Disclaimer: A few years back, I wrote this review for a Mopar blog that I occasionally made posts/articles for. Unfortunately, this piece never got released and then I promptly forgot about it. After doing some computer house cleaning, I came across this article again and thought it should get released. As such, If something seems off or out of date, that is very likely why. Regardless, enjoy!
The Durango
This model is made by Greenlight Collectibes, a company that’s pretty good at making above-average diecast cars. However, they’re not above the occasional misstep here and there. I have three of their models and the best looking of them all is a black 2008 Dodge Challenger SRT-8. Ralph Gilles (no joke) sent it to me back in my tween years when I wrote him a letter about the upcoming SRT Viper and it’s been hanging up on my wall –unopened– ever since. Even though it’s never been opened, it’s evident just how much detail went into making the model (as well as how accurate it is). Much later in my life, I’d acquire a True Blue Pearl ’13 Dodge Dart GT from the same company. A pretty good model, but it does have some proportionissues (particularly in the face).
With the Durango R/T being my third model from the company, will it be a hit, whiff, or complete miss? Let’s start off by assessing the front end.
The Front:
What I like: The headlight shape, the little dodge text and logo in the grille, the adaptive cruise-control is visible (though not in that picture), the headlights have detailing on them, and the overall proportions.
What I don’t like: With that said, the details on the headlights are a little strange looking. Perhaps they could be worse but it’s a little strange not seeing such detail built into the headlights themselves. Lastly, the top grille is slightly too big. They got the shape itself right but it needs to be a bit slimmer (I.E not as tall).
Overall: It looks much better than I thought it did on first glance. Nicely done Greenlight!
Overall: It looks much better than I thought it did at first glance. Nicely done Greenlight!
The Back:
What I like: The detailing on the taillights, the “Durango” and “R/T” text on the tailgate, and the little indent for where the tailgate handle would be.
What I don’t like: The ends of the taillights are just a bit too square.
The Top:
What I like: The sheer amount of detail put into this roof. I mean they even added the radio aerial!
What I don’t like: Nothing.
The Bottom:
What I like: It has a metal base, which feels much better than most of the plastic ones on Hot Wheels and Matchbox models.
What I don’t like: With that said, I don’t think the detailing on the base is accurate to the real car (a nitpick, really), and the wheels are far too thin for my taste.
Other:
I wish the windows had less tint on them. Don’t get me wrong, a little tint can go a long way, but “I don’t want to see that Smart car at night” levels of tint I can do without.
Overall then, I can’t say that Greenlight did a terrible job with this model. It’s not an absolute hit, but certainly an 8 out of 10 as far as accuracy goes.
With that out of the way, let’s talk about the trailer.
The Trailer:
The second component to this set, I was expecting to be somewhat disappointed by the trailer if I’m being honest. I didn’t think it would be made all that well, I didn’t think the rear door would open, and I thought the hitch would break upon light usage.
Boy was I wrong…
The glass on the sides feels sturdy (for the scale), there’s actual detail on the trailer, the rear door actually opens, and there’s a little stand so the trailer isn’t leaning on the ground when detached from the tow-vehicle! Seriously, I’m very impressed by the amount of care that went into curating the look of this trailer. It genuinely looks like someone could use it for chauffeuring a show-car to and from auto shows (above and below).
Like the Durango, the base of the trailer is made out of metal. Unlike the Durango, the top is also made out of metal. Talk about a quality product.
As far as photography opportunities go, I urge you to get the Hitch & Tow series of vehicles (ideally one that has an enclosed trailer big enough for a 1/64th scale car). I had way too much fun trying to figure out different shots I could take with the cars inside the trailer, outside the trailer, and hanging just outside the trailer. Basically: I love it.
However… it’s not perfect.
You see that? You see how small the gap is between the HotWheels and the wheel well? That protrusion into the cargo area is big enough to rub against the sides of some of my other models (my Vipers in particular). I’m sure it could be a lot worse, but I don’t want to rub the paint on my Vipers against anything, let alone the wheel housing for the trailer. Why Greenlight didn’t just make the wheels extend a little further on the exterior –to avoid this very problem– I’ll never know.
Then there’s the slit to open the rear door…
I appreciate that they made that little sliver-of-an-opening as small as possible so it wouldn’t break up the realism of the trailer, but the drawback to that is the necessity of long nails so you can pry it open. Seriously, if your nails don’t extend even a little bit paste the tip of your finger then you better hope you’ve got something else that’s just as thin and just as sturdy if you want to open the door of the trailer.
OK, maybe “pry it open” is an exaggeration, but the door does properly seal once you close it all the way! Which, unfortunately, leaves you with three options. You grow the nails out on your thumbs and only your thumbs, you leave it slightly open, or you shake the car inside the trailer to open the door. The last one being a non-solution really. Intentionally damaging my diecast cars? No thank you.
Overall:
If you’re worried that the only Durango R/T (or SRT) diecast on the market is a big letdown, don’t be. Greenlight did their homework and produced a model that should satisfy any Durango fan out there. The white Durango combined with the white trailer is a nice, uniform look, and the actual usability of the trailer adds to the cool factor of the entire set. Especially if you add other diecast cars into the mix.
Not a fan of the plain white Durango with a tow-hitch though? Greenlight has you covered. Pick up the GL Muscle Durango SRT (not shown here) and you can enjoy a Durango that’s as free as a bird and has cool stripes to boot.
Basically: I highly recommend you pick up both the GL Muscle Durango SRT and the Hitch & Tow Durango R/T. Both of lovely models and both should be welcome additions to any Mopar collection.
