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First Look Review
187
MAN TGX XL Crane Truck,Trailer
MAN TGX XL Euro 6c Platform Truck with Crane and Deep Loading Trailer ‘Ley Krane Gummersbach’
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by: Frederick Boucher [ JPTRR ]

Introductions
A new release from Herpa is this 1/87 truck and trailer combination MAN TGX XL Euro 6c Platform Truck with Crane and Deep Loading Trailer ‘Ley Krane Gummersbach’. It is item 310741. This model is one of 248 MAN models, including 11 TGX XL types.

MAN TGX XL
Rolled out to the public at the 2007 European Transport Road Show, the MAN TGX is the flagship of MAN Nutzfahrzeuge Trucknology® Generation series. Declared the most powerful truck in Europe, the TGX V8 is designed to carry the heaviest loads over the most challenging terrain for long distances.

MAN TGX series is a family of rigid and articulated trucks. The vehicles are powered by 4 or 6-cylinder MAN engines of the D20 or D26 series generating from 264 KW (360 HP) up to 397 KW (540 HP), connected to an advanced MAN transmission. MAN constructs the frame in a ladder design supported by 4X2 and 6X4 axle configurations. Vehicle length is 10725 mm (35 ft.) with a GVM of 26,000 kg (57,320 lbs.).

MAN’s new 680 HP (500 KW) 8-cylinder common-rail V8 is claimed to be the most powerful in Europe. It complies with Euro 5 SCR exhaust technology standards. A MAN ZF AS-Tronic “Tipmatic” transmission transmits the power to the drivetrain. Driver reports compare the acceleration as similar to some sports cars, even under load!

For driver comfort MAN offers the option of the XL or XLX cab. Full standing height, full comfort: the XL cab is designed as a long-haul cab for vehicle fleets with a single bunk.[1]

MAN TGX XL Crane Truck and Trailer
Herpa securely packs this almost fully assembled model set in a form-fitted tray. The tray is held inside a red Herpa carton with a cutout to view the model, and opens via tabs at each end. The carton is a new style in that the plastic "window" is no longer glued inside the carton but instead inserted as a plastic sleeve around the model tray. The tray has slots for optional parts, and slots your fingers to easily remove the tray from the box. This arraignment is surprisingly durable — past shipping boxes have occasionally been partially crushed in transit, and although some model boxes were mashed, the models were not damaged. This model arrived in a badly mashed and torn box. Nicely done, Herpa!

This set is a crane-equipped MAN platform truck and a trailer.

Molding and assembly is high-quality. I found no flaws. The sharply molded exterior features fine recessed lines for doors and hoods, panels and the grille. Door handles are flush and are the tabs that hold the cab interior in the cab shell. Rubber tires with sharp detail mounted on detailed hubs support the model. The front wheels can be made to steer if you acquire Herpa’s optional steering set.

Two sprues of optional mirror parts are included.

Detail
Herpa's TGX model cab is set upon a highly detailed four-axle chassis. The windshield and windows are free of distortion and you can see the impressive interior. It is worth popping the cab off to see, but I did not. Under the cab is a detailed engine. The cab tilts forward on a plastic hinge to reveal the engine.

The chassis is very detailed with the frame, battery box, fuel tanks, transmission, drive shaft, differential, axles, outrigger stabilizers, and suspension; topside is a fifth-wheel and the detailed cab. Like a brow atop the windshield is a sunscreen. On the top of the cab are two warning beacons.

The front axle can be made steerable with a Herpa steering kit. Each of the 12 wheels has rubber tires and plastic hubcaps. They display good detail.

The windshield and windows are free of distortion. You can see the nice interior with bucket seats, the steering wheel, console, stick shift, and dashboard detailing. Did I already mentioned the cab tilts forward to expose a detailed engine.

Individual clear lenses simulate the headlights and tinted clear lenses detail the signals, tail lights and beacons. The windshield wipers are part of the separate black chrome combing around the windshield.

Four mirrors can be attached to the cab, a pair of side view mirrors, and two mirrors to reveal the blind areas in front of, and to the right side of, the cab. These are delicate parts on their own sprue. The plastic is slightly flexible. Carefully cut those from the parts tree or you can remove the mounting pegs; carefully fit them into the specific pre-drilled holes and slots. The mirror that extends from the front of the truck is not obvious how to mount it; perhaps Herpa should provide some mounting instruction in the box or on-line?

The crane is nicely detailed and articulated. It can be raised, lowered, pivoted, and extended to do what needs to be done.

Jutting out from the crane base are the two aforementioned stabilizers. The legs can be pulled down.

Trailer
The trailer is a simple model. It features basic detail. The landing gear can be pulled down for the trailer to stand on its own. But it does have tinted clear lenses for the brake lights.

This set makes an impressive set of vehicular eye candy.

Painting and Lettering
Herpa finishing of these models is excellent. It is difficult to tell which parts are painted and which are molded in color. Speaking of color, the truck and trailer are molded in a hi-visibility fluorescent yellow.

Printing is exceptional. Ley-Krane and contact information is printed crisply and legible. The MAN emblem is coated with chrome. All paint and printing is crisp, opaque, and fully legible. No decals - Herpa does not use decals.

The finish of the set is very impressive.

Conclusion
Herpa's MAN TGX XL Euro 6c Platform Truck with Crane and Deep Loading Trailer ‘Ley Krane Gummersbach’ is an impressive model that can dominate a diorama scene or one's display shelf. The model features excellent detail, both cosmetic and functional, i.e., the articulated crane and landing gear. The finish is exceptional, too.

Aside from Herpa not including any instructions for mounting the mirrors, I have no complaints.

This is another model that Herpa and modelers can be proud of. It will be a dominating presence for any modeler's choice of display. Recommended.

Please remember to tell Herpa and retailers that you saw this model here - on Auto Modeler.

__________
REFERENCE
[1] MAN Truck & Bus. http://www.mantruckandbus.com/en/Products_and_solutions/MAN_Lkw/productdetails. N.d.
SUMMARY
Highs: Excellent detail, both cosmetic and functional, i.e., the articulated crane and landing gear. The finish is exceptional, too.
Lows: Aside from Herpa not including any instructions for mounting the mirrors, I have no complaints.
Verdict: This is another model that Herpa and modelers can be proud of. It will be a dominating presence for any modeler's choice of display.
  Scale: 1:87
  Mfg. ID: 310741
  PUBLISHED: Nov 11, 2019
  NATIONALITY: Germany
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 87.04%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 90.46%

Our Thanks to Herpa!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About Frederick Boucher (JPTRR)
FROM: TENNESSEE, UNITED STATES

I'm a professional pilot with a degree in art. My first model was an AMT semi dump truck. Then Monogram's Lunar Lander right after the lunar landing. Next, Revell's 1/32 Bf-109G...cried havoc and released the dogs of modeling! My interests--if built before 1900, or after 1955, then I proba...

Copyright ©2021 text by Frederick Boucher [ JPTRR ]. Images also by copyright holder unless otherwise noted. Opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of ModelGeek. All rights reserved.



Comments

Excellent review Fred, what a beautifully detailed and complex model! Cheers, D
NOV 10, 2019 - 05:18 PM
Thanks Damian, it certainly is. I wish my camera did credit to the body color. In some light it almost glows. I photoshopped a few pix and somewhat captured it, but not quite right. It is a captivating color. I should have another cool work truck on tonight.
NOV 11, 2019 - 03:53 AM
   


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