I grew up in rural northeastern Wisconsin where pickup trucks were (and still are) a common part of the landscape. From farms to small businesses, and downtowns to construction sites, trucks were everywhere.
Ford designed the first generation F-100 in 1953 to meet the demand for durable vehicles that could be reliable workhorses, yet comfortable enough for everyday use. The last one rolled off the lines in 1983; the model was replaced by the heavier-duty and more efficient F-150.
Atlas O has released a model of the sixth—and final—generation of the F-100, 1973 pickup. The review sample we received is decorated for Chicago & North Western (No. 3002486), but other roadnames are available (see text below).
Atlas’ packaging does not state the length of the pickup’s box, but comparing it to prototype photographs, it’s likely a model of the 8-foot box. The 1:48 scale model is spot on, compared to the prototype length.
The grill, front and rear bumpers, and side-view mirrors are plastic pieces made to replicate plated chrome. The windshield wipers are separately applied pieces; take care, as they are delicate. Also, take care with the plastic that replicates the glass. I accidentally knocked out the driver’s side window, but was able to shake it out of the cab. I may leave it off to replicate an open window. Most of the truck is plastic, though the axles appear to be metal. The logo and lettering are nicely done and legible.
The truck has some neat details. The tailgate tilts open slightly (but does not fully open), and there’s an indentation for a license plate on both the front and rear bumper. I was a bit disappointed that the underside is quite spartan. There are minimal details for the dual-exhaust system and spare tire, but the rest is plain black plastic.
There are still plenty of opportunities to customize these trucks. Most of these trucks lived a hard life and were dirty or dented, and heavy weathering would look prototypical. I once printed out tiny license plates and glued them on a 1:12 scale model; it might be neat to try the same technique here. Adding some details or dirt/debris in the truck bed would look appropriate too.
Upon doing an internet search, Atlas O’ models are the only commercially available ones in 1:48 scale for 1970s Ford pickups. There’s certainly a need for more models of pickups from the 1970s-1990s. I hope Atlas O will consider releasing more pickups in other decades in the future.
If you have a layout from the early 70s or later, you could easily find a use for this truck, whether it’s near a grain elevator or a pristine model posing in a local car show.
Atlas O 1973 Ford F-100 pickup truck (No. 3002486)
Roadnames: Chicago & North Western (yellow with Chicago System herald); British Columbia Ry. (dark green and white with Pacific Dogwood herald); Central Railroad of New Jersey (yellow); Delaware & Hudson (red with shield herald); Richmond, Fredericksburg & Potomac (blue and white); Rock Island (blue with “The Rock” lettering and black-and-white herald); Southern Pacific (orange with Southern Pacific Lines herald); and Southern Ry. (yellow with “Southern Railway Serves the South” herald).
MSRP: $29.95
Website: shop.atlasrr.com
