1/43 Model Review: 1997 Ferrari F310B

Background

When Schumacher joined Ferrari, he declared he would win 3 races in 1996 and challenge for the Championship in 1997, which he fulfilled. The season began with the Williams taking an early lead, but by mid-season, Schumacher fought his way up to lead the battle and carried a one point advantage to the final race at Jerez, the European GP for that season. Schumacher's car developed a cooling leak whilst leading, and Villeneuve eagerly wanted to pounce straight after the pitstop. Famously, as Villeneuve passed down the inside, Schumacher swiped at the Williams, but rebounded off into the gravel trap, as the Canadian brought the car home to claim his only Championship. Schumacher, however, was disqualified from the Championship for this move, though the team kept the points. Despite the costly momentary lapse, this was an impressive season from the German with five wins in total, including fine wet drives to victory at Monaco and Spa stand out to me in particular.

Irvine in his second year with Ferrari, partnered Schumacher in the last of the John Barnard designed Ferrari's. Irvine drove a better year than his first, chasing Villeneuve hard to second place in Argentina, and would have gifted a win to his team-mate at the Japanese Grand Prix to help him fight for the championship. Ferrari finished 2nd in that year's Constructors' Championship.

Minichamps

Minichamps 510974305

Minichamps 430970006

Though this Ferrari is dubbed the B spec version of the F310 from 1996, it bears very little resemblance to the 'truck'. Much more refined shape, much less bulky, much more conventional aerodynamics from the outside made this car quite a nice looking car. Sadly this was the first Marlboro red car, departing from the traditional scarlet red, which takes away from the beauty of this car for me.

Minichamps produced another nice model of this car, featuring two shape variants, well different rear wings at least. There are French GP variants of the non-tobacco livery, and the barcode version ran at other races.
Score: 7/10

Tameo

Tameo TMK430

I've found two versions from Tameo, this one above is based on the car that won the Monaco GP, with rain tyres. Tameo have done another excellent job in recreating this car, from the intricate shape of the front wing end plates, to the cockpit and the extra rear wing elements, this is another find model.

Tameo TMK349

The other version is based on the Japanese GP, which comes with removable engine cover, showing some nice detail underneath of the engine, radiators, gearbox and rear suspension assembly. They've updated the airbox which is a nice detail, as well as a more boxy shaped front wing endplate, and of course the rear wing. A fabulous model.
Score: 9/10