1/43 Model Review: 2008 World Champion: Lewis Hamilton (McLaren MP4/23 Mercedes)

Background

Lewis Hamilton drove to his first World Championship in only his second season in F1. After an impressive debut season that could have easily seen him win the championship, his new team-mate was Heikki Kovalainen who was not as competitive as Alonso the previous year. Hamilton drove exceedingly well against the competitive the Ferraris. His skill was seen in wet conditions at Monaco, winning despite hitting the wall, and at Silverstone where he won in atrocious conditions. Known for being one of the fastest drivers to ever race in F1, with a particular ability to drive around the deficiencies of a car like no-one else, Hamilton deserved to be champion in 2008. However his season was marred by penalties and mistakes, crashing into the back of Raikkonen in Montreal in the pit-lane, passing Raikkonen too soon after letting him past at Spa, and other team errors meant the championship went down to the last race. Massa needed to win, which he did superbly, but Hamilton needed to finish in 5th place. Going into the last lap he was 6th, but the Toyota of Glock had gambled on staying on slicks when it was raining. The gamble failed, and Hamilton followed Vettel past the German to take the all important 5th place on the last corner of the last lap of 2008. This model has been accurately updated to the Brazilian GP specification and sponsorship and shows Hamilton clenching both fists above his steering wheel. At the time, he became the youngest driver to win a World Championship, but has since been superceded by Vettel. He remains the first black person to win the Championship.

Minichamps

Minichamps 530084322

The standard McLaren comes with the early-mid season shape as part of the McLaren collection. 2008 was the final year before aerodynamics were simplied and the McLaren in particular was starting to get very busy in areas, with a growing number of elements on the front wing, bridge wings, growing complexity in the bargeboard areas and sidepod vanes. The early season base car was a little less adventurous and I really like Minichamps model. I love the way they do the chrome and the logos are nicely done. 

Minichamps 533084342

For a second year, there is a Fuji special edition, with the green striped grooved tyres and an updated late season shape, the most noticable parts being the nose horns and the sidepod vanes growing longer. 

Minichamps 530084332

The World Champion Collection car is essentially the same model as the Fuji car, but the driver figure has both fists raised, and it has intermediate tyres on. There are other editions of this car with the normal driver figure released a few years later as part of the McLaren collection. Overall, I think this is a really nice diecast model.
Score: 8/10

Formula 1 Car Collection / IXO

The Formula 1 Car Collection released a version of the MP4/23 and compared to the Minichamps car, this is very basic. It's not lacking in shape elements from the early season car, but it just lacks a fair bit of finesse and the silver they chose isn't particularly convincing. Having said that, the proportions are fairly well done and there's nothing majorly missing or wayward, but I'm not rushing to buy one for my collection.
Score: 6/10

Tameo / Silverline

Tameo SLK062

I can only find the one edition from Tameo, and it's another stunning model, this one based on teh Spanish GP. The chrome is fantastic on this, and so are the wet tyres. The shape is beautifully defined, the detail is amazing for this scale. All the slits are there and it doesn't look forced but just adds to the realism of the model. I can't find anything to complain about on this model, its' superb.
Score: 10/10

1/43 Model Review: 2007 World Champion Kimi Raikkonen (Ferrari F2007)

Background

Following Schumacher's first retirement, Raikkonen was signed as his replacement and won at the opening race in Australia. The two Ferraris and the two McLarens would battle intensely for both titles, with McLaren and their drivers holding the upper hand as the season developed. Ferrari and Raikkonen seemed out of the title race, but at China, Hamilton's McLaren had worn his tyres out and slid off into the gravel when entering the pit-lane, and Raikkonen took his fifth victory, reigniting his title campaign leading into the final race, though still 7 points adrift. It was Ferrari's 200th victory and 600th podium, which this model commemorates. In Brazil, Massa dominated the weekend, though out of contention for the title, whilst Hamilton was battling a number of issues on the way to seventh place and Alonso was powerless against the Ferraris in third. Massa let Raikkonen through to win the race and the Drivers' Championship by a point from both Alonso and Hamilton.

