 | | The box. |  |  | | The fifth wheel. |  | | Detail underneath is good. |  | | Realistic timber decking. |  | | Underside of the trailer. |  | | Details around the extension mechanism. |  | | Loaded with tower crane sections from a Potain MDT178. |
| Dennison Trailers was founded in Northern Ireland in 1964 and has expanded to have manufacturing plants in both Ireland and England. The company makes a variety of trailers. The extendable flatbed trailer modelled here can be opened up to an overall length of over 21m. It is in the colours of Sloan Transport, an Irish haulage company.
Packaging
The model comes in a WSI Collectibles branded box which has a window so the model is visible inside. It is enclosed between a couple of clear plastic formers, both held within a polystyrene tray.
There were no defects or missing parts on the review model. There is no information on the real machine included, and no instructions for the model. However the only assembly required is fitting the optional deck posts if required, and this is very easy.
Detail
The tractor is a Volvo 6x2 FH Globetrotter unit. The detail on the chassis is of a high standard with the suspension, transmission and exhaust system realistically modelled. The wheel hubs are excellent with tiny details replicated. The tyres have realistic treads, and the sidewalls are printed with the Michelin name although the printing looks too strong.
At the front, the cab has extensive and good looking light arrays, and the general level of detailing around the cab is high. The colour coded door mirrors look particularly smart. Behind the cab, the fuel tank faithfully copies the original and has steps within it. Diamond surfacing covers the rear of the tractor between the plastic wheel arches, and coiled air lines are provided for connection to the trailer. At the back the lights have good individual plastic lenses. An overall strongpoint of the model is the graphics which are very detailed and even extend to the door windows.
The trailer has a textured deck to represent the hardwood of the original, and metal deck posts can be installed if required, although as is often the case, they are difficult to all get standing straight. Underneath, the modelling standard is very high. The intricate structure is replicated very well, and there is cabling running the length of the trailer. The suspension detailing is very good. At the front, the landing legs have a winding handle. The side protection bars ahead of the wheels is plastic, but the colour match is so good you would never notice. The wheels are finely detailed.
When the trailer is extended, the truss structure is revealed and it is a fine piece of modelling. The sections are thin and realistically shaped. The central piston has a spring outside to represent a coiled cable.
Features
The steering of the two linked front axles wheels on the tractor works, but has a very limited range of movement. The rear axle has a small degree of vertical suspension movement. The cab tilts forward by about 70° to provide access to the engine.
The trailer has spring loaded suspension on the axles, and the landing legs can be screwed up and down. Extending the trailer is a smooth operation and it can be posed at any extension which mirrors the incremental extension capability of the real trailer.
Quality
The model is of typically high quality just like other WSI truck models. Plastic is used carefully to enable detailing, and the paintwork and graphics on this model are particularly good.
Price
The model is good value and the limited run should enhance collectability.
Overall
There is no doubt that the model is of the usual high standard produced by WSI. The livery is striking so it is a very good model to look at, and it is quite accurate to the real machine. Although a flatbed trailer may seem less interesting than some others, it is a good model to pose carrying loads, or with other models. It is highly recommended.
Footnotes
The Dennison Trailer was first seen at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in February 2010. This model appeared in April 2010.
|
| |
|  | | The Volvo tractor looks very smart. |  | | Tilting cab. |  | | Very good graphics. .The Michelin printing on the tyres is a little obtrusive. |  | | Excellent modelling of the suspension. |  | | The trailer shown fully extended. |  | | Long beams can be carried. Here, the trailer is half extended. |
|
