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Mercedes-Benz Actros MP3 + Scheuerle Trailer - CRAM

Maker:  WSI
Model No:  02-1700
Scale:  1:50
Review Date:  November 2015


WSI Index
Special Transport Index


Cranes Etc Model Rating
Packaging   (max 10)8
Detail   (max 30)27
Features   (max 20)17
Quality   (max 25)21
Price   (max 15)11
Overall   (max 100)84%

Footnotes


Mercedes-Benz Actros MP3 + Scheuerle Trailer - CRAM. [Youku Video]
CRAM branded box.
The Actros MP3 tractor.
Very attractive colour scheme.
Mercedes-Benz embossed in the casting above the steps.
Tilting cab.
Underside of the gooseneck and bridge section.
Bridge section.
A long deck is possible.
A drawbar can be fitted.
Good for a big load.
On the road with a heritage load.
Comment on this model.

This model comprises of a Mercedes-Benz MP3 8x4 tractor, combined with 12 lines of Scheuerle InterCombi modules and a module bridge section.

It is in the colours of CRAM, the specialist Italian transport company which has a history going back to 1938.

The model has been commissioned from WSI by GiftModels.it.

Packaging

The model comes in a very smart CRAM branded box.  Inside the model is held within standard WSI packaging - plastic formers within an expanded polystyrene tray.

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

Included with the model is a nice collector card with a unique serial number in the run of 150 models.

There is no information provided about the real truck and no instructions for the model.  There are a number of small parts and some instructions would assist an inexperienced collector.

Detail

The Mercedes-Benz 8x4 MP3 tractor has a very good chassis with transmission modelled and the wheels are very detailed with different tyres on the front and rear axles.

The cab is detailed with windscreen wipers, orange beacon lights, and an authentic number plate, and there is a towing hitch at the front which can have a cover fixed with a supplied pin. 

The cab interior is very good and includes the Mercedes-Benz logo on the steering wheel. 

The CRAM colour scheme looks really good and the graphics are to a high standard.  Mercedes-Benz is embossed within the casting above the cab steps and this is a nice detail.

Under the cab is a detailed engine bearing the Mercedes-Benz name.

Behind the cab, the equipment tower is very detailed and includes wheel chocks and coiled lines.  Diamond plated surfacing extends to the fifth wheel.  At the back, the lights are nicely detailed and there is an authentic number plate.  The rear towing hitch has a guide and pin.

The trailer is made up of the gooseneck, two Scheuerle modules and a bridge section.

The gooseneck is a metal part with some very good details such as banks of hoses and the cabinets on each side have excellently detailed handles.  A couple of plastic boxes sit in the load storage area, and two warning boards can be fitted.

The Scheuerle modules consist of two 6-line units.  Underneath the modules there are intricate hydraulic lines joining the tanks.  The wheels are nice and the structure of the trailers is modelled in an authentic way.  The steering linkages are metal and diamond plated metal cover plates provide the protection. 

Detailing of the module edges includes maximum speed signs and yellow stripes.  Clip-on light arrays can be added to the rear of the trailer.

A drawbar is provided which has two springs which maintain a horizontal position when not attached to a tractor.

The bridge section is metal with plastic side bars.

The model fits together well although because of modelling tolerances it can be tricky to pose the model with all wheels fully grounded when it is unloaded.

A very good inclusion with the model is a CRAM figure which is nicely painted.  Surprisingly it is metal rather than plastic.

Features

The MP3 has linked steering which has a limited range of movement.

The cab tilts and poses in a tilted position.

The gooseneck has working cylinders so different angles can be set.  It connects to the other components using the sliding locking pin system.  Two supports are provided which can be used when the gooseneck is not connected to a tractor.

The Scheuerle modules have excellent independent suspension and the steering is proportional.  The steering is configurable by adjusting the position of the metal steering bars, although no information is provided on this aspect. 

The drawbar can be fitted to either module and can be linked to the module steering although this is fiddly to do.

When set up in full configuration it is 64cm long.

Quality

This is well presented high quality special transport model with the Actros and Scheuerle units being very detailed and well made.

The paintwork and graphics are of a very high standard.

Price

This is good value for a limited edition.

Overall

GiftModels has commissioned a very attractive model which is detailed and functional.  The presentation is very good too, and the addition of a CRAM figure to pose with the model is an excellent touch.

Footnotes

The model first appeared in October 2015 and was made in a run of 150 models.

 
The parts.
The model fully configured.
Towing hitch at the rear.
Usual detailed WSI chassis.
Equipment tower.
Proportional steering on the modules.
Gooseneck looks very good.
Gooseneck supports.
 
A CRAM man is included.
Towing a module.