Volvo P6820C Tracked Paver

Presented here is the 1:50th scale Volvo 6820C tracked paver which has been produced by Motorart who have done a good job on the model with some nice detailing and functionality, while other aspects of the model are lacking when compared to similar paving models from Conrad, NZG and WSI.

The hopper has a lowered bottom where a rubber conveyor belt is located with a ridge along the centre, disappearing inside the heart of the machine before exiting to the auger which spreads out the material. The hopper sides are hinged and can be folded up although this is a fairly loose friction fit on the review model and the sides will only remain in the lowered or fully raised position.

The main operator area has a large centrally fixed display and control panel which has been accurately printed with the various controls and display screen and this really looks authentic. Seats are located on each side of the upper deck and are fitted to extending frames allowing the seat to protrude to give the operator a better view of the work area. The model is finished with authentically scaled metal safety railings and grab handles which is good to see and an improvement over using plastic.

While Motorart usually model opening engine compartments on their replicas, it is not the case with the 6820C which has a static engine housing. The side covers have an intricate grill texture engraved into the surfaces with the handle detailing visible and the black printing has been applied well.

The tracked undercarriage is made up of individual metal links with slight indents on the surface of each pad simulating the recessed bolt fixings. In front of the track frames are deflector plates to prevent material getting under the tracks while the front of the chassis has a bar with a pair of rollers fitted.

The rear screed has some very nice features including the extending side sections which allow the model to simulate the widest paving option. Each side assembly houses a control panel which has been very nicely finished with printing of the various switches and displays.

A platform is integrated into the rear of the screed with a floating central part which is revealed as the screed is widened with a textured anti-slip surface on the upper platform where steps and metal handrails give safe passage to the operator's station.

The paint finish is of a very high level with an even coat allowing the surface details to be seen while the printing of the Volvo markings and machine designation is crisp and clearly readable. This is a good addition to the Volvo model fleet and while it lacks some of the finer details and functionality of the Vögele models, there is still plenty to admire.