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MAN TGX + Goldhofer Vessel Bed - Senn AG

Maker:  Conrad
Model No:  70177/02
Scale:  1:50
Review Date:  May 2012


Heavy Transport Models Index
Special Transport Index


Cranes Etc Model Rating
Packaging   (max 10)8
Detail   (max 30)22
Features   (max 20)15
Quality   (max 25)21
Price   (max 15)9
Overall   (max 100)75%

Footnotes


MAN TGX + Goldhofer Vessel Bed - Senn AG Video.
Conrad box.
The parts out of the box.
 Chassis detail.
Wheel details look good.
Cab tilts, but not far.
Under a module unit.
Solid gooseneck.
Carrying a heavy metal fabrication.
Gooseneck connection.
Carrying a 'vessel'.
Configured for a very long load.
Deck / module connection.
This is an exclusive model by Heavy Transport Models (HTM) and is made for them by Conrad.  It is in the colours of Senn AG, a Swiss engineering company headquartered in Oftringen which was founded in 1957.

The tractor is a MAN TGX XXL SLT 8x4.

Packaging

The model comes in a standard 'Conrad Collection' box with the model and its many parts securely held within high quality black foam rubber.  The review model had no defects.  The roof aerials supplied for the MAN cab appeared to be side mounted rather than the top mounted type needed.

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 Senn AG or the real vehicle.

Detail

The MAN TGX tractor is an 8x4 and 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 wheels are nicely detailed.

The cab looks really smart in Senn AG colours complete with colour coded door mirrors, but there is no number plate.  The roof has beacon lights and aerials, although the supplied aerials look wrong, and air horns add detail.  Under the cab is a reasonable plastic engine.

The metal equipment tower behind the cab is detailed and very solid and has a good mesh-encased fan on top.  The wheel arches are plastic with lenses on the lights at the rear.  A towing hitch completes the detail.

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 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 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 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 but would not pose in a tilted position.

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 real flexibility of the model is the large number of possible configurations.  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 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 70cm long.

Quality

As usual, the Conrad quality is high and the model is strong and robust with a high metal content.  The Senn AG livery is very good and the applied graphics are sharp.

Price

The price reflects the very limited edition nature of the model.

Overall

These Goldhofer trailer models have many configuration possibilities and it looks impressive in Senn AG colours.  It is highly recommended.

Footnotes

The Senn AG livery was made in a limited run of only 150 models.

 
The parts rest in high quality foam.
The standard configuration.
Very nice livery details, but no number plate.
Very good graphics.
Equipment tower looks tough.  Lights have plastic lenses.
Wheel arches are plastic.
Convincing heavy haulage.
Configured with module units only.
Rear light details.
Impressive load carrier.
Narrow beam configuration.