Well, I finally finished this beast. My review of this model follow the photos.
MY REVIEW
This model has over 370 parts and is one of Tamyia’s first 1/12 scale models. Except for the exhaust system, it goes together pretty easily. There are a number of rubber oil lines that are tedious to install. The four wheel front suspension has a large number of moving parts which takes a long time to assemble. When finished, the streeng does not function due to interference from the brake cooling ducts. In fact, I find that the steering on all 1/12 scale models does not function properly. The engine is the real star of this model. When finished, it just looks outstanding. Too bad that the exhaust system is a disaster. The exhaust pipes are not molded very well (I replaced them with aluminum tubes) and the assembly of the exhaust headers is a nightmare. The only thing worst would be the exhaust headers on Tommy Ivo’s four engine Showboat. The decals are really poor. They are very stiff and crack easily. I used a lot of MicroSol. This was the most difficult model that I have ever built. An incredible amount of patience is required. However, the final result is a very nice and unique model.
What a great job you did! [Y][Y][Y] And it looks really cool sitting next to the Lotus!
I’m glad you pointed out the difficulties, though one would never know from your finished model. This kit has been singing it’s siren song to me for several years, and your comments might save me a lot of frustration. I can’t even figure out the exhaust on my Revell Police Electraglide model, I’m afraid this one might drive me over the edge.
If I was you I would buy the ELF P34. You shouldn’t have any problem with the model. Winter’s just around the corner and that would be a perfect time to hunker down and dig into the P34.
For the front brake cooling hoses, coiled Kynar electronic prototyping board wire might be the answer. It will not be 100% perfect, as you will be able to see through the coils where they bend, but it will be very soft and flexy, allowing the wheels to steer.
A sneaky hack is to put a black shoelace inside to block the light.
The Kynar wire I have came in 4-packs (white, yellow, red and blue), but a search on-line indicates black is also available. I’m looking to acquire some, as it has many other uses.
I know I’m terribly late in responding to this but I followed your link from the build thread here just a few moments ago @JohnnyK . Being 1/12 scale, this sucker should take up a lot of real estate in your display area. You’re right about the engine in this car being the real star in the show (which most certainly isn’t to take away from the rest of the build) with all of the details that it’s got. Beautiful work on this great car and thanks for sharing it bud.
