 | | Terex picture box. |  |  | | Excellent details on the front with very fine grilles imprinted. |  | | Very nice modelling behind the cab. |  | | The body tips right up. |  | | Articulated pivot point allows plenty of movement. |  | | The TA40 looks great on a Nooteboom Low Loader. |
| The TA40 Articulated Truck is the largest of its type in the Terex range as at the time of the review. The gross vehicle weight is over 150,000lbs (almost 69 tonnes), and it has a maximum payload of 84,000lbs (38 tonnes). The heaped capacity of the truck is over 30yd³ (23m³) depending on the material type being hauled. Under the hood is a Detroit diesel engine developing 450hp, and it can power the truck to a top speed of 37mph (60km/h).
Packaging
The model comes in a standardised box style for Terex models. It includes a high quality photo of the real machine but there is no other information provided, and it is an opportunity missed to not include specifications on the box sleeve or inside the box. There is no assembly required and the review model had no defects or missing parts.
Detail
As with many NZG models, it feels solid and heavy out of the box.
Underneath, the axles and prop shafts are modelled in a simple and effective way. The tyres are excellent, made of non shiny rubber, and with an authentic tread pattern. They are mounted on very nice metal hubs, which have fine detailing of the wheel nuts.
At the front there is some fine quality graphics work with the grilles and a tiny Terex badge printed on. The headlights are painted but effective nonetheless. Fidelity to the real machine is good with the fuel filler pipe, air intake and steps all modelled. The handrails are metal and enhance the quality feel of the model.
Detail around the cab is also very good with windscreen wipers, mirrors and metal grab rails. Inside, the controls and both an operators' seat and passenger seat are provided. Immediately behind the cab is the exhaust arrangement and the windows have a protection grille.
The articulation point is represented well and there is hydraulic hosing to the body lift cylinders. These are plastic and are the only item on the model where the quality dips a bit. The body is of heavy metal construction and the structure is represented very well. There are two soft rubber mud flaps located at the front and these are a very nice touch.
Features
The rear axles tilt independently to allow movement over rough terrain and the range of movement is fairly good.
The articulated steering is fairly stiff which is a plus point, and it allows a movement to an angle of 45° which replicates the real machine. It also allows significant rotational articulation.
The body tips well and the cylinders are very stiff which means that any angle of tipping can be posed. However a little care is needed to raise and lower the body to make sure that a more delicate part is not inadvertently stressed.
Quality
NZG have produced a very good quality model which is true to their traditions with a minimal use of plastic. The graphics and paintwork are pretty well faultless.
Price
The model is good value overall.
Overall
Earthmoving model collectors will be pleased with this model as it offers good balance of quality and detail. Some additional features would have been nice such as an opening engine hood but overall there is little to complain about and this is easily a recommended model.
Footnotes
The model was introduced in 2008.
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|  | | The model is wrapped in paper and securely held. |  | | Underneath the truck has a simple drive train. |  | | Great tyres with good tilting rear axles. |  | | It looks the part when tipping a load. |  | | Being loaded by a Terex TC225LC Hydraulic Excavator. |
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