 | | The box. |  |  | | The parts out of the box including numbered certificate. |  | | Tilting cab reveals the engine. |  | | Rear view with tow hitch. |  | | The ballast box is removable to make the tractor capable of towing a standard trailer. |
| Another addition to the Mammoet catalogue of scale models is this model of a MAN TGX XXL four axle tractor with ballast box. It is used for towing heavy loads via a drawbar, or can be fitted with a conventional trailer.
Packaging
The model comes in the typical high quality Mammoet style box with photos on the sleeve.
Inside, the model is securely contained within a polystyrene tray with a clear plastic former acting as a lid. There were no defects or missing parts on the review model.
There is no information on the real machine included, and assembly of the model is limited to attaching the optional ballast box.
A numbered Mammoet Certificate card is included which adds to the model's value.
Detail
The underneath of the model is highly detailed with excellent transmission and suspension details. The tyres have realistic treads, and the steering axles have different tyres from those on the driven axles. Hub details are excellent too, with different hubs on each steering axle, and the rear axle pair.
The cab details include windscreen wipers, mirrors, spotlights, air horns and orange beacon lights. However the spotlights mounted above the windscreen are crystals with a bluish tinge and perhaps clear crystals would have looked more like the real machine photographed on the box sleeve. Having said that, there are some vehicles in the Mammoet fleet which do have blue spotlights.
Graphics on the cab appear accurate, and interior detail is reasonable. Behind the cab is an excellent fuel tank with very fine details and realistic looking air lines for connection to a trailer. There is also very nice replica diamond plating to the flat surfaces. The mudguards are plastic, and look fine, and at the rear is a towing hitch assembly.
The ballast box is a heavy piece made of two metal parts screwed together.
Features
The steering of the front pair of axles works but the range of movement is very limited so the model cannot be posed showing a hard lock on the steering. The suspension does not work on the model, but some slight oscillation of the rear axles is possible.
The cab tilts to show the engine block, which is nicely detailed.
The ballast box is removable, and this allows the tractor to be connected to a trailer through a standard 'fifth wheel' connection.
Quality
WSI have produced another high quality truck model. The castings and paintwork are very good, with plastic used to enhance the detail in a thoughtful way.
Price
The model is reasonable value overall having regard to the accurate detailing.
Overall
This is detailed model up to WSI's high standards, and will be of interest to haulage vehicle collectors. The only issue to comment on is the slightly strange looking blue spotlights but these are found on some Mammoet tractor units. The model is easy to recommend.
Footnotes
The model was introduced in summer 2009 in a limited run of 500 models. |
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|  | | Inside the box. |  | | The front two axles steer, although the lock is very limited. Blue tinged spotlights are unusual, but they do replicate some vehicles in the Mammoet fleet. |  | | Detail underneath is very good. |  | | Fuel tank details are excellent. |
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