 | | Conrad box. |  |  | | The parts out of the box. |  | | Smart graphics. |  | | Only the prop shaft to the engine is missing. |  | | Underneath a module. |  | | The pinning system. |  | | Details under the gooseneck include wheel chocks. |  | | Simple detailing along the edges of the Goldhofer modules. |  | | Modules carrying a Liebherr LTM1200-5.1. |  | | Loaded with a Vermeer T1255. |  | | Heavy load. |  | | Long narrow configuration. |  | | Long standard width configuration. |
| 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. |  | | The bed extended for width. |  | | Steering angle can be forced to a hard lock. |  | | Good steering angle can be forced. |  | | No lights at the rear. |  | | Tilting cab goes to a good angle. |  | | Rear lights are painted, and no number plate. |  | | Gooseneck connection. |  | | Metal hand rail on the gooseneck. |  | | The Vermeer is heavy but the deck stays off the ground. |  | | Short configuration with one module unit. |  | | Wide configuration. |
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