Tamiya Volvo FH16 Globetrotter 750 6X4 Timber truck
Discussion
Yes, that mouthful is it’s official title!
After many Tamiya cars and buggies since the late 80s, I’ve always had a love of their 1:14 trucks too.
They’re much more involved to build, and now have a huge amount of custom parts and upgrades. I first built the FH12 Volvo and flat bed trailer about 15 years ago, back when the selection was rather limited.
I sold that to help fund a mortgage, and always said I’d have another.
2 years ago I bought the Mercedes pearl blue edition Actros, but for various reasons had to sell it and raise some cash before I even got it out of the box!
Now in a better position I decided it was time to get another, especially as the choice has grown so much.
This year Tamiya released the timber truck, which stood out to me as something different, so decided to go for that.
Unfortunately it wasn’t cheap compared to the others, but so be it. This time I’m in it for the long term!
I quickly released I still fancied a trailer, so thought about going for a matching timber trailer, similar to this build currently on eBay (note the length mentioned, 6.5’ long!)
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/163979611761
After much deliberation, I’ve now decided to make it into a Swedish style road train, which is a rigid truck with 40’ trailer on a dolly, similar to this:
I then had to decide on a trailer, as I want it to match the truck I’ve decided the best way is to buy two the same, and then use the shortened body of one on the truck. The chassis and running gear will then be used to build a matching dolly for the trailer to hitch onto.
I’m going to stick with Tamiya, and get their 40’ reefer:
With that decided, the next task was to decide on a colour scheme.
I spent ages and ages looking for something a bit different, and finally decided on a slight variation of this:
I’m no expert at spraying, so it’s going to be quite a challenge!
I have already had someone make the stripes for me as die cut vinyl, and today started the long task of getting everything primed.
It’s going to be a very long and slow build, but I’ll try to keep this updated if there is any interest.
After many Tamiya cars and buggies since the late 80s, I’ve always had a love of their 1:14 trucks too.
They’re much more involved to build, and now have a huge amount of custom parts and upgrades. I first built the FH12 Volvo and flat bed trailer about 15 years ago, back when the selection was rather limited.
I sold that to help fund a mortgage, and always said I’d have another.
2 years ago I bought the Mercedes pearl blue edition Actros, but for various reasons had to sell it and raise some cash before I even got it out of the box!
Now in a better position I decided it was time to get another, especially as the choice has grown so much.
This year Tamiya released the timber truck, which stood out to me as something different, so decided to go for that.
Unfortunately it wasn’t cheap compared to the others, but so be it. This time I’m in it for the long term!
I quickly released I still fancied a trailer, so thought about going for a matching timber trailer, similar to this build currently on eBay (note the length mentioned, 6.5’ long!)
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/163979611761
After much deliberation, I’ve now decided to make it into a Swedish style road train, which is a rigid truck with 40’ trailer on a dolly, similar to this:
I then had to decide on a trailer, as I want it to match the truck I’ve decided the best way is to buy two the same, and then use the shortened body of one on the truck. The chassis and running gear will then be used to build a matching dolly for the trailer to hitch onto.
I’m going to stick with Tamiya, and get their 40’ reefer:
With that decided, the next task was to decide on a colour scheme.
I spent ages and ages looking for something a bit different, and finally decided on a slight variation of this:
I’m no expert at spraying, so it’s going to be quite a challenge!
I have already had someone make the stripes for me as die cut vinyl, and today started the long task of getting everything primed.
It’s going to be a very long and slow build, but I’ll try to keep this updated if there is any interest.
Agreed, the costs can be eye watering!
However, the cost can be spread, and you can upgrade as and when you wish, if at all.
These days there are alternatives to the MFC’s, lights are much cheaper and impressive now LED technology has improved. Stuff like Bluetooth trailer lights so you don’t need wires to the truck.
You could buy a truck for around 250-300 and add a trailer later.
