Westernsharpie’s RC debuts two 3D printed 1/10 scale 1970s vintage truck campers that not only look real, but mount to an equally accurate 1/10 scale 1979 Ford F-150 remote control truck and drive. That’s right, these models are off-road, off-grid, and off-the-charts fun!
Okay, this is purely for fun. You know, fun?
A YouTuber by the name of Westernsharpie’s RC had constructed not one but two 3D-printed vintage truck camper models. These models feature a remarkable level of detail right down to the working lights, louvered jalousie windows, interior curtains, license plates, and functional turnbuckles.
The remote control truck is a Traxxas TRX-4 1979 Ford F-150 Ranger XLT. About forty years ago my Dad bought me a Tamiya Hornet, an RC car kit with hundreds of parts and a book of assembly instructions. Thankfully, this 1/10 scale Traxxas TRX-4 pickup comes fully assembled and ready to go with a 2.4GHz controller.
For old RC car buffs like me, the Traxxas also offers dozens of remote control racecars at a 1/10 scale, some offering speeds up to 70 mph. That’s insane. What’s equally insane is what these Traxxas truck models cost. The Ford F-150 is $549.95. For about $40,000 more, you could have a real F-150, albeit not vintage, chromed, lifted, or otherwise awesome.
What made this Camper Beast worthy is how the model maker actually mounts his 3D printed truck campers on the Traxxas vintage Ford F-150 model (a good-looking combination) and takes his mini rig not just off-road, but over some fairly daunting rocks.
At one point, he almost flips his rig. Even if you think this is the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever seen in Truck Camper Magazine (it might be, but fun is good for you) I bet you’ll gasp at the near tip-over. Well, maybe you’ll 1/10th gasp.
Model Ideas: Taking This Way Too Far
The detail and realism of Westernsharpie’s RC truck camper models are amazing, but could they also be practical, or maybe even a keen marketing idea? The model maker suggests that somebody should help him mass-produce these models to sell to other TRX model truck owners. That alone could be a compelling product for a truck camper manufacturer to sponsor, but what if we take this idea a step further.
A good number of real world, currently available truck campers are already 3D modeled in CAD. I’m sure it’s not this easy, but perhaps a model maker like Westernsharpie could use those CAD models to create 1/10 scale models and 3D print them. Want a 1/10 scale Lance 1172? Northern Lite 10-2? Arctic Fox 990? Four Wheel Camper Hawk? Northstar 650SC? Capri Retreat? Yes, please!
Imagine the immediate appeal of a brand accurate remote controlled pickup and camper rolling around RV shows, dealer open houses, and truck camper rallies. If the camper roofs lifted off and the interiors were also accurate, dealers could use them in their showrooms and at RV shows to showcase what they don’t have on display. Or they could offer one as an incentive when a customer buys that camper. Call it the ‘buy one get one free-1/10 scale’ offer. Or the mini-me two camper deal, limited time only.
Okay, okay. I’m taking this way, way too far here. But you have to admit it would be fun to have 1/10 scale models of modern truck campers available. I bet more than a few of you would enjoy buying a finished one or building it out yourselves. Just don’t think that’s making it into the mod contest.
More Model Fun
Westernsharpie’s RC has another half dozen or so videos revealing the process of making his model truck campers, and dozens more with 3D printed tractor trailers, ships, and other scale items. You can check out more of Westernsharpie’s RC on his YouTube channel.
Thank you, Westernsharpie’s RC, for the throwback (for me) fun, and the mind-boggling work on the vintage truck camper models. Please make more! We’ll be watching.
