HomeWelcomeReviewsEditorials/PressReferenceShopping MallLinksPhoto ArchiveSearchContact
Volvo FH16 6x4 + Nooteboom OSDS 3-axle - Dufour

Maker:  WSI
Model No:  9787
Scale:  1:50
Review Date:  September 2010


WSI Index
Extendible Trailer Index


Cranes Etc Model Rating
Packaging   (max 10)7
Detail   (max 30)26
Features   (max 20)15
Quality   (max 25)21
Price   (max 15)11
Overall   (max 100)80%

Footnotes


The Volvo FH16 6x4 and Nooteboom OSDS 3-axle trailer in Dufour colours.  Deck posts are fitted on the deck bed.
Click to see large photo
The box.
Click to see large photo
The parts out of the box.
Click to see large photo
Reflectors on the mud flap.
Click to see large photo
Engine under the cab.
Click to see large photo
Tiny graphics under the headboard.
Click to see large photo
Steering on axle 3.
Click to see large photo
Stabilisers under the rear end are folded up.
Click to see large photo
Loaded with Potain MDT 178 mast sections.
Click to see large photo
Plug in width markers at the rear and deck width extenders fitted.
Click to see large photo
Width markers signalling the wide load.
Dufour SA is one of the largest haulage and craneage companies in Belgium and Northern France.  It was founded in 1957 and has diversified to include general civil engineering and demolition plant also. 

This model is in the colours of Dufour and is a Volvo FH16-540 6x4 tractor with a Nooteboom 3-axle OSDS-48-03V(D) semi lowloader.  The trailer has a total capacity of 48 tonnes.  It is 1:50 scale and is made by WSI in China.

Packaging

The model comes in a Nooteboom branded box and inside it is held in a standard WSI expanded polystyrene tray with clear formers.  There were no defects or missing parts on the review model.

There is no information provided about the real vehicle or the model.  Assembly is easy however and involves fitting the trailer headboard, deck post holder and deck posts.

Detail

The Volvo 6x4 tractor looks smart in Dufour livery.  The chassis has the suspension and transmission fully modelled.  The wheel hubs are excellent, and there are different tyre tread patterns on the front and real axles.  On the roof of the cab there are some convincing spotlights and the beacon lights look good too.  There is a number plate and a 'Convoi Exceptionnel' sign on the front and the rest of the cab detailing is very good with some really small graphics applied.  Coiled air lines are provided for attachment to a trailer, and the fuel tank and equipment box are modelled well.  Plastic wheel arches cover the rear wheels and the rear lights have individual plastic lenses.

The trailer is a first class piece of modelling throughout.  The axles are highly detailed with the suspension fully represented and there is hosing running to each wheel.  At the front there are a couple of landing legs, with the handle of the landing legs having a touch of blue paint which is a pleasing detail.  The surface of the trailer is top quality with an excellent representation of a timber surface which has screw holes modelled, and the metal surfacing is textured well.  Details along the edges of the trailer are really nice with tiny non-functioning tie down points represented, and there is a fine yellow stripe and tiny graphics along the deck edges, with a control console on one side.

The gooseneck has connectors for a couple of lines from the tractor, and the deck includes the offset aluminium strip which is present in the real trailer.  On the front with the headboard is a deck post holder.  A separate pack of metal deck posts is provided and these plug into holes in the deck edge if required.  A pair of width marker signs can be attached at the rear end of the trailer, and a couple of pull-out ones are stowed under the gooseneck.

Features

The tractor unit has a steerable front axle but the steering lock is very limited.  The cab tilts to a good angle to reveal the engine, and the fifth wheel can be adjusted for position longitudinally.

The trailer has many features.  All the axles have effective working suspension with good movement, and the rear axle is self-steering and can adopt a very good angle.  At the front the landing legs can be screwed down, and the marker boards stowed under the gooseneck can be slid into position.  At the rear, a couple of hinged support legs can be rotated down if required.

The trailer bed can be extended to almost double its length, and there is a sliding cross beam too.  For wider loads the trailer has a load floor width adjustment and this works with tiny extension consoles which can be pulled out and then replica beams can be laid between them.

Other configuration options are provided by fitting or omitting the deck posts.

Quality

This is another high quality rendition of the OSDS trailer and the Dufour livery looks very pleasing with the paintwork and graphics of a very high standard.

Price

The model is good value for its quality and considering that it has been made in limited numbers.

Overall

The model looks impressive and poses very well with a variety of loads on board.  It also makes a great display parked along side the Telestep trailer in Dufour livery.

Footnotes

The model appeared in June 2010.

 
Click to see large photo
The model in the tray.
Click to see large photo
Smart styling.
Click to see large photo
Good detail underneath.
Click to see large photo
Volvo embossed on the exhaust box behind the wheel.
Click to see large photo
High quality underneath too.
Click to see large photo
Width markers under the gooseneck pull out.
Click to see large photo
Deck posts stored in the holder.
Click to see large photo
The extendible bed slightly lengthened to carry two sections.
Click to see large photo
Loaded with a Case CX240B long reach excavator.
Click to see large photo
Parked with its brother, the Volvo 8x4 and Telestep.