Collection: Minitanks
Iveco Magirus 320 D Flugfeldtankwagen (Magirus Aerodome Tank Semitrailer)
Item: 743716 (Roco number 366
Brochure: Collection Cars & Trucks
Series: Wheel Crafts

Introduction

Minitanks were released by Roco about 50 years ago and are a favorite of wargamers, collectors, military modelers, and model railroaders. Herpa continues to add to the large Minitank series and releases this impressive Magirus fuel tanker. It features good molding and detail, separate detail parts, and rubber tires.

According to Herpa:

Minitanks is a rich in tradition military series which was launched by the model railway manufacturer Roco in 1960. The brand name has stood for detailing, scale and precision in the model building world ever since. On October 1, 2007, Herpa has taken on the worldwide distribution of the military series Minitanks and will continuously advance and extended the program.

Iveco Magirus Flugfeldtankwagen

Feeding thirsty aircraft is essential for a modern military. With helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft burning tons of fuel per squadron, huge tanker trucks are required to keep them fueled. NATO adopted the Iveco Magirus as the new heavy bulk fuel storage and distribution system for the logistics train.

This range of heavy equipment transporters were produced by IVECO-Magirus (now part of the IVECO group). Like many older companies the now IVECO-Magirus can trace its origins back a number of years and through a number of mergers, acquisitions and so on. A historical overview of the company, which has its origins in a fire brigade and accessories equipment company set up in Ulm by Conrad Dietrich Magirus in 1861.[1]

A number of different military models were produced or proposed in (6 × 4) and (6 × 6) drive configurations, although all models were essentially similar in their base design and were built on a conventional C-section ladder-type chassis with a double articulated fifth wheel located over the rear axles. [2]

Magirus 320 D tractors are powered by a 320hp Deutz F 10 L 413 F air-blown diesel engine and manual 2X4 gearbox (usually ZF 8-speed) transmission.

Herpa Minitanks Iveco Magirus Fuel Tanker

Your humble reviewer has enjoyed Minitanks for some 40 years. So it was with delight and great thanks to Herpa that RailRoadModeling received this model for review!

The model is packaged in a form-fitted clear cradle that securely holds the vehicle, and a tray for the parts baggie and instructions. This is held inside a medium weight card box that opens at the ends, with an integral mounting header and a cellophane display window.

Your model Magirus is a tractor-trailer set. Attached together this semitrailer truck is 6 ¾ inches/ 17 cm from bumper to bumper. Molded in traditional Minitank dark olive styrene, the surface is not glossy smooth like Herpa civil vehicles. It is an authentic matt finish. Roco is molded underneath the trailer. Rubber tires encompass plastic hubs. All roll freely.

The tractor and tank trailer are well detailed with recessed and raised detailing as appropriate. Molding quality is high, the parts sharp and crisp. I have not noticed any sink recesses. However, molding is not flawless. An ejector circle mars the crane behind the cab. Possible seam lines cross the right side battery box; its halves were not matched accurately in the molding process and the misalignment of the retaining straps is noticeable without being nitpicky. I noticed small amounts of flash on the tips of the windshield wipers. Otherwise, other flash and ejector marks and seam lines I found are in places you’d only find if you want to be unreasonably critical. However, not to be unreasonably critical, I do have to mention that quality control of separating parts from the sprues seems sloppy. It appears instead of cut off, they were broken off without any finesse. Twisted dark olive sprue ends are much lighter in color and therefore very noticeable. Herpa vehicles show far more care in removing component pieces from their molding sprues.

Details

Iveco Tractor Setting upon free-rolling rubber tires encompass plastic hubs, your tractor is detailed with several bins and boxes, the spare tire, a crane, pivoting fifth wheel, and a host of other interesting items. Underneath is a nearly complete chassis. Suspension, frame, engine bottom and transmission case, axles, drive train and more detail the belly of this beast of burden. The front axle can be made to steer if you use a separate steering set. Atop the cab is molded detail; the grille features Magirus Deutz and exterior detail.

Inside the cab is a basic interior of a steering wheel and seats. Being dark it is difficult to see without a handy IPMS flashlight. Clear plastic simulates windows; I noticed scuffing marks on some of the windows. The cab tilts forward to reveal the nicely presented Deutz engine.

Unlike Herpa vehicles, no clear or tinted lenses are used for the headlights, running lights, or brake lights.

You can add details from the detail parts sprue. Side mirrors, snap into predrilled holes ahead of the cab side windows. What appears to be a spotlight attaches to the rear of the cab, although no mounting hole is provided.


Tanker trailer Also supported by rubber tires encompass plastic hubs, the big tanker packs a lot of detail. Factory applied separate piping, ladders , running boards and other appliances detail the unit. Molded filler hatches and vents detail the tank top. The rear wheel set is a position able articulated bogie. Up front the landing gear extend; a pair are also included with longer legs.

Below the front of the tank is piping. On the sides of the tank are two large cabinets. Each is enclosed by a panel anchored by four pegs that fit into holes in the cabinets. Remove these panels to view the relief molded motor, pump, and valve detail within. Use caution removing the panels, the fit is tight and the pins break easily! Although the back of the tank appears to also have a removable panel, it is not referenced in the instruction sheet. Without risking damage I cannot work it open enough to tell if there is detail behind it.

No clear or tinted lenses are used for the brake lights. However, four tinted lenses are supplied for the warning beacons.

You also have detail parts to add to the tank:

• Pump apparatus
• Four individual warning beacons and fittings
• Fire extinguisher
• Landing gear (longer struts)
• Rear spot lights
• Cylindrical item

These greatly enhance the model but no mounting holes are provided. Being modelers we are clever enough to drill mounting holes, or carefully attach the pieces with glue. Some parts are fairly small so use care in handling them.

Paint, Markings, Instructions and Decals

All parts are molded in color. Though the styrene is not shiny, perhaps a further shot of matt clear coat will enhance it. Certainly weathering can. Herpa left the model unmarked. No decals are provided. Quite a few aftermarket decals sheets exist for 1/87 NATO vehicles so you should be able to mark the machine for your favorite aerodrome.

The instruction sheet is a small paper with simple drawing depicting where the detail pieces are to be attached on the tractor and trailer. It is printed in English, German, and French.

Conclusion

This big semitanker makes an impressive model. The model has plenty of detail, including optional separate parts. Among the drawbacks are ejector marks and flash, and except for warning beacons it lacks clear plastic lenses for lights. Regardless, it makes a nice model of a modern heavy-duty fuel tanker. Recommended.

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Reference
1, 2 IVECO-Magirus 330-32 ANWTM/320 D 34 AS (6 x 6) tractor truck and associated models (Germany), Heavy equipment transporters. © 2009 Jane's Information Group. http://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-Military-Vehicles-and-Logistics/IVECO-Magirus-330-32-ANWTM-320-D-34-AS-6-x-6-tractor-truck-and-associated-models-Germany.html.