GREENSBORO, NC – The Mack Anthem has struck a cord with truck fans of a different variety. A Lego version of the truck released Jan. 1 has been hard to keep on shelves for the brick-building company.

The tiny Technic version of the new Mack truck, complete with iconic bulldog hood ornament, was designed in close consultation with the Mack Anthem team to create an accurate and detailed two-in-one truck that can be rebuilt as the Mack LR front loader refuse model.

“This is the first time the launch of a Lego Technic set has coincided with the launch of the actual product to market,” said John Walsh, vice president of marketing, Mack Trucks. “We worked extremely hard with the Lego team to deliver a true-to-life representation of the Mack Anthem that folks everywhere will enjoy, whether they’re associated with trucking or not. We are particularly thrilled that Lego designers ensured the ultimate finishing detail by immortalizing our bulldog hood ornament in Lego form, which speaks volumes to the value they saw in partnering with the Mack brand.”

The truck has proven popular with the Lego crowd. Since the launch the Lego website has shown the model to be backordered, and stores have reported intermittent stock on-hand, with a Toronto, Ontario-area location saying the popular truck was selling out as soon as it was hitting the shelves.

While the set is flying off the shelves truck fans won’t need to wait too long, with online orders placed at the time of print set to be filled in about a week according to Lego’s website.

At 2,595 pieces the truck, complete with a detachable trailer, is the fifth-largest Lego set made for the Technic line.

“The Mack product design team had fun working with the Lego Group and their team, but we took this as seriously as we would any other project,” said Lukas Yates, Mack chief designer – exterior.

Collaboration between the Lego and Mack teams began in more than a year before release in mid-2016 with a series of in-person and online meetings.

The Lego design team traveled to Mack’s North Carolina-based headquarters to drive the Mack Anthem and LR models on a test track, giving them first-hand experience with the trucks.

Realistic features on the build-it-yourself model include authentically designed bodywork, front-axle steering, rear wheel drive, six-cylinder straight engine with moving pistons and spinning radiator fan. The pistons even move in the correct firing sequence for a Mack MP engine, the company says.

The detachable trailer has extendable outriggers, landing legs, synchronized crane arms and a container with lockable doors.

Other details include a driver’s cab with opening doors, adjustable seats, steering wheel, dashboard, sun visors, a bunk bed, adjustable wing mirrors, and even has access to the fuel tanks.

Measuring just 10 inches (27 centimeters) high and 32 inches (83 centimeters) long with the crane boom and loading legs extended, the smaller version of Mack’s new Highway Hero can be parked on fans’ favorite shelf instead of their driveway.

Rated for ages 11 years and up, the model is priced at CND $230 and is available at Lego stores or online at the Lego Shop.