JTC Hino XL Series Day Cab Semi Tractor

[pmpexpress]

Last week I received an email from Stan Brooks that contained artist renderings of a future model release and the following text:



Artist Renderings of JTC Hino XL Series Day Cab Semi Tractor

"Sharing with you all that JTC will be producing some trucks to pull a trailer. This was a very extensive project spanning over 2 years of development to make sure we did it right. There was so much thought that went into this project to incorporate the best possible solutions that modelers would benefit the most. Our model features, colors, details, etc. will be shared with you all in the coming weeks. I have attached an artist drawing for your review. We will be producing red, white, brown, orange, and a special commemorative tractor. Be on the lookout for these new and exciting items soon."

Although I was unable to determine exactly what model year the JTC release depicts, an internet search revealed that it is a replica of a contemporary Hino XL Series day cab semi tractor.

With very versatile truck cab and chassis configurations, the Hino XL Series can be used as beverage trucks, box delivery trucks, cranes, dump trucks, refuse haulers, reefers, snow plows, stake body trucks, tankers, and utility vehicles.

Given all of the variations that could be derived from the base semi tractor cab and chassis, the Hino XL Series was a splendid vehicle choice on the part of JTC.

Really looking forward to acquiring a bunch of these models.

[cfritschle]

Neville,

The Hino XL Series has been in production in the U.S. since September of 2019. 

[pmpexpress]

Neville,

The Hino XL Series has been in production in the U.S. since September of 2019.

Carter,

Although it doesn't appear to be the case, have their been any significant body style changes since the initial release in September 2019?

[cfritschle]

Carter,

Although it doesn't appear to be the case, have their been any significant body style changes since the initial release in September 2019?

Neville,

While the prototype truck can be ordered with different gross vehicle weight ratings [Class 7 or Class 8] the body styling has not changed.  Here is a link to an article that describes the test driving of the Class 8 version with photos and specs.  https://www.trucknews.com/transportation/test-driving-hinos-new-baby-the-baby-8-xl8/1003123747/

[Glenn Poole]

I sure hope they will have a tandem axle tractor. I have no use for a single axle tractor.

[cfritschle]

I sure hope they will have a tandem axle tractor. I have no use for a single axle tractor.

Glenn,

They will.   

[mu26aeh]

You'd be surprised how many single axle tractors are out there.  I started paying attention to that when Trainworx announced all their LTL companies. 

My current employer has a fleet of Hino 338 beverage trucks at my branch.  I'll be very interested if they go beyond tractors and release straight or beverage trucks.  And with 3D printing, could probably go that route for the beverage body.  I can get all the measurements, and get paid to do so

[Glenn Poole]

Glenn,

They will.   

  Great news!!
Of course, any kind of a "truck" with single or tandem axles would be great.  We don't have any dump trucks out there although Trainworx had them listed at one time.

[cfritschle]

  Great news!!
Of course, any kind of a "truck" with single or tandem axles would be great.  We don't have any dump trucks out there although Trainworx had them listed at one time.

Glenn,

The Trainworx dump trucks will get here eventually.  In the mean time, Showcase Miniatures has dump trucks available in kit form.  https://www.showcaseminiatures.net/n_scale/n_scale_vehicles/

The Showcase dump truck shown below was not all that hard to build.

[DirtyD79]

Carter,

Although it doesn't appear to be the case, have their been any significant body style changes since the initial release in September 2019?

From what I can see no. Unlike cars and pick-ups,medium and heavy duty trucks generally tend to have much longer periods between design changes. Those look pretty cool and hopefully they'll do an HO scale release soon too.

[kscessandriver]

JTC posted some pre-production samples on their facebook page yesterday. They look great.

[mu26aeh]

Still hope they do some variations.  I'd like beverage trucks,  I'd get a couple done up with company decals so my buddies can have me sitting at crossing on their layouts trying to get home.

Or someone more capable then me can design a beverage box and 3d print it.  I can get dimensions if anyone wants to tackle this

[cfritschle]

Still hope they do some variations.  I'd like beverage trucks,  I'd get a couple done up with company decals so my buddies can have me sitting at crossing on their layouts trying to get home.

Or someone more capable then me can design a beverage box and 3d print it.  I can get dimensions if anyone wants to tackle this

The day cab semi-tractors will be first, but straight trucks are planned.  The photos below are of two of the trucks JTC had on display three weeks ago at the National N Scale Convention in Reno/Sparks NV.



The "International" in the second photo can be used as a stand-in for a PowerStar ProStar, which dates back to 2006.

[peteski]

What looks odd to me is what appears to be the thickness of the side window "glass". They seem to be extremely thick (when looking at the back part through which the inside rear part of the cab is visible. Could be just some sort of photography artifact.

I guess I also got spoiled by Tranworxx semis where the entire cab body was molded in clear plastic, then painted from the outside.  That was brilliant.

[cfritschle]

What looks odd to me is what appears to be the thickness of the side window "glass". They seem to be extremely thick (when looking at the back part through which the inside rear part of the cab is visible. Could be just some sort of photography artifact.

Pete,

I am not sure what to tell you.  I did not notice it when I was viewing the models in person.  However, once I looked at the photos, the side windows did appear to be rather thick.  However, since these are pre-production samples, I am not going to worry about it.   

Also, I hope the production models have "silver" beneath the clear and colorless headlight lenses.  If not, I hope the headlight lenses can be "popped out" so that area can be painted silver.

I used a silver Sharpie to simulate a reflective surface behind the clear headlight lenses on the Trainworx T800 shown below.



Having a clear headlight lens with a dark color beneath it sometimes makes it difficult to even see the headlight lens.  Here is a link to how I dealt with that problem on the Atlas Ford Taurus.  https://nscalevehicles.org/tips_n_tricks/atlas_taurus.php