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Mercedes-Benz Arocs + Nooteboom Low Loader - Ruttle Plant

Maker:  WSI
Model No:  02-2080
Scale:  1:50
Review Date:  April 2018


WSI Index
Low Loader Index


Cranes Etc Model Rating
Packaging   (max 10) 8
Detail   (max 30) 26
Features   (max 20) 16
Quality   (max 25) 18
Price   (max 15) 11
Overall   (max 100) 79%

Footnotes


Mercedes-Benz Arocs + Nooteboom Low Loader - Ruttle Plant Video. [Youku Video]
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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.


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.
Hauling an ABI Mobilram.