Product Description
The **Mack Bicentennial Superliner "Thunderbolt"** diecast model by Drake Collectibles is another impressive tribute to Australia's rich history, combining the powerful legacy of the Mack Superliner truck with the legendary figure of Captain Thunderbolt, a notorious bushranger in Australian folklore.
### The Story of the Mack Bicentennial Superliner
In 1988, to celebrate Australia's bicentennial—a significant 200-year milestone since the founding of the colony—a series of Mack Superliner trucks were produced to embody the spirit and strength of the nation. These trucks were not just vehicles; they were rolling monuments that represented Australia’s resilience, industrial progress, and pioneering spirit.
The "Thunderbolt" edition of the Mack Bicentennial Superliner stands out with its unique design and homage to one of Australia's most infamous historical figures. Just like its namesake, this truck is built for endurance, power, and making a statement. The bold design, with its detailed livery and robust construction, mirrors the fearless and audacious nature of Captain Thunderbolt, who roamed the Australian outback in the mid-19th century.
### The Legend of Captain Thunderbolt
Captain Thunderbolt, whose real name was Frederick Ward, is one of Australia’s most notorious bushrangers. Born in 1835, Ward initially led a relatively uneventful life until he turned to a life of crime, earning the nickname "Thunderbolt" for his daring and swift raids. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Thunderbolt became known for his relatively non-violent approach, preferring to outsmart his victims rather than resorting to brute force.
Ward's criminal career began after he was convicted of horse theft and sentenced to prison. However, his story took a dramatic turn when he escaped from Cockatoo Island, a notorious prison in Sydney Harbour, in 1863. For the next six years, Thunderbolt became a folk hero of sorts, conducting a series of bold robberies across New South Wales, targeting travelers, mail coaches, and inns. His reputation grew as a cunning and elusive outlaw, evading capture time and again.
Despite his criminal activities, Thunderbolt was somewhat of a Robin Hood figure to some, known for his courteous demeanor during robberies and his resistance to unnecessary violence. His exploits became the stuff of legend, with many stories emphasizing his wit and resourcefulness.
However, Thunderbolt's luck eventually ran out. In 1870, he was shot and killed by a police constable near Uralla, New South Wales. His death marked the end of the bushranger era, but his legend continued to grow, cementing his place in Australian history as one of the last and most famous bushrangers.
### The Diecast Model
The Mack Bicentennial Superliner "Thunderbolt" diecast model by Drake Collectibles captures the essence of this legendary figure. Every detail, from the truck’s powerful stance to the intricate design elements, is a nod to the enduring spirit of Captain Thunderbolt. Collectors of this model are not just acquiring a piece of diecast engineering; they are owning a piece of Australian history, a tribute to a man who defied the odds and became an indelible part of the nation's cultural heritage.
Just as Captain Thunderbolt carved his path through the rugged Australian landscape, the Mack Bicentennial Superliner "Thunderbolt" is a symbol of strength, resilience, and the never-ending pursuit of freedom and adventure.
