 | | Drake branded box. |  |  | | Brochures included. |  | | Excellent detail behind the cab. |  | | Opening doors. |  | | Underside of the dolly. |  | | Underside of the trailer. |  | | Excellent tiny graphics and control levers. |  | | On the road travelling empty. |  | | Excellent details on the ramps. |  | | ESCO Dragline Bucket loaded. |  | | Carrying a normal load - a Soilmec piling rig. |
|  Comment on this model.
Drake Trailers is an Australian company which was founded in the early 1960s. Located in Brisbane, it manufactures trailers for heavy haulage and their range includes mine trailers also.
The Swingwing trailer was first introduced in 1969 and is available in load carrying capacities from 65 to 120 tonnes, and depending on the version the width can be expanded to 4.6m.
The review model is a Kenworth K200 prime mover and a 4x8 Swingwing trailer which is configured to carry large dragline buckets. There is also a 2x8 dolly and it is all in McAleese colours.
Packaging
The model was delivered in a cardboard outer shipping container enclosing a paper wrapped Drake branded box which refers to a 3x8 trailer rather than the included 4x8. Inside, the model is contained within a pair of expanded polystyrene trays.
There were no missing parts or defects on the review model.
Three brochures are supplied. One is a reprinted brochure of the K200 range of Kenworth trucks and it has nice photos and also technical specifications. The second includes information and photos of the real Swingwing trailer.
The third is a double sided card which describes the features of the dolly and trailer models. Assembly is straightforward with the spare wheels each having a specific position on the dolly or trailer and they are individually marked with their location.
Detail
The Kenworth K200 prime mover is a 6x4 long distance tractor with a sleepover cab. The chassis is very detailed underneath with the transmission and suspension fully modelled. The tyres have a different tread pattern on the front and rear axles, and the wheels are detailed with flexible mud flaps on all axles.
The cab looks very authentic with detailed chrome work all round, with only the aerials absent. Under the cab is a detailed engine, with many separate components including hoses and cables. The interior is very good with tiny graphics on the instrument cluster.
Behind the cab, the exhaust muffler does not have the Kenworth name on but it otherwise looks great as do the fuel tanks. There are coiled lines for connection to the trailer and excellent non-slip walking surfaces. At the rear the lights have plastic lenses.
The dolly has lines running to the wheels and for the trailer connection. The structure is authentically represented with some small graphics which really add detail. A plastic auxiliary fuel tank attaches to the gooseneck and four spare wheels also clip on. Each of these has a chain and separate locking bolt.
The Swingwing trailer is almost all metal with a good structure and deck. More spare wheels clip onto the goose neck, and like the dolly it has really nice Drake nameplates. There are air and hydraulic lines throughout and the hydraulic pump is modelled too. The control console is excellent with tiny legible graphics.
The Swingwing mechanism uses friction rivets at the pivot points which are nicely unobtrusive. At the rear the ramps are very detailed and chains connect to the bucket well flaps.
Features
The front wheels on the Kenworth steer, but the steering is 'notched' rather than variable so the wheels can only be posed in one position when pointing left or right. The range of movement is not great.
The cab tilts forward to a good angle. 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 Kenworth has a spring loaded lever to secure a trailer in position. It can also be adjusted longitudinally a small amount.
The dolly has removable spare wheel sets and the locking bars can also be detached to release each wheel. The kingpin can be set in one of two positions and it has an oscillating skid plate. There are two support legs and each can be lowered and locked by using a removable pin.
Both sets of wheels can be slid out to widen the dolly and the axles float and twist.
The kingpin on the trailer can be set in one of three positions by using a screwdriver. The spare wheels are removable with the same functionality as those on the dolly.
Each of the wheel axles has working suspension with a significant range of movement, and at the rear the ramps can be lowered. There are three support legs, two at the front and one in the centre, and they can be lowered and pinned into position.
The levers on the control console can be moved.
The Swingwing mechanism works well. It opens up in a number of widths and can be pinned into position.
The flaps covering the wells for the dragline bucket well are hinged and open when the rear ramps are lowered.
Quality
This is another high quality Drake model with a high metal content.
The McAleese livery is represented very well with high quality paint work and graphics.
Price
Although not the cheapest truck model it is good value for the high quality.
Overall
This is another outstanding example of Australian heavy haulage from Drake Collectibles. It makes a very interesting display when paired with an ESCO Profill Dragline Bucket.
Footnotes
This model was produced in a number of different liveries and first appeared in early 2015. |
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|  | | The parts in the box. |  | | The Kenworth K200. |  | | Impressive. |  | | Detailed chassis. |  | | Detailed engine. | |
|  | | Dolly standing on its legs. |  | | Trailer opened wide. |  | | Great details. |  | | Excellent display. |  | | Heavy haulage. |
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