The prototype: the MAN conventional cab truck

In 1956 MAN presented a new generation of bonneted trucks – designed as a short-bonnet conventional cab truck. The engine moved a little way into the driver's cab, so the vehicles were shorter than before. The shape followed the car design of those years: a rounded ponton form instead of free-standing wings. The conventional cab trucks were powered by diesel engines from MAN's own production, across a wide weight range.

For construction site traffic the design had a solid advantage: because the engine sat ahead of the front axle, the rear axle carried less weight – that gave a high payload and predestined the conventional cab truck as a tractor unit. The MAN short-bonnet trucks were available in many versions, from the flatbed truck and the tipper to the tractor unit, and were widely used as construction vehicles.

The prototype shown here is such a conventional cab truck in the version as a three-axle tractor unit with the MAN type designation "DHAS".

The semitrailer: MEILLER tipper semitrailer

Behind the tractor unit runs a semitrailer from MEILLER. The Munich family company (F. X. Meiller) has been in business since 1850 and is known for tipper bodies and tipper semitrailers – from the three-way tipper to the tipping semitrailer.

A tipper semitrailer is a semitrailer with a tipping body – here in the typical half-round shape familiar from bulk transport on construction sites. Tractor unit and semitrailer together make a classic German construction site combination.

The model in 1:50 (Conrad 1046/01) – exclusive & limited

The combination is being produced as an exclusive model by Collectors Spot, manufactured by Conrad Modelle. According to the product information it is in 1:50 scale and made of diecast metal with the run limited to 200 units and no re-run planned. It is available exclusively from us.

The key points according to the product information

• Exclusive model by Collectors Spot, manufactured by Conrad Modelle
• Limited edition: 200 units, no re-run
• MAN conventional cab truck as a three-axle tractor unit
• MEILLER tipper semitrailer, 2-axle, with half-round body
• Scale 1:50, diecast metal
• Version and livery still to be announced

The model is currently in planning and not yet available. You can register your interest without obligation – this does not create an order and no obligation to buy. You can find the current status and the expected date at any time on the product page. As is usual with collector's models, it is not suitable for children under 14 years.

Prototype and model: "MAN" and "MEILLER" refer here to the historical prototypes. The model is manufactured by Conrad Modelle and offered exclusively by Collectors Spot. All brand names and company names are the property of their respective owners and serve only for description; no official connection or partnership is implied.

A combination that tells construction site history

Conventional cab trucks and tipper semitrailers are among the vehicles that shaped construction site traffic for decades – rugged, practical, unmistakable. For many collectors exactly these subjects are more appealing than any current high-gloss machine, because they hold on to a time that people saw with their own eyes.

If you are keen on classic conventional cab trucks, you will also find our portrait of the Mercedes-Benz LAK 1624 round-bonnet truck. More vehicles are in the tipper models and in trucks & commercial vehicles in 1:50.