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The box. |
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Distinctive
Arocs. |
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Detailed
chassis. |
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Detailed
engine. |
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Width
extensions. |
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Deck posts
fitted. |
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Hauling a load. |
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Bolt heads
highlighted on the module. Wheels posed straight as the
steering was not true on the review model. |
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Deck extended. |
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This is a model of a Mercedes-Benz Arocs 8x4 tractor with a
Nooteboom 4-axle low
loader.
The model is in the colours of
Ruttle Plant Hire,
a company based in Northern England.
This model was commissioned by Maguires Models in a run
of 200 models.
Packaging
The model comes in a standard WSI Models branded box.
There were no missing parts or defects on the review
model.
A leaflet describes the trailer and has information
about the real trailer. A uniquely
numbered Collector Card from Maguires models is included.
Detail
The tractor is a Mercedes-Benz Arocs 8x4 unit. It has a very detailed chassis, with
the suspension and transmission modelled. The
wheels are smart, and there are different tyre
tread patterns on the driven and steering axles.
At the front there is a light bar and colour coded door
mirrors. There is a realistic number plate below
the nicely implemented grille. Behind the cab,
there is a detailed equipment tower, coiled lines, and
plastic wheel arches cover
the rear wheels.
The Ruttle colour scheme is distinctive and attractive,
and the graphics are detailed.
The trailer is made up of the gooseneck, the flatbed and
4-axle Pendle X module.
The gooseneck is a metal part. The control console on
the left side has tiny graphics and yellow reflective
stripes run on each side. At the rear a set of hoses /
cables are ready to plug into the deck section. There
is a box in the storage area on top, and width markers
can be clipped underneath.
The 4-axle unit is detailed. It features a deep central
trough which is an advantage of this trailer design so
that the boom of a transported load can be folded low.
Graphics are used to provide the detail on the inner
edges and tie-down loops are reproduced within the
casting. A width marker board assembly can be added on
top.
There is a detailed surface on the flat bed with plastic
timber decking which has the screw pattern visible. The
yellow reflective stripe continues along the edges.
Tiny plastic outriggers for supporting timber edge
extensions are modelled, and holes for deck posts are
provided. The metal posts are included with the model
also
Features
The Arocs has linked steering limited movement.
The model is not the smoothest rolling.
The cab tilts and struggles to maintain a tilted
pose.
The gooseneck has stiff working cylinders so different
angles can be set. A spacer piece is provided for use
in connecting directly to the deck section.
The 4-axle module has sprung suspension on each wheel
set with linked steering which strangely seemed inversely
proportional.
The deck can be configured with deck posts, and extra
plastic timbers to extend the width.
The deck is also extendible.
Quality
This is a
nice quality model with a high metal content.
The paintwork and graphics are very good.
Price
The model is reasonable value for a certificated limited
edition.
Overall
Maguires
Models has commissioned another attractive Ruttle model
and it is enhanced with a unique collector card. The model looks
great when posed with a suitable load.
Footnotes
The model appeared in
April 2018 in a limited edition
of 200.
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On the road. |
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Parts out of
the box including collector card. |
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Nice heavy
tractor. |
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Detailed tower. |
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Detailed console graphics. |
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No sagging of the deck with a load on. |
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Hauling an ABI Mobilram. |
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