Thursday 17 October 2019

1/43 Model Review: 2019 Ferrari SF90 (Looksmart)

Looksmart have continued to produce excellent Ferrari's again, being priced around £100, more than the resin Minichamps cars. These SF90s are based on the Chinese GP, the so-called 1000th F1 race.

Looksmart LSF1019

Looksmart LSF1020

BBR BBRC225B

I will compare it to the BBR model that has already been released. The first thing to notice for me is that the BBR car is longer, with the rear wing endplate having at more of an inclined angle (more akin to the 2018 rules). The detailing looks of similar high quality from both model makers, and besides the length, proportionally both cars are very similar. 

The front ends of both cars look of very similar high quality, there's good definition of the front wing elements and the turning vanes on the underside of the nose. The complex bargeboard and sidepod leading edge section is well modelled by both brands. The Looksmart car does come with a driver figure, though the helmet remains the same basic one that they've been using for years - it could do with updating. 

The rear of the BBR car seems more defined, from the mini T wing, to the slots in the rear fin.
The only thing that I'm not too keen on is the red on the Looksmart model. It is matte compared to the previous year's model, but I think it needs to be a little less pink. Still, a very nice model.
Score: 8/10

Race Specific Versions

Looksmart LSF1022

Looksmart LSF1021

Looksmart have released a pair of Canadian GP versions of the SF90, where both cars were classified on the podium, with Vettel being penalised after finishing first on the road. The model includes all the changes from the Spanish GP update package, the most noticable being the gap on the shark fin.

Looksmart LSF1023

This is the Belgian GP version, Leclerc's long awaited first victory in F1 and for Ferrari. It was a bitter sweet weekend, with the death of F2 driver and fellow Frenchman, Antoine Hubert. It was only fitting that one of his friends and rival whilst growing up took victory in his honour.

Looksmart LSF1024

This is the Italian GP version, where Leclerc is the latest Ferrari driver to win at the team's home race to emotional scenes. There was a great battle for the lead with Leclerc fending off the World Champion to claim a popular victory. 

Looksmart LSF1026

This is the Singapore GP version of the car, where Leclerc did everything right to earn victory, but Vettel got the favoured pit strategy and leapfrogged into the lead to seal his only win of the season.