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First Look Review
187
Iveco Stralis XP
Iveco Stralis Highway XP ''Schwabentruck''
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by: Frederick Boucher [ JPTRR ]

Introduction
Iveco Stralis Highway XP "Schwabentruck" is a limited edition semi-tractor from Herpa. This 1/87 model is item 309172.

Herpa currently catalogues 26 Iveco, and 14 Stralis XP models. Herpa states of their model:
    This Iveco Stralis XP is no genuine Race-Truck but still cuts more than a fine figure in the racing design of “Truckrace Rennteam Schwabentruck”. Reason enough for us to realize this extraordinarily beautiful model as limited H0-edition.


Ivenco Stralis
The Ivenco Stralis XP (eXtra Performance) 480XP and 570XP is an extra-long haul truck and acclaimed for its low total carbon dioxide. IVECO is based in Turin, Italy.

The Model
This 1/87 Iveco Stralis Highway XP is fully assembled with the exception of our separate mirrors.

The model is mainly styrene. Clear plastic windows are free of distortion. The wheels feature hybrid plastic-rubber tires. Molding is top-notch with no flash, sink marks, ejector circles, or seam lines. Assembly is equally flawless. Herpa engineers their models to snap together.

Detail
From the asphalt up, the tires have good tread detail. Next, hub detail features sharp lug detail. Then the chassis features good underside detail with a frame, transmission, drive shaft and universal for the rear axle, suspension, air brake reservoirs, fuel tanks and battery boxes, ducting for the exhaust system, and rear bumper with mud guards and brake lights.

The front axle looks like it can be made to steer with an optional kit from Herpa.

The top of the chassis continues with the tanks as well as the fifth-wheel. Fenders partially encompass the rear wheels and decking with simulated tread along the back of the cab. A diesel engine is mounted on the frame.

The chassis is streamlined with aerodynamic skirting.

The cab is a smoothly molded styrene. It consists of at least 11 parts including the window piece. It also has a sun screen across the top of the windshield. Inside is a crew cab, molded with a dash, consoles, seats, and steering wheel. It is molded with the door handles and they snap into the cab body. The cab also features clear headlights with a chromed backing.

Modelers who intend to add figures into the cab, or expose the engine, will have some work cut out for them. Some Herpa trucks are made for the cab to tip forward to reveal the engine but not this one. One must begin by removing the chromed crash bar, then a bumper, the headlights, a part of the grille, the cab frame, and another piece or two. Then a little careful wiggling and off comes the cab.

That is the physical detail. What about the finish?

Paint and Markings
"Schwabentruck" is a racing company and their trucks leave no doubt about it. This one is number "44." Much of the model is molded in color. Note the side mirrors are molded in pink. Then Herpa prints designs and lettering. Herpa does not use decals. Look closely at the model and enjoy the fine printing. It is remarkable. Some of the emblems are printed with chrome. The hubs are chrome plated.

"Schwabentruck" is quite eye catching. You can see their website via Click here for additional images for this review, below.

Conclusion
Iveco Stralis Highway XP "Schwabentruck" is another impressive semi-tractor from Herpa. For 1/87 it is big with detail. Molding is excellent. The finish of printing over colored plastic is exceptional with its mix of paint and colored plastic. The clear and tinted lenses enhance the authenticity of the model.

Surface and interior detail is excellent. Unfortunately, the detail inside the cab is difficult to access. That is my only complaint. But it can be opened if the modeler wants to add a driver.

This model should make an excellent addition to modern automotive collections, dioramas, and model railroad layouts. Recommended.

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

Click here for additional images for this review.

SUMMARY
Highs: Molding is excellent. The finish of printing over colored plastic is exceptional with its mix of paint and colored plastic. The clear and tinted lenses enhance the authenticity of the model.
Lows: The interior is difficult to access if you want to add a figure into the cab.
Verdict: This model should make an excellent addition to modern automotive collections, dioramas, and model railroad layouts.
  Scale: 1:87
  Mfg. ID: 309172
  PUBLISHED: Mar 26, 2019
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

Nice review Fred, by why is it on AutoModeler, wouldn't this be more suited to Railroad Modeling site? Andy
MAR 25, 2019 - 08:15 PM
Hi Andy, Good question. 1/87 is more than just HO scale for model railroading. In Europe, 1/87 is a popular scale for automotive modelers. It is also a popular scale for military modeling. One can find 1/87 modeling - individual subjects as well as extensive dioramas - without a model railroad in sight. Check out an issue of Der Mass:Stab . You will find it full of automotive models and dioramas, usually without any trains involved.
APR 20, 2019 - 04:29 PM
   


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