There is now a company called Bruder that make 1:16 trucks and machinery. People are buying their flat bed trailers for around 30 quid and extending it for use with the Tamiya trucks.
To help reduce my costs I am totally ignoring all lights and MFC until it’s all built and running. If I didn’t have a decent Xmas bonus coming up I wouldn’t be buying the two trailers straight away.
So, yes, it can get expensive, but doesn’t have to be.
However, the cost can be spread, and you can upgrade as and when you wish, if at all.
These days there are alternatives to the MFC’s, lights are much cheaper and impressive now LED technology has improved. Stuff like Bluetooth trailer lights so you don’t need wires to the truck.
You could buy a truck for around 250-300 and add a trailer later.
There is now a company called Bruder that make 1:16 trucks and machinery. People are buying their flat bed trailers for around 30 quid and extending it for use with the Tamiya trucks.
To help reduce my costs I am totally ignoring all lights and MFC until it’s all built and running. If I didn’t have a decent Xmas bonus coming up I wouldn’t be buying the two trailers straight away.
So, yes, it can get expensive, but doesn’t have to be.
You can run them on 2 if you want it really basic, 3 with gears, or the sky is the limit!
.A lot of people are using 6-10 these days with things like trailer legs, 5th wheel, trailer hitch for a draw bar, loads of LED combinations etc
The bloke who runs my local model shop has a truck which is utterly ridiculous, the dash works with all dials, electric windows, and can even be driven in VR with the headset on! I think his uses something daft like 15 channels
.A lot of people are using 6-10 these days with things like trailer legs, 5th wheel, trailer hitch for a draw bar, loads of LED combinations etc
The bloke who runs my local model shop has a truck which is utterly ridiculous, the dash works with all dials, electric windows, and can even be driven in VR with the headset on! I think his uses something daft like 15 channels
If you can build a Tamiya car or buggy then you can build one of these.
The style of instructions is no different, ie. typical Tamiya.
Yes, some steps can be complex but if you take your time and double check everything it’s pretty straight forward and very enjoyable.
Regarding mods, you don’t have to do any at all if you don’t want to.
The beauty being that you can change and upgrade them over time.
Some people prefer to buy ready to run ones 2nd hand, but half the fun is the build. You get tons of satisfaction, and have a much better understanding of any problems and upgrades.
There is also a huge online community for help and advice.
As for my build, I’ve started the long task of priming, hopefully some colour later today and tomorrow.
The style of instructions is no different, ie. typical Tamiya.
Yes, some steps can be complex but if you take your time and double check everything it’s pretty straight forward and very enjoyable.
Regarding mods, you don’t have to do any at all if you don’t want to.
The beauty being that you can change and upgrade them over time.
Some people prefer to buy ready to run ones 2nd hand, but half the fun is the build. You get tons of satisfaction, and have a much better understanding of any problems and upgrades.
There is also a huge online community for help and advice.
As for my build, I’ve started the long task of priming, hopefully some colour later today and tomorrow.
Nice! Have you built any before?
The only update I have at the moment is more and more spraying, it seems never ending! I’ve then still got to lacquer it all too. It’s keeping me busy though as I haven’t had time to get a radio and all of the electrics sorted yet.
To keep costs down I’ve decided to just run an ESC, and ignore all lighting. I’ve got enough plans to keep me going without adding that into the mix. I’ll get the truck and trailer finished and then decide what I want to do for the lights.
I’ve just received a full bearing set, cranked steering rod (I’ll need as much turning as possible with the trailer on!) and a satin black grill so I don’t have to spray the chrome one in the kit.
The only update I have at the moment is more and more spraying, it seems never ending! I’ve then still got to lacquer it all too. It’s keeping me busy though as I haven’t had time to get a radio and all of the electrics sorted yet.
To keep costs down I’ve decided to just run an ESC, and ignore all lighting. I’ve got enough plans to keep me going without adding that into the mix. I’ll get the truck and trailer finished and then decide what I want to do for the lights.
