Trax Models

Lore & Background

Trax Models began in 1980 when John Eassie founded the company, initially focusing on Australian model trains. In 1986, Eassie expanded into 1:43 diecast cars, distributing them through model train retailers. The company was later sold to Frank Tregellas, former General Manager of Matchbox Toys Australia and Matchbox Collectibles, and Robert Hill, who managed Matchbox Collectibles. The standard Trax car range, labeled 'Trax Australian Motoring History,' includes replicas of GM Holden, Ford, and Chrysler vehicles, with early models often sporty and later offerings covering saloons, utes, race cars, taxis, and liveried vehicles.

Top Gear also produces several specialized series under the Trax name. The Opal Series features 1:43 scale vehicles with opening doors, bonnet, and boot lid in premium packaging. The Select Series consists of limited production resin models made to order for less-common vehicles, such as the Leyland P76 Force 7 Coupe. Superscale is a 1:24 scale handmade line with over 200 pieces, including opening parts and working steering. The Legends Series targets the world market with numbered, hand-signed models of vehicles driven by Australian race drivers, such as Sir Jack Brabham's Repco Brabham BT19 and Mick Doohan's Honda NSR 500.

Model details are finely rendered with accurate paint, crisp seam lines, realistic tampos, clear plastic lenses, and rubber tires. Bases are diecast metal painted black, with some suspension and exhaust detail. Decal sheets are sometimes supplied, and Trax has re-issued corrected decals when necessary. The Trux line covers buses, trucks, fire engines, and construction vehicles for Australian roads or with Australian liveries, using dies from Trax or Exclusive First Editions. Marketing packaging evolved from yellow boxes with black and red highlights to blue-to-yellow diagonal boxes with perspex windows after 2004.

Reader's Guide

Trax Models holds significance as the only diecast model company in Australia to produce a regular catalogue every two months and a hardcover book updated every three years detailing every model made. The company's commitment to limited production runs—never reproducing models—has led to increased value for early examples, with some now worth many times their original purchase price. Trax supports a collector's club that allows members to vote on the next model to be produced, fostering community engagement. The company's range covers a broad spectrum of Australian automotive history, from standard saloons to race cars, taxis, and liveried promotional vehicles, such as newspaper delivery vans and FJs at Work series. The Legends Series has expanded Trax's reach into the world market, offering numbered, hand-signed models of vehicles associated with Australian race drivers. The Trux line further extends the brand's coverage to buses, trucks, and construction vehicles, including some New Zealand lines and liveries. Excess, returned, or damaged models are sold through the Trax Wrecking Yard.

Did You Know?

• Trax Models are made in China for the Australian market.
• The company was sold to Frank Tregellas and Robert Hill, both former Matchbox executives.
• The Select Series uses resin to produce limited models of rare vehicles like the Leyland P76 Force 7 Coupe.
• The Legends Series includes models hand-signed by the Australian race driver who drove the vehicle.