1/43 Model Review: 1996 Minardi M195B Ford

Background

In 1996, the cash-strapped Minardi team ran an updated M195, dubbed the M195B. For the new regulations, the car had high cockpit sides to protect the driver's head in an accident. Pedro Lamy was joined by three teammates throughout the year, Giancarlo Fisichella, Tarso Marques and Gianni Lavaggi. The car, perhaps unsurprisingly, did not score any points, but fared better than fellow minnows, Forti, with a best placed finish of 8th in the hands of Fisichella at the British GP.

Onyx

Onyx 279

Onyx produced an updated model with the high cockpit sides, the more conventional sidepods with the attached winglet. One nice detail on the rear wing endplates is the indent about half way up. What is missing is the flap/turning vane underneath the front wing heading under the front suspension. The nose is a little bit bulbous. But I like how they've made the engine cover including the bump just at the end of the Doimo logo. Not too bad for a cheap-end model.
Score: 6/10

Tameo

Tameo TMK214

You'd expect that Tameo would produce a much nicer model than Onyx and this is no exception. This also includes the additional winglet that sprouts from the upper rear wing, which also has multiple elements - nice. The nose is nicely defined, it includes the flap/turning vane underneath the front wing, and the detail is nicely modeled.

Score: 10/10

To read more reviews from the 1996 season, click here: https://fongugp4.blogspot.com/p/1996-model-review.html