Action 1:18 2001 Ford Ranger pickup

The Ford Ranger pickup has not seen much use in diecast as compared to the Chevrolet S-10 pickup, or even the Dodge Dakota, yet there are some evidence of Ford Ranger's that are out there.  Most of them are large-scale models with the exception of one in 1:64 scale, and this one shown here is not the same Ranger as sold in the United States; in fact, this is the European version in 1:18 scale made by Action, a company that normally is associated with NASCAR stuff.

As usual buyers in the United States tend to have different tastes than other countries.  For one they want larger vehicles, gas is much cheaper, and regulations dictate styling features.  For other countries they have a different preference as gas is much more than diesel, roads are not inept for larger vehicles, and while regulations are thin there are a few areas that pickups must comply.  This is evident when comparing a U.S. 2001 Ranger to a European version.  Styling is pretty much the same for both with the Euro version offering the option of a four-door model, a metal cage to protect the rear window, and a lack of a rear bumper.  Also note that tie-down hooks for the bed are mounted outside of the bed instead of inside like the U.S. models.  Another difference is how the truck is made:  Starting in 1983 the Ranger was a pure Ford product in the U.S. and by the second-generation the Mazda B-series pickup started to adopt the Ford Ranger platform in the U.S.  However, in other countries the Ford Ranger was based on the Mazda B-series, which was still it's Mazda-based platform.  So essentially while the Mazda B-series pickup in the U.S. was basically a rebadged Ranger in 2001, the European Ranger was a rebadged Mazda B-series (European) pickup.

The front has square headlights with detailed reflectors inside, side signal lights, and a silver grille with the Ford logo in center, very similar to the U.S. Ranger.  The lower bumper is black plastic and mates to the front wheelwell lip ends.  The sides have large black mirrors, black trim, side marker lights below the Ranger name on the front fenders, and Supercab on the rear windows.  Wheels are six-spoke alloy design with exposed center caps for the front locking hubs on this 4x4 model, while behind the wheels you can see the detailed front brake rotors and calipers; the rear has drum brakes.  Out back the taillights have a similar look to the 2001 U.S. Toyota Tacoma, tailgate with the FORD letters, and the lack of a rear bumper.  The tailgate opens down to reveal a bed area that has an integrated bedliner with the FORD logo on the rear bulkhead.  Another nice touch is the mud flaps over the rear of the tires that are flexible like the real thing.  One ignorant touch is the rooftop antenna that is packaged separate from the truck in the box (which has a nice picture of the real truck on the box), doesn't sit in snugly, and hence can pop off anytime, like while I was taking pictures and after the last shot outdoors the antenna fell somewhere into the invisible patch of grass!

Under the hood is where things differ as this Ranger is powered by a 2.5L SOHC turbodiesel I-4 that produces 115 horsepower through a 5-speed manual transmission.  The details are incredible underneath as you can see the dual batteries required for diesel vehicles, the detailed wiper motor on the firewall, fluid resovoir's, the brake master cylinder, the airbox that describes the diesel motor, timing belt cover, valve cover, drive belts, and radiator that is visible on both sides.  Underneath is were some special time was taken to make this a top-notch design with the frame a separate piece of metal to allow the cab floor (in blue), the bed section, and even the engine and transmission to become visible and realistic.  The front has skidplates in silver and black, detailed engine, transmission, and transfer case, exhaust system, drive shaft, fuel tank, rear axle with leaf springs, and full-size spare tire.  Note that the screws that secure the bed and cab to the chassis are at the actual mounting points on the frame.  The truck has working coil spring suspension, with the front having some very interesting articulation:  the steering tie rods move with the steering rack and thus steer the wheels and while that is happening the CV joints for the front axle rotate in the steering knuckle.  Very impressive!

Inside the biggest difference between the U.S. and Euro Ranger is the dashboard layout as the U.S. version looks more up-to-date at the period than the rather dated looking version shown here.  The front has bucket seats with head restraints, center console, and dual shifters for the 5-speed manual and part-time four-wheel drive system.  Rear seats are small, yet get great detailing of the upper and lower cushions, the storage pockets on the sides, and the detailed seat belts for the front and rear passengers.  Unfortunately the rear doors do not open; on the other hand you do get a nicely detailed headliner with dome lights and sun visors.  Door panels are simple with open door pockets, dashboard has a simple layout with 4-spoke steering wheel (with dual airbags), detailed gauges, and central controls for radio and HVAC that are on the rather small side.

Price tag for this truck is not cheap as they average about $100 give or take, but I found mine from a seller that deeply discounted the truck to about $30, and that's a good deal for a one-of-a-kind Ford Ranger truck in 1:18 scale with excellent levels of detailing that is right up there with the original price point.