Tamiya 1/14 RC King Hauler
Black Edition 3‑Speed Tractor Semi Truck Kit (Item #56336)
Overview
The Original Tamiya 1/14 Semi Truck—Now in a Striking Black Edition
The Tamiya King Hauler Black Edition is a 1/14 scale electric tractor‑truck assembly kit and a modern special edition of one of Tamiya’s most historic RC models. First introduced in 1993, the King Hauler was the very first model in Tamiya’s legendary 1/14 Tractor Truck Series, setting the standard for scale realism and mechanical authenticity that continues today.
This Black Edition features factory‑pre‑painted metallic black body parts, giving the classic American‑style semi truck an aggressive, show‑truck look straight out of the box.
About the King Hauler Black Edition
Factory‑Painted Body & Scale Details
The Black Edition comes with precision‑molded ABS body parts, pre‑painted in metallic black and accented by extensive chrome‑plated components. Scale highlights include:
- Chrome front grille, air cleaners, mirrors, horns, and trim
- Sleeper‑cab American tractor styling
- Light buckets ready for optional LEDs
- Decals and plated detail parts
This black finish is exclusive to this kit, making it especially attractive to collectors.
Ladder‑Frame Chassis & Suspension
Under the cab is Tamiya’s proven metal ladder‑frame chassis, constructed with aluminum side rails and resin cross members for strength and realism.
Suspension is faithfully reproduced using:
- Metal leaf springs front and rear
- Aluminum friction dampers
- Floating front axle and dual driven rear axles
This setup closely mirrors full‑scale semi‑truck construction and provides smooth, stable on‑road driving.
3‑Speed Transmission & Drivetrain
Power is supplied by a front‑mounted Type 540 brushed motor, which drives the dual rear axles through a servo‑shifted 3‑speed transmission. Each rear axle is equipped with a differential to ensure smooth cornering even with heavy loads.
Selectable gear ratios include:
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1st gear: 32.49 : 1
-
2nd gear: 17.76 : 1
-
3rd gear: 10.66 : 1
A minimum 4‑channel radio system is required to control the transmission shifting.
Optional Lights, Sounds & Vibration
For maximum realism, the King Hauler is compatible with Tamiya’s Multi‑Function Control Units (MFC‑01 or MFC‑03, sold separately). These units add:
- Digitally recorded engine sounds
- Air horn and gear‑shift effects
- Headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and hazards
- Chassis vibration synchronized with throttle
This transforms the King Hauler into a fully immersive scale trucking experience.
Key Features
- 1/14 scale electric tractor‑truck assembly kit
- Historic King Hauler platform—Tamiya’s first 1/14 semi
-
Black Edition with factory‑painted metallic black body
- Metal ladder‑frame chassis with leaf‑spring suspension
- Servo‑shifted 3‑speed transmission
- Dual rear axles with differentials
- Compatible with all Tamiya 1/14 semi‑trailers
What’s Included
- Pre‑painted King Hauler Black Edition ABS body parts
- Ladder‑frame chassis components
- Type 540 brushed motor
- Wheels and tires
- Chrome‑plated detail parts
- Decal sheet
- Instruction manual
(Electronics not included for most markets)
Needed to Complete
- Minimum 4‑channel radio system
- Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) or Tamiya MFC unit
- Steering servo and shift servos
- 7.2 V NiMH or 7.4 V 2S LiPo battery
- Compatible battery charger
- AA batteries for transmitter
Recommended For
- Scale RC truck enthusiasts
- Experienced builders
- On‑road scale driving and trailer hauling
- Collectors seeking a classic American semi in a premium finish
Specifications
- Scale: 1/14
- Drive system: Rear‑wheel drive (dual rear axles)
- Chassis: Aluminum ladder frame
- Suspension: Metal leaf springs (front & rear)
- Transmission: 3‑speed, servo‑shifted
- Length: 692 mm
- Width: 192 mm
- Height: 330 mm
- Motor: Type 540 brushed
- Assembly level: Kit (assembly required; body pre‑painted)