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Mercedes-Benz Actros Meiller Tipper and Trailer

Maker:  Conrad
Model No:  72182/02
Scale:  1:50
Review Date:  April 2013


Conrad Index
Special Transport Index


Cranes Etc Model Rating
Packaging   (max 10)7
Detail   (max 30)22
Features   (max 20)17
Quality   (max 25)20
Price   (max 15)11
Overall   (max 100)77%

Footnotes


Mercedes-Benz Actros Meiller Tipper and Trailer Video
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Conrad box.
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Sharp looking Actros cab.
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Painted rear lights.
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Tilting cab.
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Trailer end tipping.
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Trailer side tipping.
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Drop side lowered.
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Interesting vehicle.
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Turns well.


This model features three-way tippers by the German company Meiller.  It comprises a Mercedes-Benz Actros truck and centre-axle trailer.

Packaging

The model comes in a standard Conrad box and the review model had no defects or missing parts.

There is no information provided about the real vehicle or instructions for the model.  The only assembly required is to fit the door mirrors which is easy, and the roof aerials which is a little fiddly.

Detail

The truck is based on a 6x4 Mercedes-Benz Actros chassis which is detailed underneath with the full drive train modelled.  The hubs and tyres look good and the tyres on the steering axle are wider than those on the driven axles. 

The Actros cab has textured door mirrors, with beacon lights and aerials on the roof.  As a generic vehicle there are no number plates but the headlights have lenses and the door handles are formed with inserts.

The truck chassis and rear wheel arches are metal and at the rear the lights are painted.

The tipper body is metal with small Meiller graphics on the sides, and various hinges are detailed within the casting.

The trailer has the suspension detailed on the two axles, and the wheels are detailed, with plastic wheel arches covering them.  The tipper body is of the same construction and detailing as the truck.

Features

The truck has excellent steering which allows a really hard lock to be obtained.  The rear axles have a degree of float which represents independent suspension.

The cab tilts to reveal a detailed engine.

The tipper body tips over the rear end and the tailgate opens although it is not free swinging.  The sides of the tipper body can be folded down and by clever use of interlocking sockets, the body can tip to either side.

The trailer can be hitched to the truck or a landing leg lowered so it stands on its own.

The trailer axles have working suspension with significant movement although it is not sprung.

As for the truck, the trailer body can end tip or side tip with opening tailgate and drop sides.

Quality

This is a strong model which is mainly metal with a careful use of plastic. 

The paint scheme and graphics are simple but good quality.

Price

It is good value.

Overall

Conrad has made a good job of implementing the three-way tipping mechanism and it works well.  This is an interesting model which is good enough to highly recommend.

Footnotes

The model appeared in this version in early 2013.  A previous version was made in Eurovia colours for the VINCI webshop.

 
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Foam rubber packing.
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Simple cab decoration.
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Underneath the truck.  Excellent steering angle.
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Side tipping.
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End tipping.
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Truck tipping its load.
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Under the trailer.
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Loaded and on the road.
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Very good steering makes for interesting poses.