NZG 488 - Kaelble Truck and Scheuerle 6 axle Trailer
Model Review May 2004

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An impressive historic model.

The Kaelble truck has excellent detail.

Towing hitch at the rear.

Double cab, and spare wheel in the back.

Good detail underneath.

This model is one of the NZG historic series and consists of a Kaelble KDV22 Z8T double cabined truck and a Scheuerle 6 axle trailer.  It is modelled in 1:50 scale and is made in China.

Packaging

This combination model of tractor and trailer comes in a very long cardboard box with a sketch-type picture as with other models in the NZG historic models series.  Inside, the model is well packed in polystyrene boxes.  The review models were undamaged.

Detail

Looking at the tractor first, the model immediately impresses.  Underneath it is well detailed with differentials, prop shafts and suspension components. The exhaust pipes are tubes rather than the solid 'pipes' often found. This continues through to the wheel hubs which are metal and show wheel nuts and very good wheel arches are provided front and rear.  The front of the model has a fine metal bumper with light details inserted for headlamps and indicators. The bonnet has a marque fixed on the nose.  

The cab area is excellent with steps up to the cab, door and grab handles, door hinges, and very good wing mirrors.  Windscreen wipers are perhaps the only omission. Beacon lights are fixed to the cab roof together with a detailed spotlight aiming towards the rear.  The tractor bed contains a spare wheel and the slatted nature of the construction is modelled well.  At the rear, an excellent bumper is provided with lights and a towing hitch.

Turning to the trailer, the detail matches the tractor unit.  Wheel hubs are metal with excellent mud guards and the individual axles have suspension detailing. The tiny working pistons on the steering mechanisms front and rear have hydraulic hosing.  At the rear a beacon light is provided, rear lighting clusters are present and there are extremely small winding handles on the axles front and rear.  The flatbed itself is very good with surface and side details within the casting.  Over the front and rear axle sets a clip in crossbar with hanging chain is provided upon which a crane jib or similar can be rested during transport.

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