 | | Volvo style windowed box. |  | | Track frames are detailed. |  | | Tilting cab. |  | | Hydraulic lines on the boom sections. |  | | The tool. |  | | Two opening flaps over the engine compartment. |  | | Profile view. |  | | Loaded on a Nooteboom Euro-99-24 low loader. |
| The Volvo EC700CHR is a high reach demolition machine which as modelled here has a 30m boom. The machine has an operating weight in the 90 tonne class.
This model appears to have been directly procured from a Chinese manufacturer and is unbranded as far as the model maker is concerned. However it is listed with a Motorart model number and so is included here as a Motorart model.
Packaging
It comes in long Volvo branded box which has a window allowing the model to be seen. The model is contained between a pair of clear plastic formers and the review model had no defects or missing parts.
There is no other information on the real machine included, but a simple instruction sheet describes some of the features of the model.
Detail
The metal tracks are mounted on good track frames although there are no working rollers. The main drive sprockets and idlers look good.
The body is mostly metal with plastic hand rails. Details within the casting are good with textured walkways and grilles and panel handles. The hydraulic lines at the boom foot are less convincing as they are not separately detailed. The cab is entirely plastic with very good interior detail.
The boom sections are metal and the hydraulic pipes and hoses are modelled well. Friction rivets have been used to join the sections and these are unobtrusive.
The crusher has metal jaws.
Features
The tracks roll well smoothly but they are not mounted on spring loaded sprockets so are awkward to remove. The track frames are extendible so the model can be posed realistically in transport or working mode.
The cab can be tilted although the mechanism is not stiff so the review model was difficult to pose at a steep angle.
Two opening hatches allow some access to the engine compartment where there is a simply detailed engine.
The boom sections can be posed in a wide range of positions and the cylinders are reasonably stiff with the exception of the main lift cylinders which cannot hold the weight. To get around this a small clip is provided which clips on to one of the boom cylinders. This is crude but effective although only one boom position can be fixed. It spoils the look of the model but as it only clips on one side the model can be posed to hide the clip. It stands around 60cm (2ft) high with the tool outstretched.
The tool has opening and closing jaws, but it does not rotate.
Quality
The model is good quality but not to the best of current standards. The paintwork is satisfactory with some colour variations, and the graphics are good.
Price
The model is reasonably priced considering it is quite large.
Overall
This is a welcome addition to the Volvo model range, and it is interesting that it has been procured directly rather than through an established well known model maker. The result is a good model with some nice details and features and it has just enough going for it to be highly recommended.
Footnotes
The model was first appeared at the Nuremberg Toy Fair 2011 where it was displayed on the Motorart stand although it is not a Motorart branded model.
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|  | | The parts out of the box. |  | | Hydraulics are moulded at the boom foot. |  | | The track frames extended. |  | | Plastic lines across the pivot points. |  | | The special spacer piece fitted to the main boom lift cylinder. |  | | At work with the Volvo EC460CLD in assistance. |  | | Falling object protection on the cab. |  | | Big rig on the move. |
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