$4 Semi Trucks: Maisto Fresh Metal Are Back!

The Maisto "Fresh Metal" Semi trucks have resurfaced at Wal Mart under the "Adventure Force" house brand.   Maisto has made these Semis for quite a few years (possibly over a decade) and occasionally they will appear at a major retailer.

I didn't have the usual Scale comparison vehicles on hand, but I did have the spot-on-for-HO Ford Cargo reviewed earlier .    Note the Maisto wheels that are even more realistic than those on the Ford.  Wheels are often the biggest giveaway when using toy trucks and Maisto is very good in that respect.

It's very good size for HO.   The prototype appears to be a late 90's Ford Aeromax.
As for the trailer...

Compared to this 40' Matson I saw on Ogden...

...the Trailer/Container is very close to the right size for a 48 footer though it does couple a bit too close to the tractor.  Also, the rivet detail is all on the sticker, the center of the sides are smooth.

Looks good with the Ford also.

And the trailer doors open.

The Gravel Truck is a favorite of mine.

Understated, realistic printing on the Cab.

The tanker truck is a bit of a mixed bag. The trailer is pretty good.  Could use a bit of trimming cleanup at the edges but a nice basic scheme and sufficient detailing.

The  tractor is a bit of a disappointment though.

Luckily I know from experience that a bit of rubbing alcohol should be able to take off the "Fresh Metal" and "Danger Stay back" signs and leave a basic green truck that will be just fine as-is or ready for alternate decals.

These are the best 3 of the 6 or so styles available.   The others are mostly more fantasy style trailers with Euro cabover tractors.  Not what I'm interested in.

These are pretty good as-is, but also ripe for a bit of custom painting, detailing, weathering, etc.  At $4 each there's little risk in trying.   The stocking of Walmart "Adventure Force" toys can be very fickle so if you like these I highly recommend picking them up before Christmas.

Keep on Truckin'.

-Karl