Are you tired of $2000.00 FW-190 models that take as many hours to build them only to see them turned into a kit again in 15 seconds? How about the 475 clones of the Electric Off-Road Buggy? Did your Submarine refuse to surface? How far did you have to swim after your boat in "green" water?
Well... Its time for something completely different!!!!! R/C Semi Truck and Construction Equipment modeling in North America, long popular in Europe, 1:16 scale model trucking gives the hobbyist the best of both worlds. Building and customizing model trucks and construction equipment, then being able to drive/operate them, performing tasks in that same manner that model railroaders do, delivering freight and driving in a scale model world that can be created indoors or in the back yard.
Michigan Mini Semi Truck Association (MMSTA) is a developing organization for those modelers who are interested in Radio-Controlled Semi Trucks and Construction Equipment Models; Semi Tractors, Box tractors, all type of construction equipment, etc. MMSTA is based on the original "Southern Thumb R/C Truck Club" that Lee Bilinski had started, but is being reformed into MMSTA. MMSTA is being formed to promote the skills required to design, produce and operate exact, semi and stand-off scale semi trucks and construction equipment with an emphasis on vehicles from all time periods in 1/10th or 1/14 - 1/16 scales. Other larger scales may also be developed based on the membership request/support. Get together with fellow modelers, who like you, want to pursue this most interesting facet of the Radio Control Hobby.
All scales are welcome: there are R/C Semi Trucks and Construction Equipment in a variety of scales. At this time our primary scale is 1/14 - 1/16th and 1/10th operational models based on the products offered primarily by Tamiya and Wedico. Static modelers are welcome to join but the intent of this group is to promote operational modeling. We invite all modelers to join, from beginners to those of you who have your own foundries. Join MMSTA! 1:16 scale R/C trucking requires slow precise driving skill development combined with assembling a high quality model. The driving skills are a very different from racing, which requires fast reflexes. R/C Trucking requires slow exact movements and judgment when backing a truck into a loading dock or traveling down a road and making a proper turn. Model truckers are into customizing their trucks and add wild paint schemes and drive them week after week without incurring damage, this is not what happens when racing R/C cars.
Communications: MMSTA will develop a news letter intended to be published on a quarterly basis or as the needs of the membership grows. We currently would prefer to distribute the news letter via e-mail, but conventional mail can be accommodated. MMSTA membership will determine if membership dues will be required. The membership will also determine the types of memberships available. The news letter will feature articles from our membership; on-going construction articles; how-to tips; classified ads, etc. We will develop a listing of sources including an Internet Forum and links to related clubs for information about the hobby as well as how to procure models from abroad. There are several manufactures around the world that provide either complete kits or after-market enhancements for existing kits.
Meetings/Club Events: We will be planning meetings and fun runs in the North and Northwest Detroit Areas (i.e. Flint, Grand Ledge, and Livonia, Hartland, and Brighton/Howell areas for local meetings/events.) Additionally, we will contact the other clubs or interested individuals in the Midwest area; Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Virginia, New York, and Wisconsin to have meetings and contests, even competing with them in team competitions. We would like to have at least a monthly meeting to get together and discuss projects, upcoming events, and most importantly running our models. During good weather we would prefer meet and "run" events outdoors, and potentially in-doors during the winter months. The first model R/C Trucking club in the United States was founded by Lee Bilinsky of Allenton, Michigan (contact leebilinsky@msn.com or call (810-459-7017) and he was in the beginning stages of forming the club. Lee's goal is to gather mini truckers and put on shows and mini truck rodeos, just like the real ones! Well the MMSTA is continuing what Lee started, but we need members to grow. We are seeking individual that are interested in starting a club in the area, please contact us.
The cost of membership: (excluding your purchase of an R/C Semi Truck/trailer or Construction Equipment in 1/14-1/16th or 1/10th scale at this time is FREE, just your e-mail, mailing address, and phone number. E-mail is preferred due to the cost of postage to a fledgling organization. Once we develop the club as an organization; the club membership will determine the dues (if required for operating expenses, etc) and timing for meetings, fun runs, joint events, etc. We will publish an on-going list of members so modelers will know who is active in their respective area. Please tell us what you're running: Tamiya, Wedico, scratch built, means of power, etc. Tell us what you're building or want to build, place an advertisement in the free (to membership) club forum, classified section of the network with other builders in your area. Owning a model is not a prerequisite of membership.
Conditions of membership: None. You may participate at whatever level you wish. Any club is only as good as its membership. Junior membership will be decided by the club; currently any children under the age of 16 years old must accompanied by a parent or adult guardian at all times at club sponsored meetings and events. Contribute to our newsletter? We encourage new ideas, events (picture a dozen or more 1/14-1/16th or 1/10th models gathered and operating together!), building techniques, collaborations, etc. The only condition of any sort is that we will not support or condone any model which has been designed or modified to include and fire any type of firearm or pyrotechnic materials. This is at best undesirable. There are alternatives to live firing models; Good ones that will protect and enhance the hobby.
