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Demoniac

Tamiya Tractor Trailer spacing is not true to scale

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I'm considering buying a tractor/trailer, most likely the Mercedes 1851 or maybe Scania R620.

I like that the Scania has an extra axle, which maybe can be raised lowered with the remote?

But after looking at some pictures, I realized the space between the trailer and tractor cabin is unrealistically large.

Take a look at this picture f.ex:

post-43229-0-14025400-1409042347_thumb.j

The front of the trailer is about at the mid of the fender.

Take a look at the real thing:

post-43229-0-89974400-1409042415_thumb.j

Here it is in front of the fender.

The distance seem to too big, making it look unrealistic and weird actually... And it doesn't seem like it's an easy fix either, especially with the servo for the 5th wheel installed.

What are your opinions?

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Is the fault with the position of the 5th wheel on the tractor, or the kingpin on the trailer?

Either way, the latter might be easier to move?

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That looks stacks better with the modification. I wonder what the reasoning behind it was? Or just that they didn't have to modify / make any new parts?

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Your asumption is correct. Keep cost down to make more profit or savings past on to buyer regardless of model.

It would be good if Tamiya allows the 5th wheel to be adjustible for different trailer.

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Is it because the trailers are made for the american models, and they've just made a european version on the same frame?

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Either that or one of the rigs has a longer chassis so they have to compromise scale-appearance in favour of universal compatibility

The King Hauler's sleeper cab looks like it comes a lot closer to the middle axle and fifth wheel than the rear of the cab on other trucks, so that could be the culprit

kinghaul.jpg

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Is it because the trailers are made for the american models, and they've just made a european version on the same frame?

I'm thinking the same thing...

I do remember reading somewhere that in the USA there is a rule / law that stipulates that there needs to be a certain distance between the trucks cab, and the trailer when carrying explosive/dangerous goods such as a petrol tanker.. That and the US truckies seem to have this strange infatuation of having everything bigger or longer than everyone else...

You can also shorten the trucks chassis rails if it bothers you that much... Look, building these "Big Rigs" as per the manual is only part of the hobby... Some modellers will modify them to become completely different trucks all together....

Here are some of my favorites from the Australian RC truck and Construction site..

A Western Star 6x6 Tipper that started life as a Tamiya Knight Hauler..

WesternStarTipper.jpg

And a K200 Kenworth that started life as a Globe Liner..

k200-3.jpg

k200-1.jpg

Not wanting to steer you away from Tamiya club, but there are a lot of RC trucking websites out there if you want to check them out to get some ideas..

Scale Trucks and Road vehicles (UK) .. http://scaletrucks.bb3host.com/index.php

Scale 4x4 .. http://www.scale4x4rc.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=27

RC Trucking.. http://www.rc-trucking.com/

Australian RC Truck and Construction.. http://australian-rc-truck.proboards.com/

RC Truck and Construction... http://www.rctruckandconstruction.com/

AND don't forget our very own TamiyaClub... Tamiya Cowboys showroom in particular has some really nice trucks in it... http://www.tamiyaclub.com/showroom.asp?id=42150

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Tamiya does put out good models, but if one wants the best in a particular field, then got to with these specialize niche companies.

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