Volvo FH 8x4 with Nooteboom 4-axle Low Loader & 2-axle Inter Dolly
"Chris Bennett"

Presented here is the limited edition 1:50th scale Volvo FH 8x4 tractor with Nooteboom low loader trailer and inter dolly in the Chris Bennett company decoration which has been commissioned by Premium Collectable Models and produced by WSI Models B.V. The prime mover has a very well executed paint and decoration scheme and looks great. The intricate paint finish and printing are crisp and clear with the red, white and grey colour combination really complimenting each other. The cab interior has been replicated and the external accessories include a chromed light bar across the top of the cab with gem stones simulating the lenses along with two amber warning beacons and chromed air horns.

The entire cab frame can be tilted forward to reveal the replicated engine block and the twin chromed exhaust stacks with intricate cooling jacket detailing are prominent behind the cab along with a storage unit and coiled service lines.

The rear frame has metal fenders fitted with integrated brake, indicator and reversing lights with plastic lense covers and simulated rubber mud flaps along with a silver finish diamond plate walkway and detailed, pivoting fifth wheel. Even an authentic number plate has been added.

The front wheels have a photo-etched facia with the Volvo name etched into the surface. The tyres have a very realistic looking tread pattern and the wheels do have limited steering, although the range of movement is very poor.

The underside of the model is also highly detailed with a fully replicated drive train from the gearbox to the two driven axles. The suspension detailing is also nicely done and the tyres fitted to the rear axles have a very crisp and intricate tread pattern moulded into the surface which is differrent from the front tyres.

The four axles at the rear of the trailer have linked steering and very nicely produced and painted wheel hubs with authentic looking treaded tyres. The rear trailer has two amber beacons with a removable Convoi Exceptionnel" panel and red/white chevron pattern across the back. Other fine detailing includes the simulated rubber mud guards with Nooteboom logos and textured upper deck surface.

The sides of the trailer bed feature a number of small, swing out supports allowing the small plastic planks with a realistic wooden look to be used to widen the bed and give a larger surface area.

The gooseneck has some very good detailing including control panels on the side and a storage area up top, complete with spare wheel and silver, diamond plate panels. The hydraulics are stiff, allowing the angle of the neck to be adjusted and a small plastic spacer is supplied for when the dolly is not used.

The gooseneck can be disconnected from the trailer and a flexible set of service lines are encased in a red tube and push fit into the hole on the trailer deck which is a nice touch.

The two axle inter dolly features linked steering of the axles along with realistic functioning suspension of each axle arm, allowing the model to be posed with the wheels raised off the ground.

When the trailer bed is widened, there are small warning boards that can be inserted and two differrent lengths are supplied to fit into the gooseneck. The trailer bed is extendable and has a simulated wooden deck area which does have a realistic look.

WSI have done a great job on the decoration of the tractor unit and the model is securely packed in a polystyrene carton with clear plastic moulded cover and cardboard box with clear front. The model is limited to only 200 pieces worldwide and comes with a certificate of authenticity.