 | | High quality box. |  |  | | The DAF tractor looks smart in Leicester Heavy Haulage colours. |  | | Underside view. |  | | The Nooteboom trailer with the ramp panels in place. |  | | The trailer bed extended, and carrying crane sections as a load. |  | | The Volvo A25D Articulated Dump Truck. |  | | Tipping a load. |
| This model from the Corgi Heavy Haulage series is in the colours of Leicester Heavy Haulage. The company was founded in 1971 and has grown steadily since. The set includes a Volvo plant model (which is made by Motorart).
Packaging
The model packaging is very high quality with a high gloss finish and a very good photo of the model. Inside, the model is contained within expanded polystyrene trays with clear plastic formers holding the parts. Unsurprisingly, the good quality packaging meant there was no damage on the review model.
Included in the box is an information leaflet which gives some background to the livery. There is also a printed card which can be used as a nameplate to describe the model in a display position. Collectability is further enhanced with the model being uniquely numbered within the production run.
The only assembly required is to attach the door mirrors to the DAF cab, and some tail lights to the rear of the trailer.
Detail
The DAF XF tractor unit has most parts in metal. Underneath there is detailing of the transmission system and the underside of the engine. The tyres are good, but are the same on each wheel rather than having different ones on the front axle. The hubs are very nicely detailed and enhance the truck.
The cab has mirrors and windscreen wipers, and an STGO plate. On the roof there is an orange beacon light bar. Interior detail is basic. The door handles on the cab are very good being formed of plastic inserts. Behind the cab, there are metal mudguards and coiled air lines.
The trailer has a reasonable structure underneath, and the bed has a very good wood effect surface, with diamond plating over the wheels. The tyres and hubs look fine. At the back there are light clusters, a number plate and the Nooteboom logo. The overall level of detail on the trailer is satisfactory but not as good as newer models from other makers.
The Volvo dump truck is a nice model and is reviewed in more detail here. It has good detail underneath, and the rubber tyres are particularly good. Detail around the cab is very good with handrails and mirrors, although they are plastic. The dump body is cast well.
Features
The trailer has a pair of ramp panels which can be placed on the bed to provide wheeled access up on to the gooseneck, and the rear loading ramps fold down. The bed is also extendible which significantly increases the length of the model. The axles have a degree of float, which could be taken to represent suspension.
The dump truck has articulated steering which works well, and the articulating joint also allows rotational movement of the body for use over rough terrain. The body tips well and the hydraulic ram is stiff enough to hold it at any angle. A particularly good feature is the opening engine cover which reveals a very detailed engine.
Quality
The model is good quality with the castings being fine, and plastic is generally used thoughtfully. The paintwork is very good and the visual appearance of the model is its strong point.
The Volvo dump truck model is very good.
Price
The model is good value given that it includes a good quality plant model.
Overall
As a model combination, this is a visually striking set. The Volvo plant model is fine and adds to the heavy haulage vehicle. The tractor and trailer are less detailed and functional than some other maker's models, but there is no disputing the quality of the decoration. The model is recommended.
Footnotes
The model first appeared in 2007. It was made in a run of 1510 models.
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|  | | The model inside the box. |  | | The parts out of the box. |  | | Rear view of the DAF. |  | | Underside view of the trailer. |  | | Loaded with a Haulotte H20 PX and H15 SX as a mixed load. |  | | Front view. |  | | Rear view. |  | | An impressive heavy haulage combination. |
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