Conrad 40005 - Mercedes Actros and Talbert Trailer
Model Review May 2004

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A simple utility vehicle that goes well with cranes.

It looks very good loaded with boom sections.

Tractor unit has a tilting cab like most Conrad trucks.

Trailer unit can stand 'on its own two feet'.

Underside of the trailer shows the structure.

'Anyone seen the Manitowoc?'

The Mercedes Actros and Talbert Trailer is a 1:50 scale model presented in Schmidbauer colours.

Packaging

The model comes in a plain box and is wrapped within a one-piece foam cover.  The review model was undamaged.

Detail

Commencing with the Mercedes  tractor unit, the underside is detailed with a prop shaft, suspension and differential components.  The tyres are good, having a tread pattern and the wheel hubs are well detailed although perhaps a bit too shiny for some collectors. The front bumper is a plastic unit with light inserts. At the rear, lights are modelled within the wheel arch covers. Cab details are as standard for a Conrad truck with wing mirrors which are fixed by the collector and windscreen wipers which are formed within the windscreen. A detailed engine block is included.  Perhaps some orange beacon lights might have been expected on the cab roof.

The trailer is a long flatbed with the bed surface detailing contained within the casting. Underneath, the flatbed is kept rigid by a latticework frame.  The three axles are each independently floating on hinges representing suspension.  Each tyre is a single solid unit although the pattern suggests they are representing a pair of tyres. There are mudflaps on two of the axles.  At the rear light clusters are formed in the casting and painted.  Strangely, the model number on the underside of the trailer is '0005'.

Features

The tractor steering is very good enabling a hard lock to be obtained.  As usual for a Conrad truck the cab tilts forward to reveal the engine block.  Connection of the trailer and tractor is by the standard pin on the trailer which locks on to tractor.  Near the front of the trailer there a couple of fold down feet which can be used to stand the trailer when disconnected from the tractor.  The  suspension on the trailer has working floating axles.

This model is particularly useful as an accompaniment to a mobile crane. It looks good carrying lattice jib sections.  The trailer unit is long and as an example it can carry the long Liebherr LR1280 jib sections with minimal overhang at the rear.

The model is up to the usual standards for a Conrad truck.  Paintwork is good and decals are clear and crisp.  There is some plastic on the model but this does not generally detract from the look.

Price

Although simple, the model is good value.

Overall

A good model for the crane collector who wants a support vehicle for carrying jib sections or other parts.