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| Conrad box.
|
 |
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| Christen livery
is striking |
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| This is a
shorter wheelbase version of the Mercedes tractor.
|
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| Tilting cab and
silver engine. |
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| Underside of a
module unit. |
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| Gooseneck
hooked up to a module. |
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| Goldhofer badge
is the only graphic on the modules. |
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| Narrow bed
extended for length. |
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|
Manitowoc
555 stands by. |
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| Loading a
Liebherr LB28. |
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| Bed partly
extended. |
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| 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. |
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Built up in full configuration. |
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| Smart wheel
hubs.
|
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| Rear lights
but no number plate. |
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| Hard lock on
the steering but the wheels are wedged against the wheel
arches. |
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| Proportional
steering on a Goldhofer module unit. |
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| Configured with
a short spine beam. |
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| Bed extended
for width to carry a special 'vessel'. |
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| Rear connection
detail. |
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| Stretched out
to fit the leader without overhang. |
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| Impressive
heavy load carrier. |
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