Kenworth T908 with Drake 4x8 Swingwing Trailer and 2x8 Dolly
Presented here is the 1:50th scale Kenworth T908 prime mover with Drake 4x8 swingwing trailer and 2x8 dolly from TWH Collectibles. This has been a long awaited model and it is no surprise that almost the entire production run has sold out even before the model was actually released.
Once again, TWH Collectibles have proven they are No 1 when it comes to museum quality replicas with every aspect of the Kenworth T908 tractor captured to perfection. The intricate design of the cab and sleeper has been accurately cast and adorned with chromed door handles, grab rails and silver highlighted panel ridges.
The underside of the model features a fully replicated drive train from the front, red painted engine block through to the rear axles. The large chromed fuel tanks are fitted down both sides of the chassis with integrated ridged access platforms leading up to the cab and rear gantry.
The opening engine cover reveals the modelled engine block and cooling system at the heart of the chassis with the air intake piping extending to the side mounted air filters. The wheel arches have white rubber mud flaps with printed Kenworth logo and the front bullbar folds down and has fine mesh panels fitted to protect the driving lights.
The front grill is constructed from a photo-etched grill with chromed surround, topped with a clear deflector and printed Kenworth logo. The main body casting has integrated main driving lights with elevated indicators and photo-etched side grill panels, complete with the Kenworth name and intricate slots, exceptional detailing for a 1:50th scale model.
The cab has a fully replicated interior which is visible through the front windscreen and opening doors. The large chromed air intakes, complete with scoops rise prominently from both sides of the engine bay with the large exhaust stacks fitted just behind the cab. The intricate photo-etched heat shields with Kenworth name give the model a rugged look while roof mounted air horns, radio antenna and amber beacons fitted to the roof of the sleeper compartment are all replicated. Rear view mirrors are supplied in the box which need fitting to the model and, while the fit is good, any slight knock can cause them to fall off so it is advised to glue them in place.
The mud guards fitted above the rear wheels are made of a stiff but flexible rubber material which mimmicks the fenders of the full sized machine very well. The fifth wheel has a functional locking meckanism with photo-etched access walkway and coiled service lines all added. White rubber mud flaps have been fitted to the ends of the fender with printed Kenworth logo whilst tiny printed orange reflectors have been added along the sides of the model for total realism.
The Kenworth T908 is the perfect partner for the Drake 4x8 swingwing trailer with 2x8 dolly and it is great to see an Australian style heavy haulage model come to fruition.
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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 chrome 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.
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. |
There are 8 spare wheel holders supplied with the model, each holding 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 gooseneck of the 8x4 swingwing trailer has holes to fit the spare wheel holders and these are a slightly different design to those fitted to the dolly.
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 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. |
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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. |
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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.
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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. |
The paint finish is excellent, as expected from TWH with the Kenworth T908 finished in a glossy yellow while the trailer and dolly is finished in a satin yellow shade. The model is supplied with two booklets and an instruction guide which details the functions of the model. The T908 booklet gives technical details and images of the real truck and the various options and configurations available which is an interesting read.
