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BY BILL ENGAR

Atlantis Models has released its classic Monogram 1/24 Mack AC Bulldog Stake Truck.  Monogram was renown in the model kit industry for its many car kits.  There were a number that were exceptional examples of state-of-the-art when they were made, and the Mack AC Bulldog in its various guises is one of those kits!

Atlantis' 1/24 Mack AC Bulldog comes in a big box!  The kit builds into a substantial model at over 10" in length when complete.  The model has a detailed engine and nicely replicated chain-drive.

Atlantis’ Mack Bulldog Stake Truck has 130 parts.  In 1/24-scale, it’s a big model measuring in at about 10.5” long.  The kit was engineered to be easy to build; Atlantis recommends it for builders ages 14 and up.  Glue and cement for plastic models not included.  The kit is molded in yellow and black plastic and comes with soft rubber tires and a small sprue of clear parts.

We laid the parts out on a standard 22X28" white posterboard and there wasn't enough room to include the rubber tires and decals!  Monogram Models was beloved for creating kits with plenty of details to satisfy advanced modelers, but they were often simple enough so that inexperienced builders would have a positive experience putting them together.  This model meets both of those criteria!

Legendary designer Tom Daniel assisted in the engineering of this kit.  While it’s not one of Monogram’s Tom Daniel customs, it’s apparent that the kit was very well executed.  Unlike most car kits, slide-mold technology wasn’t needed to create the truck body.

Six soft vinyl-rubber tires are included.

Atlantis Models uses high-quality decals in their kits.  Printing quality is excellent.  You have your choice of Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey or "Tidewater Trucking Co."

We detect very little flash or sinkholes in this kit and we believe it will be an easy, pleasant build for the casual modeler.  The more experienced modeler could build a contest-quality model right out of the box without too many challenges considering that this is a vintage kit.  The kit provides a basis for any level of extra detailing to create a spectacular contest-winner.  Stay tuned as we provide just a few ideas for some projects of the type that the advance modeler might enjoy attempting with Atlantis' Mack Bulldog truck.

Instructions consist of a single, folded 22X25-inch sheet.

Atlantis reproduces vintage Monogram artwork in 16 clear construction steps.

The kit's parts have many nice details such as simulated wood grain texture on pieces where appropriate.  The engine and frame are authentically detailed as well.

A small sprue of clear parts has the front split windshield and light lenses.

Six soft vinyl tires (four for the rear "dualies") have an authentic vintage tread pattern.

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Closeups of various sprues shows the attention to details that made the original Monogram Models beloved among builders young and old.

The vintage engine and chain-drive were nicely rendered in plastic.  Stake-sides and truck bed have a raised wood-grain texture that can be enhanced with washes and dry-brushing during final building steps.

We were very impressed with this kit!  Due to the number of parts, we'd strongly recommend that the builder has experience building at least a few glue-kit model cars.  Monogram Models was beloved for making model kits that were easy to build, yet nicely detailed and this model helped build that reputation.  Whether or not you choose a basic-build without any painting, building out-of-box for a contest, or using the kit as a base for customizing or a radical modification, we're confident that you'll enjoy this kit!  The 2Modeler Guys give it four enthusiastic thumbs up!

Atlantis' first release of the classic Monogram Mack AC Bulldog was the log hauler version.

SPECIAL THANKS TO ATLANTIS MODELS FOR PROVIDING THIS KIT FOR US TO REVIEW AND ENJOY!

BONUS FEATURE

JUST A FEW IDEAS FOR WHAT YOU COULD DO WITH YOUR ATLANTIS 124 MACK AC BULLDOG STAKE TRUCK KIT!

We think this kit is simply amazing right out of the box.  But there are plenty of opportunities for the advanced modeler to create a show-stopping model by reconfiguring the model.  Another simple idea is to add a 1/24-scale cargo to the bed, either inside the existing stakes or delete the stakes and keep the flatbed.

Yes, that's a WWI-vintage FT tank on the back of this AC.  We're not aware of any kit available of this tank in 1/24-scale, but this would be a great model for a builder with advanced scratchbuilding skills!

Here's a Mack AC configured as a fire engine!  This would test the skills of the most advanced builders but everybody loves fire engines!

This Mack with a dumper-bed shows how interesting a tired, weathered model can be.  Adding weathering such as rust is much easier than scratchbuilding or reconfiguring.

A modeler could delete the stakes and bed, leaving a bare frame with a simple scratchbuilt fifth wheel-type trailer hitch.  A trailer then could be scratchbuilt with any sort of cargo such as this vintage bulldozer!