By Geo Tziafas | 10.28.2024 12:21
The Alfa Romeo 155 V6 Ti from the DTM series is one of my favorite model cars, so I couldn't resist and, just a few days after receiving it, I immediately placed it on my workbench. Actually, I was looking for a way to relieve the pressure from various events in my daily life. The kit seems more refined and of better quality compared to the McLaren F1 GTR kit, for example, which I had built some time earlier. A clear indication of this is that I have seen several completed by modelers, while the McLaren remains a 'rara avis.' Apart from the version I built myself, there may be others, but to date, I haven’t seen them.
By Lars Wahlström | 08.08.2024 13:38
Over the years, a number of model kits have been made of the 300 SL in various scales. Pocher announced in 2016 that they would release a die-cast kit of the 1:8 scale gullwing model, but the project was cancelled due to a financial crisis within Pocher. I suspected it was PCT who made it, because a couple of years later they released a 1:8 scale coupe model kit that was sold as subscription kits through Eaglemoss. I wanted to build the model as soon as I heard about it, but it was hard to come by and I wasn't interested in a long term subscription. Eaglemoss went bankrupt in 2022, but PCT owned the tools and decided to rerelease the kit in 2023, but this time as a "full kit" through its sister company IXO, so I ordered. I had seen on various forums and model sites that the kit was not completely accurate in every detail, but that's part of the fun of improving, detailing and making your own model unique.
By Mario Covalski | 07.02.2024 11:12
With this photo array (one picture says more than thousand words sometimes) I share with the reader my experience with the model adding many missing details, not all, painting parts and applying plastic modelling techniques to improve the appearance of this expensive model. Also solving some problems that the kit has and showing tips and tricks to improve or facilitate its assembly.
By Mark Laird | 05.23.2024 12:35
I have seen many people building the 1/12 scale Meng MP4/4. Since this car held the record for the most wins in F1 until the end of the 2023 season, when the Red Bull RB19 claimed that title, it's a car I've always been interested in building. After admiring the work of others on their models, I decided to take the plunge and purchase one myself. With over 50 years of experience building models, I couldn’t resist the urge to customize it rather than assembling it straight out of the box.
By Felice Ferriello | 04.18.2024 12:09
This tutorial is based on showcasing and explaining the main modifications to convert the Hasegawa Miura P400 SV kit into the Miura P400 Roadster, as well as the added details. I won't delve into the assembly of basic components since the purpose is to share with the reader the more complex tasks. The rest is well-known as the Hasegawa kit has been around for several years. This model is dedicated to my wife Lyska, who supported me with patience and love throughout the process.
By Mario Covalski | 04.01.2024 10:58
I tried to detail it as much as possible using only what was in the box. I remade the seat cushions, detailed the engine, applied weathering... etc. This wonderfully detailed, 1:8 scale replica is of a Willys MB Jeep that played a vital role in shaping the destiny of World War II. On June 6 , 1944, this Jeep® – along with thousands of men and vehicles from the 1st Infantry Division – landed on Omaha Beach in Normandy on D-Day. It then took part in continuous offensives across France, eventually reaching the German border before participating in the Battle of the Bulge. It helped set up the bridgehead at Remagen, and also saw action in the Rhine and Ruhr. More than just a battlefield 4x4, this 1st Infantry Division Willys MB Jeep® has been involved in some of the US Army’s most significant campaigns in the European theater of World War II.
By Lars Wahlström | 03.12.2024 19:53
I had already started my own research and looked for reference images and information. I also joined a Facebook group and got a lot of tips. The kit was released in the UK before in the EU, so many had already started their builds and discovered inaccuracies. The objective of this tutorial is to share with the reader the work done, not only to assemble the kit, but also to get the most out of it, adding details and missing parts, painting where necessary, etc., always guided by the references. to which I had access. Hoping it is useful to others.
By Geo Tziafas | 11.07.2023 11:22
A true masterpiece, an automotive treasure that, when it was first unveiled six decades ago in 1960 at the Geneva Motor Show, prompted Enzo Ferrari to declare it the most beautiful car in the world, takes the spotlight in the following article. With over 70,000 units of the E-Type produced, it graced the Coventry factory floor in three distinct phases: Series 1 (1961-1968), Series 2 (1969-1971), and Series 3 (1971-1974).
By Lars Wahlström | 09.01.2023 13:27
In 1977, as a Christmas gift from my brother, I got a model kit of a 1965 Chevrolet Corvette Sting Ray in 1/8 scale. The kit was made by Monogram, but the same kit was later also released by Revell. There were editions with the body in both red and blue plastic. I noticed quite immediately that the detail level was low, lower than many models in 1/25 scale. Not even the doors were operable and the chrome-plating quality was really poor. Comparing with the French Heller's super detailed 1/8 model kit of the Citroen B15, which I built earlier, the Corvette was toyish and a real disappointment for an experienced modeller. But I decided to take it on anyway.
By Geo Tziafas | 07.07.2023 10:55
In the following tutorial I will share with the reader, many photos and explanations about the construction of the Alfa 33TT, I hope it will help and guide, for those who want to build this magnificent MFH kit, but this experience is valid for other similar kits of the same brand. This tutorial, very descriptive and with many good photos, can also serve as a general guide for other MFH kits in the same scale.
By Patrick Sedney | 05.23.2023 12:39
Once again, Tamiya delights us with the flawless engineering quality of their scale model, the Mercedes-AMG GT3, which was launched in 2017... or was it? In this tutorial, we will explore the pros and cons of this remarkable replica of the Mercedes-Benz vehicle, created in collaboration with their performance brand, AMG, for various FIA GT3 championships. Customizing it for the 2019 GT World Challenge America Crowdstrike team.
By Geo Tziafas | 05.08.2023 12:23
Starting a Hiro kit build is essentially starting a game of chess. Each move affects the next and the slightest mistake may cost in fitting or detailing issues. In addition, as in the famous board game, the more moves (test fits) you are ahead the better you can predict the way they will interact with each other and the less likely it is to be checkmated during the final assembly.
By Edwing E. Merlo Paredes | 04.12.2023 20:15
Basically this kit has been built straight out of the box, using almost all of the parts included in the kit, and small details such as generic photo-etched screw heads have been added. The objective of this tutorial is to share with the reader the steps that I followed to build this model.
By Philip Curtis | 03.01.2023 12:35
To any follower of motor racing history the Porsche 917 needs no introduction. The kit is available in several different versions including the 1970 Le Mans number 20 Gulf car that I have used. For this build I also used Studio 27 photo etch (PE) set, Renaissance Gulf decals (the Fujimi decals are notoriously translucent) and Renaissance PE. With both PE sets nowhere near all of the parts were used, the Renaissance set in particular was mainly left on the fret....
By Edwing E. Merlo Paredes | 01.24.2023 14:04
I built the model straight out of the box, using all the parts included in the kit, and I have added some details in the engine that, although it is not exposed, but it was fun and the work has been reflected in the photos. I added some wires, and generic photo-etched screw heads. These photo-etched parts were also used to detail some other parts of the model. For the paint, a Lamborghini orange tone called Arancio Miura (Gravity Colors Ref. GC-1194) was chosen, and thus, make a different proposal to the red finish proposed by Hasegawa.
By Mario Covalski | 01.03.2023 19:34
With this photo array I share with the reader my experience with the model adding many missing details, not all, painting parts and applying plastic modeling techniques to improve the appearance of this expensive model. In addition, solving some problems that the kit has and showing tips and tricks to improve or facilitate its assembly.
By Mario Covalski | 11.09.2022 11:51
With this photo array (one picture says more than thousand words sometimes) I share with the reader my experience with the model (I put together two) adding many missing details, not all, painting parts and applying plastic modelling techniques to improve the appearance of this expensive model. Also solving some problems that the kit has and showing tips and tricks to improve or facilitate its assembly.
By Edwing E. Merlo Paredes | 10.05.2022 11:05
For this tutorial I built the model straight out of the box, and except for some generic decals with logos, I've used almost all of the parts provided in the box. The custom paint scheme was my idea, seeking a harmony of black areas, combined with a metallic dark gray base, alternated with fluorescent red/orange details, a very explosive mix of finishes that gives the model great dynamism. Below I share with the reader the steps I took to assemble the model of this 2015 Honda NSX, starting with the bodywork.
By Geo Tziafas | 06.23.2022 11:14
We use to publish large tutorials plenty of pictures and large texts, but when I saw these pictures I realized that this probably wouldn't need anything more, sometimes happens. Looking the pictures I understood all the process… besides not always contributors want to spend extra time writing, when already inverted thousand of hours building taking pictures…etc. I hope you enjoy the pictures as I did, thanks Geo!
By David Guardia | 05.05.2022 11:09
The paint scheme I have chosen is based on a World War II plane belonging to the Armée de l'air. The Dewoitine with its beautiful blue color, and the French national flag on the tail. Model building, aviation and classic cars, all in one! The goal of this tutorial is to share the work of making a weathered vehicle in an obvious way, but without getting to what is used nowaday, models that represent destroyed subjects ready for scrap. In addition, the decoration, as if it were a fighter plane, needed abuse effects, but without going to the extreme.
By Edwing E. Merlo Paredes | 08.30.2021 12:49
I built this model under commission for a customer of mine, who asked for a customized sports version, such as the elimination of both bumpers, the hood with forward opening, which allows to show the engine, in addition to other details that will be shown later in the text. As it was a special Mini I decided to write a tutorial including many photos taken during the build and thus share with the reader my experience with this model.
By Edwing E. Merlo Paredes | 05.19.2021 12:10
I built the Miniart kit in a civil version. It is a model started a few years ago and some of the images that show the assembly process, such as the stage where the interior of the vehicle is detailed, have been damaged and it was impossible to recover them. However, the rest of the process is explained in great detail, and it is my pleasure to share the work done with the readers.
By Edwing E. Merlo Paredes | 05.02.2021 11:14
In the racing car world, Alfa Romeo is one of the most legendary and mythical Italian name, and each of its vehicles is synonymous with beauty, style, and racing. Precisely, the Giulia Sprint GTA, is the version which this tutorial is dedicated to. A road car, with sporty and personalized characteristics. This is the kind of car that can be found in various classic vehicle activities today.
By Edwing E. Merlo Paredes | 04.19.2021 11:37
Although it is an old kit, I always wanted to improve it and finally the opportunity came. It is a high quality kit, with good details, and that lends itself to making some improvements. I share in this tutorial, with the modeler who likes this car, the work done offering many pictures of the process and the necessary explanations.
