Category Archives: Road Kings

New for 2021 – A look around

By Maz Woolley

This article looks at some recent announcements that have caught my eye. There seems to be a lot of new models due this year even if some was originally announced for last year but missed the boat – quite literally in the case of some ranges that have had gaps between shipments.

KK Scale

KK Scale models are sealed diecast models to 1:18 scale made in China for Germany. The models have no opening parts but do have steerable/poseable front wheels.

KKS DC180602 Mercedes 600 SWB W100 Light Blue Metallic 1963

The recently released short wheel base Mercedes-Benz 600 is an impressive model in 1:18 scale. It has already been seen in light gold and black and is shortly to be released (Late March/April) in a light metallic blue which suits the car well. Although more frequently seen modelled as a long wheelbase version the short wheelbase was much more common, indeed there were more than 5 SWB cars made for every LWB one.

Road Kings

Road Kings are a sister company to KK Scale specialising in truck models and are again diecast in China for Germany. These 1:18 scale models have opening cab doors as well as steerable/poseable steering and are large!

Both the models shown below are based on castings already seen in the range but in new liveries. They are expected in UK by April.

RKS 180064 Volvo F88 JPS Team Lotus with Union Jack 1978

The KK Scale Volvo F88 has been seen previously in John Player Special livery with no mention of Team Lotus. Here we see another version of JPS livery but here Team Lotus branding is included. Truck experts have pointed to a few shortcomings in the accuracy of this Volvo model but it would certainly make an impressive display item with an authentic Team Lotus trailer.


RKS 180084 Peterbilt 359 Light Blue Metallic/Blue/ Silver 1967

Previously seen in several liveries including a stars and stripes version this is in a more sober blue finish with blue and silver striping. A lot of space would be needed to display this with an authentic trailer.


Britains

Britains has been owned by Tomy Group for some years now. They make Agricultural and Construction models, mainly to 1:32 scale. These are diecast in China for Tomy of Japan. Britains aim to offer value in their models whilst having accurate attachments. Whilst not as detailed as some other similar 1:32 ranges they are not as expensive as many of their competitors. They also produce a toy range but these are not covered here.

New models/liveries for 2021 include the following.

Kane Tri-Axel Halfpipe Silage Trailer

CLAAS Jaguar 980 with Orbis 900

John Deere 8R 410

John Deere 8R 370

Fendt 824 Vario PROFI Special Edition
CLAAS DISCO Front Butterfly Mower

CLAAS DISCO Rear Butterfly Mower

David Brown ‘Heritage Collection’

Ford 6600

No photograph of pre-production model available
John Deere X9 Combine

John Deere 4020

Farm Building set with John Deere Tractor

TSM Mini GT

The Mini GT range is diecast to 1:64 in China for Hong Kong based TSM. The models shown below are pre-production samples and may be subject to change and refinement when launched. They are expected in the UK in around June. The L and R suffix on the model number indicates whether LHD or RHD.

TSM MGT00228-L LB Works BMW M4 Purple/Green Metallic LHD
TSM MGT00228-R LB Works BMW M4 Purple/Green Metallic RHD

TSM MGT00229-L Lamborghini Huracan Evo Blue Eleos (LHD)
TSM MGT00229-R Lamborghini Huracan Evo Blue Eleos (RHD)

TSM MGT00230-L Toyota Supra Dark Green Pearl Metallic (LHD)
TSM MGT00230-R Toyota Supra Dark Green Pearl Metallic (RHD)

TSM MGT00232-L McLaren Senna Antares Blue (LHD)
TSM MGT00232-R McLaren Senna Antares Blue (RHD)

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More Astrans Models

By Mick ‘Mixxy’ Russell

Text and photographs copyright of the Author(s) unless otherwise stated.

Astrans were pioneers of the long distance trans International trucks making overland journeys to places like Iran and Iraq and the oil states of the Middle-East. Their drivers experienced road conditions, trials and tribulations which became legendary and which have inspired truck collectors to collect replicas of their vehicles. This article looks at two recent releases one in Astran colours and the other in full Astran livery.

