MAN TGX with Doll 5-axle low-bed semitrailer

copy from http://www.miniature-construction-world.co.uk/tgx-doll-hnkrane.html

MAN TGX with Doll 5-axle low-bed semitrailer

Doll Fahrzeugbau AG are a fourth generation family company that specialise in high-tech transport solutions. Based in Germany, the company produce specialised trailers in the logging transport and special haulage sectors and have a number of trailer designs including the 5-axle low-bed semi trailer which has been accurately captured in 1:50th scale by Conrad, shown here in the limited edition H.N.Krane company decoration. The MAN TGX 6x4 truck has plenty of surface detailing cast into the various panels of the cabin including the authentic ridges on the sides with roof mounted amber beacons and two holes where the flexible plastic aerials need to be fitted.

The black plastic air cleaner grill running up the corner of the cab has some intricate perforation detailing with the MAN name and logo embossed on the surface which is a nice addition while the H.N.Krane graphics have been accurately reproduced and are crisp and clear with tiny printing of the contact details on the cab doors. The pivoting plastic fifth wheel coupling allows the truck to be connected to any Conrad trailer while the large chromed fuel tank, complete with integral access steps and plastic wheel guards all add to the realistic appearance.

As with most Conrad models, the rear view mirrors need attaching to the cab frame and they have a reflective mirrored surface which adds to the realism. The front bumber has integrated clear plastic lenses with the chromed MAN name and logo prominently displayed across the engine. The front axle has steering movement which allows for a very tight turning circle with accurately treaded rubber tyres and a drive shaft is connected from the gearbox to the rear driven axles which float within the suspension frames.

	This trailer has been produced in a number of different company colours and the only difference from the original release are the plastic bars that allow the folding ramps to be removed from the trailer.
Once fitted, the ramps slide along the rear of the trailer to accommodate both narrow and wide loads. Each ramp unfolds and has ridge detailing on the upper surface with structural detail on the underside. On the sample reviewed here, the ramps were already fitted and the plastic pins have been pressed home with great force, preventing them from being removed easily.

The trailer bed can be completely detached from the gooseneck (as pictured above) by removing the plastic pin. This appears to be a strange requirement on the trailer and it is not clear to me as to why the gooseneck would be detached in this way.

The underside of the trailer features five steerable axles which are all linked together to give progressively tighter turning radius on each axle from front to back. This is a nice addition on the model and the steering works well with the rear most axle achieving a very tight turn radius. Each axle also oscilates with simulated suspension which is another nice touch to the model.
	The sides of the trailer feature five, slide out extension arms allowing the trailer to carry wider loads than the deck width. The trailer also has an extending section allowing for longer loads to be transported and this mechanism extends smoothly on the sample reviewed here.

The side edges of the trailer deck have a number of rectangular holes which allow the small metal bars provided in the box to be inserted. This is another good addition to the model and demonstrates the level of thought and engineering that Conrad have added to replicate as much functionality as possible from the full sized trailer. The upper deck surfaces of the trailer have an inset strip on each side with a raised single diamond pattern texture which is very nicely defined while the side walls of the trailer have tie-down rings cast into the surface.

	The gooseneck features two spare wheels at the tip with plastic moulded wheel chocks and a course textured bed surface with silver side walls giving a large storage area for accessories and rigging equipment.
Four plastic stabilisers can be deployed by extending them gently to give the trailer stability during loading.

The Doll trailer has various posing possibilities and can accommodate a number of loads and is pictured above carrying the Liebherr LTM1030-2.1 while below, it is carrying the ballast for the Liebherr LTM1200-5.1 which has also been released in H.N.Krane livery. The model was commissioned by Heavy Transport Models and is available from their online webshop.