Tamiya Flatbed Semi-Trailer - Tips and Tricks

In this video I will go over the build process of the Tamiya Flatbed Semi - Trailer. I have also installed the Tamiya Semi-Trailer Light Set and Full Ball Bearings.
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[@philipabala8385]

Thanks for the tip. So, I just finished building mine yesterday and because of your tip on lights and poles, I made the wooden slats removable by gluing all wood pieces together while fitting them on the flatbed. I used a thin abs plastic sheet to glue them together. Then after the glue cures, I fixed other pieces of wood underneath the now wooden panel to keep the panel straight/flat. Now, I can remove the wood and replace the lighting or do other things with the trailer without damaging the wood pieces.

[@FastFreddyRC]

Glad I could help! I think what you've done is a great idea! Means that you have full access to the underneath in only a couple steps. Thanks for sharing!

[@TS-nk5yx]

That’s a great idea Philip. Thanks.

[@stephenmanley4097]

Looks very good, should be getting my grand hauler in a couple of weeks. That will be my first Tamiya truck. Had lots of buggies but fancy a change & love the look of the trucks. 👍

[@freemarlochip]

I know this is an older video BUT I've recently got my first Grand Hauler Kit along with the Flat bed trailer and following the instructions as best I could and starting from the middle as the instructions call for, all my pieces fit as per manual. Needed to loosen both side and starting from middle I did one half and then the other half. Then I use wood clamps to clamp the side and all the board nicely together and secured both side rails. All pieces fit and didn't need to trim them. As for the lights, I was originally planning on building it without lights and enjoying it out of the box before I invest more time and money into it. Quickly changed my mind about it and installed an inexpensive car/truck light kit off of amazon but since I am doing it wireless ( separate rx and battery ) I ran the wiring in 1/4" wiring loom and secure that in between the rails where the battery pack and RX are located. ( these would never have fit under the boards anyways, the benefit is that I don't need to make connection to the truck if for example I wanted to show it off. Also this tamiya kit from amazon will go into some sort of display mode when it doesn't see radio signal. If flashes the turn signals like four way flashers.

[@FastFreddyRC]

Awesome! That's a great idea to have a lighting kit that doesn't require it to be plugged into the MFC on the truck. Because I would agree with you that if you wanted to show it off with the lights on your method is much better. Great idea. And you are right that fixing the cable up in the frame rails would illuminate the need for the method in the Tamiya instruction manual. Love to see it when you've finished it!

[@westernsharpie]

Love the name FastFreddy, solid lol. I liked how the wheel chock fell out when you lifted the trailer up and you didn't even flinch lol. Not a big fan of the wire coming out of the front deck like that, kinda prevents you from butting up freight against that front wall which in real life is necessary for certain types of cargo. Still a great highly detailed, quality trailer. Very informative video by the way Freddy. 👍🥇

[@FastFreddyRC]

Appreciate the feedback! And thank you. But I do agree about the wire. Better option would have been that the wire was fed directly under the floor rather than having to make a space for it. Because in real life you're right...freight is often placed right up against the wall.

[@tollaslaci2094]

Why should the index be in the middle, I did the same, but it doesn't bother me?

[@FastFreddyRC]

It really comes down to personal preference. For those that like things perfect this might bother them.

[@breeze0413]

Awesome awesome video I subscribed

[@FastFreddyRC]

Thank you so much!

[@blackghost202]

Awesome channel great insight keep up the good work I hope when you start to upgrade your truck you will do step by step instructions like wiring up grade light and aluminum parts anyway keep it up

[@FastFreddyRC]

Hey thanks very much. Things have been delayed due to the Corona Virus. Shipments are all delayed. I will be going through the MFC unit for the Tamiya Cascadia once it arrives so I can complete the video I'm putting together for the build.

[@adoracaoreis4247]

Thank you for the tricks I wanna use for my the time to get here my house

[@FastFreddyRC]

You're very welcome!

[@laurencemarkmallak3076]

Hi Freddy, I was looking for some advice in a build I am planning. I want to build a 379 Peterbilt like the one I own and need some advice putting the parts together. Some of the Tamiya kits are nice but they look like a lot of the parts a plastic and I am planning on taking it to the next level by replacing plastic parts for metal ones. Would it be adventitious to start with a model kit and bone the parts that I cannot get separate? I found some very cool rear differentials and air bag accessories but don’t know where to get some of these parts, any advice would be much appreciated.

[@FastFreddyRC]

As a whole what I've found is that if you buy the kit as is, you can often find upgradable parts that are metal. I just received a metal coupler plate for my Tamiya Cascadia EVO which I've been waiting a long time. You can also upgrade to metal wheels rather than the plastic ones that the kit comes with. I am in the process of creating a video on the build that I'm doing but it will be awhile before it's ready.

[@nrs91]

I havent stuck my wood down, I just used the adjustable side rails to clamp the timber in place

[@FastFreddyRC]

And that is another way that you can do it. For myself I tried doing it that way a few times but I just wasn’t happy with the overall surface of the deck. I’m about to do some upgrades as I decided to buy the electronic legs. Will do a video on that once they arrive.

[@TS-nk5yx]

Nice build. I’ve never built a RC model before and have the flatbed and tamiya cascadia eco. If I have questions or need tips and pointers, can I send them your way? Thanks.

[@FastFreddyRC]

Sure! Happy to help. I have the Cascadia Evo as well and it's in the build process right now actually.

[@TS-nk5yx]

@@FastFreddyRC thanks well appreciated

[@ronwendt]

nice build !

[@FastFreddyRC]

Thanks Ron...appreciate it!

[@TraceNoOne]

Did you use all your wood slats

[@FastFreddyRC]

Yes I did...they all managed to fit but I didn't do it the way they say in the box. I started at one side and went right across. Starting in the middle means that you'll have to be so dead on with your measurements in order to make sure they all fit. I tried a few times and just gave up. It's not noticeable so I just started from one side and went across.

[@breeze0413]

Very nice

[@FastFreddyRC]

Thank you! And thank you for subscribing!

[@TS-nk5yx]

Does anyone have tips on how to get the e-rings onto the diffs and eventually the tranny of the cascadia evo? I’m having a hard time getting them on there and the tool they provided isn’t helpful at this stage. It’s my 1st build. Too bad they didn’t make them more like snap rings on my riding lawnmower I’ve worked on. There’s a great tool for that. Anyhow, any tips and pointers welcome.

[@FastFreddyRC]

Yes, ok this can be challenging. I will often use needle nose pliers. I find it's way easier doing it that way.

[@TS-nk5yx]

Thanks. I’ll try that

[@faithfamilyfriendsforever6777]

My self i cant justify buying a tamiya trialer for the price dont get me wrong thay make great stuff im a big fan i just find it cheeper buy half the cost making my own.

[@FastFreddyRC]

Hey if you have the ability to make your own that’s awesome! I’d probably do the same as there are certain trailers I’d love to build as you can’t find them as kits ie. Car haulers, moving trailers, dump trailers etc.

[@tollaslaci2094]

Why should the index be in the middle, I did the same, but it doesn't bother me?

[@FastFreddyRC]

Doesn’t have to be just rubs me the wrong way being off centre. To each their own for sure.