Since the summer of 2020 we have implemented a very exciting project under the title “The Companions”. Based on the Volvo FH2020 - Tow Truck presented by Tamiya at the beginning of 16, we have recreated the original from TIP PEMA on a 1:14 scale. The aim of the project was to present the diversity of the model making industry and to get as close as possible to the original. The partners involved were:
- Tamiya with the kit of the Volvo FH 16 Tow Truck
- Beier Electronics with the SFR-1 and their own sound project
- Kraftwerk with the lighting boards for the Volvo FH16 and the new programming interface
- GBH and Leimbach model making for hydraulics
- Schulztec with axes
- Furybear with the Cab Suspension
- Tönsfeldt with the winches and the details for the original design
- Fechtner Modellbau with the painting service, the decals and the project coordination
- Motek for 3D printed parts
In the months after the model was handed over, the first step was to paint the model and set it up with the driving and light functions. With this first model we drove to Herzberg am Harz to see the original and recorded the sounds from the original, as well as many other details that were processed by Beier Electronics and subsequently incorporated into the model. Then the function of the tow crane was implemented fully hydraulically:
- Raise and lower the crane
- Extension and retraction of the crane arm
- Equipping the crane arm with two winches
- Folding the tow goggles in and out
- Retracting and extending the towing glasses
- Retraction and extension of the support
- Retraction and extension of the warning light bar
In addition to the functions, some special details have been implemented on the model. The most striking detail is the illuminated handrail on the structure, which is also implemented in the same way on the original. During the construction phase there was a change in the company name from PEMA to TIP PEMA. Of course, we have also implemented this change in the model. The model has been standing since April 30.04th. at Fechtner Modellbau in the showroom.
The article series consisting of six articles can be found in Trucks & Details, in issues 6/2020 to 4/2021.
