Volvo FH16 Globetrotter with Scheuerle Modular InterCombi "Van der Meijden"

copy from http://www.miniature-construction-world.co.uk/scheuerle-van-der-meijden.html

Volvo FH16 Globetrotter with Scheuerle Modular InterCombi
"Van der Meijden"

Presented here is the 1:50th scale Scheuerle Modular InterCombi with Volvo FH16 in the Van der Meijden company decoration from WSI. The model consists of a number of components and parts allowing various working configurations to be realised and is exclusive to Scale Model World.

Van der Meijden are a well known Dutch heavy haulage company that specialise in the transport of loads for the construction industry. Typical applications include the transport of pre-fabricated concrete beams weighing up to 150 tons with lengths of over 50 metres.

The model reviewed here is a true replica of one of the heavy haulage rigs found within Van der Meijden's modern fleet, based on a Volvo FH16 6x4 tractor with bolt-on tag axle and a set of Scheuerle modules consisting of a single 2-axle line module, two 3-axle line modules and a four axle line module with gooseneck, tow bar and turntables allowing a number of configurations to be built. The model comes complete with a resin replica of a concrete beam and is exceptionally well packaged in a strong board box with foam interior holding all the parts securely.

The Volvo FH16 has been replicated well, with all the fine details that are now expected from WSI clearly visible. The front grill has photo-etched panels which are crisp and look really authentic, highlighted in white and silver paint with plastic light lenses integrated into the contours of the bumper.

	The cabin has all the panel detailing found on the full sized truck with rear facing floodlights and neatly stacked service line coils leading down to the diamond plate textured platform. Amber beacons and chromed air horns are located on the roof with a plastic air intake snugly fitted behind the cab and rear view mirror housings fixed to the cab frame
The box construction of the chassis gives an impression of strength with a slot along the centre of the chassis allowing the fifth wheel assembly to slide into different positions for the gooseneck, depending on if the additional bolt-on tag axle is deployed.

The bolt on tag axle is a nice addition to the set with small, double tyres mounted to the axle which has working steering and spring operated suspension. The frame has a non functional stabiliser leg with a full length simulated mud flap with accurate printing, complete with tinted plastic light covers and a silver finished upper platform. Attaching the axle is easy as it clips into place on the raised brackets integrated into the Volvo frame.

The underside of the tractor is fully replicated, from the engine and transmission through to the driven axles and driveshaft. The front axle has functioning steering with crisply moulded rubber tyres while the main tyres have a very realistic tread pattern. The underside of the chassis also highlights the exhaust piping, fuel and air tanks and the simulated suspension structures.

The cabin can be tilted forward to reveal the full engine housing, with the Volvo powerplant at the heart, authentically painted and decalled up with the radiator and cooling components all visible.

The paint finish is excellent throughout with the striking orange and blue colour scheme constrasting well. The Van der Meijden company details are crisply printed on the sides of the cabin with an authentic number plate and Volvo designations printed across the front of the cab.

The main configuration when transporting the concrete beam is a 5-axle semi-trailer connected to the tractor with a self tracking 7-axle dolly. On the return journey, the rear dolly can be connected to the semi-trailer with the included tow bar and pintle hitch.

Each of the modules has been meticulously designed to allow full configuration of the steering bars to produce different steering angles. This is achieved using metal bars and small screws and for the Van der Meijden, the steering bars are all fully assembled out of the box (as pictured below). Spare bars and screws are provided in the box.

The metal frame of the module has very crisp casting details with holes along the length where the turntables are connected. The side structure detailing is very crisp with bolt and tie-down ring detailing visible along with printing of the Scheuerle logo and a yellow stripe running along the upper edge.

Each of the axle lines has a pivoting frame allowing some degree of suspension to be observed. The tyres have a ridged tread pattern with silver hubs and all rotate freely while the proportional steering is a little stiff but does function.

	Silver metal plates with a diamond plate textured surface are provided to cover the channels on each module to protect the steering mechanisms and these hold in place snugly.
A nicely detailed power module is supplied in the box, with a yellow painted generator with silver highlighting of the bolts and filler caps and tiny printing of the safety label.

The modules have integrated locking bars which function well, allowing the different modules to be easily locked together, although initially, the modules are quite stiff to clip together and require a little manipulation to lock the angle castings into each other. One interesting observation on the modules is the removal of the paint on the surfaces which come into contact with each other. This adds more realism to the modules and is a nice touch.

A towing bar is supplied in the set allowing the model to be posed realistically without the concrete beam load. This push-fits into the two holes on the end of the module and has different holes where pins need to be fitted to adjust the steering range. Small springs are connected to the pivoting bar allowing it to gently touch the ground. A control housing is also supplied which clips onto the corner of the module and houses a number of levers to operate the functions of the dolly. The levers are highlighted silver with black knobs.

The pintle hitch fits to the module in the same way as the tow bar, by inserting it with force onto the end of the module until the plastic pins fully insert into the holes. The model is supplied with two sets of light panels which clip onto the end of the module as required. The panels have intricate printing of the oversized vehicle markings, chevron pattern and authentic numberplates while the light housings have tinted plastic lenses, topped with an amber beacon.

Two turntables are supplied, the front one is a simple construction with a pivoting platform and rotating frame. Each of the upright bars can be adjusted to hold different sizes of load and a simulated wooden base panel is attached.	The turntable for the dolly is a little more sophisticated and has hydraulic cylinders to control the rotation of the platform. The frame has a simulated wooden base with adjustable upright bars with flexible huydraulic hoses and intricate detailing of the steering mechanisms.

The gooseneck has some very nice detailing including storage compartments integrated into the sides of the upper platform, complete with cast handle detailing which is highlighted black with tiny silver highlighting of the locks. The side panels have cast hinge and clip detailing with minuscule printing running down the centre which is barely readable.

Two spare wheels are mounted to the tip of the gooseneck with flexible hosing added to both sides for extra realism. The neck is hydraulically powered and can be adjusted while metal brackets can be inserted into the end of the neck to keep it raised when disconnected from the tractor.

The engineering that has gone into producing the Scheuerle InterCombi modules demonstrates WSI are at the forefront of model design and the various parts supplied in the box allow different trailer configurations to be constructed. This is especially useful for those collectors who don't have the space to display the model with the concrete beam load. Pictured above is an 8 axle-line semi-trailer using both 3 axle-line modules alongside the 2 axle-line module for a realistic heavy haul trailer, connected to the Volvo FH16 in standard configuration.

Pictured above, all modules are connected to create a 12 axle-line semi-trailer. While the tag axle is a nice addition, there is no pintle hitch on the tractor which unfortunately excludes a towed trailer combination. Pictured below is the default model configuration with concrete beam load.

The Dutch based Scale Model World are a newcomer to the model scene and have been working exclusively with WSI Collectibles to bring to life some of the more unusual heavy haulage rigs from companies throughout Europe. The Van der Meijden is the first model in the range and they have already followed up with several additional Scheuerle trailer combinations. Check out their website for more details and to order the Van der Meijden model reviewed here.