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| The Duck's Tankers |
| There were 2 trailers used for the movie, both were identical 1960 Trailmobile model T4-02-22 insulated tankers, with a 5800 gallon capacity. One of the two trailers was blown up on the bridge, and the second trailer had been found safe and sound in Logan, NM and has been brought back to Missouri and restored. The surviving trailer was used with the 1970 second unit truck, but did get pulled behind the 1977 Mack in some of the final bridge scenes near Mint Road. Most notably, you see this trailer on the rear of the truck as the first explosion from the rear takes place after being shot by the two kneeling officers. Note the trailer had a hole cut in the bottom rear to gain access to the inside of the trailer. Originally an asphalt tanker, this surviving trailer had its structural insulated main tank removed, leaving only the aluminum skin. In order to hold the skin in-place, a web of steel strengthening was installed inside. According to multiple sources, the primary reason for this modification was to eliminate as much of the trailer weight as possible, maximizing the acceleration of the Macks. Also notice the damage to the passenger (right) side hose tube sustainted when the trailer hit a support column as it crashed into the jail. We're restoring the trailer to "as-filmed" condition, leaving the webbing inside and the damage to the exterior from the jail house. When the movie was filmed, the trailers were painted with Rust-Oleum Aluminum paint to hide the asphalt streaks down the sides and on the underside of the tank. The caked-on asphalt can be seen in the movie on the tire carrier and rear suspension. We have painted the trailer exactly as they did in 1977, keeping the original tar in-place. The original decals were still in-place. Detailed reproductions were made from digital photographs. The new decals were placed exactly as they were when we picked up the trailer. A complete new lighting system was ordered from the original manufacturer, Betts Industires, and all lights were replaced with new, original-style lighting. Those that have seen the trailer in-person will notice that the brake drums and shoes are missing. The shoes and drums were removed once the inner steel tank was removed to prevent the trailer from twisting or bucking from stress due to trailer brake force. As the trailer now only weighs approximately 3000 pounds, there tractor's brakes are more than sufficient to safely stop the truck within all applicable federal guidelines. |
| All that remains of the other Trailmobile tank trailer after the explosion is the rear suspension and tail assembly. |
| This is how the trailer in May 2008 looks after restoration to its as-filmed condition. |
| This is how the trailer looked when we found it in New Mexico in 2007. It was in remarkably good condition after sitting for 30 years in the New Mexico desert. |