Conrad 40117 - Goldhofer STZ-VH3 Low Loader
Model Review July 2004

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The Goldhofer shown in its maximum configuration.

Plain box design.

The model packed within foam rubber.

The pieces out of the box.

Tractor unit with tipping cab.

Gooseneck connection.

The Goldhofer low loader is represented by Conrad in 1:50 scale and in real life is heavy haulage equipment used for transporting large construction machines.

Packaging

The model comes in a relatively small silver coloured box which has a folding lid.  Inside the model is packed within inserts cut into black foam rubber.  As such the box gives the model a presentation appearance.  No instructions are provided, and the review model was undamaged.

Detail

The Mercedes tractor unit is similar to other Conrad Actros models with this one being a three axle tractor. The underside is detailed with a prop shaft, suspension and differential components.  The tyres are good, having a tread pattern and the plastic wheel hubs are well detailed. The front bumper is a plastic unit with light lenses inserted. At the rear, lights are modelled within the wheel arch covers. Behind the cab, a ladder is modelled together with an auxiliary box which also contains a spare wheel. On the cab the wing mirrors have to be fixed by the collector and the windscreen wipers are formed within the windscreen. A detailed engine block is under the cab.  Orange beacon lights are not included and this is a strange omission for a model such as this.

The trailer consists of four parts, a two axle and three axle wheel set, the flatbed, and the neck which attaches to the tractor.  The wheel sets have axles which are linked and steer together and they have a form of floating suspension. The rear light cluster is a separate piece which gets attached to the appropriate wheel set depending on how the model is configured. There are no deck plates supplied to cover the steering mechanism.   Turning to the flatbed, this is a fixed length unit but it does have a variable width. The surface is smooth and there are wood-coloured inserts on the extending edges, and there is ramp detail at one end.  The neck has a ridged surface and a couple of spare wheels to suit the wheel sets.

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