Tamiya Ford Aeromax Project

The 56309 Ford Aeromax kit was released in 1997 as the 5th tractor truck option by Tamiya and the first licensed American truck.  The first two, the King Hauler and the Globe Liner, were American style but not any specific model.  The next two were Mercedes models, but here we have a Ford longnose style truck with a full sleeper and air dam.  The real Ford L-series trucks were made from 1970-1998 with the aerodynamic models after 1988 being called "Aeromax".  The Aeromax 9500, the subject of this model, rolled out in 1995 to much fanfare which apparently included working with a toy company to produce a replica in 1/14 scale.  Yet after spending hundreds of millions developing their first all new Class 8 truck in 25 years, Ford mysteriously sold their whole commercial truck business to Freightliner in 1997.  We haven't seen another Ford Tamiya tractor truck since, but you might notice similarities in style with the 56340 Freightliner Cascadia Evolution released in 2014. They share the same DNA.

Like the other tractor trucks, this is a leaf sprung model with a 3-speed transmission and solid C-channel frame.  The rear two axles are driven and feature open metal differentials.  It is provisioned for using the MFC (Multi-Function Control Unit) for lights, sounds, and vibration.   The doors do not open and there is no access to the interior..  An interior dash and seats are included and unlike many of the other tractor trucks you can use the interior and the MFC at the same time. I used a 55 turn motor in lieu of the 27 turn silver can in the box since that one seems much too fast.

I followed the box art for color and decoration on this one because I think it just looks good and I didn't have any better ideas.  It is a strong color but works well here.

Update:  This model was destroyed in the 2022 fire.  It has not been replaced.