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Volvo Centaur Concept Articulated Hauler

Maker:  Motorart
Model No:  110524
Scale:  1:50
Review Date:  May 2011


Motorart Index
Earthmoving Equipment Index


Cranes Etc Model Rating
Packaging   (max 10)9
Detail   (max 30)23
Features   (max 20)16
Quality   (max 25)20
Price   (max 15)7
Overall   (max 100)75%

Footnotes


Volvo Centaur Concept Articulated Hauler Video
The box.
Wheels look toy-like but the tyres are rubber.
Steps lowered and windscreen raised.
Cab unit detached.
The body tipped and telescoped together.
This is one in a series of concept models which are Volvo's vision of future construction machines. 

The Centaur is an articulated dump truck and its most innovative feature is that the front cab section can be uncoupled from the trailer with computer control and gyroscopes enabling it to balance on two wheels.  This would allow the cab unit to quickly and easily attach to alternative trailers such as a water bowser or pipe carrier.  Proximity sensors around the machine would detect people and objects for maximum safety.

The drive mechanism is an electric motor in each wheel and the fully independent suspension would allow a variety of drive heights.  The tipping body is telescopic, closing up as it tilts to force material out and maintain a low centre of gravity.

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

The detail underneath the model is simple and this may reflect the concept design  It has the very large wheels of the concept and the hubs seem to pay homage to sports car design.  The tyres are rubber even though they look like plastic from some angles.

Lights are modelled at the front and back and the cab is certainly futuristic and inside it has a steering control and foot pedals.  The front wheel arches are plastic.

There are no hydraulic lines or other cables modelled so the detailing appears plain, but again this may represent the concept design.  The dump body is metal and like the other metal parts has a metallic finish to the paint.  The Volvo name is nicely embossed within the casting.

Features

The independent suspension is very good with significant movement possible on all wheels.  Steering is possible by articulation at the pivot point and the range of movement is good.  No rotational movement is permitted at the pivot.

The cab is detachable from the tipper body and to allow it to appear to balance a special intermediate ski is provided.  The front folds down revealing steps and the windscreen rises to allow easy entry although it does not stay in the raised position. 

The dump body is interesting as it has no lift cylinder modelled but just tips up and can hold the pose fully raised.  It is telescopic like the concept machine and has an opening tailgate which works well.

Quality

The model is good quality with a nice paint finish.

Price

It is relatively expensive for a model of this size.

Overall

This is an interesting departure from normal construction scale models and it depicts some of the innovations of the concept machine.  It is expensive but offers just enough to be highly recommended.


Footnotes

The model appeared at the Nuremberg Toy Fair in 2011 and was one of three concept models including the Gryphin and Sfinx.
 
Sleek futuristic design.
Simple underside.
Profile view.
The 'ski' supports the cab unit.  The concept machine will balance on two wheels using gyroscopes and powerful motors.
The Sfinx excavator loads the Centaur.