By Fabrice Marechal | 02.22.2021 14:14
Probably this has been for many years one of the most desirable kits in 1/12 scale. This article aims at leading the reader into the building process, solving several problems of the kit due to the lack of details or wrong represented and plastic injection problems lacking of the necessary quality of a kit in this scale.
By Roger Knight | 02.22.2021 14:13
The model is based on the 1966 LeMans winning car (almost - more about that later), which finally, after some years of trying, ended Ferraris 6 year dominance of the classic race. The GT40 first appeared at LeMans in 1964 with 4.2 V8, basically the same engine that took Jim Clark to victory in the following years Indianapolis 500 but at LeMans it proved fragile.
By Andre Pantarotto | 11.29.2020 14:34
I wanted to build the Opel truck, is a model I like very much, but why not to take the opportunity to add other beautiful kit from Revell I had in my stash, so the Porsche tractor was added to this build. There was plenty of room for details and weathering which brought more fun and turned the model in a diorama. This tutorial is to share the steps I followed to get this ready to place in the showcase, so here we go!
By Andre Pantarotto | 09.14.2020 13:24
The Nissan Sunny is a very nice kit from Hasegawa and a pleasure to build, however being a work truck I felt it needed something more. To place in a vignette was the way I found for highlighting this beautiful model.
Editor note: with the PDF tutorial, DOC files are provided for you to print all the small kit boxes. More will be explained later in the text.
By Andre Pantarotto | 08.30.2020 12:37
I used the Moebius kit that represents the Chrysler 300 car that I modified to match the Petty car, and used a decal set from Power Slide. This is a kitbashing project since some parts of another kit (Moebius Models Tim Flock’s 1956 Chrysler 300 kit) were used to make this 1955 Chrysler a racing car.
By Andre Pantarotto | 07.21.2020 14:47
I wanted to build the #12 Ralph Moody car. Moody won four races in 1956 for owner Pete DePaolo. He finished eighth in the final points, with 21 Top-10 finishes in 35 races. He raced the first third of 1957, until Ford and others American automobile manufacturers pulled out of racing.
By Edwing E. Merlo Paredes | 05.01.2020 11:30
MPC stopped manufacturing their kits since many years ago, but now we can enjoy them again since that brand which was eventually absorbed by Ertl, today has been resurrected by Round 2 models that have been releasing during the last years several of those classics that used to be on hobby shops shelves in the 70’s and 80’s.
By Andre Pantarotto | 03.29.2020 15:44
For those who aren't familiar with NASCAR racing, mostly out of USA, Julius Timothy "Tim" Flock was an American stock car racer. He was a two-time NASCAR series champion. Moebiuos offered some time ago the 1952 Hudson “Tim” used two times during 1952, the year he won the session.
By Mark Laird | 03.09.2020 11:36
I got this model back in the 90s for less than 100 US dollars. Although I do not have the “Perfect Parts” detail set for this model, I purchased the Thunder Valley Essentials detail set, which is two photo etched frets, a resin airbox, aluminum funnels, a pack of different pieces of aluminum, clear tubing and shrink tubing....
By Antonio Busciglio | 02.26.2020 12:37
In this article, I want to share how I detailed the 1/20 McLaren MP4/2 as ran (and won) the 1984 F1 championship. The car I wanted to reproduce is the Lauda’s, only driver to have won the championship after a retirement and a subsequent coming back to the races (notably, Lauda is also the only driver that won a world championship after receiving the last rites, after its terrible accident in 1976).
By Mario Covalski | 02.03.2020 15:53
This is the 1/8 Ford Mustang Shelby GT-500TM 1967 from the Planeta Deagostini Publisher. The model is offered in 100 weekly fascicles, each one includes history and parts to build the model. The model is mostly made of diecast and plastic parts, is heavy as 9 or 10Kg, but lacks of details, mostly in the engine bay area, and some parts are odd represented. So I added lot of them, fuel lines wiring...etc. The body and other diecast parts are already painted, the paint is poor and there is differences between panels as there weren’t painted at the same time.
By Mario Covalski | 10.16.2019 12:42
This is the 1/8 Chevrolet Opala SS 1976 from the Salvat Publisher. It’s basically an Opel Rekord born from the fusion between GM and Opel during the ’70. As far as I know, it was only manufactured under the name Opala in Brazil, in two versions, 4 cylinders and 6 cylinders. It looks like a big car for a 4-cylinder engine but you have to consider that it had 2.5 liters of displacement and 80CV. It was available with two types of engine: 4-cylinder "Iron Duke", and 6-cylinder 250 cubic inches, both derived from the Chevrolet Impala offered in USA. According to its manufacturers, this combination was the one that gave the name to this car, since “Opala” can be presumed as an acronym of the name “Opel Impala”, because the Opala was an Opel, with Impala engine.
By Mario Covalski | 10.09.2019 18:23
This is the 1/8 Ford Falcon 1963 from the Salvat Publisher. The model is provided in 100 weekly fascicles, each one includes history and parts to build the model. The model is mostly made of diecast and plastic parts, is heavy as 9 or 10Kg, but lacks of details, mostly in the engine bay area, and some parts are odd represented. So I added lot of them, fuel lines wiring...etc.
By Edwing E. Merlo Paredes | 09.18.2019 10:58
In this tutorial I’ve made a road vehicle version with own elements of a rally car, and decorated with the Gulf emblems and colors. The kit used to build this model is the Tamiya 1/24 that ran in Monte Carlo rally 1967 (#24048). It’s cheap and is being manufacturing from time to time and can be easily purchased in many online shops
By Edwing E. Merlo Paredes | 09.15.2019 13:34
The Fiat Abarth 695 ‘esseesse’, classic, is one of the most popular European sport cars in automotive history. Its tiny size and body are among its main identity and attractive features. As was to be expected, Tamiya was one of the brands that offered the icon with Italian accent, creating a simple and funny kit with good details and lot of possibilities for modifications with improvements sets and/or scratch. The version presented in this tutorial is a road car with sport details and customized. It’s a type of vehicle that can be found today in concentrations or classic cars rallies.
By Mario Covalski | 07.15.2019 12:39
By Fabrice Marechal | 07.09.2019 09:59
This project is the result of a request a Dutch collector made me. They sent me the Tamiya kit, an Aber PE dashboard , new wheels, several accessories not necessarily useful and a booklet that shows the differences between a DBS and a DBS Ultimate Edition one.
By Mark Laird | 05.13.2019 13:54
For years I wanted to build the 1/12 Bandai STP Turbine car. It is very unique piece of Indianapolis history, but the price that they were bringing was just more than I was willing to spend. I was lucky enough to find a complete kit on eBay for 200 US dollars. It was a “Buy it Now”, so I purchased it, and waited for it to arrive.
By Edwing E. Merlo Paredes | 04.01.2019 11:15
During the last 40 years, many kit manufacturers have put into the market a lot of versions of the Mini, from the legendary Austin Mini in the 60s to the “Mini” from BMW. This article is devoted to the 1/12 Tamiya Rover Mini Cooper 1 3i. This Japanese and world- famous brand among modelers for their top-quality products, offer a wide range of 1/12 models; unfortunately most of them, discontinued. One of the main characteristics of those Tamiya big scale kits, was the great deal of parts and details for example the 1/12 Porsche 934 Turbo, released in 1976, one of the most emblematic kits of the brand, comprising over 400 parts.
By Fabrice Marechal | 12.10.2018 12:02
The kit has been completely reworked so that the front and rear cover and the wheels can be removed and re-placed, I have shared a video to show it. Details have been added to the engine, such as spark plug wires and fuel lines etc. The rest of the build was completely done out of the box, less the necessary modifications to make workable the mentioned parts. The bodywork was painted with Ferrari red from Gravity Colors Spain and has been varnished with 2-component lacquer also from Gravity Colors Spain. Here pictures I have taken during the build.
By Fabrice Marechal | 12.10.2018 12:02
The Ferrari Dino 206 is a Le Phoenix kit which is no longer available commercially and very difficult to find even on collector sites. As the Porsche 917, all air vents have been perforated. The bodywork was first painted in red with DS Colors and blue stripes delimited and painted Gulf blue also from DS Colors. The white lines were made using white decals. The body was then varnished with 2-component DS Colors. Here pictures I have taken during the build.
By Fabrice Marechal | 12.10.2018 12:02
The Porsche 917 is a Paddock kit that is no longer commercially available. It's sometimes available on collector sites such as Modelart111. The body has been completely reworked at the level of the vents, all was perforated. The body was painted with Gulf Gravity Colors blue, the orange decals were then applied and retouched with a brush with X-6 Tamiya orange. The body was then clearcoated with 2-component Zero Paint varnish. Here pictures I have taken during the build.
By Fabrice Marechal | 11.18.2018 13:00
Revell have going on offering Super cars and luxury reproductions in 1/24 scale, this article will be about the Porsche Panamera Turbo. I’ll not extend in a complete kit review , however every time I open a Revell box, the first things I examine are: the bodywork, the brakes and wheels. For these last ones, it must be recognized that Revell have improved them. The wheels size is correct and not undersized as it happened at times, besides they are molded in a single part. What still doesn’t’ like me is the chromed they’re provided with, lack of realism and adds extra work to the modeller. Unfortunately, the brakes are not well represented. This tutorial aims at showing with images the steps I followed to correct the problems and get the finished model.
By Antonio Busciglio | 09.12.2018 11:31
The model I wanted to build was the version that ran on the Tour de Corse in 1984 season, driven by Attilio Bettega (who lost its life in the same car during the 1985 season) with Cresto as a co driver. The Martini livery makes this car absolutely stunning, but also quite demanding for the modeler. Moreover, the only plastic kit available on the market is the not so recent Hasegawa kit. In my opinion It’s quite well designed, easy to assemble parts, good general fitting, good materials quality. However...
By Fabrice Marechal | 05.12.2018 11:39
Certainly, Italeri offer us a kit that, once finished, is really a beautiful and shocking model due to its size, we are not accustomed to seeing a Fiat 500 in 1/12 scale. There is very little to be changed or improved to make the most of it. Unfortunately, some construction steps are not easy to understand and instructions are not always clear. In this respect, Italeri did nothing to facilitate the modelers’ work, and assembling the headlights, window frames, bodywork, etc., are a bit complicated. I built the model almost out of the box, enhancing the painting and assembling was correct and error free as far as possible, and I think it will be an excellent guide for those who want to face this project, having in advance the difficulties you’ll have to face and a good painting guide.
