Let's Compare

Hi all. The past few comparisons have been of traditional Hot Rods and

Muscle Cars. This time around, I chose a couple of pickup trucks. The

diecast manufacturers have been quick to jump on the popularity of trucks.

All the major (and minor) companies have trucks in their lineups.

For this article, I picked two versions of the 1940 Ford. The truck on the left

is from the Johnny Lightning JL Collection 4, and the truck on the right

is from the K-Mart Route 66 collection, made by Racing Champions.

Both vehicles have rubber tires, and east costs @ $2.99.

Although these trucks are both renditions of a 40 Ford, they look very
different. While neither is a stock truck, the basic shape of each looks
nothing like the other.

The RC truck (above) has a thinner, longer look than the JL truck (below).
I think the RC better captures the style of 1940's era trucks. The JL looks a bit
generic. The subtle differences really show in the pictures below.


Here's a look directly at the front end of each truck. You can clearly see
the RC truck has better teardrop headlights, and a more correct grille.
The hoop bumper and deeper drop in the hood really make this toy look
more realistic. And the mirror is something you don't often see on a low
priced car or truck.

In the rear, the RC has a nice bumper and 3 panel tailgate. JL cast the "Ford"
logo into the tailgate, which is a really nice touch. JL opted to go without a
bumper and added louvers to the tailgate, which adds to the custom look of
the truck. The RC has a smaller window, again more like the real truck.
The front of the bed where it meets the cab is detailed better on the RC.
It looks more like a separate piece. The JL truck bed blends right into the cab.

Both vehicles feature opening hoods and detailed motors. Once again, the
RC truck outshines the JL. The motor in it is done in 4 colors!! Blue block,
silver valve covers, chrome carb, and black radiator. Outstanding!! I couldn't
get a good shot of the JL motor, because the hood only opens part way.


One last neat feature of the RC is the use of an opening tailgate.
The only thing I didn't like about the RC truck is the plastic chassis.


Two terrific trucks, but I have to give the nod to the Route 66 version.
The folks at Racing Champions have really got a winner in the
Route 66 Collection. If you haven't seen them, drop by your local
K-mart and take a look.

Note for the racers: After my look at the Camaro's, I was asked about
adding a category for race-ability of the cars. Neither of these races good
at all.

Be sure to check the Features and Reviews Archive to catch up

on any articles you may have missed.