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Volvo FH + Tipper - M Way & Son

Maker:  Corgi
Model No:  14038
Scale:  1:50
Review Date:  January 2013


Corgi Index
Commercial Truck Index


Cranes Etc Model Rating
Packaging   (max 10)8
Detail   (max 30)18
Features   (max 20)11
Quality   (max 25)17
Price   (max 15)12
Overall   (max 100)66%

Footnotes


Volvo FH + Tipper - M Way & Son Video.
High quality box.
On the road.
Aerials and light bar on the roof.
Fifth wheel is a solid casting.
Transmission is modelled.
Underside detail is simple on the trailer.
Impressive looking paint and graphics.
Chassis detail.
Air lines connected to the trailer.
Comment on this model.

This model is from the Corgi Hauliers of Renown series.  It is a Volvo FH Tractor and Fruehauf Tipper Trailer and it is in the colours of M Way & Son, which is a family-run company based in Devon, England.  It was founded in 1973 and specialises in the transport of bulk materials.

The tractor modelled is 'Lady Catherine' from the Way fleet.

Packaging

The model comes in high quality packaging.  The box has a high gloss finish with a photo of the model, and it all has the feeling of a presentation box.  Inside, the model is contained within an expanded polystyrene tray with a clear plastic former lid.  There was no damage or missing parts on the review model.

Included with the model is a Collector Card which gives some background to the livery.  It also has the unique serial number for the model within the production run.

The only assembly required is to attach the mirrors and aerials to the cab.

Detail

The Volvo FH tractor unit is nearly all in metal and is quite heavy.  Underneath there is some simple detailing of the transmission system but in other respects the chassis is not realistic.  The tyres have the same tread pattern on each wheel but the wheels do look good.

The cab looks really smart in the Way livery and the detailing is good with aerials and a light bar on the roof, colour coded door mirrors and headlights with lenses.  Interior detail is basic.  The quality of the graphics is excellent and only some minor roughness in the edges of some of the castings detracts very slightly.  Behind the cab, there are metal wheel arches and a set of black air lines.  There are number plates front and rear, and the rear light clusters are painted.  Mud flaps are rendered in very thin flexible plastic.

The Fruehauf tipper trailer has a simple chassis with nice wheels and the support legs have plastic cams.  Small graphics have been used to enhance the detailing of the chassis beams.  At the rear the lights are painted.

The tipper body is modelled well with a ribbed structure and cast metal ladders, and the cylinder jacket on the lift ram has a good colour match.  The decoration is excellent with fine paint and graphics.  The tarpaulin cover is modelled out of plastic and it looks good.  The tailgate has more fine graphics.

Features

The tractor rolls well but does not have working steering.  The second axle is not continuous between the wheels so it is easy for them to wobble when the tractor moves.

The trailer can stand on its support legs with the cam feet rotated down although it is not quite level and the rear axle stands off the ground.

The tipper body tilts to a good angle and the tailgate opens although it is not free swinging. 

The tarpaulin cover is not removable and the interior finish of the tipper is not intended to be seen, so the display options are limited.

Quality

The model is solid with a high metal content and is made quite well.  The paintwork and graphics are to a very high standard.

Price

The model is reasonable value overall.

Overall

This model is clearly intended to be an attractive display piece with less attention given to other aspects such as the features and the detailing of less visible parts.  Although the model is therefore simple by modern standards, the paintwork and graphics are very good so it is recommended to anyone wanting a good-looking model.

Footnotes

The model first appeared in the Corgi 2012 catalogue and it was made in a run of 1000 models.
 
The parts and collector card.
Very striking livery.
Air lines at the rear are all black.
The tipper can rest on the cams at the front.
Tipper cover is moulded plastic.
Graphics on the tipper are very good.
Tipping angle is good.
Structure of the tipper is good.
Opening tail gate lifted by a tough guy.