By Mario Covalski | 03.01.2018 14:44
This article aims at leading the reader through the assembly process of a Tamiya Datsun 240Z in 1/12 scale. On next pages, I’ll explain the different techniques I used for the construction of the models, and though some of them are obsolete, they’re still very useful for beginners. Although this article is focused to novices, I think that even will be useful for advanced modelers to take ideas and several recommendations, if they have not built this kit yet.
By Alessandro Prini | 12.04.2017 12:00
Building a F50 GT starting from a regular Tamiya F50 was quite complex. The transkits that are available up to the moment I’m writing this article, do not convince me, they have thick parts and lack of detailing.
By Fabrice Marechal | 09.17.2017 11:27
When I received the Revell kit, I realized about its qualities but also about its weak points. And the main, is the way the vent grilles present in the front mudguards, the hood and especially on the front bumpers were represented; and the singular design of the front grille. I invite you to follow the images of this model construction, which was laborious, but with a worthwhile final result!
By Keith Christie | 09.12.2017 11:41
Tamiya introduced this kit after the success of the 1/12 masterwork series of models. This is the second in the series released in December 2012 after the Ferrari Enzo. This article is devoted to novices so as to help them to build, which is perhaps, their first 1/12 model car.
By Alessandro Prini | 07.19.2017 11:45
A photo gallery of other model from the master!
By Mario Covalski | 07.11.2017 12:35
These are the new times of Pocher, hand in hand with Hornby, the brand that offer models which represent high technology subjects as Lamborghini cars and Ducati motorcycles. Manufactured by Ixo, the Chinese company, they are the fashion of the time, huge 1/8 scale cars with metal body and chassis, already painted (luckily!). They compete with Amalgam and other brands with less expectations but to fit any budget and if you have some experience as model builder, the result will be acceptable and even excellent. The aim of this tutorial is to share the step by step in the Lamborghini Huracán construction, the last Pocher issue explaining the work achieved so that it may be useful for less experienced modelers and collectors.
By Mario Covalski | 06.05.2017 13:51
The aim of this article is to share with the reader the pictures I’ve been taking during the build. It’s NOT a step by step since I worked following a DVD provided by Paul Koo, a friend of mine, which was of good help. However, I think that there were missing things as a better paint description and several problems I’ve found which were not explained in the DVD.
By Barlas Pehlivan | 05.04.2017 12:25
The Moebius Ford Range pickup is a beautiful kit, but I wanted something more, so I decided to build a customized model. I wanted a small truck with a very weathered paint and even looking ruined by rust, and a twin wheels axle. Achieving a weathered paint would not be a problem but the rear axle of the Moebius kit is of single wheel, so I would have to search for good references and the material to represent the twin wheels axle. The aim of this brief article is to share the work accomplished.
By Mario Covalski | 04.18.2017 11:09
I wanted to add to my F1 1/12 scale collection the 1976 T2. Several years ago I built a Protar T2, but as the result didn't satisfy me, I sold it. Sometime ago I bought another Protar T2 with the intention of modifying and/or detailing more the parts if necessary. After studying the kit very carefully, I understood that this was not possible, at least for me. Then.... what can I do?. Some months ago I had the opportunity of buying several Tamiyas 312T, for different projects I had planned and as I had still one left, I decided to use the T as base and some parts of T2 that I could not make, adding other necessary details. I anticipate you the end, to arrive to what I wanted, the Protar and Tamiya's parts used needed several changes. In the following note I explain you, which were the involved modifications and how I made them.
By Antonio Busciglio | 04.03.2017 15:12
The Tamiya kit represents very well this icon of the 1988 season in its general shape but not regarding the mechanical parts and the cockpit area. As this is one of the F1s I like best, I decided to build it adding the superb Top Studio detail set (TS in the text) that includes resin and PE parts what makes novices to modelling feel fear. Besides, I’ve added several modifications and extra details which were necessary adding an extra effort. This article is to share my work with the hope that those who are less experienced than me, can build this model with some extra help.
By Michael Schneider | 04.01.2017 10:09
Looking through my photos of a Porsche-Alfa-Meeting in Hockenheim in 2004 I found an Alfa Giulia with wide fenders. It was then when I pulled the Tamiya Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA* off the self to take a closer look at it. The kit is great and includes an engine, but I wanted a body with wider fenders. Of course, it is possible to widen the fenders with sheet and putty, but I would not need to do so since there was another Alfa from Gunze Sangyo* on my shelf, not so accurate to my eyes, even without an engine, but comprising wide fenders.
By Juan Layos Pantoja | 03.01.2017 10:58
Tamiya have recently introduced into the market two kits showing a different decoration belonging to the Japanese Grand Touring Championship based on the Lexus SC 430. This article aims to show a simplified building process, step by step with pictures of each relevant task....
By Fabrice Marechal | 02.10.2017 15:45
When I assembled the Mirage IIIC, I used several products from Ammo Mig. Though I was very satisfied with the result, I decided to use AK Interactive products for the 918 to have a different experience. Certainly Revell have improved the wheels quality and their design but improvements don’t always mean accuracy and I have my doubts about size accuracy of wheels, so I replaced them with the Plamoz ones. I invite you to follow this Porsche model build where I only made two changes in the body to get the result you see here.
By Gregory Hansel | 07.04.2016 11:05
When my friends Branden and Joan bought an 07 300C a few months ago, I thought it would be a nice surprise for Joan (the primary driver of the car) to present them with a scale replica of their new ride. I worked with Branden to get the information I needed such as color, interior colors and trim. The only limitation I had was that the AMT kit was an 05, not an 07 but the differences are minor so I went with it. During our discussions he said he wanted larger wheels but Joan didn’t. I asked if he wanted me to build a second car to his specifications and like that, I was building two. I then decided I couldn’t build these two cars and ship them off to my friend leaving me with nothing but pictures so I decided I may as well build three and keep one for myself....
By Fabrice Marechal | 07.02.2016 21:06
For this article Ebbro provided me a test-shoot that’s to say a test of an injection mold, and there were no references about the year this DS model represented belonged to, so I started to look around the net for pictures that could help me. Looking at the body carefully and comparing with several photos, it was obvious that I had to make sure about certain points.
By Mario Covalski | 06.01.2016 10:31
During the 80’s decade Tamiya offered what was going to be their last kit in their superb collection of 1/12 F1 models, the car was the Renault Turbo RE20. After that, the modelers had to suffer a drought of 10 years, until we had the chance to see a new model in this very well known collection, the Ferrari 641/2, which was issued in 1991. This is my second attempt with this kit, the first was many years ago, and I only remember that it was “a little bit complicated”. So, I want to begin this note with three concepts which are: 1) this is a very complex kit (I will say why later), 2) objectives, and 3) planning.
By Federico Collada | 06.01.2016 00:16
Not long ago, when Asuka was still Tasca, they started to add some beautiful 1/24 scale models to their catalogue. The Panzer II and the BMW were as outstanding as they 1/35 Shermans, a referent worldwide. When a few months ago I saw the forthcoming Bantam BRC 40 in this scale I was a bit surprised for the model chosen to continue the 1/24 catalogue, a little known Jeep that lost the race against the Willys.
By Fabrice Marechal | 04.01.2016 12:13
When AEG electronics sponsored a Sauber C9 Mercedes Benz, the paint design was one of a printed circuit all over the car. No doubt the design was very attractive for the modeler but it also implied a lot of extra work with the painting and decaling of the model. My aim with this note is to share with you, the reader, my experience in detailing this Tamiya kit as well as the process of applying the decals, which seemed quite difficult.
By Fabrice Marechal | 04.01.2016 11:46
The Ford GT Matech is the second kit, #141002, produced by the brand new plastic model manufacturer Simil'R, based out of France. It’s an injection molded kit with stunning decals printed by Cartograf which are also provided to represent the various carbon carbon/Kevlar, and Kevlar weaves. The kit also supplies a photoetched fret. The instructions in English and French are very similar in style and layout to any kit from Tamiya or Hasegawa.
By Fabrice Marechal | 12.26.2015 13:24
Looking at the photos of a real 300SL body, we find out Tamiya have made an excellent work. However, it’s possible to go even further and give the body of this Mercedes an additional touch of realism. Regarding the chassis Tamiya also made a hard work with the tubular frame, very realistic indeed! besides of being quite simple to assemble. The engine and cockpit are not far behind. To paint this marvel, I chose silver that is unavoidable for this beauty. So, the aim of this article is to share with the reader the building, painting and weathering process of some parts, in such a way that they can be reproduced by a modeller with a minimum of experience.
By Alex Nahooy | 12.15.2015 11:14
The Derek Gardner designed Tyrrell 007 made his marks true the ’74 and ’75 seasons.In expectation of there new P34 challenger the first 3 races of 1976 were raced by the final and revised version of the 007.
I would liked for MFH to have made the ’75 version,but by making the ’76 version MFH could use more parts of the Tamiya P34…resulting in this beautifull transkit ;correct rear wing and support,rear radiators ect.Most of the rear end parts of the 007 indeed come from the Tamiya donor ( Engine,gearbox,suspension and rear wheels).
By Edwing E. Merlo Paredes | 11.27.2015 11:44
On several occasions, when surfing around HLJ, I saw the Greedy 9 on sale. To be honest, the tuning aspect of the art box showing this magnificent green Mazda RX-7, tempted me more than once, but it didn’t get me very excited cause in the short description of the kit, I realized that this is one of those models which doesn’t feature a detailed engine, and this is exactly, what I like, to get detailed engines. But, in the end, that tempting picture of the box really convinced me, thus I ordered it.
By Felice Ferriello | 11.17.2015 11:47
Tamiya offer an excellent model for Ferrari lovers, that can’t be missing in a collection. In my opinion, it’s a very complex kit so not recommended for novices or those who want to spend some time distracted and relaxed with a simple model. Its complexity obliges you to study very carefully the instructions preparing a building plan, altering the instruction steps to get a good result.
This article aims at sharing with the reader the work achieved during several months to superdetail this beautiful model, providing lots of images.
By Edwing E. Merlo Paredes | 11.17.2015 11:33
First of all, it’s necessary to take a look inside the box to be sure if the content is complete and in perfect conditions. One of the most common and discouraging problems is that once the project has started, we can find out that there are broken, distorted or missing parts.
