A 1/50 scale, die-cast Cat 416 receives maintenance work from a dealership. Bailey Excavating that served as Phil Bissonnette’s diorama inspiration is shown in the background. ​

New Zealand collector Allan Davidson has collected replica truck and construction models for most of his life. His collection began with his childhood Matchbox and Fun Ho! toys.
“Things have changed (with the years),” he says. “The die-casting detail is now superb, and I’ve stepped up with my collecting accordingly.”
For this article, we focus mainly on the 1/50 scale models in his collection.
He jests about taking quite a bit of time to remove the models from their boxes for the photographs. “And it will be the same or longer putting them back,” he says. The impression Allan gives is of a collector who enjoys his hobby and sharing it with others. All his models are die-casts in pristine condition and some have yet to have their mirrors and other accessories fitted.
Most of the trucks have detailed cockpits and opening doors, and a number also have opening bonnets. The engine and the cockpit detailing of his Mack B-61 1/34 scale tow truck by First Gear prove what Allan says about current die-casting standards. His tip truck version of the Mack in Cobleskill Stone Products livery, another First Gear replica, is equally as detailed.

​When Damon (pronounced D’mon) Montague tinkers with model trucks, he always goes with green. Green is the signature color on the seven die-cast trucks he’s created as short-run production models. The color signifies his other passion—the U.S. Army.
“Talking to me, we’re either going to talk Army or trucks, that’s it,” he says with a laugh.
Now living in El Paso, Texas, Damon’s passion for trucks came first. He started building 1/25 scale plastic model kits when he was about 8 years old, and he has early memories of being instantly drawn to the hobby.
“I was 7 or 8 years old, when it started to take shape, like, ‘I’m kind of good at this. I like this,’” he says. Growing up in Houston, Texas, he and his cousin entered their models in local competitions so they could get into the shows for free. He remembers one particular show that brought him affirmation of his skills.
“We came back the next day and there was a trophy next to my truck and I was floored. That was a big deal,” he says.