5 minute read
SHOWSTOPPERS
Mack Masterpiece
In a major coup, the 2023 Brisbane Truck Show will feature a large-scale Mack Anthem built from LEGO bricks. And attendees will not only be able to witness the final build but help complete the incredible project!
If you’re into both trucks and LEGO then the 2023 Brisbane Truck Show has a real treat in store for you.
With support of Mack Trucks Australia,
LEGO brick fan, educator and builder of amazing
LEGO brick creations Ben Craig has been commissioned to build a large-scale Mack
Anthem at next year’s event.
Yep, you read that right! In fact, this mindboggling project to build a real-life truck out of
LEGO bricks has already commenced design work.
Comprising hundreds of thousands bricks, the build will take seven months in the lead up to the 2023 show, with the finishing touches to be added live in front of the public at what’s sure to be among the most popular displays at the show.
“LEGO and Mack Trucks. Two iconic brands loved by both kids, and the big kids at heart, around the world,” says Mack Vice President, Tom Chapman.
“In 2023 we will have been manufacturing Mack Trucks in Australia, specifically Brisbane, for 60 years. To celebrate, we’re building an impressive Mack Anthem out of LEGO right in the heart of South Bank and inviting the community to help build it!”
Best known as The Brick Builder, Ben’s previous works include a full-size 1973 Viscount Royal caravan. Constructed from 288,630 LEGO bricks, the 2,200mm wide, 2,350mm high, 5,800mm long model weighed 1.6 tons and is the largest caravan ever made with LEGO bricks. The caravan was displayed at the Queensland Caravan, Camping & Touring Super Show in Brisbane in 2018.
Other notable commissions have included scaled models of Brisbane Airport, a Eurostar train set, and the La Jument lighthouse in France.
A secret fan of large trucks and engineering, the Mack Anthem is by far the largest project undertaken by Ben, whose healthy obsession with LEGO began at the age of two and has never ceased.
Ben in the Viscount Royal caravan built from LEGO
Relishing the challenge, Ben has the hit the ground running with a site visit to Volvo Group Australia’s Wacol factory to witness the process involved in designing and building the Australianmade Mack Anthem – a process he intends to follow with the LEGO version.
Starting with the Anthem’s computer-aided design (CAD) files, Ben and team are undertaking a three-to-four week design phase, before sourcing bricks from LEGO and other suppliers in Europe and Australia to commence build early January.
Just like the real thing, the truck will be built from scratch with fully numbered and genuine parts. All components will be held together by ‘Kragle’ – which fans of The Lego Movie will know is a weapon (tube of glue) sought by Lord Business to ensure everyone touched by it is sealed in place.
An estimated 95 per cent of the build will be completed off-site at Ben’s Gold Coast studio, before being transported in sections in containers to South Bank where the project will be completed.
Strengthened with metal internal supports, the Anthem will feature a detailed exterior and interior, including wheels, air lines, fuel tanks, turntable, fully operable doors and 36-inch sleeper.
As Master Builder Emmet Brickowski would say, it’s going to be awesome!
Left: Ben’s commissions have included scaled models of Brisbane Airport
Right: The full-size 1973 Viscount Royal caravan
Below: Mack VP Tom Chapman with the real-life Mack Anthem
See us at Stand 110
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Best On Show The Truck Show is one of Brisbane’s great events
PRE-SHOW: BTS23 Mascot Relay
With Brisbane hosting the 2032 Olympics, the Truck Show is emulating the iconic torch relay – with a twist. Mascot Sunny the Koala will criss-cross the country, visiting exhibitors in the lead-up to the event.
DAY 1-2: National Apprentice Challenge
Heats will take place at South Bank Piazza on Thursday and Friday to determine the final two teams to compete in the 2023 National Apprentice Challenge grand final.
DAY 1: Official Opening Breakfast
Industry leaders, show partners and key exhibitors will be joined by state and federal politicians and senior bureaucrats at the Official Opening Breakfast to celebrate the official opening of BTS23 – and hear from a special keynote speaker.
Day 1 Day 2
SHOW EVE: HVIA Executive Club
On show eve, the HVIA Executive Club will bring together leaders of HVIA member organisations to share knowledge and discuss common issues with their peers across the heavy vehicle industry.
DAY 1: Official Opening
The 2023 Brisbane Truck Show officially opens to the public, with some 300 exhibits spread over 35,000sqm of the BCEC’s three levels. The show runs daily, 10am-6pm, through to Sunday, May 21.
DAY 1-4: Heavy Equipment & Machinery Show
Jump on the free shuttle buses to check out the latest earthmoving and civil construction machinery on show at the Heavy Equipment and Machinery Show at the old Ekka Showgrounds.
DAY 1-4:
Penske Plaza Terrace BBQ Bar
Catch up with your mates – old and new – at the
Penske Plaza Terrace BBQ
Bar for a bite to eat and a beer across all four days of the show.
DAY 3: South Bank Concert & Fireworks Display
Join with work colleagues, family and friends to witness a range of entertainment and activations at the worldclass South Bank Parklands.
Day 3 Day 4
DAY 3-4: Heritage Truck Show
Check out an amazing array of classic trucks at the Heritage Truck Show staged at the neaby Rocklea Showgrounds.
DAY 1-4: South Bank Truck Festival
Experience the South Bank Truck Festival, including a major heavy vehicle display on Little Stanley Street and Stanley Street Plaza; and the dining, networking and entertainment hub within the South Bank Parklands.
