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Mercedes-Benz Actros 8x8 + Palfinger PK150002 - Kibag

Maker:  WSI
Model No:  02-1598
Scale:  1:50
Review Date:  October 2014


Heavy Transport Models Index
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Cranes Etc Model Rating
Packaging   (max 10)8
Detail   (max 30)25
Features   (max 20)16
Quality   (max 25)22
Price   (max 15)11
Overall   (max 100)82%

Footnotes


Mercedes-Benz Actros 8x8 + Palfinger PK150002 - Kibag Video.  {YouKu Video]
Special HTM branded box - Jubilee edition.
Tough-looking heavy haulage.
Excellent detailed chassis.
Big Palfinger folded up.
Mercedes-Benz engine.
Unfolded.
Sharp graphics.
Fly jib.
Lifting on the fly.
Maximum height of lift.
Comment on this model.

The truck is a Mercedes-Benz Actros 4151 8x8 with box, and a Palfinger PK150002 Loader Crane.  The crane is rated at 117 tonne metres with a maximum lift of 40 tonnes.

It is in the colours of Kibag, a Swiss group founded in 1926, and it owns a number of quarries and concrete plants as well as carrying out civil engineering works.

The model has been commissioned by Heavy Transport Models and is made by WSI.  It commemorates five years of Heavy Transport Models activity.

Packaging

The box is branded as a special commemorative model with HTM branding which makes a nice change from the usual WSI packaging.  Inside the model is contained within a WSI type tray with a clear lid. 

There were no defects or missing parts on the review model.

A generic instruction sheet is included which explains the features of the Palfinger crane.  There is no information about the real truck.

Detail

The Mercedes-Benz has a very good chassis with the 8x8 transmission impressively modelled including the gearbox.  The wheels are very detailed with different tyres on the front and rear axles.

The cab has windscreen wipers and orange beacon lights, and there is only Kibag written on the number plate.  The cab interior is very good and includes the Mercedes-Benz logo on the steering wheel. 

Under the cab is a detailed engine bearing the Mercedes-Benz name.  Between the front and rear wheels there are plastic tanks and boxes although the one on the driver's side is set a little too low.  The metal box has the drop sides detailed by painted casting details.  At the rear is a towing hitch with a separate crank-handled pin and two-stage outrigger beams.  The rear lights have plastic lenses.

The Palfinger looks very good as many small graphics enhance the detail.  The outriggers are three-stage with graphics on each part.  The pistons are smooth, and small separate pads are supplied for the front and rear outriggers.  An additional set of small square plates is also included.

There is a control console with tiny levers.  The base section has twin slewing motors complete with hose, and a bank of hoses run from the boxes up the boom.  There is a winch which has thread hidden under a tape covering. 

The boom sections are thin-wall metal, with a stiff profile.  The final boom section has a small fixed metal hook.

A fly jib is also included with the model and this can be attached by swapping out the final main boom section.  The fly jib is also finely made just like the main boom with a modelling compromise in that the last four sections are one piece as they are too small to model separately.

Features

There is stiff linked steering on the front axles and only a limited range of movement is possible.  The rear axles have some float to represent suspension.

The cab tilts forward to about 45° and can be posed in the tilted position. 

The front outriggers travel in the upright position and can be telescoped out, rotated and pinned, and the pads lowered.  The rear outriggers can be extended and lowered.

The crane rotates fairly smoothly.  The boom unfolds with the rams being very stiff and jerky to extend.  The boom telescoping sections extend well and generally hold a pose.  

The fly jib can be added or left off, and when fitted the angle can be adjusted and the sections telescoped.

Quality

This is a suitably high quality model to celebrate HTM's 5-year anniversary.  There is limited use of plastic. 

The paintwork is very good and the few Kibag graphics are sharp.

Price

The model is good value.

Overall

The Kibag colour scheme is attractive and collectible in its own right making this a desirable model.  It is a very detailed model with nice functionality.

Footnotes

The model appeared in August 2014.

 
The parts and instruction sheet.
Profile view.  The box between the wheels is set a bit too low.
Steering angle is a little restricted.
Fifth wheel.
Detailed loader crane.
 
Detailed outriggers.
Detailed control console.
Multiple rams on the boom.
Lifting a tower crane section.
Nooteboom trailer hitched up