Western Star 4900 Log Truck Announced!
To commemorate the highly anticipated Toy Truckin' and Construction Show, August 2007 in Indianapolis, Toy Trucker/Farmer has commissioned Tonkin Replicas' PEM division to build a highly accurate Western Star 4900 log truck in 1:64 scale. The new log truck will feature a number of new details for the PEM line such as doors that open, log bunks than swivel, removable gun barrels, and a trailer that mounts on the cab for easy transportation when it isn't hauling logs!
Of course, no self-respecting logger would be caught dead without his axe and shovel mounted behind the cab and those are included too. For rookie loggers a large "steel" cable is included on the trailer, making it easier to grab. Veterans will find a smaller removable cable to make sure it stays out of the way while driving.
The Toy Truckin' log truck is based on a Western Star log truck from Baumgartner Trucking, a large logging fleet located in Deary, Idaho. Bruce Baumgartner got his start in the 70s after his father (who owned several log trucks) needed a temporary replacement driver. Word is they are still looking for one as Bruce has gradually increased his fleet to become one of the premium log haulers in the Northwest. Baumgartner Trucking runs a mixed fleet of primarily Western Star cabs with a mix of a few Kenworth T800s. Drivers that have worked for Baumgartner for a number of years and have safe driving records are often allowed to pick their own cab colors, yielding a very colorful fleet with classic decorations. Baumgartner likes the Western Star 4900 because of its rugged steel cab that is "nearly indestructible" along with solid dealer support.
Making a great replica truck, of course, is never easy. Special thanks go to Bruce Baumgartner, Jim "Griff" Griffith, Steve "Naz" Nasburg, Western Star Trucks, Hank Suderman, Freedom Truck Centers, Seattle Mack Sales & Service, Woodpecker Trucks, Idaho Truck Sales, Western Idaho Freightliner, Sterling and Western Star for all their valuable input!
More information will follow. Be sure to stay tuned!
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