To celebrate the one year anniversary of the most recent Diecast Model Expo (DME) - held on 4-5 November 2023, let's take a look at how the most special models released at each show - the Satin Black models - have faired since the first one in 2011.
The Diecast Model Expo is a quasi bi-annual (2011, 2013, 2015, 2018, 2021 [virtual], 2023) event the brings together diecast model collectors, industry exhibiters and enthusiasts. Organised by Dominic Comino from Motorfocus Diecast Models, the event features a number of key elements including room trading for those wishing to buy and sell pre-owned and new models, a gala dinner with guest speaker (in 2023 it was Allan Grice) and the topic for this article, exclusive show releases.
Each Diecast Expo reveals a range of new models, but in this edition of Diecast Digest, we’re spotlighting the Satin Black truck models. Unlike the car models (which you can read about here), which require being a volunteer or prize winner to obtain, these trucks could be purchased at the show.
2015 Expo
ZT09080 - Kenworth C509 with 4x8 Swingwing Drop Deck Trailer & 2x8 Dolly
Production run of 100 by Drake Collectibles in 1:50
Not only is this model a rare release by virtue of its low production run but also because unlike all other Satin Black Expo models, this model isn't available in another colour or variant. This is the only C509 prime mover with a 4x8 (as opposed to 3x8 or 5x8) swingwing trailer. There's a $200 variance between the two sales that have been recorded for this model with $1,050 for a used variant and $1,250 for a new variant earlier in 2024. Considering it was offered to Expo attendees upon release for $485, it has appreciated considerably in the past 9 years.
2018 Expo
ZT09188 - Kenworth T904 with 3x8 Swingwing Trailer & 2x8 Dolly - Membrey's Transport & Crane Hire
Production run of 100 by Drake Collectibles in 1:50
Affectionately known as the "Rowan Tribute" truck, this special model pays homage to Rowan Membrey, the late son of Craig Membrey, who passed away in 2011. Released in Satin Black with a matching trailer, it follows the original "Rowan Tribute" prime mover (Z01370) from April 2014, which was limited to just 500 units. Priced at $499 at the Expo, this model remains highly sought after by Drake collectors. While there haven't been many reported sales, the current Diecast Detective valuation exceeds $3,100 for used models, positioning this model as one of the industry's most sought-after pieces.
2021 Expo
Z01547 / Z0B026 - K200 "Phat Cab" with Ballast Box - Membrey's Transport & Crane Hire
Production run of 250 by Drake Collectibles in 1:50
The 2021 Expo was the expo that wasn't. Thanks to COVID, there was no Expo, rather an online release of models the following year! In terms of model releases in 2022, this Membrey's Phat Cab would've been near the top with the combination of Drake + Membrey's + Satin Black Expo release being catnip for collectors and speculators. The model became available at 10am AEST on the 19th of October and sold out immediately. What made this model extra special for collectors was that it came with a ballast box that couldn't be purchased separately. The organisers of the Expo also knew the collectability of having this and the "Rowan Tribute" truck as a pair as you can read in the email excerpt below.
Prices peaked at an incredible $3,410 two weeks after release, two months later the price had dipped to around $1,000 before climbing in mid-2023 to $1,500 and holding there for a year before settling at the current level around $900 with the Current Diecast Detective Price (which takes into account price trends) sitting at $1,100/$1,000 (New/Used).
2023 Expo
After the success of the past Drake Satin Black releases, Drake Collectibles doubled down at the most recent Expo with two incredible releases.
Z01618 - Kenworth T909 Director Series - Membrey's Transport & Crane Hire - 50th Birthday livery (Satin Black)
Production run of 300 by Drake Collectibles in 1:50
The release of this truck followed the general public release of the white version which is known as the "Birthday Truck" to celebrate Craig Membrey's 50th birthday. Just $260 at the Expo, these soon found their way onto the resale market with early sales ranging from $900-$1,500 before peaking a month later at $2,550 and then $3,000 before plummeting to $600-700 a month later after the leftover(!) stock from the Expo began to hit retailers. The price has remained at this level since.
Z01619 - K200 "Phat Cab" - Doolan's Transport
Production run of 300 by Drake Collectibles in 1:50
Unlike the "Birthday Truck", the Doolan's release wasn't a Satin Black version of a general release model which makes it truly unique. There's stark contrast between early sales performance of this and the Membrey's model released on the same day. Where Membrey's peaked at $3,000, Doolan's peaked at $1,025, but that's not the whole story. Today, the Diecast Detective Prices (New/Used) of the Doolan's model sit above the Membrey's having sustained values in the $600-800 range (with a few exceptions of course) with a recent upward trend.
While Membrey's will likely remain the livery most popular with collectors, K200 Fat/Phat Cabs, are the most popular bodystyle which is likely why this model will continue to perform strongly.