Tamiya Globe Liner

[Dangeruss]

In 1994 Tamiya rolled out a new highway hauler with their 1/14 electric Globe Liner. The new Semi gave hobbyists a second radio controlled big rig option with static model levels of scale realism just as the King Hauler that preceded it. The Globe Liner was built on a shortened aluminum 'Hauler c-channel ladder frame with molded plastic crossmembers and chassis rail brackets. A drop beam axle was held in place by a pair of functional leaf springs with undampened spring loaded shocks up front, all guided straight by an adjustable tie rod and draglink steering system with spherical ends and a direct mounted servo saver. Putting the wood to the 540 sized motor, drivers could shift through the gears with the included three-speed transmission that first debuted on Tamiya's 1981 Hilux 4x4. Power from the trans was funneled down a dogbone driveshaft to a pair of tandem axles, a bevel geared thru-drive backed by a bevel geared rear drive axle, all located by a set of radius rods, leaf springs, and quartet of spring loaded undampened shocks for carrying those heavy loads. Ten single piece chrome plated plastic wheels kept the 11.00x22.5 tires rolling while the rig was topped off by a superbly detailed Cab Over body bathed in chrome plating on the grille, side mirrors, exhaust stacks, airhorns, bumpers, fuel tanks and more. The electronics, radio gear and transversely mounted battery hid under the chrome ladened body while the rear of the frame received a functional fifth wheel that could hitch up to the flatbed, tanker, and box trailers that Tamiya sold separately. A Mabuchi RS540 motor and 40 bushings were included with the unassembled kit:

[Lowgear]

I love the Globe Liner, and had one back around 2005-2007 that I painted candy apple red. I have a single small picture of it on a hard drive somewhere I'll need to look for one of these days.

It's wild to me that they came out in 94 as I'd guess it would be more like the late '90s if anything.