 | | NZG-branded box is numbered #920/10. |  |  | | Mercedes-Benz Actros cab is good. |  | | Hiab folded for transport. |  | | Load deck sides do not lower. |  | | Trailer chassis detail is good. |  | | Deck posts fitted. |  | | Combination looks good. |  | | Excavator load on board. |  | | Good display combination. |
|  Comment on this model.
This model comprises a Mercedes-Benz Actros truck with a Hiab Loader Crane and a Nooteboom ASD40 Trailer. The trailer was previously introduced around 2005 as model #546.
Packaging
This version of the model comes in two separate boxes, each with individual model numbers. The boxes are NZG-branded and inside there are a two piece expanded polystyrene trays containing the models.
The trailer had a loose wheel which was easily refitted. One of the ramp chains was missing a hook so it was replaced.
There is no information about the model or the real vehicle.
Detail
The Mercedes-Benz Actros is an 8x4 chassis which is modelled in metal, and the wheel hubs are metal too.
The cab is detailed with aerials, beacon lights and air horns on the roof and textured two-tone mirrors on the doors. There is a dummy generic number plate, the lights have lenses and there is a protection plate under the engine. Inside the cab there is a Mercedes-Benz logo on the steering wheel.
Behind the cab the exhaust and air intake is plastic.
The body is metal and the drop sides are detailed but non-functional. At the rear the loader crane is marked as a Hiab XS and it is modelled in metal with the exception of a couple of sections of boom which are plastic. The hook is metal.
The rear lights have nice lenses and there is a towing hitch.
The trailer is mainly metal with textured plastic inserts to represent the timber decking. Underneath, there are tanks and the suspension is modelled, and there is also a spare wheel in a holder. The wheels appear to be metal with good tyres and the wheel arches are metal.
The edges of the trailer has the fold-out deck width extenders modelled within the casting. There is no yellow highlighting along the edges.
At the front the drawbar has a tiny fixed ram. At the rear the lights are painted and Nooteboom logos add detail. Metal posts can be fitted to the deck.
Features
The Actros truck rolls well and has linked steering on the front two axles which turns to a good angle.
The outrigger beams on the Hiab extend a little and are loose rather than rigid in their holders. The simple pads can screw down revealing a screw thread.
The Hiab unfolds and rotates, with the four-stage telescopic boom opening smoothly and able to hold most poses. The metal hook is nice as it rotates and has movement in two dimensions.
The trailer is free-rolling and the front bogie steers well.
The drawbar can be raised and lowered a little, and can be pinned in travelling position.
At the rear the ramps can be lowered, and they also slide to narrow the loading width if required.
Deck posts can be fitted if desired.
Quality
This is a solidly made set with a high metal content.
The paint is very good and the few graphics are sharp.
Price
It is moderate value as a set.
Overall
This is a good looking set which provides an alternative for displaying other models in transport mode. Although the trailer is an older model, it is good quality, and the Actros truck is also up to NZG's usual standard for truck models.
Footnotes
The model set first appeared at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in 2014 and was made available in other colours also.
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|  | | The trailer box is numbered #546/10. |  | | The complete vehicle. |  | | Steering angle is good. |  | | Good chassis. | |
|  | | Unloading a piece of plant. |  | | Ramps lowered. |  | | Tiny piston props the drawbar. |  | | One ramp slightly non-vertical on the review model. |
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