Anson 1:43 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 HD pickup

One thing that I’ve noticed recently aside from the surging popularity of JDM cars but the popularity of large-scale diecast trucks: as the cost of producing metal for these diecast toys increase so does more plastic in heavier trucks so the days of massive diecast trucks and SUV’s has dwindled, especially in 1:18 scale.  One company that has a nice assortment of trucks from the late 1990’s to the early 2000’s is the Anson brand and these trucks are high in demand and command higher prices on the secondary market and, unfortunately from what I’ve experienced they also suffer from metal fatigue and bubbling paint.  I recently acquired this dually for a good price and in excellent condition as my first 1:43 scale Anson truck, the Silverado dually.

Heavy Duty trucks in light duty truck lines refer to trucks that have a stronger frame to better challenge heavier payloads and towing duties on a truck that can weight a quarter of a ton (2500) or a ton( 3500) and sometimes higher models as well.  Dually models are offered in 3500 models and were the only bed and axle combination until recently more and more automakers are adopting single rear wheel 3500 models.  Chevrolet finally released the new Silverado HD in 2001 after a few years successful run with the 1500 Silverado.  Styling is similar to the 1500 with the exception of a slightly larger bar in the grille and a taller hood, while the interior carries over the same simple layout and roomy seating for five that now also includes a four-door crew cab bodystyle.  The engine is a new line of gas and diesel motors with the diesel being a new line of Duramax engines that has a 6.6L turbodiesel V8 producing 300 horsepower and 520 Ib-ft. of torque through a four-speed automatic transmission.

The Anson 1:43 line basically takes most of the tooling details from the 1:18 and 1:24 scale versions of this truck so it is no surprise it has the same level of details.  The front has a detailed black grille with chrome center bar, split headlights and signal lights, and lower bumper with chrome and black trim pieces and integrated foglights.  The hood has that tall look to it and joins the separate exterior mirrors, 3500 badges on the front doors, and the simple white color of the truck with clearance lights on the dually bed and chrome front and rear wheels on rubber tires.  The rear has detailed taillights, Silverado badge, and chrome and black trim rear bumper; on my example the Chevrolet name rubbed off and the rear plate sticker went missing, but otherwise an fantastic piece.  The roof has detailed front clearance lights and the rear has the center brake light with cargo light details, while the tailgate opens up to reveal a large bed that can swallow a 1:64 scale car with the tailgate in the down position.  The doors do not open, but the hood does open to show off the diesel V8 motor with detailed battery, air cleaner, fluid resovoirs, turbo hosing, 6.6 Turbo Diesel engine cover, and AC hose lines.

The base shows off excellent details for this scale range with the visible strong frame, front suspension, engine and transmission drivetrain, rear axle, exhaust system, fuel tank, and detailed spare tire, while the interior has lots of excellent detailing starting off with a split front bench seat that allows seating for six in this extended cab, 2WD truck and has detailed door panels, 4-spoke steering wheel, and dashboard with detailed controls.  This is a very excellent casting from Anson that unlike the larger scale counterparts is small enough to fit in my collection while still offering the stellar level of detailing found in the larger scale versions from Anson.