By Patricio Delfosse | 10.01.2015 10:06
I’ve always been building military vehicles. My paint box is full of greens, grays, ochres and browns colors; and sand, gray and beige pigments. My shelf is full of Trumpeter, Tristar and Dragon boxes. Thank you, Verlinden for having launched the aftermarket industry for superdetailed kits for military vehicles. But however…sometimes I wish to build something different. Something glossy, with a lot of decals. Something fast. It’s not my intention to teach to build cars. This note is simply an experiment to see how somebody who doesn’t use to build cars, does it I admit that what scares me most, is to get a smooth and gloss paint finish. I hope to reach a decent final result in the end!!
By Fabrice Marechal | 09.12.2015 10:58
By Marcos Cruz | 06.29.2015 11:12
What I am about to share with you guys does not have anything to do with how much the wiring, plumbing or even photo-etch detail aid or assist in creating a truly unique replica of a real car but rather the basics and fundamentals of obtaining a professional and clean looking model car. For the purpose of this article, I decided to choose the Revell 1966 Chevy SS 396 Hardtop.
By Fabrice Marechal | 06.23.2015 11:29
By Fabrice Marechal | 06.22.2015 22:12
By Fabrice Marechal | 04.28.2015 11:50
Produced since 1961, the popular 4L, debuted at the 1961 Paris Show and ran in production for more than 31 years in France only, and later in neighbouring countries with the only aim to compete with the also famous Citroen 2CV without which, the 4L perhaps, would have never existed! In the 1990 decade, Renault was obliged to resign the production of the 4L, for their inability to adapt to the new European rules against contamination. With more than 8 million units, the 4L is still the best-seller French car. This article aims at sharing with the reader the modifications and improvements I made during the construction of the Ebbro kit.
By Fabrice Marechal | 04.01.2015 12:02
This kit is typical Revell with 10 sprues that contain around 100 parts. The parts that comprise the interior are injected in red plastic. Like the Superamerica, it comes with a separate hood to leave the engine visible. I’m afraid the weak point of the kit are the low quality over chromed parts. Vinyl tyres with realistic tread and waterslide decals complete the details. The aim of this article is to share with the reader my experience in the construction of this model, with some tips to improve it.
By Roy Fitzsimmonds | 04.01.2015 11:49
he large scale Airfix Bentley is a great model, if sometimes a little hard to find nowadays. There are often a few on eBay but you need to be patient to get one at a good price. I’ve seen them go for as much as £100, and as little as £35. I paid £45, which is a pretty good deal. First off, let me say that this isn’t a super-detailing article in the truest sense. I haven’t gone overboard, machining various bits in ally or brass, or re-making pieces in high tech workshops, but there are lots of fairly simple things you can do that will vastly enhance this model. Everything I’ve done can be done by the average "Joe Bloggs" at home.
By Fabrice Marechal | 04.01.2015 11:45
Both the Scania tractor and trailer are well known kits from Italeri. The main interest of this kit is perhaps the very good choice of decoration. The Scania R620 is well designed, however Italeri felt free when reproducing some parts, probably to simplify the kit and offer it at a relatively low price. Here you’ll find a mix of old kits of the series 3. This article aims at showing with pictures, the steps to get a good looking model and the improvements accomplished on it.
By Fabrice Marechal | 04.01.2015 11:43
While Tamiya always seem to focus on the mechanical parts of its models, Revell pays more attention to the variety of kits that we modelers want to see and build, which is the case with the Ferrari 575 Superamerica. The objective of this note is to share with you readers, the improvements which came up along the building process and my experiences with it.
By Antonio Busciglio | 04.01.2015 11:42
One of the most attractive aspects of modelling, in my opinion, is the detailing of mechanical parts, especially for old cars like this. So with this article I’ll share with the reader the work done in the nice Hasegawa Ferrari 312T2 1976 kit. The built model represents the car which Niki Lauda won the GP of Monaco with, over Scheckter and Depailler.
By Andreas Rousounelis | 03.13.2015 11:47
The Range Rover is a 4x4 luxury British that first entered production in 1970, and is currently at its fourth generation. The Revell kit depicts the first generation 5-door version. In the following sentences I will share my experience building the kit and some modes I made to improve it, I hope they will be useful for others.
By Thomas Halvarsson | 03.01.2015 14:12
By Geo Tziafas | 03.01.2015 10:44
Model Factory Hiro as usual gave us a outstanding kit made of metal and other multimedia parts. It isn’t an easy task to build this model, but in the end you will get a weighty master piece. With this article I aim to share with the reader what I did, I focused on taking as many photos as possible, adding a short explanation about them.
By Fabrice Marechal | 02.01.2015 10:04
By Fabrice Marechal | 02.01.2015 10:01
By Martin Klein | 01.07.2015 11:54
The 1/20 Tamiya kit provides full engine detail in contrast to the 1/24 version also available. Another difference between the two versions, is that the 1/20 kit also provides the decals for the 1978 version with red and white colour scheme (instead of blue) and so, I decided to build the 1978 version mainly because of the colour. One thing very difficult if you intend to detail such old kits is to find good references. So, I dived into my pile of old racing magazines and found a 1978 issue with a detailed development report of the car, containing several photos of car details.
By Guy Golsteyn | 01.01.2015 11:36
The Porsche 935 is one out of the seven 1:20 closed wheels kits that Tamiya has ever released. Of course there have been produced lots of 1:20 Formula 1 kits, to improve the detailing level in comparison to 1:24 cars, but as far as 1:20 tin top cars are concerned, Tamiya only produced four Porsches, two Fiat cars and one Toyota. The kit with reference number 20005 (equivalent to the fifth 1:20 scale kit) was this Porsche 935. The kit allows to build either the 1976 factory version with ‘Martini'-livery, or the 1977 customer version with ‘Jägermeister'-livery. Because I couldn’t make up my mind whether to build the factory version or the customer version, I purchased the kit twice so that both versions can be built.
By Edwing E. Merlo Paredes | 12.17.2014 19:41
Nowadays, There are not a great many 1/12 car model kits available. Perhaps, you may find some, from Doyusha, Fujimi, Tamiya, Monogram, Revell, around the Internet. From my point of view, the 1/12 scale has some disadvantages with respect to the 1/24 scale, these models size and the apace they take at the time of being displayed either in your house or at exhibitions; besides one must be extremely careful with the details, since they will be more visible.
By Edgardo Azzollini | 11.30.2014 12:46
The model represents the Ferrari 312/69 (0019), drove by Chris Amon (NZ), Monaco 1969, 1st practice on Thursday, May 15th 1969. This article has been written following the kit Instructions, showing pictures of each step, and it aims to be a guide for others that want to follow the same way.
By Fabrice Marechal | 11.04.2014 20:07
By Juan Layos Pantoja | 10.31.2014 10:15
This is one of those kits resting on our shelves which for one reason or another, we’ve never built and perhaps one day, not knowing why, one decides to get down to work! Let me mention that it was not a straightforward kit to build, besides of being an old one, some parts don’t fit properly as it use to happen with some Tamiya kits, especially with regard to the hood which needed to be dry fitted prior to the paint body work and subsequently.
By Fabrice Marechal | 10.01.2014 11:01
The LaFerrari accelerates from 0-100 km/h in less than 3 seconds and has a top speed exceeding 350 kilometres per hour (220 mph). 499 copies will be produced and sold for an astronomical price more than one million euros, clearly not within everyone’s reach. So, take advantage of this opportunity Tamiya gives us to start building our own LaFerrari…at quite a considerable price…
By Mario Covalski | 09.13.2014 18:53
In December 2004, I published an article about the 1/12 Tamiya Caterhams, based on two customized models I had built during 2004. By then and since 1993 that this kit was released, I had eight custom built Caterhams and with variants on the original subject manufactured by Tamiya. It’s not my intention to repeat all the introduction you can find in the note published in 2004, I invite you to read it > Here. Now, after three years, I decided I would finish some projects I had started, and in this note, I will share with you all about them with the help of good pictures. Though this is not a high technical content article as the one written in 2004, where I explain how every detail was accomplished, I hope it helps to encourage scale car modelers to build some of these beautiful kits.
By Alessandro Prini | 08.29.2014 12:04
The result showed below, is a mix of Tamiya 1/24 Porsche 911 GT3, Scale Production GT3-R transkit, Quik Skins BMW M3 Gtr wheels, Scale Production and Carpena Red Bull decals sets. The Tamiya GT3 is a curbside model, lovely as usual, with the exception of the doors fenders (definitely oversized), taillights and headlights in the area of the turn signals (too simplified).
By Fabio Bonilla | 07.15.2014 10:56
To carry out this model, I got the Tamiya Mitusbishi Lancer VII WRC (item 24257) and the 1/24 Lancer WRC 05 transkit from Studio 27....
By Hakan Guney | 06.30.2014 11:18
I wanted to build a hotrod but as there wasn’t a complete kit that satisfied me, I decided to build my own, starting from parts coming from different kits I had in my spare box and stash.
By Guy Golsteyn | 06.11.2014 12:25
The Renaissance kit mainly consists of a whole load of resin parts, as usual, with some photo-etched sheets and a few aluminum turned parts to complete the kit. It is intended to be built with an opened left hand side door, which means we are going to an extra effort detailing the interior.
By Alessandro Prini | 06.06.2014 12:53
A mule or prototype car is used to test new materials and engineering concepts, so many details on the final car do not appear on the prototype. In the case of the 911 GT1, the first prototype car tested a new composite fiber material called Duroplast, and it was used on the car nose only. Over a period of eight months, between the end of 1995 and beginning of 1996, Porsche AG started testing its new 911 intended for the GT1 class. Although the styling of the GT1 retains some resemblance with the conventional 911, it is not the usual 911 but a highly advanced pure race version.
By Alessandro Prini | 05.27.2014 12:26
Following the “cutaway” mood of my Enzo and Testarossa, years ago in the same period I decided to cut even a World Rally Car. At that time Tamiya released its beautiful Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VII WRC, available were also some fine upgrade sets, so I had no doubts …and started cutting.
By Edgardo Azzollini | 05.24.2014 12:01
This article aims at sharing with the reader, my experience building the model that represents the car which won the 1967 Italian Grand Prix in the hands of John Surtees. Taking advantage of the opportunity of the step by step pictures I’ve been taking, the article will be based on commenting them.
