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| The MAN TGS Tipper and Goldhofer TU4 Trailer. |
Conrad 71175 - MAN TGS Tipper and Goldhofer
TU4 Trailer
Model Review December 2009
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| The MAN TGS Tipper and Goldhofer TU4 Trailer. |
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| Conrad styled box. |
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| The steering angle is very good. |
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| Painted light clusters. |
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| Tipping cab. |
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| Underneath view. |
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| Conventional rear-end tipping. |
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| Side tipping. |
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| The sides of the dump bed folds down. |
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| Trailer bed has painted wood effect surface. |
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| Details underneath are very simple. |
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| Loaded with a JCB JS220. |
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| Unloading the JCB. |
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| Ready to travel with a Liebherr A924. |
This is a model of a MAN TGS 3-axle Tipper and a Goldhofer TU4 Trailer.
Goldhofer is a German company which has been manufacturing trailers since 1946. The TU4 trailer typically has a gross weight of up to 40 tonnes and can carry a maximum load of 29.4 tonnes. It is rear end loading using ramps and is a simple trailer without rear wheel steering.
This combination of models is 1:50 scale and made by Conrad in Germany. The tipper has the name of Hans Preis on it which is a German haulage company in Bayern.
Packaging
This model comes in Conrad's own box design which probably reflects that it has not been commissioned by an Original Equipment Manufacturer. A small label is the only indicator of the model in the box. Inside, the model is securely protected by a foam rubber covering with the result that the review model had no defects, and there were no missing parts.
Assembly is limited to a few small parts and is easily achieved. There are no model instructions or information about the real machine.
Detail
The tipper is a solid feeling model. Underneath the transmission components are modelled and although many are in plastic, it looks effective. The wheel hubs look good and the tyres have a good tread although it is the same on all axles.
The MAN cab has some nice lights with plastic lenses, and there are mirrors and a pair of good looking orange beacon lights. Inside, the cab has some simple detailing. The tipper body is all metal with a good structure.
The trailer has small tyres mounted on plastic hubs, and there is some suspension detailing. The deck is all metal and the timber surfacing has been imitated by paint which is pretty effective. The ramps are very simple castings and they are held in the transport position by some replicated turnbuckle ties.
Features
The steering mechanism is very good with the range of movement being one of the best seen on trucks reviewed by Cranes Etc. The rear axles float to represent suspension.
The cab tilts to reveal a plastic engine block although the range of tilt is not great.
The tipper body is very interesting as it has multiple tipping modes. It can rear end tip like a conventional tipper, and the tailgate opens and closes. Side tipping can also be replicated, on either side, and the sides of the tipper body can fold down to discharge a load.
The trailer body has ramps at the rear which can either be posed in the transport position, or down for loading. The front pair of axles steer on a bogie, and all four axles have a simple suspension which is not sprung.
Quality
The model is robustly made
with good quality castings, and very little plastic.
Price
2009
Packaging
(max 10)
6
Detail
(max 30)
18
Features
(max 20)
14
Quality
(max 25)
17
Price
(max 15)
11
Overall
(max 100)
66%
The model is reasonable
value.
Overall
This is an interesting combination which is seen in mainland Europe, and provides some interesting poses with other models. The trailer in particular is rather less detailed than some more modern castings although there is no doubting the solid Conrad manufacturing. The model is recommended.
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Notes:
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