 | | Conrad box. |  |  | | The MAN tractor. The hitch pin at the front is removable. |  | | Underneath view. |  | | Front four line axle set. All axles steer together. |  | | Tractor and module disconnected from the rest of the trailer. |  | | Hauling a large fabrication on the modules. |  | | The bed opened to its widest and longest configuration. |  | | Set up with narrow spine beams. |  | | Impressive load on an impressive trailer. |
| Schmidbauer is a German heavy haulage and crane company that was founded in 1932. It has an extensive fleet of cranes and heavy transport of all sizes.
This is a model of a Goldhofer vessel carrier which has a configurable bed spanning two sets of axle lines.
Packaging
The model comes in a standard 'Conrad Collection' box with the model and its many parts securely held within black foam rubber which gives it a nice professional feel. The review model had no defects or missing parts.
There are a number of components and a good colour 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 Schmidbauer or the real vehicle.
Detail
The tractor unit is a typically heavy Conrad model with little plastic used. Underneath, the transmission and suspension is mostly modelled, with the main prop shaft missing because of the large linked steering mechanism. The wheels are very good, with different width tyres split between the driven and steering axles. The hubs have really nice detailing of the wheel nuts.
The driving cab impresses, with good lights and colour coded mirrors. A small mirror gets fixed in an unusual way to a door mirror. The hitch at the front has a removable pin which is a pleasing detail. Behind the cab, the tanks and equipment are all modelled in metal and feel very solid. An excellent mesh fan casing sits on top. The wheel arches are plastic.
The two axle units are of similar construction and appear to be the same as those available as a separate model. 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. There is a yellow stripe painted down the deck edges.
The gooseneck is modelled well underneath with various cylinders and wheel chocks. 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 connectors 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 painted details can be attached at the rear of the trailer.
Features
The MAN tractor has linked steering on the front two axles and these permit a reasonable range of movement before fouling on the wheel arches. At the rear, the driven axles float independently to give some suspension movement. The driving cab tilts forward although the range was limited on the review model.
The Goldhofer axles have 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 axle units can be coupled in various ways. They can be separately attached to the gooseneck, or joined to make a continuous ten axle line.
The beam components are adjustable for length and width, and either deck sections or three different lengths of width spacer beams can be used.
Quality
As usual, the Conrad quality is high and the model is strong and robust with a high metal content. The Schmidbauer livery is rendered well and the applied graphics are good.
Price
The model is reasonable value.
Overall
Conrad have produced another impressive heavy haulage model and at full length and width it is imposing. The flexibility of the model is a big plus point and collectors of the Schmidbauer livery will have to have it. It is highly recommended.
Footnotes
The model first appeared in Schmidbauer colours in October 2010.
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|  | | The parts rest in high quality foam. |  | | The parts out of the box. |  | | Rear view of the tractor. |  | | Plenty of detail on the cab. |  | | The rear six line axle set. Steering is in two linked trios. |  | | Gooseneck angle can be altered. |  | | Schmidbauer livery looks really good. |  | | Steering on the rear axles. |  | | Hauling a large fermentation tank. |  | | Carrying a Link-Belt RTC 80100 with all its parts. |  | | Conrad have produced enough vehicles in Schmidbauer colours that you can have a fleet. Also appearing here are a low loader, ballast trailer and flatbed. |
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