Introduction

DAF XF SSC container semitrailer "Hamburg Süd" is a new N scale Herpa model.

New type! Herpa enhances the 1/160 scale range with a new container chassis and a newly developed 40 ft. container. The first model is a black DAF XF 105 SSC with removable 40 ft. Hamburg Süd container. - Herpa

DAF

DAF Trucks NV is a Dutch truck manufacturing company and a division of Paccar. Its headquarters and main plant are in Eindhoven. - DAF

The DAF XF is a range of trucks produced by the Dutch manufacturer DAF since 1997. All right hand drive versions of the XF are assembled at Leyland Trucks in the UK. The XF 105 won the International Truck of the Year 2007 award. The truck features the 12.9 litre engine and ZF gearbox in both manual and automatic formats. - Wikipedia.

The model

This N scale DAF XF is securely packed in a form-fitted clear plastic base/backing and held inside Herpa's flexible clear plastic box. This packing does an amazing job of protecting Herpa models; the dozens I have reviewed have not always fared well in shipping yet I have only had a handful that actually suffered any damage.

This container semitrail is three models: tractor; trailer; container. Herpa's molding and assembly is very good and without visible flash or de-spruing burrs. There are no glue smears. But there are some ejector circles on the top of the fuel tank and fifth wheel.

The container has four tiny pins that fit into four tiny holes to connect it to the trailer. The trailer attaches to the tractor via a pin for the fifth wheel.

The parts are a injection molded and the tires are a rubber-plastic composite.

Detail

This diminutive DAF XF SSC container semitrailer "Hamburg Süd" features molded surface detail that is fine.

Tractor
Panel and door joints are recessed. The chassis features the tractor frame, battery box, fuel tank, axle, and frame walkway. Fine grille detail is molded to the front of the cab. There is a basic interior for the cab but it is not very visible.

Whereas Herpa simulates head and brake lights with clear and tinted lenses on their HO and O scale models, this model's headlights are painted on.

One thing does not look good - the wheel hubs. They look like they are grainy.

Trailer
The open frame trailer does not have much detail but it looks fine. Again, the wheel hubs look grainy.

Hamburg Süd container
This container has no detail on the end. Considering the level of door detail available on mainstream N scale rail boxcars, this is a glaring omission.

Perhaps not surprising, the detail level of this model is not as high as the HO and larger Herpa models.

Paint and lettering

This is a redeeming feature of this little truck. Herpa's painting and printing is exceptional and it is on this model, too. Clear and crisp.

Look at the photos to see all the legible container detail. The DAF logos and emblems are clear and sharp on the tractor. Herpa does not use decals and the finish of these models is peerless.

Conclusion

N-scalers can rejoice that Herpa is releasing new models of modern intermodal transporters. This 3-piece model will make a fine looking addition to a diorama or layout. The level of detail is suffice for the scale. Painting and printing is outstanding. However, the lack of door detail on the end of the container is disappointing. As is the grainy looking wheel hubs.

Overall, this 1/160 - N scale modern DAF XF SSC semitruck is a fine model. Recommended.

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