By Marcos Cruz | 05.01.2014 11:34
We all have our favourite automotive genres and subjects when it comes to building models and while I consider myself to be pretty versatile, nothing pumps me more than having a Muscle Car on my table as my next project. The newly released Revell Hemi 'Cuda is one of those eagerly awaited kits and one that I just had to build once it became available. The kit offers two different build options, one is a street machine version and the other is a factory stock version. I decided to go with the factory stock version but opted to use different tires and wheels.
By Mario Covalski | 04.08.2014 11:25
One of the biggest challenges for a modeler who builds motorcycles in 1/12 scale, is to modify a wire wheel and make it look realistic; specially without having to buy an aftermarket kit. Anyway, there are no kits for this kind of modification (except for one of the Acu-stion for the Tamiya XV1600 kit), so it's not possible to get one. So any modeler attempting to do this task must rely in his/her ability in order, to get a good result.
By Fabrice Marechal | 04.01.2014 12:13
With this kit Revell has appreciably improved the molding quality. In fact, the body surfaces are smooth and shows nearly no plastic shrinkage as it was common before. The panel lines are also nice, the cowling can be opened and fits perfectly between the fenders and headlights, this was not the case in the former Revell Ferrari releases.
By Fabrice Marechal | 04.01.2014 11:48
Nissan in collaboration with Autech Japan have made a higher-end performance version of the Fairlady Z called the Nissan Fairlady Z Version NISMO. It received many changes such as a redesigned hood, change of tires to Bridgestone Potenza RE050A (from Potenza RE040); adoption of the VQ35HR engine, which delivers maximum power of 230 kW (313 PS)/6800 rpm, maximum torque of 358 N-m (36.5 kg-m)/4800 rpm and top engine speed of 7500 rpm, exclusive rear bumper, large-diameter sports muffler etc. The aim of this article is to share with the reader, the building process and painting of the model making special emphasis on the paint and problems the kit could have.
By Fabrice Marechal | 03.14.2014 18:40
ABT Sportsline is a motor racing and auto tuning company based in Kempten im Allgäu, Germany. ABT mainly deals with Audi, and the related primary Volkswagen Group brands - Volkswagen, Škoda, and SEAT. It was clear that ABT would not be satisfied just by preparing the new Golf but they would give to the Volkswagen Golf GTI a special treatment as the king of the compacts deserve.
By Edgardo Azzollini | 02.28.2014 11:35
When I started to build the Lotus 72 and having the Ebbro and MFH kits, I decided to tackle the three versions of the same car used during 1970. The kits have several mistakes, in my opinion, but finally the relation price / result is good and once finished the model is a superb piece that represents well the Colin Chapman’s creation.
By Roger Knight | 02.17.2014 10:28
When Mario asked me if I would consider writing an article on a project I agreed and then thought, which project would be most interesting… You see the vast majority of my models are very high value large scale Ferraris which although fabulous to build and make fantastic models are not particularly interesting to write about. There’s a lot of scratch building, adding nuts, bolts and some reshaping involved but using none of the skills you are not already familiar with so what might be of interest to a discerning and highly skilled readership…? I was helped when a client commissioned a fairly challenging model giving rise to the sort of project that may be interesting. This commission was for an exact replica of his own 1972 Porsche lightweight Carrera in 1:12 scale.
By Juan Madrazo Revilla | 02.13.2014 10:32
This kit belongs to the Tameo WCT series (World Championships), highly detailed, considered as a Multimedia Super kit by those fans of the 1/43 scale models. Basically, it features the body, nose, engine and gear box plus the uprights in white metal, as Tameo usually supply. Its molding quality is good, nearly no flashes. The material is excellent offering no problems at the time of filing the parts.
By Guy Golsteyn | 02.04.2014 10:59
I have been building model cars since the seventies, and amongst the hundreds of models I've built, there is exactly one single truck. About time I started building another truck, and in this case it will be a racetruck. It is the Mercedes 1450 LS in which Steve Parrish became European Champion Truckracing in 1990. The Revell kit is based on the truck as it raced during the Nürburgring GP in which Parrish came second, so that's the one I will be building. The scale of the truck is not 1/24, as you would expect, but 1/25.
By Yi-Hung Tsai | 01.31.2014 10:38
There are two 1/12 Diecast Mercedes Benz SLR model car products at present. One is the CMC’s SLR, super-detailed and costs 2000 USD, the other, produced by Motormax at a low price 100 USD but poorly detailed. Everybody loves the CMC’s SLR by the splendid details and the spectacular atmosphere it blows, however, when the price is told, nobody would dare to dream to own such an expensive model anymore, and the only word left is “WOW”. So, the second choice, certainly, will be the Motormax’s SLR for its low price but regrets and disappointments appeared.
By Edgardo Azzollini | 01.28.2014 09:24
The Eagle first appeared in F1 racing at the 1966 Belgian Grand Prix. The Weslake engine appeared in the car at the 1966 Italian GP. The chassis was of the “cigar tube” type, constructed from 90% aluminum alloy, with steel reinforcement. As the car was developed, titanium replaced steel for these reinforcement, and thanks to the lightweight achieved the 104 became the winning chassis with Gurney at the wheel. Besides the weight other changes were done on the car but these will be commented later in the article.
By Alessandro Prini | 01.23.2014 11:05
Since years I was willing to try a “fusion” among the Fujimi 911 Rsr and the Tamiya 911 GT2. I always loved this car and, since the Fujimi kit features street components instead of racing ones, the merging was mandatory.
By Alessandro Prini | 01.15.2014 21:07
I have already admitted I do not like the Enzo and, less than ever, now the Fxx. Difficult, in my opinion to build something more ugly, but this car is pure technology and the E.Jan transkit sounded immediately like an interesting challenging project. Once studied the contents, I opted to replicate the Fxx lifted on air jacks, wheels off and doors opened. Obviously with the engine well visible.
By Fabrice Marechal | 01.01.2014 11:48
In 1991 Mazda became the first Japanese manufacturer to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Mazda was also the only that produced rotary engines for competition use. Tamiya have offered the 787B chassis #002 in its 1991 Le Mans “Charge” livery. The kit of this article is a reissue of the white 787 and 787B that competed at Le Mans in 1991. Note that #18 is 787B chassis 001, whilst #56 is 787 chassis 002. The 18 finished 6th and 56 finished 8th overall at the 1991 Le Mans race.
By Fabrice Marechal | 12.14.2013 10:29
Upon opening the Nissan GR-R box, what attracts attention is that the body is molded in light gray (looks as if primed) with interior and chassis parts molded in black. In my opinion, it would have been more practical to have a white body. Beautifully plated –matte chrome parts are provided for the stylish wheels and other parts. Among other features you may add, the engine, clear plastic parts, decals, masks for the windshields, nylon meshes, metal transfers and the tires. Tamiya made them out of a material that makes them look less real than the ones provided with previous kits..
By Alessandro Prini | 12.04.2013 23:02
Rarely I’m building street versions of the supercars. I was honestly waiting for the Tecnomodel F430 GT when, upon request, I started working on one of the latest release from Fujimi: the Ferrari F430 Option Version, which differs from the standard one for the BBS wheels and the racing seats. Hmm… that’s ok, not a pure street version …it sounds better. The project will feature some improvements in the engine bay and, for the first time, I’ll use a Crazy Modeler product, a specific etched upgrading set intended for the Fujimi tool. Let’s go on.
By Hugh Rockwell | 11.25.2013 11:30
I purchased at HobbyLink Japan a set of Studio 27 Nurburgring decals and had planned to build the car in that silver livery but when I was looking through old Excellence magazines for reference, I found an article on a 904 which was privately campaigned by Ben Pon in 1964-65. His cars were finished in a bright orange in honor of his home country, the Netherlands. I decided that would be a good livery for the 910....
By Alessandro Prini | 11.14.2013 14:19
Generally speaking this is a very fine kit, rather well engineered, well molded with some dimensional inaccuracies in the nose area, front fenders and front wheelwells, too high. Wheels and tires, as well are not perfect. Various material used as usual, resin, photoetched frames, white metal, turned parts and well printed decals.
By Guy Golsteyn | 11.14.2013 10:35
It has been a while since I last built a rally car model in 1/24 scale. Well, I will not tease the rally fans any longer and get to work: I decided to use a CBCom transkit to convert a Ford Escort group A into a Ford Escort WRC. I'm talking about the Ford Escort used by Belgian rally drivers Patrick Snijers and Dany Colebunders during the 1997 Circuit des Ardennes Rally which unfortunately they didn't finish.
By Edwing E. Merlo Paredes | 11.03.2013 10:48
First of all, it’s necessary to take a look inside the box to be sure if the content is complete and in perfect conditions. One of the most common and discouraging problems is that once the project has started, we can find out that there are broken or missing parts.
By Edwing E. Merlo Paredes | 10.25.2013 11:52
The Volkswagen Beetle is undoubtedly one of the most popular cars in all the history. The attractive and singular body’s shape has turned it into an icon in our recent history. At the end of the 60s, Disney Studios decide to immortalize the small car taking it to the cinema screen in Herbie, a movie in which this beetle played a central role and five sequences came later. The first movie The Love Bug which was known in Spain as Ahí va ese Bólido, was premiered in 1969.
By Christian Franke | 10.23.2013 11:54
Doyusha offered both in the 90s and later only the Monte Carlo’s, making finally the San Remo Rally with the Pirelli team livery.
I’ve been trying to get this kit but it’s discontinued although still it’s possible to find it from some online stores/shops and on ebay. I bought one that had been partially built, which involves double work, missing parts, etc. This article aims at sharing with pictures the experience to rescue and old odd kit, improving it to the best of my skills.
By Erik Fontein | 10.20.2013 11:00
This typical Danish truck is used by FALCK in Denmark for transport of a range of vehicles. For not drivable cars, campervans, trucks, forklifts, 4x4, agricultural vehicles etc. But of origin is it intended for the transport of broken and stranded agricultural vehicles. Many farmers in Denmark are connected to the FALCK organization. So if there's an agriculture vehicle with technical problems or stuck, than FALCK will help. During a holiday in Denmark I have been given the opportunity to take photos of a similar vehicle and trailer. Also I could take the measures of both.
By Felice Ferriello | 10.17.2013 09:55
I think that this is a very beautiful kit any Ferrari lover will appreciate especially due to the fact that it was the first testarrossa of the series, besides of being a very attractive car full of magic as a classic and collectible car. You can get this kit for a cheaper price than other ones offered in resin. As a point of fact, it makes an excellent addition to any enthusiast’s collection. Hasegawa has offered us the chance of having this nice car which has been well engineered in spite of a few difficulties and, I believe it’s worth building it.
