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| Within the review pages we try to give a balanced 'first view'of new kits, hand-built models, books and videos. Our aim is not to set the world to rights but to give collectors who cannot visit GPM an idea of whether the models on offer are accurate and of good value. We also try to give a little background to the cars. Our aim above all is to try to ensure that when you receive a model or book or video through the post from GPM - that you know in advance whether it has any 'hidden' snags or problems | ||||||||||||||||
Click on a link
to order a model or the logo to see the complete range from that manufacturer |
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| When
we looked at the kits of the E types we expressed reservations about
the extreme curvature of the windscreen and its p/e frame, as we were
concerned that it would be very difficult to get right. These hand
builts show that it is definitely possible. The fit of the windows
and all of the other ancillaries is as near to perfect as we are likely
to see on all three Jags and the paint finish is everything we have
come to expect from Tecnomodel. The only snag is that in one or two
places (mostly around the headlight covers) the glue used shows up
against the brilliant white paintwork. There are no unwanted marks on the Ferrari which, like the previous built 512s we've seen from this maker, is absolutely spotless.  |
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| One or two of the
small sponsors decals on this car were rather haphazardly applied
as if they had been thrown at the car as it passed, but on the model
they are a little too neat. |
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| As far as any of us can remember, this G4 is the first kit we've seen of a Ginetta of any kind. These little cars may not be as famous as Lotus but as a dual purpose road/race car they were (and still are) just as useful. |  |
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| The main body shape of the G4 looks very good and unusually for Axel'R, this kit is unpainted. The main surfaces are nice and clean, though there will be a fair amount of flash removal needed on the baseplate for a good fit. The paint finish on our hand built version is not up to the standards we usually get from this maker, but as these cars were sold as kits in the first place and no doubt many would have been hand painted in Japlac or similar, it's probably quite authentic! | ||||||||||||||||
| The Elva was originally released
as a built model only and we looked at this in FSW 2/2003. This is
another un-painted kit and the fit of the basic parts is a little
better than the Ginetta and decals are included for Amon's red #15
Oulton Park TT car. We were getting a real feeling of deja vu with the Wicky Porsche, but looking back we realised it was because Axel'R have previously released the 1970 and 1971 versions. |
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| The kit has a fine white paint finish and the built model shows that it all goes together very well. The wheels are a little agricultural, but we can't identify any to replace them with, and the i.d. lights on the roof are rather generous in proportion and could maybe be improved on (RENA070). | ||||||||||||||||
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Click on a link to order a model
or the logo to see the complete range from that manufacturer |
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| It seems as though there are
hundreds of variations of the Stratos available from Arena but we've
worked through the list and these latest releases bring the tally
to a mere eighty-five kits. Some of those do offer several options
though! Even with this huge number of variations on a theme Arena
are still managing to come up with some stunningly good looking liveries
such as the blue and white Leoni car found here. A two-tone finish
will be required for this one and for the Alitalia press launch car
while the large gold panels on the Camel car are supplied as decals.
If you've been collecting rally cars for a while the kits will be
familiar with well cast resin bodies and a wealth of p/e details and
the instructions are adequate. Previous Integrales from Arena have all been super-kits but this latest one is a simple kerbside kit. A fair amount of cockpit detail is still included and the extensive p/e frets contain the usual window frames, grilles and brakes as well as the rear venturi tunnel which is a rather unusual fitment to a rally car. |
   
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| Windows are flat
acetate and two sheets are included, clear for the front screen and
smoked for the side and rear windows. The livery on this car really
stands out with red flames over the yellow base colour. No Lancia
or rally collection should be without this model and you can see this
and all of the Strati in all their glory on our colour pages this
issue. The Osella is another subject that we've seen several versions of over the past few months. The basic kit parts are by Tron and feature more metal than is usual in an Arena kit, but they build well. The livery on this one is a very simple red. |
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| The overall level of finish
on these three is very realistic with just the right level of gloss
and a fine stance. The fit of the top bodywork to the coloured sill
sections looks pretty poor, just like on the real cars, and overall
they make very attractive models. There are a couple of errors on
the decals however. The number backings on the right rear corners
are all printed in silver but we can see in colour race shots that
on the #31 car it was red and the other two should match their i.d
colours too. Also the blanked out BP decal on the front wings should
have a yellow shield not green. |
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| These errors are a shame as they are otherwise charming models of subjects that finished very well in the race, coming home 4th, 5th & 6th in race number order. | |||||||||||||||||||
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