Limited Edition 1/64 Peterbilt Release by First Gear Available Now!

First Gear has teamed up again with Denver, CO. based Western Distributing Transportation Corporation (WDTC) to offer this limited edition 1/64 scale Peterbilt Model 351 with vintage 40' Refrigerated Trailer.

#60-0439 - 1/64 Scale
 Western Distributing - Peterbilt Model 351 with 63" Sleeper and Vintage 40' Refrigerated Trailer

 

This model celebrates a unique Western Distributing fleet truck from years back, driven by WDTC senior driver, Frank Piroddi. According to Piroddi, he is currently driving his last truck, #777 for good luck, after more than 40 years of service at WDTC. Coincidentally, #777 was the number of his first truck as well.

#60-0439 - 1/64 Scale
 Western Distributing - Peterbilt Model 351 with 63" Sleeper and Vintage 40' Refrigerated Trailer

Frank's handle for his first truck was the "Italian Stallion", as graphically represented on the side of the tractor's sleeper. The "Fly Like an Eagle" graphic emblazoned on the air deflector was added later by request, as Frank was known for his speed, still holding the record at fourteen pickups of wine in California in one day!

Visit 3000toys.com today to order and discover more recent arrivals!

Brand New Truck from First Gear!

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.