Kenworth K200 with Drake 3x8 Swingwing Trailer and 2x8 Dolly
The first Drake model was the 4x8 Swingwing with 2x8 dolly and Kenworth T908 prime mover which was produced in a number of colours and company decorated versions. Being the first Australian style heavy haulage setup, the model sold out with a second batch produced to satisfy demand. This has been followed up with the launch of a 3x8 drop-deck Swingwing trailer with 2x8 dolly and Kenworth K200 prime mover which is produced for Drake Trailers under licence in China.
The 2x8 dolly features a highly detailed frame with air tanks, service lines and a fully functional fifth wheel coupling, complete with spring operated locking mechanism. The optional fuel tank fits on top of the neck, as do the spare wheel holders, four of which are fitted to the dolly (2 per side). These use friction to remain in place and any movement of the dolly causes then to fall off, so it is advisable to glue them in place.
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The axles all pivot, allowing them to remain in contact with the ground which is a good piece of engineering with accurately moulded rubber tyres and chromed wheel hubs and fenders.
The 3x8 swingwing trailer is slightly different in design to the original 4x8 trailer model with a drop-deck bed which reduces the load height of the trailer slightly. This has been authentically replicated while keeping the ability for the trailer to be fully adjusted. The gooseneck of the 3x8 swingwing trailer has holes to fit the spare wheel holders and these are a slightly different design to those fitted to the dolly.
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Each of the spare wheel holders house two spare wheels which can be removed from the holder by twisting and extracting the locking bar which holds the wheels in position. This is a great touch on the model |
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Service lines have been added to the dolly and lead to the extending frame, allowing the footprint to be widened for added stability. |
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The controls to operate the trailer have been replicated on the side frame of the trailer, complete with tiny printing of the instructions and safety labels (shown above) The trailer has extending stabiliser legs which use a pin to hold them at the chosen height. There are also holes on the bed of the trailer which are used to lock the trailer at the required amount of extension. |
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The rear ramps are hydraulically operated and have safety locking chains fitted. While this adds greatly to the realistic appearance, the chains are very delicate and care needs to be taken to prevent them from getting damaged. The ramps have ridges on the upper surface to provide added grip when loading / unloading plant equipment. |
The underside of the trailer details the sprung pivoting axles which have a decent amount of resistance to accurately simulate the suspension of the full sized trailer. The main deck of the trailer has a number of holes cast into the surface which have small bars across the centre to allow loads to be tied down. This is very effective on the model.
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The unique design of the hydraulically widening trailer has been captured perfectly, with the two main chassis frames extending outward to increase the width of the bed to fully accommodate the load. |
Another functional feature of the model is the ability to move the king post into three different positions on the gooseneck of the trailer and there are two positions to choose from on the dolly, allowing different tractor units to be used to pull the trailer. |
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Accompanying the trailer is a Kenworth K200 cab-over truck which is exceptionally detailed throughout.
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The chassis with large chromed fuel tanks along the sides is typical for an Aussie rig with a tilting sleeper cab that features opening doors revealing all the fine interior detailing, from the dials on the dashboard to the functional air-ride seats.
The fully replicated suspension and transmission is visible on the underside of the chassis while the modelled engine block, cooling systems, pipes and cables are visible once the cab is tilted.
The cab remains raised and the upper areas are fitted with photo-etched panels and walkways, again finished with anti-slip diamond plate. |
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All the exterior panel lines have been highlighted in silver with chromed grab rails and photo-etched platform and access steps which all have a fine textured surface. |
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The front grille is very impressive with a mesh texture with surrounding chrome framework, topped with the printed Kenworth logo.
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A single exhaust stack with etched protective jacket rises up behind the cabin where a set of coiled service lines and chromed wheel guards are located. Even the fuel tanks have tiny etched steps integrated into them for total realism.
The pivoting fifth wheel coupling features a functional spring tensioned lever mechanism to connect the pin of the dolly or trailer, with a small amount of traverse movement along the chassis to accommodate different trailer neck lengths.
With detailed wheel hubs, accurate road tread tyres with a steering front axle, intricate photo-etched parts and flexible mud guards just some of the highlights, this is a true museum quality replica and is available in a number of different colours and company decorated versions. The model reviewed here is in the standard Drake corporate decoration.
