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| The box. |
 |
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| Lattice
structure of the boom and stick is unusual. |
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| Counterweight
extended at the rear. |
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| Reach is good.
|
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| Nicely detailed
cab.
|
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| On tip toes. |
|
This is one in a series of concept
models which are Volvo's vision of future construction
machines.
The Sfinx is an excavator and is driven by electric
motors. The power source is a fuel cell which is able
to move as an active counterweight and compensate for
the forces on the machine making it more stable and
efficient. It has four independent tracks which have
variable contact area for different ground conditions or
even for high speed travel.
The cab is removable so that it can become a remote
workstation with the excavator unit working at distance,
perhaps in hazardous conditions. Another innovation is
the lattice structure of the boom which reduces the
material content.
Packaging
The model comes in a Volvo branded box with a
window and is held between
two snap fit clear plastic formers. Although
Motorart list the model, the Motorart name does not
appear on the box or model. There were no
defects or missing parts on the review model.
An interesting information sheet is provided and this
describes the design ideas for the concept machine and
shows the features of the model.
Detail
There are four independent track assemblies which are
plainly detailed and the tracks are rubber with a tread
pattern.
The body is a sleek design and is made of metal with
paint that has a metallic finish. The Volvo name
is embossed on both sides of the body.
The operator’s cab is plastic but well detailed inside
with pedals, joysticks and computer screen.
The boom and stick are metal and modelled with lattice
structures and the cylinder jackets
have the same paint finish as the rest of the model
which is good to see. The rivets used at the pivot
points are small and unobtrusive.
The bucket is a simple metal casting.
Features
The tracks roll but are stiff as they are rubber, and they are fully adjustable and
configurable like the concept machine except there is no
steering mechanism. Some weird-looking poses can
be produced.
It rotates and has the large movable section at the rear
to act as a variable counterweight.
The cab is fully detachable although it is not fitted to
an extending boom like the concept machine.
The boom, stick and bucket all move like a conventional
model with a good range of movement.
Quality
The model is well made with the paintwork being very good and there are no graphics.
Price
As with the other Volvo concept models it is relatively
expensive.
Overall
In many ways this is the most unusual looking of the
concept models with the tracks being particularly
distinctive. The quality of the build is very good
which means it is highly recommended whilst noting that
the price level is high.
Footnotes
The model appeared at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in 2011
and was one of three concept models including the
Centaur and
Gryphin. |
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|
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| "It's an
excavator Jim, but not as we know it...".
|
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| Underside view. |
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| Profile view. |
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| A weird pose. |
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| The cab is
detachable for remote control applications such as
digging in hazardous environments. |
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