MAN TGX XXL SLT 10x4 tractor with Goldhoffer 16-axle Girder Trailer "Kahl Schwerlast"

 

copy from http://www.miniature-construction-world.co.uk/man_tgx-xxl-kahl-girder.html

MAN TGX XXL SLT 10x4 tractor with Goldhoffer 16-axle Girder Trailer
"Kahl Schwerlast"

Presented here is the 1:50th scale MAN TGX XXL SLT 5-axle prime mover with modular Goldhofer 16-axle girder trailer in Kahl livery from Conrad. Out of the box, the model is supplied with 2 x 6-axle modules, one 4-axle module, one spacer module and 6 x bed frame sections and a gooseneck.

The MAN TGX XXL SLT 10x4 prime mover is decorated in the striking Kahl Schwerlast company livery with a functional fifth wheel coupling. The model features a tilting cab revealing the engine block at the heart of the chassis.

The cab's side panels have accurate panel detailing with amber warning beacons and a chromed light bar mounted to the roof and self-fit rear view mirrors with reflective lenses and green painted surfaces. The cab interior has been replicated and is visible through the front and side windows with plastic inserts above the cab doors, a plastic sun screen is fixed across the front of the cab with the Kahl company details printed across it.

The underside of the MAN TGX XXL has a replicated drivetrain between the two driven rear axles although, due to the construction of the front two axles, the driveshaft is not modelled between the engine mounding and the driven axles. The front two axles do have working, linked steering and achieve a reasonable degree of turn while the rear tag axle has functioning steering and the ability to raise up and lock in position off the ground. The rear driven axles float within the frame, simulating the suspension of the full sized truck and the tyres have a detailed tread pattern moulded into the surfaces with intricately detailed silver plastic wheel hubs with red centres.

The detail behind the cab is very good with a frame containing two large tanks along with a cooling pack complete with a circular mesh guard, air bottles and a small silver storage compartment while lower down, there is a silver walkway with a textured surface.

The gooseneck supplied with the model is a new casting with an extended upper section length allowing clearance for the increased length of the MAN TGX chassis.

	The gooseneck has a storage area with silver painted sides and a metal safety railing running along the outer edge.
Stiff hydraulics fitted to the gooseneck allow the angle of the neck to be adjusted. Other details include a small silver access step integrated into the rear panel.

Each of the Goldhofer modules features a linked steering mechanism using small metal bars allowing all the individual axles to rotate. Each axle has two tyres fitted which have a tread pattern moulded into the surface and silver plastic wheel hubs which are mounted to the simulated suspension arm which does have some up and down oscillation.

The suspended trailer frame locates securely to the modules and clicks into place across the join of the front and rear halves. The rear most trailer section combines a 4-axle and 6-axle module which are joined together with a plastic pin.

The front trailer section consists of a 6-axle line module and a spacer module which has drop down legs, coupled to the gooseneck which is in turn connected to the prime mover. The spacer module is the equivalent length of a 3-axle line module and connects to the other modules/gooseneck using plastic pins.	The underside shows good structural beam construction with four plastic legs which can be extended to raise the module into the correct height to connect to the other modules.

The trailer is completely modular and is assembled using the large plastic pins. Each component links into each other and once all are connected, the stiff hydraulic cylinders fitted to the arms can be extended to raise the bed off the ground.

The trailer bed can be widened hydraulically with four different widths of plastic cross member bars supplied with the model. The bars push fit into the holes on the inner frame lip to give the trailer a more rigid feel. There are also small hydraulics fitted to allow the trailer to tilt slightly, allowing the bed of the trailer to remain level on uneven ground and this is functional on the model for added realism.

The rear most module has a rear plate which push fits into the pre-drilled holes and features silver reflective panels on the top corners with brake, indicator and reversing lights painted on along with goldhofer logos which are also printed onto the sides of each module. Also supplied are a pair of powerpacks with yellow painted generators and red fuel tanks which can be positioned on the trailer deck as required.

An authentic load has also been produced by Conrad in the shape of a transformer (Available seperately) which has plenty of surface detailing including access covers, lifting brackets, ground support structures and good surface panel detailing. Made from metal, the transformer is surprisingly heavy and yet it fits onto the trailer deck perfectly.

The paint finish throughout is of a very high standard, as expected from Conrad and the decoration of the prime mover in particular looks really good. The components supplied in the box do allow some alternate configurations, including 6, 10, 12 and 16 axle semi-trailers, with or without the spacer module.