I’ve just received a full bearing set, cranked steering rod (I’ll need as much turning as possible with the trailer on!) and a satin black grill so I don’t have to spray the chrome one in the kit.
Oh yes, definitely!
All the cars and buggies I’ve built over the years have all been done within a day, or two at the most. However, the trucks are that much more complex they take a lot longer.
I was gutted when I finished my first one as I was enjoying it so much.
Thankfully there is a massive range of very high quality mods and upgrades a available these days, so there is always something to add or change over time
All the cars and buggies I’ve built over the years have all been done within a day, or two at the most. However, the trucks are that much more complex they take a lot longer.
I was gutted when I finished my first one as I was enjoying it so much.
Thankfully there is a massive range of very high quality mods and upgrades a available these days, so there is always something to add or change over time
A bit more colour. Next job is lots to lacquer, current count of painted parts is 22 and still quite a few more to do.
2nd batch will be the rear arches, dash, steering wheel and seats.
I’m pretty pleased with how they’re coming out so far, considering my spraying in the past has left a lot to be desired!
2nd batch will be the rear arches, dash, steering wheel and seats.
I’m pretty pleased with how they’re coming out so far, considering my spraying in the past has left a lot to be desired!
That would be pretty easy, use a trailer similar to the one I’m using and customise it with skirts all round like this
https://youtu.be/ASha9Wr4NfM
Check out this customised road train I found, I can only wish mine is even half as good!
https://youtu.be/aHcHl-e57I8
https://youtu.be/ASha9Wr4NfM
Check out this customised road train I found, I can only wish mine is even half as good!
https://youtu.be/aHcHl-e57I8
Edited by Stussy on Monday 23 December 23:44
The spraying continues!
I had done the cab, but was unhappy with how even the blue parts were, so rubbed them down and gave it some more coats. It’s much better now.
This evening I’ve primered the seats, dash, steering column and steering wheel.
Tomorrow morning I’m picking up a radio, servos, 7.2v battery, charger, and also talked myself into getting the MFC03 now.
My logic being it would be easier to install as I build it, then buy a trailer later rather than having a trailer now and struggling to fit the MFC03 at a later date.
I had done the cab, but was unhappy with how even the blue parts were, so rubbed them down and gave it some more coats. It’s much better now.
This evening I’ve primered the seats, dash, steering column and steering wheel.
Tomorrow morning I’m picking up a radio, servos, 7.2v battery, charger, and also talked myself into getting the MFC03 now.
My logic being it would be easier to install as I build it, then buy a trailer later rather than having a trailer now and struggling to fit the MFC03 at a later date.
I think that was an alternative to the MFC setup.
I think all I need now is a set of trailer lights, I’m going to run them via Bluetooth so won’t need any cables between truck and trailer.
I’m also hoping to have the tow hitch operation by the servo that would have been used for the 5th wheel.
Torrows job will be trying to get my head around all of the cables for the MFC, then I can finally start building, I’m starting to get bored of spraying things!
I think all I need now is a set of trailer lights, I’m going to run them via Bluetooth so won’t need any cables between truck and trailer.
I’m also hoping to have the tow hitch operation by the servo that would have been used for the 5th wheel.
Torrows job will be trying to get my head around all of the cables for the MFC, then I can finally start building, I’m starting to get bored of spraying things!
There’s pros and cons, if you have cables then you need either a thick unrealistic one (as supplies in the trailer lights kit), or single more realistic looking ones. Obviously if you have cables then you have to unplug it when unhitching, to me that defeats having the 5th wheel/towing hitch controlled via remote if you have to then undo the cables manually.
I would rather have the remote function and no wires.
However, I may need to use wires between the trailer and dolly if I decide to have lights on the dolly.
I would rather have the remote function and no wires.
However, I may need to use wires between the trailer and dolly if I decide to have lights on the dolly.
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