First Gear has just announced the Western Distributing Transportation International 8600i Day Cab with Reefer Trailer.
These trucks (Item #69-0243) have been exquisitely replicated in 1/64 scale and are expected to arrive in February / March. Let's check out some of the features and details of these trucks along with what the inspiration was for their replication.
Features & Details
Tractor features
include:
• Diecast metal construction with plastic parts
• Opening hood to reveal detailed engine
• Opening cab doors revealing detailed cab interior
• Detailed air hoses
• Detailed frame and chassis
Trailer features
include:
• Horizontal ribbed trailer sides
• Chrome plated trailer front
• Chrome plated split rear trailer doors
• Opening doors revealing detailed interior
• Thermo King reefer unit
• Detailed frame and chassis
Western Distributing Company was established
right after prohibition and has been family-owned and operated since its inception.
Western’s
history can be traced back to the post-repeal days of 1933 when the founder and
owner, Guido Mapelli, picked up beer in a trailer from Golden and sold the
product on the streets of downtown Denver. As the original Coors distributor,
Western was off to a great start. Leadership of the company was passed down
through the family and with each generation the company grew. Presently, Vieri
Gaines, Guido’s grandson, is the President and Chief Executive Officer.
Back in
1977, V Gaines, CEO, decided that he wanted control of the delivery of his
liquor, wine, and beer which he ordered and wholesaled. He purchased 6 brand
new Peterbilts of the prettiest blue, highest horsepower, and with the most
driver luxuries. These were the best of the best along with the trailers he
bought to match the trucks. Next he hired 6 of the best drivers, team and solo.
He paid them not by the mile but by a weekly salary. Their job was to pick up
the orders and bring them back to the warehouse as quickly as possible. He
maintained a low inventory to keep his costs down. Then one day V decided to
load some beans on an outbound truck that usually went out empty and was amazed
that the truck actually became a profit center versus a cost center. From there
Gaines grew the business by starting to haul meat, beer, and produce out of
town and haul his liquor back into town.
The fleet
grew over the years and in 1992 United States Armored Co. was purchased and
added to the fleet by diversifying and working in other fields besides the
reefer field. The fleet continued to grow at a rate of 15% a year but with the
reputation that someone had to die at Western to a job there. It was tough -
drivers had to have clean backgrounds and many years of experience just to put
in an application. Then back in 1996 the fleet had another opportunity to grow
by purchasing another highly regarded company called Frontier Produce. Those 36
trucks gave Western well over 100 trucks It opened their eyes to
owner/operators, and most important of all, gave them another great group of
highly skilled and safe drivers.
The fleet continues to grow
at about 15% a year and is expanding into different fields to ensure its
stability by not letting one market or another bring it down. The truck line is
only one of the successful profit centers of Western Dist. who currently has 18
profit centers.
These trucks are a Limited Edition of 240 pieces with ONLY 192 pieces for the Collector Market.
Visit our website to place your Pre-Order today, while supplies last.
