1/43 Model Review: 1981 World Champion Nelson Piquet (Brabham BT49C Ford Cosworth)

Background

After a battle with FISA and FOCA, skirts were banned and a minimum ride height was brought into place. The third variation of the Gordan Murray designed Brabham BT49, which featured innovations as hydropneumatic suspension, which was raised at scrutineering, but lowered during the racing,  and water cooled brakes. After Prost claimed his first pole position, Nelson Piquet claimed victory at the German GP at Hockenheim and, being 17 points behind in the Drivers title, launched his comeback in the battle for the top spot. Piquet went to the final race at Las Vegas and finished fifth to win the Drivers' Title, his first of three, despite having to be lifted out of the car with exhaustion, and the team finished second in the Constructors' battle.

Minichamps

Minichamps 400810005

I've only every owned this Minichamps car from the German GP. The real car itself is quite simply in contours and livery, so I suppose it's not too difficult a shape to model. The detail in the cockpit, behind the drivers head, and around the gearbox area is nicely done. I'm not a big fan of what they've done with the visor, I know what they're trying to aim for as it was a very clear transparent visor, but it's not pulled off particularly well. Personally, I think Minichamps have done a good job with this.

Score: 8/10

Spark

Spark S4347

This Spark model released fairly recently is from the Argentine GP. As expected, the details on this car are very nicely done, I particularly like seeing the top of the engine through the grill from a top view. Spark have their transparent visor, but for me it detracts from the shape of it a bit, and they could have painted Piquet's balaclava on. I prefer the overall shape of the Minichamps car, I think Spark's one is a bit lacking. However, I prefer the details on this car, which bumps the score back up again. 

Score: 8/10

Altaya/Ixo/Formula 1 Car Collection

This Model by Ixo is also from the German GP. The things that jump out at me is the oddly shaped rollover hoop and the rear wing endplates. There is some detail around the cockpit and the rear end, but they're pretty basic. The logos on the sidepod have been somewhat squished vertically.
Score: 6/10

Quartzo

Quartzo QFC99049

This Quartzo model is from the San Marino GP. Similar to the Spark model, it has the slightly larger rear wing endplates. I'm not quite sure what is going on with the tear drop shape on Piquet's helmet. It's budget end, as well as a slightly older model, so we're not expecting a huge amount of detail, but it's not bad. My only complaint about this car is the nose which is a little too rounded, and the rolloever hoop could be taller.

Score: 6/10

Tameo

Tameo TB019

This factory built Tameo car is another version of the German GP car. At over double the price of the Spark and Minichamps cars, you expect this to be the standard setting car, and you would be right. Good proportions, great level of detail, no quibbles over the helmet (because it doesn't have one), and there's no complaint about amateur build quality. The front tyre is a little bit too big, but that's not going to put me off giving this model top marks.

Score: 10/10


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