Renowned die-cast truck and trailer model maker Drake Collectibles is set to take the wraps off as many as three new model releases at the 2023 Brisbane Truck Show from May 18-21.
Anchoring a dedicated new Merchandise Zone at the event, the popular exhibit will also feature some “special guest appearances”, teases Bruce Hay, who has managed the highly successful division of The Drake Group since it was founded in 2010 in response to customer frustrations about the lack of proper die-cast models of Australian trucks and trailers.
In addition to the new model releases, the Drake Collectibles’ stand will also feature recent model releases. Despite the ripple effects of COVID-19 putting model production 11 months behind schedule, Hay says Drake Collectibles still managed to unveil eight new Kenworth K200s, nine new C509s and one stunning Kenworth T900 Legend in 2022.
Possibly the standout release of 2022, he adds, was the Mactrans Heavy Haulage ‘Stop DV’ Kenworth K200, a stunning truck carrying a powerful message relating to domestic violence against women.
Another popular release in recent years, Hay said, was the 1988 Bicentennial Mack Super-Liner, which in 2021 was awarded the prestigious ‘Model of the Year’ by Cranes Etc, which boasts a following of over 220,000 collectors throughout the world via its website and social media pages.
“All the new releases were very popular with the collector’s market throughout the world and the good news is, there are more to come in the future,” he said.
Hay notes the replica model trucks and trailers are a great alternative for the thousands of Brisbane Truck Show attendees who admire the vehicles on display.
“Australians love their trucks. They love their Kenworths, they love their Macks. So, they see all these trucks, they see all these trailers, and while they can’t take the real one home, they can take something in miniature home.
“The collectability of them is very high; it’s sort of contagious. They start with one, they end up with two, and before you know it, they’ve got a cabinet, maybe two cabinets or three cabinets. It’s phenomenal.”
The Drake Collectibles’ stand will be located in the Merchandise Zone, conveniently located on the Mezzanine Level right above the main entrance at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.