Italeri 1/24th Volvo VN 670 By Matt Bittner

Background

Again, with thanks to the Italeri instruction sheet.

The new Volvo VN 670 tractor, an evolution of the NH 12 series, is specifically aimed at the American market, where the previous version has already proved popular and more than capable of competing with traditional US-built trucks. Characterized by a spacious drive cab, with sleeping facilities and every other comfort needed for the long-haul journeys typical of the US market, the vehicle has been completely restyled and the engine improved to contain fuel consumption and reduce emissions.

The Kit

Again, a whopper of a model. 158 injected pieces in multiple colors including chrome; 15 pieces of clear injected plastic for windows and the like; and 10 rubber tires. Quite a lot of parts, especially when you compare it to a 1/72nd WW1 single-seat aircraft. Parts are really nicely molded and there appears to be no flaws at all in the plastic. Decals are crisp, clear, and dare I say “beautiful” – quite stunning the number of colors presented. There are decals for only one scheme, that being showcased on the box top.

There are a lot of construction steps, so be sure you read through the instructions at least once before starting assembly. Assembly starts with the rear differentials, which include suspension units. Once those are finished then they are added to the main chassis, as well as other bits and pieces. Following that is the addition of the front suspension, itself consisting of plenty of pieces. Brakes, mud flaps, etc. are added, but I would personally leave off the mud flaps until after the behemoth is painted. More bits to the chassis are added, and while the instructions have you mount the wheels and tires now, again I would wait until after painting. It appears Italeri offers an ingenious plan to make all wheels turn. A definite must when you’re a young modeler and want your model functioning, as well as a shelf-sitter.

Once the last bits are added to the chassis then work begins on the cab and its interior. Quite a large amount of parts make up this assembly so be sure to study the instructions so you don’t leave anything out. The cab includes an area for the sleeper compartment, but it is under-populated. If one were willing, one could really deck out the interior of the cab to full extreme. Unfortunately the doors are molded shut, but an enthusiastic individual could figure out how to open it all up.

After all bits and pieces are added to the exterior of the cab, the cab is then fitted to the chassis. Again, I would wait to add the cab until after the model is painted. More exterior pieces are fitted and there is one area that took me awhile to figure out. There is an exploded diagram showing where Part 43b is to be positioned on the back of the truck, on the topside of the chassis. What the diagram shows is the underside of Part 43b and depending on if you’re building a US or European truck, you’re to mount Part 43b onto the chassis using the holes in Part 43b shown on the underside of that part. I hope that makes sense, since the drawing threw me for a loop. Assemble the last bits; add the decals and you have quite a sizeable model on your hands.

Conclusion

Couple this truck with the trailer also reviewed in this issue and you have quite a large model just waiting to sit on one of your modeling shelves. Yup, just one, because the models coupled together will take up one entire shelf. This is a very nice model and if you’re into building large trucks, then you can do no wrong with this model.

As I mentioned in my trailer review, my son Aaron is planning on building both the trailer and the truck together. Quite ambitious and I’ll be there every step of the way to help.

Both of us would like to give a huge “thank-you” to Testors for sending this behemoth. No doubt it will be hours of enjoyment for a ten-year-old.