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Mercedes Benz Actros 6x4 + UBOXX Hook Arm Container

Maker:  Conrad
Model No:  72148/01
Scale:  1:50
Review Date:  February 2013


Conrad Index
Truck Index


Cranes Etc Model Rating
Packaging   (max 10)7
Detail   (max 30)20
Features   (max 20)17
Quality   (max 25)20
Price   (max 15)11
Overall   (max 100)75%

Footnotes


Mercedes Benz Actros 6x4 + UBOXX Hook Arm Container Video
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Conrad branded box.
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Profile view.
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Painted lights at the rear.
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Hinges and locking bolts on the rear doors.
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Travelling empty.
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Tilting cab.
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Mechanism works well.
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Loading the container.
Tipping mode.
Comment on this model.

This model has an unloadable container from the UBoxx system.

Packaging

The model comes in a Conrad branded box with the model protected by a foam rubber insert.  The review model had no defects and no missing parts. 

There is no information about the real machine or the model.  The only assembly is fitting door mirrors and roof aerials.

Detail

The chassis detailing is good with the rear axles and suspension modelled in plastic and it includes a full-length prop shaft to the gear box.  The steering is modelled in a functional way, and wider tyres are fitted on the front axles.  All the wheel hubs are very smart.

The cab detailing is good with aerials on the roof and the usual mirrors and wipers.  The paint scheme on the cab is plain as it is a generic model rather than in a specific company livery.  Under the cab is an engine block with the Mercedes Benz logo.  Inside the cab the details are reasonable and the Mercedes logo on the steering wheel is a nice touch.

Behind the cab the chassis is mainly metal with the side impact protection in plastic which shows a little .  The wheel arches are also plastic and this reflects a real truck.  At the rear the lights are painted but there are no number plates.

The hook arm mechanism is mainly in metal and the container is an entirely metal piece with solid ladder rungs at the front and shaped side walls.  The rear doors have hinge and locking bolt details.

Features

The front axle steers with a very good range of movement.

The rear driven axles have a degree of vertical movement to simulate suspension.

The cab tilts to a reasonable angle although there was some stiffness on the review model.

The container loading mechanism is complex and is engineered well with realistic poses of the loading process possible.  A plastic catch at the rear allows the container to be tipped so it can discharge its load.

The container doors swing open.

Quality

In many respects this model is typical for Conrad.  It is strong and well made.

The paintwork and few graphics on the truck are fine, with the container being well finished.

Price

It is good value.

Overall

This is an interesting model and it the working hook arm mechanism is implemented well.  It would look very good in company colours but as it is it can be highly recommended.

Footnotes

The Uboxx casting has been released for many years.  This version of the model appeared at the end of 2012.

 
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UBoxx in the box.
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Good steering angle.
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Detail underneath.
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Loaded with 'steel'.
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Arm hooked on.
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Hauling the container on.
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Unloaded.
The Cranes Etc guy has lost the loading instructions.
Open doors.