benz tractor and a configurable Goldhofer trailer in Christen colours. Christen AG is a Swiss construction company that was founded in 1952.
Packaging
The model comes in a standard 'Conrad Collection' box with the model and its many parts securely held within good quality black foam rubber. The review model had no defects or missing parts.
There are a number of components and a black and white double-sided sheet of instructions is provided which gives a clear pictorial description of how it fits together and some of the various configurations possible. It is straightforward to assemble.
There is no information supplied about Christen or the real vehicle.
Detail
The Mercedes Benz Titan tractor unit looks nice in the green Christen livery. Underneath, the transmission and suspension is mostly modelled, with the main prop shaft missing because of the large linked steering mechanism. This version of the Mercedes tractor has a shorter wheelbase than some other versions, and the type number on the cab is 4160. The wheels are very good, with different width tyres split between the driven and steering axles. The hubs have nice detailing of the wheel nuts.
The cab has a good beacon light bar on the roof and air horns add detail. The decoration is smart with some sharp graphics although it is a pity that the number plate is not provided. Under the cab is a reasonable silvered engine.
Behind the cab, the various tanks and the radiator are modelled in metal and feel very solid. The wheel arches are metal and there is a light bar at the rear.
The two Goldhofer modules are of similar construction. They have very strong metal surfaces and structural frames, and each set of wheels is mounted on a plastic support which includes a working cylinder. The graphics are limited to the Goldhofer name badge.
The gooseneck is a heavy piece and is modelled well with various cylinders and wheel chocks underneath. The headboard and side panels are metal with a nice metal hand railing. The casting details are very good with fine details.
The support beams for the bed are metal and feel strong. A series of metal adaptors is provided to allow different configurations. Plastic deck surface sections can be placed between the beams or alternatively plastic span rods can be used to maintain the separation of the beams.
A clip-on light bar with simple painted details can be attached at the rear of the trailer, although again there is no number plate.
Features
The Mercedes tractor has linked steering on the front two axles and these permit a small range of movement before fouling on the wheel arches. However they can be forced to give a hard lock which is fine for posing the model. At the rear, the driven axles float independently to give some suspension movement.
The cab tilts forward and can be posed in a tilted position.
A second towing hitch can be fitted at the rear, but it sticks out and fouls the trailer gooseneck so it is best left off.
The Goldhofer modules have axles with a very good range of movement up and down and side to side to represent suspension. The steering mechanism works well with various axle lines linked together, and when turned they have a degree of proportionality in how they move.
The main feature of the trailer is the large number of possible configurations. The module units can be coupled in various ways. They can be separately attached to the gooseneck, or joined to make a continuous seven axle line.
The deck beam components are adjustable for length and width, and either deck sections or three different lengths of width spacer beams can be used. The deck can be attached to the module units or directly to the gooseneck.
When stretched out to the maximum length the whole model is around 65cm long.
Quality
As usual, the Conrad quality is high and the model is strong and robust with a high metal content. The Christen livery is applied well.
Price
The model is a limited edition and it is therefore reasonable value.
Overall
This is another model in HTM's Swiss line and it is a rather striking looking model in Christen green. The flexibility of the model allows numerous variations of poses and it is highly recommended.
Footnotes
The Christen livery models appeared in November 2011 and included a matching Liebherr R954C.
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|  | | The parts packed in high quality foam. |  | | Built up in full configuration. |  | | Smart wheel hubs. |  | | Rear lights but no number plate. |  | | Hard lock on the steering but the wheels are wedged against the wheel arches. |  | | Proportional steering on a Goldhofer module unit. |  | | Configured with a short spine beam. |  | | Bed extended for width to carry a special 'vessel'. |  | | Rear connection detail. |  | | Stretched out to fit the leader without overhang. |  | | Impressive heavy load carrier. |
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