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Volvo FMX Tipper

Maker:  Motorart
Model No:  300041
Scale:  1:50
Review Date:  July 2015


Motorart Index
Earthmoving Equipment Index


Cranes Etc Model Rating
Packaging   (max 10)7
Detail   (max 30)21
Features   (max 20)13
Quality   (max 25)16
Price   (max 15)10
Overall   (max 100)67%

Footnotes


Volvo FMX Tipper and Volvo EC220E Video  [Youku Video]
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Volvo style windowed box.
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Nice tipper body casting.
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Tipping angle is reasonable.
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Tanks and wheel arches are plastic but they look good.
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On the road.
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Poses well with other models.
Profile view.
Comment on this model.

The Volvo FMX is a class of truck designed for construction use, and includes features such as a higher ground clearance.  This model of the truck is a named as a 6x4 version on the box, but in fact all axles are driven.

Packaging

The packaging is a Volvo-branded outer box enclosing clear plastic trays and there is a window allowing the model to be seen.

There were no missing parts or manufacturing defects on the review model.

There is no information about the real truck, but a small leaflet is included which describes the cab tilting feature of the model.

Detail

The chassis underneath is a surprise as it is a 6x6 version rather than 6x4 as described on the box.  Most components of the transmission, steering and tanks appear to be plastic.  The wheels are also plastic but they look good, and all of the tyres have the same tread pattern.

The cab looks smart enough, but again many of the detailed parts are plastic including the grab rails.  The interior detail level is moderate.

At the back the rear lights have plastic lenses.  The mud flaps are plastic and moulded in with the wheel arches.

Under the engine cover is a simplistic plastic engine. 

The tipper body is metal with some nice detailing, and the rear tailgate is plastic although it is painted so the colour match is excellent.  The ram is telescopic with the ram jacket being crude plastic.

Features

The truck rolls reasonably well.  Although the front axle steers the mechanism is flimsy and the tyres get fouled quickly.

The cab tilts but the mechanism is clunky and requires the cab to be lifted and tilted. The review model would not pose in the tilted position although the instructions suggested it should.   It can be fiddly to locate the cab properly back in the normal position.

The body tips smoothly and holds any intermediate pose, with the tipping angle being moderately good. 

The tailgate opens but is not free-swinging.

Quality

This is a moderate quality model with quite a lot of plastic used.

The graphics and paint are good. 

Price

The model is on the pricey side for the quality offered.

Overall

Motorart has produced a reasonably good looking version of the FMX truck at a moderate quality.  It goes well with other smaller Volvo excavators.

Footnotes

This model was a 2015 release.

 
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Distinctive cab.
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Chassis is a 6x6.
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Simple engine is plastic.
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Loaded with rocks.
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Being loaded.