Rondeau M482

McCormack & Dodge 1984 Le Mans. Finished 13th place.

This is a 1/43rd scale resin Starter kit from 1984. I have two of these kits and figured I’d build the one with the cleaner casting, if there was a difference. Turns out they are about the same quality, but they aren’t exactly the same castings. I found photos that show the single scoop/vent is correct for this version so I’ll use it, but I wonder why the difference…


Halloo!

Check those cars agin. I have spotted some infinitesmal differences that do set them apart. One has five of them.

The mirrors come with rather larger square blocks at the base of the pylons, but they don’t really match the shape of the rectangular holes in the fenders. I filled the holes and replaced the blocks with steel pins.

Before the first sealer coat of primer I added steel pins to the rear wing too.

Tamiya LP-6 Pure Blue for the base color.

Looking good.

The wheel centers are very undersized (almost 25% too small in diameter) and missing a significant part of the wheel detail.

I found some really clear photos online of the Gotti wheels for this Rondeau. Since I’m only going to make the inserts and retain the kit provided metal rim blanks I had to cheat a little, but in this scale and with the other discrepancies of the kit I’m good with them. I know I’m pushing the limits of my printer so I may go back and adjust a few things if needed… I’m surprised at what I get away with sometimes.
Front:

Rear:

Hmm!

I am sorry. I have to repeat myself here. Whatta strange looking Automobile!

It looks like an inspiration for the 1989 Batmobile.