If you’ve ever watched a Tamiya 1/14 scale RC truck rolling slowly across a car park, engine sound rumbling, lights flashing and air brakes hissing, you’ll know exactly why this corner of the hobby is so addictive. These aren’t toys. They’re scale masterpieces that take hours to build, a lifetime to perfect and never fail to turn heads.
At Cleveland Models in Middlesbrough we’re passionate Tamiya RC trucks fans ourselves and we stock one of the best ranges of Tamiya truck kits, RTR combos and accessories in the North East. This guide will help you choose the right truck, understand your options and get started in one of the most rewarding areas of the RC hobby.
What Makes Tamiya 1/14 Scale Trucks Special?
Tamiya’s 1/14 scale tractor trucks are engineering marvels in miniature. Each kit features a realistic metal ladder frame chassis with aluminium side channels, metal leaf spring suspension, a front mounted motor driving the rear axles via a propeller shaft and a three speed transmission. The level of detail and quality of construction is unlike anything else in the RC world at this scale.
Add an MFC sound unit and the experience becomes extraordinary. More on that shortly.
Kit or RTR Combo: Which Should You Choose?
This is the first decision every new Tamiya RC trucks buyer faces.
A kit is a full assembly project. You build the truck from scratch, which typically takes 15 to 30 hours depending on your experience. You’ll need to source electronics separately including a motor, ESC or MFC unit, receiver, servos and radio. The build process is a huge part of the appeal for many enthusiasts and gives you a deep understanding of how the truck works.
An RTR combo is a pre-built truck that comes ready to run with electronics already installed. Our Tamiya RC Truck RTR Combos are a brilliant way to get into the hobby without the full build commitment, and are ideal for anyone who wants to start driving as quickly as possible.
For most newcomers to the Tamiya truck world, an RTR combo is the sensible starting point. You can always buy a kit for your second truck once you know the hobby is for you.
Our Recommended Tamiya Trucks
King Hauler The King Hauler is one of Tamiya’s most iconic models and a great starting point for anyone new to the 1/14 scale truck world. It recreates a classic North American style big rig with a distinctive boxy cab, detailed interior and impressive road presence. At 600mm long when built it’s a substantial model with real visual impact. Compatible with all Tamiya 1/14 scale trailers.
Globe Liner The Globe Liner is another classic Tamiya 1/14 scale truck and a firm favourite among European hobbyists. Its sleek European cab styling sets it apart from the American style King Hauler and it’s a popular choice for those who prefer the look of trucks you’d see on British and European roads.
Grand Hauler The Grand Hauler is a stunning recreation of a massive customised North American big rig. It features an aluminium side channel ladder frame chassis, metal leaf spring suspension with friction dampers, a front mounted motor with three speed transmission and built in differentials on both rear axles for smooth cornering. A 4-channel radio system and multi-function unit are included, giving you lights, sounds and vibrations straight out of the box. A 1/14 scale driver figure is also included.
What Is the MFC Sound Unit and Do You Need One?
The Tamiya MFC-03 Multi-Function Control Unit is the piece of kit that takes Tamiya RC trucks from impressive to absolutely extraordinary. Here’s what it does:
The MFC-03 features 33 different types of sound digitally recorded from a real European L6 diesel engine. From ignition and startup through to idling, gear changes, air brakes, horn and engine shutdown, every sound is synchronised with your driving inputs. Turn the steering and the indicators click. Lift off the throttle and you hear the air brakes hiss. Pull to a stop and the vibration unit rumbles through the chassis.
It also controls a full suite of lights including headlights, fog lamps, main beam, brake lights, reverse lights, indicators, hazard lights and roof lamps. And it acts as the ESC, enabling smooth driving at extremely low realistic speeds.
For European style trucks like the Globe Liner, MAN TGX and Scania models the MFC-03 is the recommended unit as it uses European truck engine sounds. Our Kits+MFC Deals bundle a Tamiya truck kit with the MFC-03 at a great combined price.
Trailers and Accessories
One of the great joys of the Tamiya truck world is pairing your tractor with a trailer. Tamiya produce a range of 1/14 scale trailers including flatbeds, reefer trailers and tankers, all of which connect via a standard coupler compatible with any Tamiya 1/14 tractor. Browse our full Tamiya Trucks Options range for trailers and accessories.
Tips for Getting Started
Allow plenty of build time. A Tamiya RC truck kit is not a weekend project. Set aside several evenings and enjoy the process. The build is as much a part of the hobby as the driving.
Invest in a ballrace kit. Replacing the plastic bushings with proper ball bearings makes a noticeable difference to how smoothly the truck runs and how long it lasts. We stock ballrace kits specifically for Tamiya trucks in our Accessories & Parts section.
Get a 4-channel radio. If you’re running an MFC unit you’ll need a 4-channel transmitter with slide trims for full functionality. Our team can advise on the best option for your setup.
Start with a kit or RTR combo before adding trailers. Get comfortable driving the tractor first before adding the extra weight and length of a trailer.
Come and See Us
Whether you’re just discovering the world of Tamiya 1/14 scale trucks or you’re an experienced builder looking for your next kit, pop into Cleveland Models in Middlesbrough and have a chat with our team. We stock a great range of Tamiya truck kits, RTR combos, MFC units, trailers and accessories, and we’re always happy to talk trucks.
Cleveland Models, Unit 35-36 Forbes Building, 311-321 Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough TS1 4AW. Tel: 01642 241511