Cadillac Gage M41 Walker Bulldog Light Tank

When you get the box for this piece the first thing you are going to say to yourself is “Did they really make tanks THIS small?” This tank is tiny compared to most any other 1:18 scale offerings from any manufacturer. Most companies go for the aggressive, well known tanks and this is the first thing that makes the walker bulldog stand out. The tank is neither aggressive nor well known.

The primary thing that attracts me to the tank after spending some time with it is it’s odd ‘form.” That is the only way I can describe the tank. The piece is obviously a tank, but the turret and it’s placement on the chassis are very odd. The turret is this very low profile, sleek, elongated whatnot that seems to cram all the trimmings from a larger tank onto its diminutive surface. Then that turret is sitting just slight forward of the center, but due to the elongated nature of the turret, it seems to sit smack dab in the center of the chassis. The whole look of the tank is just… odd. But the “odd” becomes something really unique and interesting.

The surface of this tank is brimming with details and few hidden surprises that do not grace even the most recognizable and desired tanks in this scale.

 

The driver’s, the commander’s, and the loader’s hatches all open. On the surface of each hatch is a small, but sturdy little handle that allows you to open them. The turret hatches flip open and the driver’s hatch lifts and swivels open. The only disappointment I had with any of the hatches is that the driver’s hatch cannot remain open with the turret forward. I’m not sure if the real version could do this, but sometimes, outside of combat, armor drivers can seen driving the tank around with the hatch open. This can’t be achieved on this piece. A very minor gripe.

 

On the turret there is a .50 Caliber M2, or “Ma-Deuce” machine gun that is fully able to traverse and pivot. The little ammo can connected to the gun even opens to give the impression that it is being loaded with another chain of ammunition. Another “odd” thing about the tank is how high the .50 caliber gun sits up from the hull. The real version does this as well and this just becomes another one of those things that sets the tank apart from the rest.

 

The side of the turret has two small spare tracks, one attached to each side. There are also small link holes to tie down stowage or tow cables. A “removable” sledge hammer is attached to the left side of the turret, but the hammer does have small pins glued to the hull to prevent it from falling off. The rear of the turret also has an opening stowage hatch and two removable gas cans. The stowage hatch has another sturdy handle to pull on, revealing the spacious compartment.

 

The chassis itself has almost a pornographic amount of details added on. The molded details includes raises, indentations, and rivets in their correct places for the most part. The headlights are the real standout on the chassis though. With clear plastic for lenses and surrounded by glued on frames the details here are done quite well. There is even a glued on tool stowage area that includes a shovel and disassembled pick axe. They do not come apart, but they are detailed and noticeable.

The real treat on this piece that separates it from EVERY tank I’ve ever put my hands on are the opening side stowage compartments. Most modern battle tanks have these hatches but no one, not even 21st Century Toys, with their incredible Patton tank, has ever added these details. There are four stowage hatches, two small, forward hatches, and two large, mid section hatches. The handles are a rubbery plastic and can withstand many openings.

On the back of the chassis there is a fully detailed engine access area with numerous molded on ring pulls. Numerous other details nearly overwhelm you. There are simply too many details to point out. I’ll just let the pictures do the talking for me here. A barrel clamp is fully functional and can secure the barrel for transport and storage, or can fold down when the tank is in combat.

On the bottom of the tank there is molded in detail for the wheel axles and the suspension. There is also a small circle right under the driver’s seat, which I think is the escape hatch. The hatch isn’t functional, but it was at least molded in for looks.