Italeri 90727 - 1:24 Black Thunder Australian Truck

1:24 scale plastic model kit of the Mack Superliner “Black Thunder” tractor-trailer

Italeri 90727 is a model of the iconic Mack Superliner tractor-trailer in the Australian custom “Black Thunder” version — a vehicle inspired by the culture of custom trucks, popular in the Australian outback and at truck shows in the 1970s and 1980s The Mack Superliner, produced since 1977, became a favorite among tuning enthusiasts due to its solid construction, powerful engines, and distinctive appearance with a high hump above the cab.

The 1:24 scale model captures the aggressive black “Black Thunder” styling with chrome accents, rubber tires, and a detailed reproduction of the cab. The new 2026 decal sheet refreshes the marking options. The kit is designed for fans of truck modeling and Australian car culture.

Included in the kit:

• Plastic sprues with cab, frame, engine, and accessories
• Chrome parts with body components and exterior accents
• Rubber tires
• New 2026 water-slide decal sheet
• Assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:24
• Catalog number: 90727
• Manufacturer: Italeri (Italy)
• Model length (tractor) after assembly: approx. 271 mm
• Difficulty level: intermediate

Note: The kit does not include glue, paints, or modeling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Model assembly:

Building this 1:24 scale truck model is particularly satisfying thanks to the large size of the parts and the detailed reproduction of the engine and cab interior. The chrome parts come straight out of the box ready for assembly – however, it is worth gently polishing them before gluing to achieve a mirror finish. Install the rubber tires onto the plastic rims as one of the final assembly steps.

The “Black Thunder” is dominated by matte or satin black with chrome accents. The engine and chassis can be finished in shades of aluminum, machine gray, and dark brown, highlighting the differences in materials. The cabin interior is typically gray or beige with black details on the dashboard.

Essential tools:

• Model-making pliers
• Model-making knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper
• Plastic glue
• Cyanoacrylate (CA) glue for chrome parts
• Brushes of various sizes
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Optional: chrome or silver paint for metallic accents

About the vehicle – Mack Superliner “Black Thunder” :

The Mack Superliner is a tractor-trailer manufactured by Mack Trucks since 1977, designed for operation in the toughest conditions. It features a powerful Mack E9 V8 or Cummins NTC-400/450 engine, a durable frame, and a distinctive high hump above the cab, concealing air filters and engine components. The Superliner gained popularity primarily in Australia and the U.S., where long-haul truckers (road trains) valued it for its reliability and ease of modification.

The custom truck culture in Australia during the 1970s and 1980s produced unique vehicles—often completely rebuilt, with gleaming engines, chrome-plated original parts, and individual styling. The name “Black Thunder” refers to a motif popular among Australian truckers: an aggressively black vehicle, unadorned by chrome, that commanded respect at every roadshow and truck rally.

Technical specifications of the original (Mack Superliner):

• Cab length: approx. 6.5 m (tractor without trailer)
• Cab: sleeper cab or day cab
• Engine: Mack E9 V8 (from 600 hp) or Cummins NTC
• Transmission: 13 - or 18-speed Mack Duplex or Eaton
• GVW: up to approx. 150 t (road train with trailers)
• Production: from 1977 to the 1990s.

About the manufacturer – Italeri:

Italeri S.p.A. is an Italian model kit manufacturer based in Bologna, operating since 1962, and one of Europe’s leading producers of plastic models. Italeri’s 1:24 scale truck series is among the most extensive in the industry – it includes dozens of European, American, and Australian tractor-trailers from the 1960s to the present day. Models in this series stand out for their detailed reproduction of the engine, cab, and chassis, as well as chrome accessories typical of show trucks and custom vehicles.