1/43 Model Review: 1997 Minardi M197 Hart

Background

Minardi had an all new driver lineup  after several drivers were used the previous campaign. Ukyo Katayama joined after 4 years at Tyrrell, bringing Mild Seven sponsorship with him, and reigning F3 champion, Jarno Trulli. When Trulli was promoted to Prost half way through the season, Tarso Marques rejoined the team in the second seat. Though helped on occasion by the better Bridgestone tyre, the underpowered Hart engines meant the the car struggled around the back of the grid.

I personally really liked the 1997 Minardi for some reason, with a slightly refined version of their previous M195/M195B and the addition for yellow in the colour scheme.

Onyx

Onyx X302

Onyx's shape is pretty basic, but I think it's one of their better ones. They produced some nicer 1997 cars in my opinion compared to some of the lows of previous years. Minardi ran a tiny extra flip up on the front wing endplate, which is at least acknowledged with a square bump in this model. The nose is a little bulky and could be better defined, but it includes the wing just in front of the suspension. The sidepod and engine covers have a reasonable enough shape, perhaps a little oversimplified and the rear wing is also nice enough for a budget model. Onyx have generic cockpits and generic dashboards, but they do include a nice bump in front of the cockpit and a nice aerial on the monocoque. Onyx cars are not going to score highly against the likes of Tameo, but for an Onyx car, this really isn't bad at all.

Score: 6/10

Tameo

Tameo TMK245

Tameo have recreated the Italian GP version, with it's skinny wings and reduced aerodynamic appendages. Obviously the Tameo model has much more details than the budget diecast version by Onyx, but their attention to detail is second to none and they've really nailed the shape. It would be nice to get a higher downforce version, but I'd be more than happy with this model.
Score: 9/10