KIT: RPM 1/72 Mack AC 'Bulldog' Type EHC 1
KIT #: 72400
PRICE: $14.98 (13.46 at Squadron)
DECALS: Several options
REVIEWER: Scott Van Aken
NOTES:  

HISTORY

The Mack AB was the company's first standardized, high-volume model series, introduced in 1914. The first ABs had chain drive or worm drive.

The AC model was introduced in 1916. It is credited with giving Mack its famous Bulldog identity. The story goes that the British engineers testing ACs and the Tommies (British soldiers) in France said that "the Mack ACs have the tenacity of a bulldog." At that time, the symbol of Great Britain was the bulldog, and this was high praise for the trucks. In 1922, the company adopted the Bulldog as its corporate symbol.

During World War I, Mack delivered approximately 4,500 AC model trucks of 3 11/42-, 5 11/42-, and 7 11/42-ton capacity to the U.S. government and more than 2,000 units to Great Britain. In 1920, a dual reduction drive was added.

THE KIT

Now this is the kind of military kit I like. It is a soft skin and it is a bit unusual. I have to say that WWI military vehicles are not exactly falling off the shelves and that is certainly the case for Mack Trucks of that era.

There are two sprues and what seems like a lot of parts. The parts themselves are well molded and there was a bit of flash on one of the sprues. Nothing to worry about. Ejector pin marks can be found on one side of the larger parts. In the case of this vehicle, that will only really affect the bed parts, particularly the outside of the vertical parts. The ones inside the tail gate will be near impossible to remove and you'll take off detail removing the ones on the front and sides. But since they are visible, you'll have no choice. The ones inside the cab sides will be a breeze to removeThe inside of the bed canvas has huge ejector towers, but since that is not used on this kit, it isn't a concern. The wooden planked areas also have sink areas on them opposite the stakes. It feels like a washboard when you run your fingers over it. Break out the filler if you don't plan on having the bed full of stuff; same goes for the vertical panels. The kit provides a complete drive train; engine, drive shaft, rear end, and exhaust. There is also complete steering mechanisms provided though this is inoperable. In all a most complete model.

Instructions are very well done with 37 easy to understand construction sequences. No color information is provided during construction. All that is on the back of the box, providing only Humbrol color reference numbers. Once again, a company that won't provide generic names for the colors. Fortunately, the color profiles provided are well done so one should be able to figure out most of what is there. It looks like dark grey running gear with OD green bodywork. Three markings options are shown in the instructions with two of those repeated in the painting profiles. The small decal sheet is fairly well printed and very glossy with the clear carrier connecting a number of the decals together so you'll have to cut them away to be sure not to pull off half the sheet!

CONCLUSIONS

Overall a very nice kit that is marred only by the sink areas and ejector pin marks where they will be difficult to completely eradicate. Construction should be straight-forward and I have to applaud RPM for delving into the very early history of military motorized transport.

REFERENCES

The internet.

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