 | | Conrad box. |  |  | | The underside of the module units. Eighty tyres in all. |  | | Towed by a Mercedes tractor unit (although really it should have a ballast box). |  | | 'Where's the tractor?'. |
| Goldhofer developed the first modular heavy duty vehicles in 1970 and since then they have become a popular method for moving very large loads. They can have a payload ranging from 80 to over 10,000 tonnes. A special hydraulic suspension keeps the loading on the axles equal over rough terrain, and allows the load deck to be kept level too. The steering is also fully flexible to enable the maximum manoeuvrability.
Packaging
The model comes in a standard Conrad box with the model securely protected by foam rubber. The review model had no defects or missing parts. There is no information provided on the real modules, which is a pity.
There are quite a few small components supplied and a double sided sheet of instructions is provided which gives a pictorial description of how it fits together and the various configurations possible. Assembly is basically straightforward, but it is an intricately engineered model so it is fiddly to fix some of the parts.
Detail
The module units are very solidly made with a thick deck plate. Underneath, the structural frame is strongly represented. Each axle unit consists of four tyres. The components are plastic but the colour match is very good so it does not detract from how the model looks. Each unit has a hydraulic ram modelled.
There are a number of add on parts. These include drawbars and equipment boxes to control the steering and hydraulics.
Features
The axle units have an extraordinary range of movement up and down and side to side so they represent the real machine's ability to traverse rough terrain very well. For steering, the bogies are linked together fully on the four line unit, and on the six line unit they are linked in two groups of three. Overall, the steering is good, with a degree of proportionality between the lines and reasonable lock can be obtained even if it is not to the extremes that the real units can achieve.
The modular nature of the units mean that they can be set up various ways including in series or in parallel, and with different towing options.
Quality
Conrad have produced a well engineered robust model. The paint and finish is very good, and the use of plastic is carefully considered and well executed.
Price
The model is good value for the quality of engineering in it.
Overall
This is an interesting model which provides a number of display options and pairs well with a suitable crane, load or tractor unit. Collectors with deeper pockets could buy a number of sets and build some very large configurations.
Footnotes
The model first appeared at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in 2009 and was on sale by mid 2009. A power pack is also available as an add-on. It is model number 98018.
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|  | | The parts out of the box. |  | | Tow bar assembly. |  | | Light bar can be attached if desired. Steering is good. |  | | Modules coupled side-by-side for a wide load. |  | | Range of movement on the axles is excellent. |
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