Widely appreciated throughout the transport industry, Drake Collectibles creates exact replica diecast models of prime movers and trailers which are known for their quality design.
Each 1/50 scale model features moving parts and very intricate details such as opening doors, sprung seats and sliding and locking fifth wheels, and as a result, have become favourites among diecast enthusiasts and collectors around the world.
Part of The Drake Group, which flexes 100 years of combined manufacturing in Australia, Drake Collectibles is headed by Bruce Hay who, being a diecast collector himself, was able to bring his own vision to life.
“Drake Collectibles came about after some discussions with John Drake about marketing the company differently,” he says. “I thought about what I would want to see out of this product. Personally, I’d like something which is of high quality, has heaps of functions and features, and something to put in my display cabinet which I’d be proud to show people.”
From there, the idea started to take shape. Bruce began putting his plan together and thus, Drake Collectibles was born.
Drake Collectibles skyrocketed upon its launch. Within six months of its arrival in the market, Bruce was already reordering materials for the next production run.
“I think it was something that the collectors wanted,” he says. “It’s definitely the detail and the quality that they look for, but they can also relate to it. When they go to a truck show and they see all those trucks there, it might not be within their reach to buy one of them but they can bring a little replica home to put in their cupboard.”
One of Drake Collectibles’ most recent releases is a blue and silver Kenworth T909 from Mactrans Heavy Haulage, a replica of the ‘famous’ real-life truck previously known as ‘Bender Two’ at Heavy Haulage Australia.
Prior to that build, Drake Collectibles also produced a replica model of one of Ross Transport’s rainbow Kenworth T909s.
With regular special edition launches and several award-winning models, the popularity of Drake Collectibles has been outstanding.
“It continues to grow,” Bruce says. “We sell thousands of these models every year around the world. The market’s strong in Europe, it’s strong in New Zealand and it’s growing in Asia. It’s a respected part of The Drake Group’s business units.”
Drake Collectibles’ consistent attendance to industry events has played a key role in this growth.
For example, Bruce explains that the Brisbane Truck Show, which takes place every two years, is the largest attraction for the business. The event sees Drake Collectibles release new models every day while promoting new products that are in the pipeline to the thousands of attendees which stop by.
As the team currently prepares for next year’s event, Bruce says he has some special guests planned to attend from overseas.
There will also be product releases each day as well as new samples of tooling models and products on display. In addition, he hints that there will be collectibles in forms other than diecast models being launched.
Around this event, Drake Collectibles also attends other truck shows around the country which allow the team to scout for new trucks to make models of.
“When the truck’s there and I’m there, it’s easier for me to gather the data that I need, such as photos from specific angles, to produce the model,” Bruce says.
“Everybody can always tell you what colour the chassis is or what colour the cab is, but when you ask them what colour the pinstriping is, nobody knows. It’s important to get the little things right, so these shows are good opportunities for me to gather all the data I need.”
On top of this, Bruce regularly visits Drake Collectibles’ factories overseas to discuss projects and review samples.
“I like to try and keep a very tight hand on quality and make sure that everybody’s on the same page when we’re looking at new product development,” he says. “So, I go there to discuss and follow projects, do new developments and check on some of the items before they ship.”
For Bruce, being a diecast collector himself, seeing what Drake Collectibles has become is truly humbling.
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