By Fabrice Marechal | 10.14.2013 17:30
It was in 1978 when I saw for the first time, the Tamiya Porsche 934 at a hobby shop. Though, the 1/12 model was built straight from the box and without paint, the details seemed to be surrealist and impossible to imagine up to that moment. It was my first approach to that Tamiya kit in 1/12 scale. Perhaps, with the aim of re releasing that success, several years ago Tamiya manufactured the same car, winner of so many championships, but in 1/24 (the most popular scale) which is the subject of this article that aims at helping the less experienced modeler to build the new Tamiya Porsche.
By Mario Covalski | 10.14.2013 10:54
If you’re a Ferrari fan in 1/12 scale and want to add a F40, F50 and Enzo to your collection, you’ll find nothing good to build. There two kits available of the F40: one from Protar/Revell and the other from Monogram but in my opinion, none of them are worth the effort. Thus there’s no other solution than resorting to the diecast Tamiya and Kyosho have been offering. Without entering into details, the Tamiya Enzo and the Kyosho F40 are acceptable but not the Tamiya F50 1997 release.
By Mario Covalski | 10.11.2013 21:07
By Mario Covalski | 10.02.2013 11:21
I have been building the 1/12 Caterham from Tamiya since 1994, right now I don’t remember how many of them I have built but think I did 14 of them. Some were sold other remains in my showcase. In fact I built more as I use to disassemble the old ones and with new techniques and / or inspiration I make new ones, always letting my imagination fly freely.
By Edwing E. Merlo Paredes | 09.22.2013 12:33
The aim of this article is to give the reader a detailed and comprehensive guide. Here you’ll have typical indications for the most experienced modelers but very useful for newcomers or for those about to take their first steps into scale model cars. In spite that this kit is simple, it’s very important to follow the instructions to avoid unexpected surprises. In spite that modelers use to skip or change the order in the instruction steps, I’ll build this kit as per instructions.
By Edwing E. Merlo Paredes | 09.15.2013 12:15
During many years, I thought that Tamiya was the only manufacturer of Japanese 1/12 car kits. And, until the arrival of the Internet, I used to go to local hobby stores to purchase the kits I wanted. Then, surfing the net, I found sites as Modelersite where I discovered lots of new things and brands, other scale models, and above all, different ways of seeing and developing this activity.
By Fabrice Marechal | 09.13.2013 12:30
The Lexus LFA is one of the so-called “supercars” conceived as a racing prototype and a production model. One of its main features is the extensive use of carbon fiber, its V10 engine, and the chassis which is separable from the monocoque for maintenance purposes. Tamiya has done something really remarkable in reproducing some of the aerodynamic and mechanical features, such as the adjustable spoiler, which makes this kit the “flagship” of its 1/24 sports car line. Our main goal in this note is to help the novice modeler in the building and finishing of this Tamiya super kit.
By Mario Covalski | 07.23.2013 18:53
The first Catherham from Tamiya coming to my hands at the end of 1994, was the “Cycle Fender Special” (10202), since the “Super Seven BDR was out of stock, and it was impossible for me to get it from the stores I used to buy kits. From that moment on, my affair with which, I think is the best scale car kit ever produced, began. And here my comment: probably, you have seen better detailed kits, or even superb models limited editions.
By Mario Covalski | 07.23.2013 11:27
If you reach for the first time to my articles related to the Tamiya Caterham in 1/12 scale, perhaps you’ll surprise yourself with the model I show you this time, but let me tell you that I’ve been building these kits since the first release in 1994. I’ve built 14 models to date, some of them were sold to collectors, others are in my showcase and a couple waiting to be recycled. The article is based on showing the reader how a model can be recycled for its use, converting it in a different project from the original.
By Denis R.S.Bomfim | 06.24.2013 10:16
This kit is the AMT 34 Ford very modified. When I opened the kit box inmediuately I realized I wanted to make a different car, and using references of real cars, I got this result. The roof was lowered, the door windows were changed, for the nose I used the one from the 37 Ford Delivery. The front grille was scratchbuilt, I placed the exhausts on the side, the fuel fill cap on the fender, all the interior was remade. Many other details can be seen in the pictures. I hope you like it ...!
By Alessandro Prini | 06.16.2013 11:29
Perfectly engineered, the Corolla is an ideal base to go deep into a plastic surgery. The first step concerns the removal of hood, trunk and driver door. A round blade installed on a motor rotary tool, has been used to cut the mentioned parts.....
By Roberto Jacobone | 06.06.2013 10:40
This Porsche 911 has been built in a few nights to be entered at the “Trofeo Tamiya” which took place the day I completed the model. I normally have no problems in starting new projects but then I struggle to finish one, except if I have to enter a contest. At that time the 911 Carrera was a relatively new issued kit, so mine would have been the first one seen at a contest in my area, that’s the reason why I choose a non-standard eye-catching color and showy wheels.
By Alessandro Prini | 06.02.2013 11:05
Alfa Romeo entered the 1996 season with the aerodynamic arrangement from the previous season. After the first two races (two defeats) the Fiat Corse team started developing, step by step, some aerodynamic modifications such as additional front lateral wings, hood louvers and air vents behind the front wheels. I decided to replicate step 1 even if, to do so, I came to a compromise for what concern the livery which is not 100% correct, but I imagined it something like a test car. The car subject of the photo-array comes from the 1996 late season with all the modifications above mentioned; the car is displayed at the Alfa Romeo Museum in Arese (Milano), seat of the remaining Alfa Romeo plant...
By Olivier Gordat | 05.27.2013 11:00
Pescarolo 01 chassis used during the 2011 season was derived from the chassis used in 2009 and powered by Pescarolo Sport Judd GV V10 engine. So Simil'R provides us with a beautiful 1/24 kit under the reference 151105.
By Guy Golsteyn | 05.24.2013 13:47
As a tribute to this great man, who is still very much missed, I decided to build all the 1:20 Senna kits in my stash, which will end up in a complete Senna collection of all the cars he ever drove since 1984, when his F1-carreer started. Since Fujimi now released two karts which he drove in 1981 and 1993, they will complete the line-up of F1-cars perfectly.
By Lukasz Rybacki | 04.25.2013 11:15
After get the first prize for my highly detailed Ferrari Enzo in "Italian Job", a competition in a modelling forum, I wanted to do something simple just for fun. So I decided to make my variation of Gallardo using as base the Fujimi kit #12259, Lamborghini Gallardo by Sportec DX. From the beginning I wasn’t making a copy of a specified car. The key in this build was to take a little from various Gallardo versions and make my own and that looks good.
By Juan Layos Pantoja | 04.17.2013 11:46
It’s not usual to find in 1/24 scale, the model we like to build, just because they’re not available in the market, anyway you can get the transkit which includes parts and accessories that allows us to make conversions starting from one vehicle. In this case I’ll convert a Porsche 911 road car into GT3 Le Mans 2000....
By Mario Covalski | 04.09.2013 12:27
On 2005 Tamiya offered the Ferrari Enzo for their already built series. Although the models were offered like die-cast, just the motor, floor and other chassis parts were made of white metal, other parts were plastic and a gorgeous painted ABS body. I obtained the model on 2001 in an auction at eBay for a ridiculous low price. I wanted the red but the low price immediately made the yellow as my favorite color. My first impression, when I received the terrific packaging, was little disappointed. The engine and brakes were poor detailed and crude painted, although the carbon fiber texture, interior and fabric seat belts was well represented.
By Alessandro Prini | 04.03.2013 12:50
By Giulio Marrucci | 04.02.2013 10:24
The old ESCI kit reissued by Italeri. Good size and detail. The moulding quality is not so bad considering the age. You need a lot of sandpaper to correctly shape almost the entire model. Decals: good quality, poor choice. Painted with model master. Wash with Vallejo. Dry brushed with Tamiya Weathering Master and Mr. Hobby powder. Suggestion: pre assemble as much as you can according to the colours and paint/weather the remaining separately. The leather and wooden parts have been painted using Vallejo acrylic. The fabric has been reproduced with tissue paper hardened with diluted white glue.
By Erik Fontein | 03.26.2013 19:59
For this model I have used the reissue of the Italeri MAN 26.321 Formul6 kit. For references taken from the internet I removed the sleeper from the cab. On the roof rack, which was intended for the spoiler, I have a headlight and beacons placed. From the bumper I have removed the under spoiler and behind the cab is a vertical exhaust and air filter installed.
By Mark Jones | 03.18.2013 11:46
I started this original issue Monogram Camaro back in the ‘90s. I was swapping in a Big-Block 427 to replace the kit's Small Block 302 and putting a C4 Corvette front suspension under the front end....
By Alexander Yañez | 03.18.2013 11:02
I had been keeping this 4x4 truck in my waiting list for years and before purchasing it, I had already thought that I would add some off-road accessories. I began cleaning the parts with dishwashing detergent, cutting them from the sprue as I needed. First, I set to work on the body. I used wet sand #1200 to remove flashes, mold marks, and to get a better adherence of paint. I sanded with wet sandpaper until getting a matt body.
By Daniele Limelli | 03.11.2013 10:51
By Juan Madrazo Revilla | 03.05.2013 10:33
The Porsche 550 RS is the first serious attempt to create an authentic competition car Ernst Fuhrmann was in charge of designing a competition engine (project 547) and Wilhelm Hild headed the development of a new chassis (project 550). This vehicle was displayed for the first time to public at the 1953 Paris Automobile Salon.
By Fabrice Marechal | 02.25.2013 09:49
With this version of Cayman, the German constructor was really inspired., especially regarding the front bumper which adds a more aggressive look and gives the car an aerodynamic silhouette. Looking the car’s profile, there are not changes, the side skirts were cut and are similar to the ones in the 911 GT3. The double aileron gives the car even a more aggressive look besides of improving the superior driving stability and road adherence at high speed. TechArt offer wheels in different sizes from 17 to 20 inches. Regarding the engine there are only a few improvements in the air inlet and electronics which allows to reach 310 HP.
By William Chan | 02.18.2013 19:34
Modelers released the J199 10 years ago. I got this kit from HobbyLink Japan after seeing a great build from Alex Kung in Canada. I waited for 10 years before I built it. Unfortunately, the kit is for early season, so some modification were necessary.
