Maisto 1:24 and 1:43 2010 Ford F150 STX/XL

Here's an interesting look at these trucks that I found a few years ago, except for the gold one which I found recently.  Maisto usually follows the same protocol, with slight differences, for each model as it shrinks it down to the next scale.  The 2010 Ford F-150 was done a different way.

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A new generation amid tough times

Despite the economic recession that was occurring, it was time for a new Ford F-150 in 2009.  The new F-150 was evolutionary from the previous generation with most changes as far as new sheetmetal on the outside and a redesign interior.  The biggest addition was the new SVT Raptor, a truck designed for hardcore off-road racing.  A new Platinum trim shows how much truck buyers were willing to pay for a highly-trimmed pickup truck.  In 2011 new powertrains arrived with a 3.7L V6, 5.0L V8, 6.2L V8 (now standard on the Raptor), and the twin-turbo 3.5L V6 EcoBoost.  In 2012 a new grille arrives, joined by new projector headlights in 2013.  The 2010 shown here include the XL, which featured the two-valve per cylinder 4.6L V8 producing 248 hp. and 294 Ib.-ft. torque through a 5-speed automatic.  STX had the option of the 5.4L three-valve V8 producing 320 hp. and 390 Ib-ft. torque through the same transmission.  Two wheel and Four wheel drive is offered.

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Basic XL

After the 1:64 SVT Raptor introduced in 2009, 2010 introduced the base work-truck XL 1:43 Power Racer. Painted red, blue, and now gold, it looks like a work truck with black bumpers, grille, XL next to the F-150, and typical lighting details and blue Ford oval.  The interior features a bench seat where the center seat turns into a fold-down console in vinyl trim, rubber floor trim dots(something I haven't seen since the 1994 Dodge Ram from the Maisto 1:24 line), door panels with crank windows, and a typical dashboard with just a plain radio with CD player.  Sadly, Maisto's Power Racer pull-back motor takes up most of the bed space, base details (there's nothing below), and uses the same wheels from a 1993 F-150 4x4.  Still when's the next time you'll see a work truck-trimmed modern pickup truck?  Likely not much at all.

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1:24 STX

I was afraid trucks were all going to quad-cab, 4x4, high-end versions for each replica, but Maisto chose a different route: next up from the base XL is the STX.  This trim features more content (especially sporty body-colored trim that isn't chromed or blacked-out on other trims) for roughly the same low price as the XL.  Maisto chose to do this one instead of the most commonly-asked SVT Raptor (which Jada Toys gladly made a year later).  Not a bad swing, since this looks much better as a sporty, small truck than a large, heavy luxury truck.  Then to start off they offered it in eye-catching colors like bright red or cool blue.  The grille has a body-color surround with black insert (much better than the all-chrome look that makes the grille look like a late add-on), body-colored bumpers with foglights and detailed headlights.

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The rear features STX on sides of bed, large red taillights, and Ford logo on the tailgate.  The tailgate drops down to access the bed with the typical Maisto "it already has a bed liner!"  The large mirrors open the doors to an interior similar to the XL, except the seats, dash, and doors are a lighter color, there is a center console, and more features like power windows, door locks, but still the same basic dashboard layout (you'll have to move up to a higher trim or a newer model year to get more features, like Sync.).  The chrome 6-spoke wheels look cool, and the base is nicely done, but is this a 2WD or 4x4?  Well the base shows a transfer case, but the truck stance says 2WD (you can get either type in the actual STX trim).  Also offered are black in the model kit range, and a few Harley-Davidson versions with special color and graphics matching the H-D motorcycle riding in the back of the pickup.

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While some say it's a strange, bland way to show-off the new Ford F-150, I say it's pretty clever that Maisto chose to do the low-end of the range with the XL and STX instead of doing the higher trims like XLT and Platinum.  That's what a real truck looks like!

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