Welly 1:64 2001 GMC Yukon Denali and 2015 Ford F-150

As seen here many times on this blog Welly does one excellent job with the detailing on the 1:24 scale models and the variety of 1:43 scale vehicles that include pullback and non-pullback versions.  Of course, this is referring to the castings produced in the last five years as earlier Welly models were crude in a trial-and-error kind of way.  Another highlight that is resonating with collectors is the 1:64 scale line that most of the time is a smaller step from larger siblings.  Here are a few truck examples:

2015 Ford F-150

Let’s get this one out of the way first as this truck has been profiled here as the 1:24 scale version.  I was surprised to see Welly make the F-150 (the first new F-series since the 1997 body style) as a regular-cab work truck over the higher-end crew cab models like XLT, Platinum, and King Ranch.  That gives Welly a slight edge over other diecast replicas of the new 2015 F-150.  The new F-series is the only truck to use all-aluminum body panels and now shares them with the larger Super Duty and Expedition.  The styling is bolder and fresh with an interior that packs in more content than before.  Powertrains include base V6, two Ecoboost V6 motors, and the 5.0L V8 backed by a six-speed automatic transmission to either rear wheel or all wheel drive.  For 2018 the F-series gets an update that includes more power, 10-speed automatic, and a diesel option.  A lot of features packed into this model, yet Welly went for the classic work truck approach.  That still holds true in 1:64 scale.

The blue paint carries over and is joined by silver C-shaped headlights, a blacked-out grille and lower bumper over the chrome ones on the larger scale models.  The side profile shows a boxy truck look with detailed mirrors, badges, and running boards that also include a step for the cargo bed.  The 6-spoke wheels are common Welly design yet perfectly matches the look of this truck.  The rear has L-shaped taillights, Ford badges on the tailgate, and a black rear bumper with detailed trailer hitch.  The bed is nice and deep to allow the F-150 to carry cargo, and it is part of the plastic interior mostly because it was done to replicate the bedliner in the real truck.  The plastic chassis shows off the same detailing as the larger scale version with visible engine, transmission, drivetrain, suspension, exhaust, and even the full-size spare tire at the rear.  The interior has seating for three with a fold down armrest when there is no central passenger, detailed door panels, and a dashboard with 4-spoke steering wheels and a basic radio that lacks the touchscreen unit of higher-end models.  Oh, and the shifter is on the column instead of the console.  Wonder why Welly did this F-series in XL trim?  That’s because the truck shown here was the show truck in the 2014 Detroit Show unveiling for the regular cab model in lower trim as it has the running boards featured on this Welly model.

2001 GMC Yukon Denali

GMC Trucks was looking for a way to distinguish itself from being a rebadged Chevy truck in the 1990’s, so specialty models were created to push the posh luxury in a truck to the next level.  For years now the Denali name has been the go-to trim level for top-end luxury in almost any GMC truck model.  This Yukon Denali was the second-version based on the new 2000 GMC Yukon platform and this was also the first-generation to get diecast replica models, though Welly had an earlier shot with a 1:18 scale and this 1:64 scale.  The Denali adds body-colored lower rocker panels that blend in with the body-colored front and rear bumper, square exhaust tip, and redesigned grille with mesh pattern and larger, circular running lights, and projector beam headlights.  The interior gets more leather, power seats, heated mirrors and seats, navigation system, Bose stereo, and lots of other special parts.  The new Yukon benefits from smoother styling, a redesigned chassis with a coil spring live rear axle, and new V8 engines, where the Denali gets the 5.3L V8 that produces 295 horsepower through a four-speed automatic and through a part-time four-wheel drive system.  With the Suburban name now under the Yukon name at GMC as the Yukon XL it also gets the same Denali treatment as the Yukon.

This is one of only a few Denali Yukon’s in 1:64 out there and is pretty much good except for the lowered stance that gives the truck a slammed appearance.  The front has a chrome grille with split headlights and signal lights, a lower bumper with round foglights, and chrome 6-spoke wheels.  The sides have running boards, exterior mirrors, detailed door handles and D-pillar, and Denali badge on the front doors.  The rear has tri-taillights, a rear wiper, body-colored rear bumper, and Yukon badges that seem a bit too big.  The chassis underneath shows off the front and rear suspension, the drivetrain, the exhaust system, and the spare tire at the rear, while the interior is nicely done and shows off seating for seven people.  The door panels are detailed, the center console has the large cupholders, and the dashboard has detailed controls and 4-spoke steering wheel.  It’s a nicely done casting that has a lowered stance as its side effect.