Whether you like cars, airplanes, helicopters or boats, I’m betting heavily on the fact that you would delight in building the King Hauler, one of the finest radio control scale trucks on the planet. I have been building models of all types for more than 35 years and I can say unequivocally that the King Hauler was the most satisfying modeling experience I have ever had. I was thrilled with the detail and design of the King Hauler (and tanker trailer). Every bolt, gear, clip, metal part and plastic part fit exactly as it was intended and, believe me, there were plenty of parts! I also took great satisfaction in constructing things like a gear differential, a 3-speed gear box, leaf springs, and other elements of this scale behemoth. I can best describe my experience building the King Hauler as a cross between building a static car model and a radio control helicopter. Painting the King Hauler requires some familiarity with spray paint or air brushing and the rest is essentially a mosaic of mechanical parts, the assembly of which I found extremely enjoyable. Before you conclude that I’m one of those sit-in-the-shop-for-a-month-building type guys, let me tell you that my normal mode is to get through the building process as soon as I can in order to operate whatever I am building. This was different. The King Hauler (and I suspect other models in this line) coaxes you into enjoying each step of the process and rewards you at the end with an awesome working model. In my opinion, Tamiya has succeeded in its goal to be “first in quality around the world” with the King Hauler.

To successfully build the King Hauler, I recommend only moderate hobby skills. What is more important than previous experience is patience and a willingness to carefully read instructions. On an initial review of the parts in the kit, the King Hauler kit can, no doubt, send waves of panic into the hearts of a complete novice. But that is what separates this kit from lesser competitors. The extraordinary level of detail in the model demands a considerable stock of screws, gears, pinions, bolts, nuts, washers, metal parts and plastic parts. However, with basic tools, the moderately skilled modeler can tackle this project with relative ease.

We built the King Hauler and tank trailer stock and added the motorized legs, trailer light kit and multi-function unit, which breathes sound and light into the beast. Our overall cost was just shy of $1,100, not including finishing supplies such as spray paint, polishing compound, Bare Metal Foil trim and glue. The entire project can take from 25-40 hours, depending on your pace.

KING HAULER TRACTOR

Scale: 1/14
Length: 23.62 inches (600mm)
Width: 7.20 inches (183mm)
Wheelbase: 17.60 inches (447mm)
Front Tread: 6.14 inches (156mm)
Rear Tread: 5.43 inches (138mm)
Weight: 6.17 lbs. (2800g)
Chassis: Aluminum ladder
Suspension: Solid Axle
Damper Type: Metal friction
Drive Train: Gearbox (3-speed)
Gear Ratio: 10.6:1 - With the 3-speed gearbox, 10.6:1, 17.7:1 and 32.4:1 are possible
Differential Type: Bevel Gear
Engine: Electric 540 type motor
Wheels & Tires: Chrome/Radial Body Type: Styrene(plastic)
Radio Control Unit: (not included) Can be operated with a 2-channel radio but a 4-channel system is recommended for potential future options. Battery: Requires a 7.2V battery and charger

TANK SEMI-TRAILER

Scale: 1/14
Length: 32.05 inches (814mm)
Width: 7.32 inches (186mm)
Rear Tread: 5.43 inches (138mm)
Weight: 9.70 lbs. (4400g)
Chassis: Aluminum ladder
Suspension: Solid Axle
Damper Type: Metal friction
Wheels & Tires: Chrome/Radial