Scania R Highline with Nooteboom OSDS-48-03V Semi Low Loader "Peter Mussche & Zn"

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Scania R Highline with Nooteboom OSDS-48-03V Semi Low Loader
"Peter Mussche & Zn"

Presented here is the 1:50th scale Scania R Highline 6x2 truck with Nooteboom OSDS-48-03V semi low loader trailer in the colours of Peter Mussche & Zn. The company has been providing transport and logistics for over 30 years and have an extensive fleet of vehicles, all decorated in this rather striking colour scheme.

The interior of the cabin highlights the drivers and passengers seating with a contoured dashboard and coloured interior highlighted with intricate printing on the side windows and across the top of the front windscreen. Small logos have even been added to the rear view mirror housings, showing the attention to detail WSI go through on each model.

	Corgi were well known for their exceptional decoration of some of the most intricate company decorations and, on the model reviewed here from WSI, everything has been considered, with immaculate printing of the company markings and logos all around the cab and an excellently reproduced mural across the rear cab panel. Fine printing is found throughout the model, from the white stripes with black lines on the fuel tank to the white pin lines following the contours of the rear wheel covers and the Scania name printed across the mud flaps.
The cab exterior is adorned with lights, from rectangular lights integrated into the visor above the window to the circular lights inset into the front of the roof, topped with a pair of amber beacons and chromed air horns.
The cabin tilts forward to reveal the powerplant beneath, with highlighting of the cooling pipes leading to the radiator. The pivoting fifth wheel coupling is affixed to the chassis and makes a firm connection with the king pin of the trailer while the coiled service lines add even more realism.

The underside of the model reveals more of the fine detailing added to each WSI model, with a drive shaft fixed between the transmission to the rear driven axle while a linked steering bar can be found connecting the two steering axles, although the range of movement is very limited and is one area where WSI models tend to suffer. Good detailing is found on the suspension frame and the rubber tyres have excellent definition of the tread pattern.

The Nooteboom OSDS-48-03V 3-axle semi low loader trailer has appeared in a number of different colours and is pictured here in the blue colours of Peter Mussche and Sons, with a contrasting yellow pin stripe along the sides and simulated wooden deck panels inset into the deck.

Pull out safety boards with a red and white chevron pattern are fitted beneath the deck and slide out smoothly whilst two separate safety panels are supplied which fit into the holes at the rear of the trailer to warn of extra wide loads. These are also stored in holders integrated into the frame at the front of the trailer.	The legs of the trailer have pivoting feet and can be adjusted in height by rotating them. The screw thread is hidden within the leg, adding to the realistic appearance.

The underside of the trailer is highly detailed with the suspension of each axle replicated with the rear most axle featuring a steering mechanism which can achieve a reasonable degree of turn. The tyres have an accurate tread pattern moulded into them and are fitted to blue coloured wheel hubs with white pin lines and centres.

The loading ramps have a lip which connects to the groove on the rear of the trailer frame allowing the ramps to be positioned at the required width. Fold down rear stabilisers help to keep the trailer level during loading operations and this is functional on the model. The raised front deck of the trailer has a number of holes where the various parts can be connected. The front section has a single spare wheel mounted with a plastic storage box fitting just behind. There are also two side sections and a rear section allowing the upper deck to be used as a storage area or as extra deck space depending on the load being carried.
	The accessories supplied with the model consist of metal rods which push-fit into the holes along the side of the trailer. The sides of the trailer have cast tie-down rings highlighted with silver paint along with pull out extension bars which allow the small simulated wooded planks to be installed to widen the bed of the trailer. This is another really nice touch but the planks are fiddly to set up and any movement of the trailer causes several of them to fall off.
	The main deck of the trailer features a textured surface with inset simulated wooded panels which really do add to the realistic look of the trailer. The trailer can be extended to transport long loads and this operates smoothly with a floating support bar which can be positioned at any point along the central support beam.

Two ramps are supplied which fit between the bed and the raised gooseneck of the trailer. These have integrated grab handles and a ridge which slides along the lip of the holder. The main loading ramps are finished in blue to match the trailer colour and, unlike some of the 4-axle Nooteboom trailers, there is no dedicated storage area for them beneath the deck. This is one of three replicas modelled by WSI from the Peter Mussche & Sons fleet with a Volvo FH3 and tipping trailer and Scania R with container trailer and 20ft container also produced.