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MIXED FORTUNES AT ESTORIL
UPGRADED/EXPANDED: NuNu’s 1/20 McLaren MP4/2C is a stunning package for F1 modellers. Here, CHRIS CLIFFORD expands on our original review, with parts photos, and narrative on the kit’s bespoke Detail-Up set.
BUILD-AND-PLAY FUN
The variety of subjects available as beginners’ kits is incredible, even compared to just a few years ago, with Airfix’s Bugatti Chiron a prime example.
FARE TO THE FRONT
ICM regularly pairs its automotive kits with figure sets, but this example is slightly unusual, combining the firm’s 1/35 Renault Type AG taxi with a driver and three French infantrymen.
CLASSIC BUS
Having started with the VW T1 Samba and subsequently released cargo and Kombi versions, Revell has come full circle with the original T1 Microbus, recognisable via its 11-window configuration.
PICK-UP THE HOBBY!
Here’s another Quickbuild release aimed at drawing younger modellers to the hobby, in the form of a Ford F-150 pick-up truck with a deep blue finish and ‘Raptor’ branding, denoting this is the high-performance version.
LOTS OF TROUBLE, USUALLY SERIOUS
EXTRA IMAGES INSIDE: Tamiya’s 1/24 Lotus Europa has returned with a newly tooled runner containing RS Watanabe wheels (similar to Minilites) and optional rear wing – both were popularised in Japan by The Circuit Wolf manga.
BOXY BEEMER
Comprising eight styrene runners, a one-piece bodyshell and four vinyl tyres, Hobby NuNu’s BMW M3 Grand Tourer returns in Auto Tech racing team livery, as it appeared at the 1991 Japanese Touring Car (JTC) and Macau Group A events.
QUATTRO RACER
Hobby NuNu’s second boxing of its Audi R8 LMS contains the same eight styrene runners, single-piece bodyshell and four vinyl tyres as the initial offering, but complements these with markings for a grand-tourer racer at the Macau Grand Prix (#6) or a ‘factory’ machine (#7).
Fabulous Feline
The arrival of Revell’s 1/24 new-tool E-type Jaguar fixed-head coupé coincides roughly with the 50th anniversary of the real car’s launch, although the parts are most appropriate for a 1962-produced vehicle.
FIZZ ON WHEELS
Airfix’s Quickbuild series is a great way to introduce youngsters to the hobby, and the bright schemes adopted are sure to grab the attention.
‘PROFESSOR’ IN PORTUGAL
Fresh to NuNu’s range of automotive kits is this 1/20 McLaren MP4/2C, with decals supplied to replicate the vehicles raced at the 1986 Portuguese Grand Prix, held at the Estoril circuit.
SPORTY TWO-SEATER
After an absence of more than three decades, Tamiya’s lovely Super 7 is back, adding a revised photo-etched (PE) metal fret plus self-adhesive vinyl seat harnesses to the existing four styrene runners.
AFRICAN RACER
Italeri has re-released ESCI’s 1/24 Mercedes-Benz 450 SLC as raced in the 1979 Rallye Bandama, an event infamous for its arduous conditions.
SLEEK COUPÉ
Here’s the return of Airfix’s 1/32 Maserati Indy, first released in 1973, when the real vehicle (which was named for the company’s 1939 and 1940 Indy 500 wins) was still in production.
MAKING A SPLASH
With 11 styrene runners, separate bodyshell and floorpan, vinyl mesh and four hollow tyres, Hobby NuNu’s Mitsubishi Lancer Turbo makes a colourful splash in its Team Ralliart 1982 Rally of 1000 Lakes livery.
EUROPEAN HAULER
Italeri’s latest IVECO Hi-Way truck has an established pedigree, being based on the Stralis chassis/body.
DRAUGHTMAN'S DRIVE
VW’s Golf GTI is one of those classic car designs, and Revell’s latest version offers a different take on the sporty three-door hatchback, in that the colour scheme is on an ‘X-ray’ theme, showing internal components in white.
DESERT TWO-WHEELER
Italeri has continued to re-release ex-Protar kits with new packaging and decals, with the latest being a Paris-Dakar Rally BMW R80G/S 1000.
OPEN-TOP KADETT
As was the case with its 1/35 Moskvitch 400/420 soft-top, ICM has waited seven years since reworking its 1/35 Opel Kadett K38 to depict the cabriolet ‘Spezial’.
HEAVY HAULAGE
Here’s the perfect accompaniment for Italeri’s range of 1/24 truck kits, in the form of the firm’s same-scale 40ft container and trailer.
HEAVY METAL HAULER
Having catered for Kiss and AC/DC fans, Revell has now re-released the Monogram Kenworth with markings for British rock legends Motörhead, and the scale is consistent with its other heavy metal-associated releases.
SNAP-FIT SPORTSCAR
Here’s an offering that’s perfect for attracting a younger ‘petrolhead’ to the world of modelling, in the form of Airfix’s new-tool Quickbuild Audi TT Coupé, depicting the third (and final) generation of this German sportscar.
NÜRBURGRING LEGEND
Here’s another blast from the past in the shape of a re-boxed Protar Porsche 956 in Italeri packaging.
TIN LIZZIE TOURER
ICM’s 1/24 Model T Ford has been released in various guises since its initial offering in 2014, and this value-for-money package combines the five-seat ‘Touring’ version (24002) with the company’s American Motorist figures (24013) for less than buying both sets separately.
ELECTRIC RACER
Airfix’s Quickbuild range continues to expand, with a definite automotive focus as evidenced by its Jaguar I-PACE eTROPHY.
FIRST CAR AND DRIVER
It’s a recurring theme with ICM to add figures with vehicle releases, both to add context and to create an instant vignette.
SNOW CLEARANCE
Hasegawa released its baseline ZW100-6 front-end loader in 2018, and has followed it with a multiplough-equipped version.
A BRITISH CLASSIC
When Revell released its Series III Land Rover it was a breath of fresh air for modellers used to dealing with older Italeri and Monogram offerings.
EYE-CATCHING BUG
Here’s a bright and colourful VW Beetle from Airfix’s Quickbuild range that’s ideal for a weekend project and a perfect introduction to the hobby
ROLLING STARTER
It might be hard to believe, but Revell’s ’55 Chevy convertible is now 25 years old and, in its latest guise as the 1955 Indianapolis pace car, it is offered in a striking red/white livery.