1:50th Scale Volvo A40E Articulated Dump Truck
Presented here is the 1:50th scale Volvo A40E from Motorart. The model is an update to their previous A40D model with an updated body design.
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The articulating frame has a good angle of movement with two hydraulic cylinders fitted to the steering linkage and the frame can oscillate by about 20 degrees to each side of centre. Access steps are fitted to the rear of both wheel arches with accurately scaled plastic handrails which are grey on the E version, as are the other grab rails and rear view mirror frames.
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The E series model has an opening engine compartment and fold down front grill, just like the full sized machine. The engine bay is fitted with a fully replicated diesel engine and associated components including air filters, cooling system and exhaust piping. |
The cab interior has been fully modelled with drivers seat centrally located along with a detailed console and steering wheel. The rear window has mesh screen detailing with a windscreen wiper added to the front window.
The rear view mirror assemblies are made from plastic and are much thinner than on the A40E-FS model. Because they are plastic, they are very flexible and on the sample reviewed here, they are bent out of shape and twisted. It is a shame these were not made from metal to prevent this.
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The large rubber tyres have an accurate moulded tread pattern with painted wheel hubs showing bolt fastening detail. The rear lights are painted onto the housing which is integrated into the dump bed.
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The rear chassis features nicely detailed inner wheel hubs and a replicated suspension system along with drive shafts to the axles but unlike on the other Volvo ADT models where the suspension can oscilate, on this model it is fixed in place. |
This is a good update to the original model with a crisp paint finish and accurate placement of the Volvo markings. The opening engine cover has been redesigned with the cooling grill pattern at a different angle to the D version along with new work light cutouts and a different grey paint mask on the top of the engine cover making the A40E look a little sharper.
There are several differences on the bonnet between the A40E-FS and A40E as seen in the picture below where the cast grills are missing. and the panels on either side of the cab are printed. On the sample reviewed here, the cab frame around the windows is still yellow whereas on the A40E-FS, more of the frame is painted grey, highlighting another small difference.
It is interesting that when placed alongside the A40E-FS, the colour of the yellow is much darker, as can be seen in the pictures above and below and it is not clear if Volvo have changed the colours or if the model is the wrong shade when compared to the A40E-FS and A40D.
