DAF XF Super Space Cab with Nooteboom Step Frame Trailer & Volvo A25D
"Leicester Heavy Haulage Decoration"

Presented here is the 1:50th scale DAF XF Super Space Cab prime mover with 3-axle Nooteboom extending step frame trailer and Volvo A25D load in the Leicester Heavy Haulage company decoration from Corgi. Founded in 1971, the Leicester Heavy Haulage firm began with a single vehicle and trailer and has grown over the years, adding numerous vehicles and trailers to their fleet and gaining valuable experience in all aspects of road transportation of heavy and abnormal loads. Today, they have over twenty vehicles and can select from over fifty different trailers, giving them the ability and flexibility to transport loads up to 250 Tonnes.

The DAF XF prime mover is another model which does not feature a steering front axle and considering the cost of the model, this is a little dissapointing. The tyres have an accurate moulded tread pattern with red plastic hubs, topped with fenders over the rear wheels which have integrated brake, indicator and reverse lighs with painted lenses and authentic number plate.

The chassis casting if fairly detailed with raised fifth wheel, air tanks and side mounted fuel tank all present. Coiled service lines have been added behind the cab with a silver painted textured walkway fitted. The cab casting is crisp with good definition of the body panels and super space cab roof section whilst the front grill has detailed texturing with integrated lighs, complete with plastic lenses. As with most Corgi models, the rear view mirrors need adding and fit into the pre-drilled holes in the cab frame.

The extending bed of the trailer has been replicated with cast side supports and tie-down detailing with simulated wooded panels on the upper deck. Plastic ramps are supplied with the model which can be used to provide access to the upper deck of the trailer which is a nice addition, as is the diamond plate texturing of the main deck above the wheels. The front of the trailer has a storage area with a single spare wheel and holes in the frame where the service lines can be connected.

The wheels fitted to the trailer have a reasonable amount of detail with moulded tread pattern and red hub centres along with blue painted plastic mud guards. The rear of the trailer features full sized ramps which are hydraulically operated and have simulated wooden panels on the front surfaces, complete with diamond plate textured ramp tips. Small plastic warning lights, complete with orange painted lenses need to be fitted to the rear of the trailer and require a touch of glue to keep them secured.

The Volvo A25D articulated dump truck is produced by Motorart and included with the truck in the specially designed packaging. This is an interesting change for Corgi to include a bought in, highly detailed load instead of their previous cold cast loads and this is commendable. It is a shame that they did not take the oportunity to do something a little different with the model, either a different attachment or colour variation to make the set much more collectable.

Full details of the Leicester Heavy Haulage company can be found on their website whilst the model is available to purchase from the Corgi Online Shop.