By Fabrice Marechal | 02.08.2013 09:48
During a visit to my friend Philippe, I had the opportunity of driving a red S2000, the test was fantastic and I simply fell in love with the car. As soon as Tamiya released the S2000 kit, I bought one right away to build a scale model of that red car The only reproach I could make is, that I had to build it with the steering wheel on the right-hand side.
By Sergey Torkhov | 02.03.2013 10:45
When I began to build scale cars, I wanted to build a model of such a beautiful car. The only one I could buy in those days was Italeri’s kit #687 “Lamborghini Diablo VT”. The model was assembled according to instructions and painted with a brush, I didn’t have an airbrush yet, I didn’t use masking tape, styrene or filler, and other niceties we have now, nor did I use Internet as a reference material source. Three years later, when I finished the “Can Do” wrecker, I decided to restore my yellow Devil.
By Mario Covalski | 02.01.2013 12:02
By Alessandro Prini | 01.24.2013 20:44
1/24 scale Multi-media Kit of the Ferrari 512BB Le Mans '79. Model Factory Hiro's full kits include resin-cast bodies, rubber tires, aluminum wheels, white metal suspension, photo-etched detail parts and decals. Full engine detail makes for a more complicated kit. Markings are included for N.A.R.T.'s number 64 (Henn/Delaunay/Grandet).
By Fabrice Marechal | 01.17.2013 12:27
Thanks our friend and contributor Fabrice we can have this nice walkaround of one of the F1's iconic car of the 70'
The link offers our PDF for the Tamiya kit.
By Alessandro Prini | 01.16.2013 12:21
Our magazine aimed since the beginning to have good content in the articles we proposed, explaining step by step the "how to" of each subject. However there was few cases where only the pictures were enough to understand how terrific a model was, and I sincerely believe this is one of them. I like very much the rally Subarus, mainly the coupes 98 and 99, and Alessandro did a good modelling work with both Tamiya 24199 kits, the Subaru Impreza WRC 1998.
By Mario Covalski | 01.12.2013 18:54
In 1993, when I discovered the 1/12 Tamiya Caterham, I absolutely fell in love with the kit and let me confess that after 15 years, I still feel the same. I've built 13 models based on the 10201, 10202 and 10203 Tamiya kits. Since the kits are so pricey, some of those models were sold to collectors and others were disassembled in order to build new versions. Speaking about this kit, last year in particular was quite intense since I built five models, combining parts, aftermarket...all in all, creating something new from the same parts. The one I'll show you here, was the last of that series, with a vintage look, sport style and some extra details that a car being on the leading edge of technology might have nowadays.
By Denis R.S.Bomfim | 01.12.2013 11:46
It all started with a joke, I built a rusted Mustang GT 350 to make a gift to a friend who only builds Mustangs. It was at a modelers meeting when he received a homage and the joke consisted of letting him know the arduous remodeling and restoration work he would have with this rusted Mustang. I took advantage of my work and presented it in a contest that took place in Campinas city. Finally, the model was “best of the show” and they called me mad for giving a winning model. My answer was.... I will have to make another rusted model for me.
By Mario Covalski | 01.12.2013 10:25
By Steve Boutte | 01.11.2013 12:02
By Guy Golsteyn | 11.30.2012 10:47
When I started this build, I decided to create a street model in British Racing Green. However, inspired by the Lotus Seven S II used in the Public Broadcasting System series, The Prisoner, I decided to paint the nose yellow. Since this small car would only look great with a successful paint job, I concentrated on the painting of the model first. Once this would be achieved, I could take a look at the detailing job of the other parts.
By Guy Golsteyn | 11.15.2012 10:31
It has been a while since I built my last Formula one model car. But seeing how promising the Ebbro Lotus kit looked, I couldn’t resist building it as soon as I got my hands on a sample. It’s Ebbro’s first attempt to release a 1/20 F1 model kit, and it’s a winner right away!. I think you could use Tamiya kits as a standard, and Ebbro managed to reach the same level instantly. The kit was designed by an ex-employee of Tamiya, and of course it’s showed clearly.
By Fabrice Marechal | 11.15.2012 10:30
By Roland NG | 11.15.2012 10:21
I’m a great Ferrari fan. Ever since the Enzo Ferrari was released by Tamiya, I have always wanted to build an Extreme detailed Enzo. My dream was finally realized in 2008 when I spent almost 6 months, test-fitting, scratchbuilding, recreating almost every single detail. Actually, this car was supposed to be ready by the end of 2007 in accordance to commemorate the 60th year of Ferrari history but unfortunately, I was unable to do so due to my busy schedule.
By Mario Covalski | 04.01.2011 12:19
Over the years, I’ve been tempted by those 1/6 engines from Revell, all of them were reproductions of icons of the North American automotive industry. I feel strongly attracted to these models not only due to their scale but also cause I’m a huge cars fan. Of course these kits don’t represent a full car but, in my opinion, the main part, the engine. This note aims at leading the reader to the construction (very simple) of one of the best of the series, the Hemi Drag, with minor modifications that will improve the final aspect of the model.
By Guy Golsteyn | 04.01.2011 11:51
By Mario Covalski | 08.01.2010 17:30
Building scale models doesn’t always mean to build static reproductions based on plastic or resin kits. Thus there are modelers who using raw materials, make models from scratch, without a commercial kit, others build models from paper, wood, etc or radio controlled ones…For many years, at the same time of building static models, I’ve been a big fan of radio control; in this way, I built ships, cars, aircraft and of course, I made them operate in the different scenarios they were created for. The aim of this article is to serve as an introduction to the scale RC cars focusing on my latter project, a Fiat Abarth 1000 built from the 1/10 Tamiya kit.
By Roger Knight | 08.01.2010 12:30
The object of this build was to make the model as the Fiat raced in 1907 rather than as it appears now in the Italian museum. It is on this museum exhibit that the Pocher kit is based and it is very different.
Apart from the car being painted entirely red, including the radiator surround and front wheels there are many other differences between the exhibit and the original car.
Other changes to the kit included replacing the 'plastic wood with real wood, floor boards and steering wheel rim and re-modelling the dash board to accurately represent the original.. it was red and not wooden as in the kit. Many plastic parts have been re made in brass and metal and the radiator grill was also remade replacing the plastic item supplied.
The seats where re-covered in leather and all of the straps and buckles have been scratch built. The side 'doors', for want of a better word are canvas on the original and the fabric supplied with the kit is far to thick to ever look convincing. I replaced these with silk as it hangs and folds in a much more realistic 'scale' manner. The engine, being very simplistic in the kit was enhanced using many scratch built parts
The tires on the original were white natural India rubber, as indeed all tires where at the turn of the last century. Carbon black was yet to be added to the rubber in 1907 so the tires supplied with the kit are incorrect (being black) but are correct for the museum vehicle. Model Motorcars ( www.modelmotorcars.com) produce many high quality after market parts for Pocher kits and their extensive range includes a replacement set of white tires for the Fiat so these were used to replace the supplied tires.
This model now represents accurately the 130 hp car in which Nazzaro won the 1907 French Grand Prix
By Patricio Delfosse | 04.01.2010 12:16
This new version of the Nissan GT-R has been painted with the Calsonic Impul team colors and features the aerodynamic modifications of this team itself. This point makes the difference between this and the previous kit Xanavi Nismo (#24308). The body mold captures the complex lines of the car and at the same time it offers a well engineered array of parts and is not very difficult to assemble.
By Sergey Torkhov | 10.01.2009 11:34
The box art from Italeri is beautiful as usual. I was particularly impressed with the sight of the white stripes on red, especially when the truck was standing on the sunrise. After its release in1995, this was the first model I wanted to build. But my dream came true until now. That’s better, because now I have the skills to build it in a better way. I liked the box art so much that I decided to build it according to it.
By Keiichi Aoki | 02.01.2009 11:59
This is not a building work for a brand new kit but a restoration work I built over 30 years ago. The Lamborghini Countach LP400 or LP500 models were released by several manufacturers including Tamiya which offered the 1/24 scale model just recently. However if you look for a big scale kit, Tamiya only offer a 1/12 radio control kit which doesn’t replicate neither interior nor engine. The kit I built is an Otaki 1/12 scale with cockpit, full engine, open doors, and retractable lights, etc. Doyusha as well as Testor offered the kit coming from the same Otaki moulds.
By Michael Schneider | 09.01.2008 12:36
Most fans of modelcars have the desire to individualize their Porsche. The owners of real Porsches visit tuners like Gemballa, Ruf or Techart. Now the modeler has the opportunity to buy the transkit from Scale Production.
By Mario Covalski | 09.01.2008 11:26
If you know the Pocher kits, you may miss out this part of the note to go straight to the construction steps, nevertheless, if you are a newcomer, I guess you’ll be interested in knowing about the Pocher kits which were produced during 40 years. The aim of this note is to share with the reader the experience of the construction of a kit of this nature. You’ll not find here a pure technique article, cause my main guide was a real step-by-step construction guide on CD, I purchased on eBay, including several models, anyway, each Pocher is different, and I’ll add some comments and pictures as well as giving you practical tips, advices about my techniques...etc.
By Alessandro Prini | 04.01.2008 12:22
For 1997, a series of customer 911 GT1 replicas were produced and sold, while the Factory entered a pair of updated 911 GT1 Evo models both at Le Mans and in the new FIA GT championship. The Factory GT1's took charge at Le Mans until both were put out of action during the latter stages of the event due to mechanical failures. The #26 driven by Dalmas-Collard-Kelleners would go down in flames after 327 laps while leading the race. Nearly accidentally, many years ago I bought this UT Models kit, the first UT for me. Since I had doubts concerning the quality and the livery I left the box in my shelf for a long time. Months ago I completed the 1998 GT1 and having yet built the 1996 GT1, it was natural...
By Guy Golsteyn | 01.01.2008 10:52
In this article I will explain step by step how to build the Tamiya Porsche 911 Turbo ‘88, without using special or complicated tricks. I will limit myself to the box parts only and use strictly basic techniques without any scratchbuilding or aftermarket parts. Doing so, I will prove that it is still possible to build a nice and realistic “out of box” model.
By Edwing E. Merlo Paredes | 05.01.2007 11:16
Gunze Sangyo offer us two high quality kits, good plastic injection and excellent fit, but unfortunately comprising not a great deal of details, just the bare essentials. Nevertheless, parts are made out of top quality plastic with no flashes, showing a few mould marks which can be easily removed by sanding.