Roadkings 180015 Scania LBT 141 1976

This model is made in resin in China to 1:18 scale and branded Roadkings or Road Kings depending upon which website you look at. All the listings that I can find for this truck market it as a Scania 141 in red and yellow and do not mention Astrans. This suggest to me that Astrans did not licence the use of their livery. There are no explicit Astrans markings on the side or number plates to tie the model to any specific vehicle. Still the particular yellow and red colour scheme, TIR plates, and other livery details would not feature on any other contemporary hauliers tractor units.

The Road Kings 1:18 scale trucks are sold as tractor units only and are about the same price as the mid-range resin cars from Otto and GT Spirit. This is about the same price as a promotional 1:50 scale truck model.

Looking at the model the level of detail seems OK, but given scale it is perhaps not as fine as it could be. You might expect to see more rivet and screw heads as well as cabling at this scale.

The interior is neatly moulded with some instrument detailing and door cards with various handles picked out.

An examination of the front wings by others suggests that they may not be quite right, especially when compared to existing Scania models in 1:50 scale by Corgi (which are two piece!) Tekno and Wiking. I have to agree with that opinion.

The visor unit seems to be a copy of a plastic one and could do with chrome detailing at the edges. The door handles also look strange to me. All the internet picture references show the door handle fitted over a pressed depression in the door, none show the handle surround as a separate raised part.

I am not an expert on trucks but this model seems to be a reasonable model without offering the fineness of detail and accuracy needed to make a stand out 1:18 scale model.


Tekno N10 5ARH Astran Volvo FH12 CD  

The real Volvo!
The model box

Here is a new model from Tekno of the N10 5ARH Astran Volvo FH12 CD in 1:50 scale. The vehicle was once owned by Roger Gool now owned by Karl Skilton. The photographs show it alongside the version I built based on a Joal cab.

Joal based build by MIxxy on left and Tekno unit on right.

Comparing the two models there are a few differences. The Tekno model has a red visor which I am not convinced is correct as it is not even shown on the box art work.

The vulnerable mirrors are supplied in a separate bag but have not been fitted to the Tekno in the photographs.

The real life Astrans unit showing the rear layout.
Joal based build on right and Tekno on the left.

One disappointment is the trailer unit fitted to the Tekno. This is in fact a stock Tekno tilt trailer whereas the real thing was anything but! The tractor unit is nice with a lot of details that are not featured on the much larger Road KIngs unit.

The picture above shows just how much bigger the Road Kings model tractor unit is than the 1:50 scale Joal based build, the 1:50 scale Tekno and a 1:87 scale Wiking.


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Big enough to catch the eye!

By Maz Woolley

All text by, and copyright of the Author. Photographs from Manufacturers and Wholesalers.

There has been a decided trend towards the production of more 1:18 scale models so I suppose that I should not be surprised to see a 1:18 scale Scania tractor unit announced by a company called Road Kings. This is of a 1976 Scania LBT 141 operated by ASG and painted in its famous blue and yellow livery. This model is due to be released this month (November 2018).

Such units were operated on long Trans-International routes so the left hand drive is correct as are large tanks for fuel.

Photographs of the model show an  extremely impressive level of detail which is good as at this scale every fault would be noticeable. I don’t know whether any trailers will be released to accompany this model but if they are the whole outfit would make an amazing display.

Tekno have made a similar Scania in 1:50 scale but I am sure that collectors of ASG models may well be tempted to buy this model even if they already have the Tekno.

Looking at web pictures of the real Scania 141 in this livery the model seems to be well executed catching the original well. The pristine paint seems a bit bright, though I don’t think many buyers will weather the model which I think would actually improve the looks if done well.

From the rear the chassis components seems well modelled as do the wheels and all the tanks.

A side on view certainly catches the no nonsense square lines of the original Scania.

This view of the cab shows a lot of details moulded in or added as extra parts. The rear view mirror set is particularly impressive. In 1:18 scale the plastic bars holding the mirrors can be robust and in scale!

 

A final look at the front view as seen in rear mirrors! The grille slates seem to be very well moulded and defined.

A final note is that the model seems to be no more expensive than many mid-range 1:18 model cars so I suspect that this will be a popular model and I look forward to see what other trucks Road Kings bring out.


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