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| Kenworth branded box.
|
 |
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| Steering is
notched. |
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| Very detailed
chassis. |
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| Graphics behind
the cab. |
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| Opening door. |
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| Detailed
engine. |
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| Impressive. |
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| Profile view. |
|
 Comment on this model.
The review model is a Kenworth T909 Prime Mover. The
real truck is Australian engineered and built, and it
includes sleeper accommodation for long hauls.
It is in the colours of
Membrey's which is a family-run transport and crane
hire company established in 1952. It is decorated
in memory of Rowan John Membrey, who took his own life
at a young age, and also
beyondblue, which is an
Australian organisation focussing on depression and anxiety.
The original truck with this decoration was a Kenworth
T904.
Packaging
The model comes in a Kenworth branded box and is contained
within a polystyrene tray, with the parts protected by
clear film.
There were no defects or missing parts on the review
model.
A reprint of a Kenworth T909 brochure is supplied, and
it includes
information and photos of the real truck.
Assembly is limited to the attachment of door mirrors
and fitting the optional 'Oversize' sign.
Detail
The Kenworth T909 Prime Mover is a 6x4 long distance
tractor with a sleepover cab. The chassis is very detailed
underneath with an excellent representation of the
transmission and suspension. The tyres are
different on the front and rear axles but have
slightly odd tread patterns. There are soft mud flaps
throughout the chassis.
The cab modelling is first class with a bullbar at the
front and excellent chrome work all round, including
bespoke exhaust stacks. A highlight is the
quality of the graphics which are precise and to a high
standard, including a mural on the back of the cab which
only shows grain under close inspection.
Under the hood is a detailed engine with fan, a separate radiator,
and there are various pipes and hoses modelled.
Inside, the cab is very good with a detailed instrument
console.
Behind the cab, the detail continues with three coiled
lines for connection to a trailer and excellent non-slip
walking surfaces. At the rear the lights have
plastic lenses and there is the commemorative number
plate of the real truck.
Features
The front wheels on the Kenworth steer
moderately, but the steering
is 'notched' rather than variable so the wheels can only
be posed in one position when pointing left or right.
There is working sprung suspension on all axles.
The
bullbar folds forward and the hood opens in a very easy action.
The cab doors can be
opened and inside the seats have an air ride action and
can be moved up and down.
The ‘fifth wheel’ on the tractor works
and is operated with a spring loaded lever to secure a trailer
in position. It can also be adjusted longitudinally.
Quality
This is a high quality model with plastic used
to a very limited extent.
The paint
work and graphics are excellent.
Price
As a very high quality model it is not cheap, but it
delivers good value.
Overall
Drake Collectibles has produced an outstanding replica
of a highly-decorated and special-looking Kenworth T909.
Footnotes
The T909 was produced in a number of different liveries
and first appeared in 2014. |
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|
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| The model,
brochure and parts. |
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| Superb mesh
radiator grille. |
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| Extreme detail. |
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| Coiled lines
and good wheel arches. |
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| Exhaust stack
is bespoke for this version of the model. |
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| Chrome work is
mirror-like. |
|
|
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| Hood and
bullbar tilted. |
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| Great heavy
haul. |
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