World-class diecast truck and trailer model maker Drake Collectibles’ stand yet again proved among the most popular exhibits at the 2023 Brisbane Truck Show
The Drake Group’s newly-minted director Sam Drake described the scenes as “crazy” as punters crammed in “10 deep” to witness the latest Drake Collectibles’ model releases on the first day of the 2023 Brisbane Truck Show.
Its new location upstairs on the mezzanine level of the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre didn’t hold back the crowds, with the stand again among the most popular at the show.
Led by General Manager Bruce Hay, the award-winning model maker unveiled a raft of new models as well as previewing new releases planned for 2024 – all broadcast live via Facebook to its large global fan base.
Day one kicked off with the company taking the wraps of a Kenworth K200 2.8 ‘fat cab’ and 5×8 float combination decked out in the green and white colours of Sydney-based Hi-Quality Group. Three years in development, it features four 700-litre round fuel tanks in keeping with the truck it was modelled off (pictured below).
A convoy of Kenworths were rolled out across the show, led by a C509 hooked up to Drake Collectibles’ first-ever Freighter triple road-train set for Netherlands-based Mammoet Group, one of the world’s largest heavy-haulage companies; followed by a T909 Director for Membrey’s Transport & Crane Hire unveiled by Managing Director Craig Membrey and son Jack (pictured below).
There was also a model T909 Director (#30) for earthmoving, civil construction and heavy haulage business VE Group, pictured below, featuring an amazing full-length back-of-cab mural celebrating 90 years’ of Kenworth designed by owners Nathan and Bronwen Howell.
Another standout, shown below, was a pink T909 Director for Wollongong-based Ross Transport modelled on its truck named ‘Truely Frantastic’ (a playful blend of first-generation founder Frances Ross’s and third-generation family member True Ross-Sawrey’s names) in recognition of the contribution women have had to the company’s success over the past 45 years.
In recognition of the huge success of the Kenworth SAR Legend, which was unveiled at the 2021 Brisbane Truck Show, Drake Collectibles also previewed a resin prototype of the scaled model, pictured below, while it undergoes development and tooling for a production release next year.
Not surprisingly, The Drake Group subsidiary also unhooked several new trailer models including a couple of Boxloader container-trailers showcasing the liveries of heavy haulers Doolan’s and Membrey’s. And in recognition of O’Phee Trailers early days manufacturing stock crates, Drake Collectibles also previewed an O’Phee livestock trailer currently being developed for release.
Feature Video: Trailers On Show @ 2023 Brisbane Truck Show
