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Post by dmitryk on Sept 11, 2023 14:09:17 GMT -5
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Post by barnegat on Sept 11, 2023 16:54:09 GMT -5
Don't forget the Mack DM600, one of the all time classic semi's, Mack DM800 heavy hall, Kenworth K100 cabover, and a few classic Autocars.
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Post by Rob Albritton on Sept 11, 2023 19:07:21 GMT -5
super helpful guys - thanks!
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Post by dmitryk on Sept 11, 2023 19:33:20 GMT -5
Don't forget the Mack DM600, one of the all time classic semi's, Mack DM800 heavy hall, Kenworth K100 cabover, and a few classic Autocars. Mack DM600,DM800 and Autocars definetely be nice additions for layouts but at this point AZL considering tractors for their 53' box trailers. |
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Post by billmock on Sept 12, 2023 0:21:04 GMT -5
One thing to consider is that the 53' trailers have only been legal since 1989. And yes, there are still older tractors on the road and in service. But most are younger tractors, less than 20 years old.
They stopped making the Kenworth K100 cabover in 2002 and Peterbilt Model 362 cabover in 2005. Freightliner ended its domestic Argosy in 2005. So as much as they are loved, there are fewer of these cabovers on the road pulling 53' trailers. When the overall tractor trailer length limits were increased, the more fuel efficient, non-cabover tractors ruled the roads.
Variations of the Kenworth W900 have been around since 1967 and are still being produced today. Peterbilt 379 were produced from 1986 until 2007. The Mack DM series were produce from 1965 until 1988.
So far, AZL has produced an array of relatively recent paint schemes on their 53' trainers. So a more contemporary tractor to pull them would probably be appropriate.
The Freightliner Cascadia series is the most popular tractor on the market today with a whooping 40% market share. Followed by the International Prostar, Kenworth T800, and the Volvo VNL. So these would be my choices for tractors to populate my modern train layout.
If AZL produced a 40 foot trailer, there would be a whole new tractor debate for them.
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Post by dmitryk on Sept 12, 2023 11:23:34 GMT -5
One thing to consider is that the 53' trailers have only been legal since 1989. And yes, there are still older tractors on the road and in service. But most are younger tractors, less than 20 years old. They stopped making the Kenworth K100 cabover in 2002 and Peterbilt Model 362 cabover in 2005. Freightliner ended its domestic Argosy in 2005. So as much as they are loved, there are fewer of these cabovers on the road pulling 53' trailers. When the overall tractor trailer length limits were increased, the more fuel efficient, non-cabover tractors ruled the roads. Variations of the Kenworth W900 have been around since 1967 and are still being produced today. Peterbilt 379 were produced from 1986 until 2007. The Mack DM series were produce from 1965 until 1988. So far, AZL has produced an array of relatively recent paint schemes on their 53' trainers. So a more contemporary tractor to pull them would probably be appropriate. The Freightliner Cascadia series is the most popular tractor on the market today with a whooping 40% market share. Followed by the International Prostar, Kenworth T800, and the Volvo VNL. So these would be my choices for tractors to populate my modern train layout. If AZL produced a 40 foot trailer, there would be a whole new tractor debate for them. Considering 53' trailers the best choices would be: Peterbilt 379, Kenworth T800, Kenworth W900. Freightliner Cascadia, International Prostar and Volvo VNL are too new and as you said there are fewer cabovers on the road. |
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Post by DAZed on Sept 12, 2023 11:41:42 GMT -5
My vote is for the Kenworth W900. It checks all the boxes....nice representative look, spans a long time frame, etc.
IMHO, the Peterbuilt has a little too much "snout".
I'm glad it was brought up about the fact that we're talking 53's, since that makes some difference as far as styling goes. But I agree that something like the Volvo looks too new if you wanted to try and get away with using it in a slightly earlier timeframe.
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Post by billmock on Sept 12, 2023 12:10:08 GMT -5
My vote is for the Kenworth W900. It checks all the boxes....nice representative look, spans a long time frame, etc. IMHO, the Peterbuilt has a little too much "snout". I'm glad it was brought up about the fact that we're talking 53's, since that makes some difference as far as styling goes. But I agree that something like the Volvo looks too new if you wanted to try and get away with using it in a slightly earlier timeframe. True, true! If we were to get 5 different tractor models, ok, get them all! But if I were to choose one model. And just one. Yes, the tractor that spans the widest timeframe and really says, North American trucking; that would be the Kenworth W900. Bill Mock |
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Post by Curn on Sept 12, 2023 15:11:47 GMT -5
I have always been partial to Peterbilt because of the Johnny Cash song. Showcase Miniatures makes a Kenworth T800, Two Ford Cabovers (one having a sleeper), an International truck, and a GMC 9500. Peterbilt and Mack are not represented currently in Z. I would prefer the Peterbilt 379, but would be happy with the Kenworth W900. Both are good looking trucks that represent the stereotype American big rig. I would want either truck to have a sleeper, and not be a day cab truck. Put some flames on it. Sell a bunch of them. www.movieguys.org/wp-content/uploads/optimus-prime-peterbilt-379.jpgIf you go with the W900, make some in the Smokey and the Bandit paint. |
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Post by ugeesta on Sept 13, 2023 11:21:31 GMT -5
Can't forget the international Harvester. The TranStar from the 1960's - 1980's was a common carrier
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Post by oldgrog on Oct 24, 2023 6:56:00 GMT -5
It would be nice to have a 2-pack of tractors, one with a flat front and another with a long bonnet to pair with the 2-pack trailers.
Also, a piggy packer model for loading containers would be a boon on layouts too small to justify a large overhead gantry crane.
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