By Alessandro Prini | 04.01.2007 12:08
Usually I am not concerned with production cars but, inspirated by some drawings published in Quattroruote (the most important Italian cars magazine) during the 80’s, I decided to start a series of cutaway models, revealing the beautiful technique hidden under their body panels. Some sport cars from the Tamiya range (namely Ferrari) are the perfect bases to carry out this long-term project, so let’s begin with the Testarossa.
By Alessandro Prini | 09.01.2006 12:04
By Steve Boutte | 04.01.2006 12:18
While browsing an online photo album of photos from a custom car event in Paso Robles California, I saw a few shots of this particular 1949 Ford. This really inspired me to finally do something with one of the AMT 1949 Ford kits I had been having for a while. One thing was definite, the top would be chopped, but it would also be lengthened a bit , which I feel gives the car a sleeker look. Another change would be raising the front wheel wells a couple of scale inches. This is an easy way to make the body look less heavy, & once again, a bit more sleek...
By Martin Swire | 02.01.2005 10:45
By Mario Covalski | 12.01.2004 19:01
By Steve Desarzens | 11.01.2004 11:45
I’ve always been a huge fan of “Back To The Future” movies. When I discovered that a Japanese brand I didn’t know the name before had manufactured a kit of the famous Delorean, I had to buy it!. I built the kit following more or less the instructions sheet from Aoshima. The first stage was to place the system that allows the model to fold its wheels. Even if I built the Delorean of the first film, Aoshima has manufactured the kit in different versions according to the films. In the second movie, the Delorean can fold its wheels and turn into an hovercraft. The system is quite clever but once the wheels are stuck, they don’t put very flat on the ground. Therefore, I decided to glue the wheels definitely so as they won’t move when I handle the kit.
By Dave Hessler | 06.01.2004 11:35
If you're an avid modeler then I'm sure you're like me and have an overwhelming stash of stuff: complete kits, partially started projects, parts boxes, after-market items, etc. Don't forget that closet that's stacked up to the ceiling with your "next projects". Most of us will have to live to be 100+ years old in order to complete every, single model kit in our collections. Of course, we all still buy more to add to our "collections". Even when I finish a project I have a hard time deciding just which kit I'm going to build next. Decisions, decisions!
By Thomas Halvarsson | 12.01.2003 12:06
By Mario Covalski | 03.01.2000 14:46
By Thomas Halvarsson
By Guy Golsteyn
By Thomas Halvarsson
By Marco Smeriglio
By Claude Reiser
By Alessandro Prini
By Juan Madrazo Revilla
By Tony Lyne
By Claude Reiser
By Claude Reiser
By Peter Radcliffe
By Juan Madrazo Revilla
By Juan Madrazo Revilla
By Greg Hayes
By Angel Collado
By Tsaibau
By Francisco Manuel Martín Cobos
By Claude Reiser
By Juan Madrazo Revilla
By Paul Koo
By Juan Madrazo Revilla
By Rafael Zambrino
By Nicolas Perez Fiorentini
By Juan Madrazo Revilla
By Emilio Wada
By Mario Covalski
There are a lot of plastic models manufacturers, whose instruction manuals are clear and well structured. However, there are others quite complicated in their sequential steps, making the building a real nightmare for the beginner. This happens even with the more experienced companies. From our personal point of view, the least explicit manuals are those by some American companies (AMT, ERTL, Revell and Lindbergh) because, in most cases, they don't even include a color guide. Some of the most prestigious companies have well illustrated manuals with an excellent information, although they have a certain difficulty in the building process, making the sequence difficult to follow.
By Tony Allen
This is my first attempt to build a model by Studio 27 and I have to say my first impression was not very encouraging. On opening the box of a very expensive kit I found a very well moulded body with fine engraving of panels and fixings. The photoetch set again was very sharp as were the decals, but from there on things went downhill. The white metal castings I thought were crude in the extreme, suspension, engine detail exhausts etc were poor. However as this was a model for a friend I did my best.
By Javier Alba
By Juan Madrazo Revilla
By Jean-Paul Spa
Ford's pre 1928 "Tall T" cars peaked in popularity with street rodders in the early to mid 70's, then seemed to fall out of favor as street rod fashion shifted to high tech billet aluminum in the '80 and early '90. Today, however, the early T body styles are making a comeback, as rodders are rediscovering their classic, formal proportions and old-timey details. Of course, even with their old time flavor, most current street rods are running the thickest of automotive technology underneath, and this '26 Ford T Sedan Delivery is no exception.
By William Chan
This is one of many popular Ferrari F1 racers. Michael Schumacher won his third championship with this famous F1-2000. Tamiya has done an excellent job in producing this famous F1 racer. I have taken 7 months to build this Ferrari....
By Victor Reis
The Pocher Kits, all in 1/8 scale, are beautiful and with full of details, specially the Classic Series, with a number of pieces up to almost 3000. They also have many defects and can drive you crazy, but when finished they can be a true art piece. The doors open with a key, the headlights work, the seats are in fabric, etc., but if you play with them they will not work for a long time This kits are very fragile, so it's better to let them quiet, look only.
By Stuart Benford
By Paul Adams
By Mario Covalski
By Christof Bircher
By Christian Jung
By Angel Collado
By Tony Allen
By William Chan
By Robert Kriger
By Christof Bircher
By Edward Lowdell
By Dan Parrat
By Chris Webb
By Alessandro Prini , Text Roberto Jacobone
By Steve Desarzens
By Robert Kriger
By Rafael Zambrino
By Kelly Zak
By Mario Covalski
I know that we're talking about kits that were manufactured 25 years ago, but oh God... what kits! I think that modeling in general has lost a lot without kits of these characteristics. There were attempts from Hasegawa, Fujimi, and Otaki in the big scale (1/12), trying to present kits with the same quality, not to forget Doyusha, but none of them had the "life" of Tamiya's Porsches; maybe there is an exception, the Lancia Stratos manufactured by Otaki for Nitto; this kit is currently marketed by Doyusha, but we'll talk about this model in a future note.
By Christof Bircher
I do not exactly remember why I bought the Tamiya 1/18 kit of the Lola a few years ago. At that time, I was not too much into model building yet. But I guess I was just intrigued by this red powerful CanAm racer from which as far as I know no other model (whatever scale) is available.
By Michael Schneider
Some time ago some modelling friends and I, had the idea to build a well known car in different ways. There was only one rule: the base for the model had to be the ´57 Chevy Bel Air kit from AMT/Ertl.
By Jacques A. Chauveau
By Erik Fontein
By Mario Covalski
By Mario Covalski
By Miles Lumbard
By Andrew Cham
By Alfred Chan
By Dave Hessler
By Christopher Hara
By Gergo Marosi
By Mark Jones
By Dale King & Charles Fox
By Angel Collado
By Mario Covalski
Looking at racing motorcycles, under the point of view of the real machines, I'm not an expert, that means, I'm not thoroughly informed about world championships, and I'm not a fun of these mechanical wonders as well.....just I feel pleasure when constructing these kits, straight from the box. However, I know that the 211 is a real new, because of its engine, and races won (which I guess this model follows getting with the 2003 version).
By Michael Schneider
By Paul Koo
By Peter Radcliffe
The origins of 1/43 scale are the early dinky toys, which were originally produced as accessories for O gauge model railways which were popular at the time, this was a real "bastardisation" of a scale being 7 mm to 1 foot! O gauge lost its popularity but by then Dinky was established and the scale stayed as the standard for diecast toys although for some strange reason most commercial vehicles were made in 1/50th.
By Javier Alba
By Miles Lumbard
This car, GT40 P/1083, is the only one sold directly by the factory. It was originally tested by David Hobbs at the Thruxton Circuit, and sold to Team Colegio Arte e Instrucao in Brazil, who raced it from 1969 through 1971. It was then sold to Wilson Fittipaldi, who raced it on and off, with Bardahl sponsoring, and used it as his personal road car! It has been raced in vintage events by different owners since 1982. The current owner purchased the car in 2002, and as you can see by the stickers, has raced it in numerous events...
By Thomas Halvarsson
By Tony Allen
By Dan Parrat
By Thomas Halvarsson
By Juan Madrazo Revilla
By Alfredo Molina Reynoso
By Alessandro Prini
By Michael Schneider
When the Revell Dodge Charger SRT8 kit arrived to the model-shops, I had to buy one. However, opening the box, these big wheels and the Lambo-style doors didn't hit my taste very much, I was more looking for a style similar to the former musclecars.
By Rad Fismistr
In 1979 Tamiya produced their first true off road chassis. The model came with fully dampered independent suspension, sealed gearbox and radio box, allowing it to run through puddles and in muddy terrain without water getting into the electrics and gearbox. All the bodies were made from highly detail injection moulded plastic. The Sand Scorcher is now one of the most sought after kits from that era. Most Tamiya RC collectors dearly want one of these Vintage models in their collections. Many collectors love the standard looks of the Sand Scorcher and some collectors modify the body and the chassis. This article is about one such modified Sand Scorcher and how it was done.
By Geoff Brown
This model is the very first model kit made by Gunze Sangyo, (Now Mr Hobby), that I have built, I'm not really sure why, but I wish I had built some of these earlier, some of the there Hi tech series kits did have engine detail, but this kit is a simply curbside model, i.e no engine or gearbox detail, but the way the model looks at the end of the build makes up for it.
By Rene Espinosa
By Guy Golsteyn
Un tiempo atrás compré un kit en escala 1/24 de Le Mans Miniatures en una gran feria de modelismo en Holanda: era el Matra MS 670 B que incluía la figura del conductor Henri Pescarolo. Lamentablemente, cuando abrí la caja, parecía que faltaba la figura del conductor como así también una importante plancha de piezas de fotograbado. Fue una desilusión. Afortunadamente el dueño de la tienda donde compré fue muy amable, y unas semanas más tarde, las piezas estaban en mi buzón de correspondencia. El kit hace posible construir varias versiones diferentes de los Matra de todas las carreras de 1973 excepto el de las 24 horas de Le Mans. Pero ya había construido ese auto en escala 1/43, así que no era un problema.
By Fabrice Marechal
By William Chan
By Roberto Ghedini
By Gergo Marosi
By Dave Hessler
By Dan Parrat
By Dave Hessler
By Mario Covalski
By Tony Allen
By Christof Bircher
By Kelly Zak
By Tony Allen
By Christian Jung
By Dave Hessler