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| Conrad box.
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| The parts out
of the box. |
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| Smart graphics.
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| Only the prop
shaft to the engine is missing. |
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| Underneath a
module. |
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| The pinning
system. |
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| Details
under the gooseneck include wheel chocks. |
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| Simple
detailing along the edges of the Goldhofer modules. |
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| Modules
carrying a Liebherr
LTM1200-5.1. |
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| Loaded with a
Vermeer T1255. |
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| Heavy load. |
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| Long narrow
configuration. |
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| Long standard
width configuration. |
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Feldmann is a Swiss crane and heavy haulage company
which was founded in 1990 and is based in Bilten.
This model is an exclusive model by Heavy Transport
Models (HTM) and is made for them by Conrad. It
consists of a Mercedes Benz 8x4 Titan tractor and
a configurable Goldhofer trailer in Feldmann colours.
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 black and white
double-sided sheet of instructions is provided which
gives a clear pictures showing the assembly and some of
the possible configurations.
There is no information supplied about Feldmann or the real
vehicle.
Detail
The Mercedes Benz Titan tractor unit has relatively 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 look sharp
being silver with black centres.
The cab has a good looking beacon light bar on the roof
and a bar with spotlights. There are small badges on
the front and the decoration certainly looks nice.
A photo of the real tractor can be seen
here. Under the
cab is a reasonable plastic engine.
Behind the cab, the equipment tower is modelled in metal and
looks fine. The wheel arches are metal with a diamond
plated surface. Surprisingly at the rear there are
no lights or other details such as number plates.
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. They are
simply detailed with just a 'Goldhofer' graphic.
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 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.
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 module 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 67cm long.
Quality
As usual, the Conrad quality is high and the model is
strong and robust with a high metal content.
The Feldmann livery looks sharp and the graphics on the
tractor are very good.
Price
The model is a limited edition and the price reflects
its rarity.
Overall
This is another flexible model with many display
possibilities and HTM have made it in an interesting and
unusual livery. It is highly recommended.
Footnotes
This model in Feldmann livery was made in a limited run
of 150
models and appeared in November 2011.
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| The parts rest in high quality foam. |
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The bed extended for width. |
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| Steering angle
can be forced to a hard lock.
|
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| Good steering
angle can be forced. |
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| No lights at
the rear. |
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| Tilting cab
goes to a good angle. |
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| Rear lights are
painted, and no number plate. |
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| Gooseneck
connection. |
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| Metal hand rail
on the gooseneck.
|
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| The Vermeer is
heavy but the deck stays off the ground. |
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| Short
configuration with one module unit. |
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| Wide
configuration. |
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