Volvo FH with Nooteboom low loader & JCB 3C Mk1
"W.H.Malcolm Decoration"


Presented here is the 1:50th scale Volvo FH tractor with 3-axle Nooteboom low loader and JCB 3C Mk1 load in the W.H.Malcolm company decoration from Corgi. The inclusion of a historic JCB 3C backhoe as a load is a strange choice from Corgi and I cannot help thinking this is more from convenience than as an authentic load. You certainly don't see many 3C Mk1's in use these days.


The chassis of the Volvo FH features a large fuel tank with integrated access steps cast into the front surface along with a textured upper walkway and integrated fifth wheel. The tyres have a moulded road tread pattern and detailed silver and black wheel hubs with fenders fitted over the rear wheels and coiled service lines fitted behind the cab. The front axle is fixed so the model cannot be posed with the front wheels turned and this is a shame, although this appears to be the case with most of the models from Corgi.


The cab casting is crisp with good definition of the body panelling on the roof, sides and rear whilst the front panel features an authentic looking grill, complete with Volvo logo. The roof sports an amber light bar with black sun visor above the windscreen and holes in the cab frame where the rear view mirrors need fixing. There is also a photo-etch step on each side of the cab which adds a little extra realism, as do the number plates front and rear.

The Nooteboom 3-axle low loader trailer casting is rather basic and does not feature any functional details that are now expected of heavy haulage models these days. There is no working suspension or steering of the rear axles and this lets down the model. While not all collectors are looking for this level of detail, the cost of the model suggests that these details should be present.

The trailer features the distinctive trough design frame which has visible structural detailing with plastic mud guards fitted behind the wheels and two amber warning beacons at the rear.

The gooseneck can be detached from the bed and this is straight forward although the hydraulics used to adjust the gooseneck are very loose so the bed cannot be realistically posed in the raised position. Chevron boards are fitted to both sides of the gooseneck with amber painted warning lights.

The upper surfaces above the wheels have a silver highlighted textured finish with cast tie-down loop detailing while the main deck has simulated wooded panels with fixed plastic extensions on each side.

The front of the trailer features a storage compartment with simulated wooden panels along with silver painted textured panels and two spare wheels just above where the service lines connect.


The packaging is the same as Corgi's other heavy haulage models with a two piece polystyrene carton housing plastic moulded holders used to keep the model secured. This is then placed in a high quality and rigid printed cardboard box. It is hard to say if the model is worth the RRP of £137 when compared to the number of exquisite and very limiited heavy haulage models currently being produced by WSI in various UK company decorations for around £125. Years ago, a typical Corgi low loader cost £50-£60 retail with most of them being picked up from toy fairs for as little as £25. Since then, the price has risen considerably and while the paint finish and decoration can be stunning, the level of functionality and fine detail is sadly lacking. The model is available now from the Corgi Online Shop.


Check out the full review of the JCB 3C Mk1 backhoe loader by clicking on the image above.