Tamiya Scania R620 Highline Project

The Scania R620 Highline is the 9th Tamiya tractor truck to be released, and my 3rd.  The 56323 R620 is the 6x4 version which came out in 2009, 2 years after the 56318 R470 4x2 version.  I'm not sure why they were not released at the same time since they seem the same apart from the extra axle.  Even though the shorter trucks have a better turning radius, I prefer the appearance of the dual rear axles so I picked the R620.  The real Scania is a Swedish tractor truck, and one of the few to have a V-8.  Most big diesel trucks have a straight 6.  Sadly, the Tamiya sound system does not have any options for the Scania V-8 sound although there are other competing systems which do.

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 but the cab tips forward to access the inside.  An interior dash and seats are included, but they are not used if you install the MFC.  Instead you can use smoke colored paint to tint the windows and effectively hide the wiring without totally blacking out the transparency.  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 wasn't sure what color I wanted to do this model except that I didn't want it to be the red used on the box art.  That just didn't speak to me for some reason.  When researching the Tamiya tractor trucks I happened upon the 23801 which is a limited edition factory finished (pre-built and ready to run) version of the Mercedes Actros Gigaspace painted in Candy Lime Green.  I loved the way it looks, but it costs a fortune and I'd rather build it myself.  I decided to borrow the color idea for this similar shaped Scania and I'm glad I did.  I think it looks just right.  I chose a gun metal for the grille and black for the trim.  The color tends to get overexposed in photographs so I don't feel like they really do the truck justice.

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