While most RC cars are modeled after real race cars or rugged off-road vehicles for outdoor use, [diorama111] specializes in creating small models perfect for tabletop adventures. In this project, a miniature semi-truck and trailer were meticulously crafted.
The project began with a 1/150 scale model of a truck and trailer. The process started with disassembling the tractor unit. The plastic wheels were then precision machined on a small lathe to accommodate rubber tires made from O-ring material for better grip. The front wheels were equipped with hubs and connected to a motor-driven steering assembly that operated on a screw mechanism. To assist with steering, a photodetector was incorporated for self-centering. The rear axle was outfitted with a geared drivetrain that was powered by a compact DC motor. Multiple gear stages were utilized to provide the necessary torque for hauling the trailer. The model could be controlled remotely via Bluetooth, with an ATtiny3217 microcontroller housing the motor drivers to facilitate its operation.
The microcontroller also controlled a set of functioning driving, tail, and indicator lights. The trailer was equipped with an infrared receiver and its own battery. It received signals from an infrared LED located on the tractor unit, triggering the activation of the taillights and indicators on the trailer accordingly.
Working in the RC realm at a 1:150 scale is quite rare, but [diorama111] has demonstrated expertise in this area previously, as seen in a past project featuring a Toyota Crown build.
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Image Source: Hackaday
