 | | The Sword box style. |  |  | | The parts out of the box. |  | | Opening doors and hood. |  | | Detailed chassis. |  | | Excellent replica surface on the trailer bed. |  | | The Bi-Fold ramp. |  | | Removable panels give access to the front of the trailer. |  | | The chains allow loads to be securely fixed. Here a Liebherr TL 435-13 is aboard. |  | | Loaded with a JCB 220. |
| This is a model of the eterbilt 379 Day Cab with a Nelson Tri-Axle Hydraulic Bi-Fold Ramp Trailer. Peterbilt was founded in 1938 and is a famous producer of American trucks.
The Nelson Manufacturing Company of Ohio was founded in 1947 and manufactures a range of trailers and crane attachments.
Packaging
The model is packed in a standard Sword Models box which just has the model name on it but no pictures or other information. Inside, the model is well packed within a couple of expanded polystyrene trays. The review model had no defects or missing parts.
Included in the box are some small bags of parts to fit, including the wing mirrors and air horns, deck panels and a set of tie-down chains for securing loads. No instructions are provided with the model although it is simple to assemble. Some information on the real machine would be appreciated by collectors.
Detail
The tractor chassis is very detailed. The two driving axles are complete with prop shafts and differentials and replicated suspension details, and there is a third helper axle. The rear wheels have very good metal hubs with finely treaded tyres, and there are rubber mud flaps bearing the Peterbilt logo. Towards the front the underside of the engine is visible and the exhaust pipes lead out to the side of the body. The front wheels are on different metal hubs to those on the rear wheels which is a pleasing detail. The moulding on some of the tyres was not quite perfect with lipping on one edge although this is not apparent in most poses.
The imposing front of the Peterbilt is modelled very well with a superb finely etched radiator grille, with a spoiler on top. The bumper is metal and the headlight clusters have lenses incorporated for both headlamps and indicators. Both on the top of the radiator and on the sides of the bonnet (hood) there are tiny Peterbilt badges which are perfectly legible. The wheel arches have an excellent rubber lining which become mud flaps behind the wheels. Under the bonnet is a detailed engine, with a separate radiator, and there are various pipes and hoses.
The cab detail is all of an excellent standard. On each side fuel tanks with very fine graphics are modelled and are integral with the cab steps which have nicely patterned treads. There are a pair of exhaust stacks and each has a grab handle and a pipe that has a hole and actually looks like a pipe. Around the top of the cab there is lots of chrome work with very good metal wing mirrors, lights and air horns. The makers have thoughtfully provided spare mirrors and surplus different air horns. The two orange beacon lights on the roof of the cab add to the look. There is no 'glass' in the cab windows. Inside, the cab is also detailed with the steering column having a tiny stalk below the wheel and fine details on the inside of the door.
Behind the cab, the detail continues with three coiled lines for connection to the trailer. There are also some fine chains and equipment, with a piece of folded tarpaulin. An 'Oversize Load' sign is provided and this fits into the notch on the front bumper.
The Nelson trailer has a first class timber effect bed which both looks and feels just right. Around the edges of the bed there are small loops which can be used as tie-down points for loads. At the rear the hydraulic Bi-Fold ramp has a superb fine mesh surface and there is a chain for securing it in the up position. Underneath, the structure of the trailer has been replicated faithfully and there are lines running from the front to each axle. The axles are fully detailed and have the same tyres and hubs as the tractor unit.
Also supplied with the model is a set of 12 chains which are in three different lengths. They are black and have hooks on each end which are perhaps slightly too large but they are easier to handle as a result.
Features
The front wheels on the tractor steer, but the steering is 'notched' rather than variable so the wheels can only be posed in one position when pointing left or right. The helper axle can be clipped out of use and this is achieved by removing the cover above the axle and adjusting a screw so this provides a variety of display options.
The hood opens in a very easy action and the cab doors can be opened too.
The ‘fifth wheel’ on the tractor works and is operated with a spring loaded lever to secure a trailer in position. It can also be adjusted longitudinally.
The trailer has working stabilisers which screw down to support the trailer. Skill has been applied in the model making to ensure the screw does not become visible making for a more realistic feature. At the rear the ramp folds down smoothly and provides a good access to the trailer bed. Within the bed there is an opening hatch at the ramp which gives access to the hydraulics. At the front two panels can be removed to provide access into the bed.
The edges of the trailer bed has loops to which the supplied chains can be attached and this allows loads to be tied down in a convincing fashion.
Quality
The casting, paintwork and graphics are of a very high standard. There is no doubt this is a high quality model.
Price
This is a precision model and is good value.
Overall
Sword have presented another very high quality model which has great detailing and interesting functionality. Particularly pleasing are the small things which can make the difference to a model. The provision of tie-down chains and the means to fix them on the deck of the flatbed means it is possible to produce some excellent realistic poses which look great in the display cabinet.
Footnotes
The model was released in 2006 and the following versions were produced: Colours: Red - 400; White - 400; Grey - 400; Black - 400.
Badged: Wendt 200; Tesar - 200.
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|  | | The model in the tray. |  | | Tractor unit looking mean. |  | | Plenty of detail behind the cab. The helper axle is shown raised out of use. |  | | Rear view. |  | | Detail and construction underneath is great too. |  | | Opening access hatch provides access to the hydraulics. |  | | LLoading up a Sennebogen 305C. |  | | Excellent realistic loads can be posed to make a great display. |
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