What to expect: MMSTA is a small informal group. We expect the group to grow as participation increases. One or two domestic and one European manufactures have expressed interest in this hobby so...who knows? Get in at close (snicker) to ground level in the development of this hobby and club. R/C Scale Semi Trucks bring you reality at scale model trucking and construction equipment that really works by radio control. In scale model trucking you select your truck as you would a real full size version by selecting the brand of truck you want, defining the use for the truck; (what would the real 1:1 scale truck be used for), hauling oil, dirt, bulk freight, etc. You will determine the wheelbase you need, transmission requirements, drive axles ratios, and the level of reality that you want your truck to portray. These are just a few of the details involved in scale model trucking and construction equipment. If it is a dump truck or a Caterpillar wheel loader when you're talking hydraulics, we mean real with real oil, transmissions, metal transmissions with ball bearings, and three gears that you shift on the go by radio control. Realistic engine sounds and full lighting systems, interior cab lights if you want them. How about a realistic tow truck if you get stuck in the mud? From a light duty tandem axle to an ultra heavy duty eight wheel drive unit! Just like a real truck there are many accessories to add sparkle to turn you work horse into a show horse. There are even 1:16 scale drivers available, union and non-union, depending on the part of the country/ business you are working in.
Hope to hear from you soon:
Michigan Mini Semi Truck Association
Jim Jackson
6532 East Ridge Court
Brighton, Mi 48116
jjackso5@hotmail.com
How much do they cost?
A simple question but the answer isn't. Depending on how you go about it a scale semi truck can cost a few hundred or many thousands of dollars? We are developing the club based on the Tamiya and Wedico 1/14-1/16th and 1/10th scale semi truck and construction equipment. These are the basic units we are suggesting in 1/14-1/16th and 1/10th model, of used equipment that can range from a few hundred dollars new or possibly much less if you find a used one. Depending on the age of the kit and the features of the model will determine the price of the used equipment. Most of the new 1/14 - 1/16th "Full Option" scale models start around $350 for the basic kit, then with the addition of a 4 channel radio, Tamiya or Wedico (sound and feature units commonly called Multi-function units; MFU Unit, batteries, and a charger, the estimated investment will be upwards of $1000 to $2000 depending on what type of truck/trailer or equipment model you chose to build and run. This is about the same cost and possibly less than a small plane, off-road buggy, or race boat. These are only estimates of potential costs and are not met to be used as actual costs, only a guide. The cost could fall off drastically if you have some of the required pieces such as the radio and batteries from a previous project or two. The investment can start out roughly between $350.00 -$1,000.00 for a starter rig and go all the way up to $6,000.00 for a full custom/complete rig. 1:16 scale trucks are active, offering options like "real" hydraulic systems on dump trucks and dump trailers capable of hauling 10 pounds of sand; tanker truck /trailers that have inner compartments that can transport anything from model airplane fuel to fine cognac. The detail possible at 1:16 scale is incredible with opening hoods, opening doors, detailed interiors, and a full compliment of working lights, and diesel sounds with air horns, brakes, ect., that add to the realism that model railroaders have enjoyed for years. The Wedico System, available through PMD in the USA, allows the builders to order a complete kit, every component pre-selected and packaged individually including the tools to assemble an R/C tractor or trailer. Other items required are: Battery charger and 4 channel radio kit. Using the Wedico system you order/build a no frills work truck or a decked out road warrior by selecting the individual components.
How complex are they?
Like the cost, complexity depends on what you want. Power/motive systems are generally simple, but include an operational 3 speed transmission directing power to the drive axle or axles. Most electric motor powered truck and construction equipment are less complicated than other types of power systems. The complexity is not limited to the power/transmission. Auxiliary lights, cranes, winches, implements, and operating features and other equipment add to the spice of the model. The average semi truck or construction equipment model being mechanically miles more complex than the average RC helicopter or car, but not quite as involved as a live steam engine locomotive. The level of machine tool competence a live steam enthusiast generally posses would be put to good use on an advanced truck/trailer or construction equipment project.
Where can I get one?
The smaller, 1/14-1/16th or 1/10th scale Tamiya or Wedico trucks, currently the most commonly available in the US, can be purchased through Precision Model Distributors for Wedico, or your local hobby shop for Tamiya, though sometime requiring a special order; or through mail order and internet shops. PMD can be contacted through their web-site at www.gardentrucking.com. Join the club and we'll discover these manufacturers together.
Michigan Mini Semi Truck Association is looking forward to meeting you and developing our hobby together.
Happy Mini Trucking...
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