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Tamiya Tractor Trucks are incredibly awesome kits right out of the box. Each one is meticulously detailed so that they are super realistic looking versions of the full size big rigs they represent. Tamiya uses a combination of ABS plastic, metal and metal plated parts so that they can incorporate numerous fine details right down to molded rivets. Under the scale bodies are fully functional chassis based on stout aluminum channel ladder frames with 3-speed transmissions and operational suspension. These facts alone put these big rigs in a class by themselves. However, the Tamiya Tractor Trucks by themselves leaves a bit to be desired. This is where the Tamiya Tractor Trailers come in which are the perfect complement to the Tamiya Semi-Trucks. Follow along as we go over the available Tamiya Trailers and Trailer upgrades that can take your stock Tamiya Tractor Truck to the next level.
TAMIYA TRACTOR TRAILERS
Obviously, one of the best accessories to deck out Tamiya Tractor Trucks is with one of Tamiya’s Tractor Trailers. Currently there are seven different trailers offered by Tamiya and each come as a build-up kit. You have your familiar box trailers along with a flatbed trailer, tanker trailer and even a pole trailer. Each one is constructed using aluminum for the chassis along with scale looking and operational leaf springs and friction dampers to help smooth out the ride. A clever feature designed onto the trailers are the support legs that will automatically retract when the trailer couples with a tractor truck. Thanks to Tamiya’s forward thinking, each and every one of the Tamiya trailers will work with all of the Tamiya Tractor Trucks. This way you can match up any of the tractors with the trailers and not worry about connection issues.
Box Trailer (#56302)
This is the first of the Tractor Trailers offered by Tamiya. It used hard-anodized aluminum panels to create a realistic look and offer serious durability. The rear gate doors open just like the real ones and there are even tiny wheel chocks for when the trailer is detached from the tractor truck.
3-Axle Reefer Trailer (#56319)
Although it is not the type of trailer you would see on the road of the USA, the 3-Axle Reefer Trailer is modeled after the ones seen in Europe. It is well appointed with a refrigeration unit, functional rear doors, under trailer storage box with spare tire, leaf-spring suspension with friction dampers, European style single tires and even functional support legs.
Container Trailer Maersk (#56326) and Container Trailer NYK (#56330)
The Container Trailer Maersk and Container Trailer NYK are the same trailer but just come with different shipping company livery. Like the Reefer Trailer, these also have a 3-axle setup with leaf springs and friction shocks. Since these are container trailers, the containers themselves can be taken on an off the trailer. When they are set in place, tiny locking mechanisms securely hold the container onto the trailer.
Flatbed Trailer (#56306)
If you like the idea of an open trailer where you can transport all kinds of different things, the Flatbed Trailer is a great option. If you think the deck of the trailer looks like it is made of wood, you would be 100-percent right. Tamiya includes enough wood strips to complete the entire platform as well as actual chains to hold down the load. The chassis of this trailer has a similar design as the rest and feature a 2-axle setup.
Fuel Tanker Trailer (#56333)
The Tamiya Fuel Tanker Trailer is one of the most impressive looking of the bunch. Tamiya spec’d high-quality stainless steel for the tank and utilized aluminum for the upper and lower decks. Stickers come with this kit so that you can bring the tanker to life. And just like the chassis on the other trailers, this one has the same features.
Pole Trailer (#56310)
Out of all the Tamiya Tractor Trailers, the Pole Trailer has a unique chassis design. Instead of the two long metal channels to create the main structure of the trailer, the Pole Trailer uses a single pole. The pole is collapsible so that it can be changed to three different lengths depending on the size load that you are hauling. It is also not equipped with support legs as are found on the other trailers. The rear of the trailer uses the similar leaf spring with friction dampers design as found on the other trailers. It has a dual axle configuration with four tires per axle, just like you would find on trailers found in the USA. Included with the trailer are five plastic poles with a 2.2-inch diameter and are nearly 30-inches long so that you can use them as your transport load.
TAMIYA HOP-UP OPTION PARTS FOR TRACTOR TRAILERS
Once you pick the Tamiya Tractor Trailer to pair up with your semi-tractor, you can then further customize it with Tamiya Hop-up Option parts. Following are six upgrade option parts for you to choose from. Keep in mind that if you want the trailer to nicely complement the tractor, pick items that you will also add to the tractor so that they match.
Motorized Support Legs (#56505)
Even though the trailers are equipped with retractable support legs, you can install these Motorized Support Legs to make the process even more automated. By adding the motorized support legs, you would then be able to raise and lower the support legs by remote control. Not only that but you will also be able to hook-up and unhook the trailer from the tractor by remote control. A 4-channel radio, servo and 4 “AA” batteries are required. The one caveat is that these Motorized Support Legs cannot be used on the Tamiya Pole Trailer since there are no support legs on that trailer.
Semi-trailer Light Set (#56502)
If you have the Multi-Function Unit installed on your Tractor Trailer then the Semi-Trailer Light Set will make a great counterpart. This set will bring more ‘life’ to the trailer so that the blinkers and brake lights function in unison with the tractor. Power comes from the battery pack onboard the tractor and is fed by a connector cable. Installation is quite easy and does not require major disassembly of the trailer to get it set up.
Sticker Set, 1/14 scale (#56534)
Each Tamiya Trailer includes stickers and if you want to give your trailer a more customized look then pick up this Sticker Set. You will notice that the marking used on the sticker set are ones that you would typically find on European big rigs. There is everything from national identification marks, warning marks, speed limitations, individual letters and numbers plus a bunch more. Don’t let the European marking keep you from decking out your USA style trailers. There are no rules here.
Metal Plated Wheels (#56520)
Scale realism is fun to create, especially on these Tamiya Tractors and Trailers. A step in that direction can be made by installing these Metal Plated Wheels. They come with a matte finish which mimic the plain natural metal wheels seen on full size big rigs. Just swap out the stock glossy wheels for these Metal Plated Wheels.
Aluminum Oil Damper (#56515)
As mentioned above, all the Tamiya Tractor Trailers are spec’d with friction shocks. They do an okay job of keeping the ride smooth and if you want something better than the Aluminum Oil Dampers are the fix. Since they are oil-filled, they will provide smoother dampening. The damper bodies are black in color for a more realistic look as well. Plastic end cap are utilized to allow for easy maintenance like for replacing O-rings. Each set of Tamiya Aluminum Oil Dampers includes a total of two dampers.
Matte Finish Axle (#56525)
If you use your Tamiya Tractor Trailers a lot and/or have heavy loads on your trailer, consider upgrading the stock axles to these Matte Finish Axles. They are stronger than stock due to the fact they are molded from carbon reinforced polycarbonate. You can expect improved axle shape retention and gear robustness. The matte finish of these axles are a welcome side benefit because they look more realistic than the shiny axles that come with the trailers.
For more information about Tamiya products, visit: TAMIYA
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