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| The 1970 Mack RS731LST Second Unit Rubber Duck truck. |
This project initially started in 2003 as an attempt to build a spot-on replica. The
project started with a 1977 RSK700L ("K" means Factory Glider Kit) and a 1977
RS786LST. I have spent the past 5 years locating and assembling various trucks
and parts. It was crucial to get every detail correct to match the Rubber Duck's
Mack RS700L. From the longer driver's side Grover air horn, to the removal of
the bulldog from the mirrors, we have exhausted every resource to match detail
for detail the as-filmed Mack truck.
The problem is that with four different Mack's used as the Duck's truck during
filming, it is impossible to build a single exact replica. To the untrained eye, it
may look as though there is a single truck, but as this website shows, there are
significant differences between the different RS700L's used. My original intention
was to produce a replica that has the look of the 1977 used for many of the
exterior shots. After our purchase of the wrecked 1970 Mack RS731LST that
was used as the second unit truck, our plans changed somewhat. Using the
parts gathered to build a replica as well as what new parts we could get from
Mack, we rebuilt the 1970 Mack RS731LST. While the truck had suffered severe
damage when it barrel rolled as a mixer, we have incorporated as many of the
original parts back into the project as possible. In doing so, however, I felt it was
important to more closely match the 1970 RS731LST to the purpose-built 1977
Mack RS712LST that was built by Mack for EMI Films. In taking that charge, we
made several updates to the effort, including using a tip-turbine style Donaldson
dual tube air cleaner and '73 & up style cab. After consultation with the state
officials, the 1970 Mack VIN RS731LST6646 has been declared rebuilt and
passed inspection for licensing. The rebuilt truck now proudly bears Missouri
Personalized Historical Plate RBR-DUK.
This truck and its twin (VIN 6648) both came from the factory with spoke wheels.
When they were purchased in April 1977 to replicate the new 1977 RS712LST,
the spoke wheels and hubs were replaced with disc wheels. In the case of this
truck, a set of Rockwell SQHD axles on White-brand Velvet Ride suspension were
used to replace the factory Mack Camelback suspension and axles. The swap
was likely made in the interest of least-effort. This truck retains a Velvet Ride
suspension which itself remains a source of inquiry and study for old truck fans.
Although the 1977 truck had a Mack Tip Turbine engine, the second unit truck
had a Cummins 855 block engine. The truck now currently has an updated
Cummins NTC350 BCII. After careful consideration, I am working towards
eventually replacing the Cummins with a fresh Detroit Diesel 8V71T so that the
replica will also have the sound of the truck in the movie. I know the purist will
have issues, but the Detroit sound is such a pronounced part of the experience
of the movie, I believe that it is important to try to present a truck that looks AND
sounds like it just drove off of the screen.
I do have shop drawings for the push bumper. If you have a Western Mack and
are interested in having one made, I would be happy to put you in contact with
the fabrication shop, but I will not release the drawings or have copies made.
I have heard from many of you who are also interested in attempting such a
project. A few pointers remain as follows:
1. An RS700L or RL700L hood is no longer available for purchase anywhere. In
order to start, you have to find a donor truck with a decent hood.
2. Converting an RS/RL600 into an RS/RL700 is like trying to convert a single
story home into a 2 story home. You'd be insane to try it, and will probably go
broke.
3. Finding a 60" Able Body sleeper for a Mack is next to impossible, particularly a
60" with a single exhaust cut-out. Do not try to modify an Able Body from a
Western Star. It would be cheaper to find someone to build a new one from raw
metal. Your best bet is to find a 60" Able Body taken from a Superliner and start
from there.
project started with a 1977 RSK700L ("K" means Factory Glider Kit) and a 1977
RS786LST. I have spent the past 5 years locating and assembling various trucks
and parts. It was crucial to get every detail correct to match the Rubber Duck's
Mack RS700L. From the longer driver's side Grover air horn, to the removal of
the bulldog from the mirrors, we have exhausted every resource to match detail
for detail the as-filmed Mack truck.
The problem is that with four different Mack's used as the Duck's truck during
filming, it is impossible to build a single exact replica. To the untrained eye, it
may look as though there is a single truck, but as this website shows, there are
significant differences between the different RS700L's used. My original intention
was to produce a replica that has the look of the 1977 used for many of the
exterior shots. After our purchase of the wrecked 1970 Mack RS731LST that
was used as the second unit truck, our plans changed somewhat. Using the
parts gathered to build a replica as well as what new parts we could get from
Mack, we rebuilt the 1970 Mack RS731LST. While the truck had suffered severe
damage when it barrel rolled as a mixer, we have incorporated as many of the
original parts back into the project as possible. In doing so, however, I felt it was
important to more closely match the 1970 RS731LST to the purpose-built 1977
Mack RS712LST that was built by Mack for EMI Films. In taking that charge, we
made several updates to the effort, including using a tip-turbine style Donaldson
dual tube air cleaner and '73 & up style cab. After consultation with the state
officials, the 1970 Mack VIN RS731LST6646 has been declared rebuilt and
passed inspection for licensing. The rebuilt truck now proudly bears Missouri
Personalized Historical Plate RBR-DUK.
This truck and its twin (VIN 6648) both came from the factory with spoke wheels.
When they were purchased in April 1977 to replicate the new 1977 RS712LST,
the spoke wheels and hubs were replaced with disc wheels. In the case of this
truck, a set of Rockwell SQHD axles on White-brand Velvet Ride suspension were
used to replace the factory Mack Camelback suspension and axles. The swap
was likely made in the interest of least-effort. This truck retains a Velvet Ride
suspension which itself remains a source of inquiry and study for old truck fans.
Although the 1977 truck had a Mack Tip Turbine engine, the second unit truck
had a Cummins 855 block engine. The truck now currently has an updated
Cummins NTC350 BCII. After careful consideration, I am working towards
eventually replacing the Cummins with a fresh Detroit Diesel 8V71T so that the
replica will also have the sound of the truck in the movie. I know the purist will
have issues, but the Detroit sound is such a pronounced part of the experience
of the movie, I believe that it is important to try to present a truck that looks AND
sounds like it just drove off of the screen.
I do have shop drawings for the push bumper. If you have a Western Mack and
are interested in having one made, I would be happy to put you in contact with
the fabrication shop, but I will not release the drawings or have copies made.
I have heard from many of you who are also interested in attempting such a
project. A few pointers remain as follows:
1. An RS700L or RL700L hood is no longer available for purchase anywhere. In
order to start, you have to find a donor truck with a decent hood.
2. Converting an RS/RL600 into an RS/RL700 is like trying to convert a single
story home into a 2 story home. You'd be insane to try it, and will probably go
broke.
3. Finding a 60" Able Body sleeper for a Mack is next to impossible, particularly a
60" with a single exhaust cut-out. Do not try to modify an Able Body from a
Western Star. It would be cheaper to find someone to build a new one from raw
metal. Your best bet is to find a 60" Able Body taken from a Superliner and start
from there.