Interestingly, Massa revealed in the F1 podcast that it was at the Belgian GP where it was decided that the driver ahead at the end of that race would be the backed driver for the Championship. Coming to the prior race at Monza, it was the Brazilian who had the advantage but for reliability to strike and Kimi took a podium and the initiative for the remainder of the season.

Hot Wheels

The Hot Wheels car is presumably based on the race opening Australian GP, with the Marlboro red and the straight engine cover trailing edge. Hot Wheels continue with their generally good proportions, mixed with bulky appendages, but even the bargeboards are getting more detail, as is the front suspension and sidepod winglets. The helmet is a let down, but oeverall, not a bad little model. 

Score: 6/10

Mattel Elite

The Mattel Elite car is based on the Chinese GP, where Kimi earned his 5th victory of the season, the 200th Ferrari win, the 600th podium, the penultimate race of the season. From the Monaco GP, the F2007 ran in a darker metallic red, which I personally loved. The car features more refined details than the Hot Wheels car, though the exhaust looks clumsy. With the wheel covers front and rear masking any difficiencies, this turns out to be quite a nice model. The cockpit has a nice steering wheel too. 

Score: 7/10

Formula 1 Car Collection / Ixo 

As usual, the model is the Mattel Elite car, but this is dubbed as the Australian GP, even though the shape is clearly based on the end of the season (for a start, the rounded fin on the engine cover). The front rims are terrible, and you don't get a nice sticker for the steering wheels. For the lack of attention to detail, I have to award this a lower score than the Hot Wheels car. 

Score: 5/10

Redline

Redline RL140

Redline have produced a number of quality models, starting with Australian GP version. Good attention to detail on the track specific parts, the bright red colour scheme, no front wheel rim covers and the straight engine cover. Nice holes in the rear wing endplates, lovely bargeboards, good mirrors, very nice details, a great model.

Redline KBR002

We also get two late season versions, firstly the Japanese GP version above.

Redline RL148

And the Championship winning car from the Brazilian GP. Again you get lovely details on this model, along with good proportions throughout, including a nicely modelled nose cone.
Score: 8/10

Looksmart

Looksmart LSF-ES1707

There are a limited number of Looksmart versions around, but I believe it's the same as the Redline model but with a driver figure, this one from the Chinese GP as a special limited edition run of 200. It's a shame that the helmet looks little better than the Hot Wheels attempt, but don't let that take away from the rest of this beautiful model.
Score: 8/10

BBR

BBR BG311

This is the BBR model based on the Australian GP. The BBR car looks too long and low, which is a shame, because as usual, BBR do put some nice detail into their cars. But it's the poor proportions that let this down for me, even though the contours all look pretty accurate.
Score: 6/10

BBR BG344

BBR produced a mid-season version based on the British GP. The colour looks fantastic on this factory built model, and so does some of the details on the bargeboards, the cockpit and the exhaust area. I think the nose is a little too long for my liking, but overall, the proportions are much improved from the early season model.

BBR EX26

And we get a late season version based on the Chinese GP. Ignoring the slightly elongated nose in my opinion, this has slightly finer details than the Redline car and so I think I marginally prefer this one.
Score: 9/10

Tameo

Tameo TB010

Tameo have similarly done a selection of F2007s from the season, overlapping with other manufacturers, this model being the Australian GP car.

Tameo TMK367

And here is one from the Spanish GP, though this is Felipe's car.

Tameo TB015

The Chinese GP Version has full tobacco sponsorship rather than the barcodes,

Tameo TB011

Whoever made this Brazilian GP model obviously forgot to put the Shell V-Power decal on the rear wing endplate, but this is a beautiful recreation of Kimi's Championship winning car. It should have been Massa's race to win, but he let Kimi win and thus clinch the Championship by a point, and amazingly Ferrari's last champion. Tameo continue to set the standard for 1/43 scale F1 models.
Score: 10/10

1/43 Model Review: 2005 World Champion: Fernando Alonso (Renault R25)

Background

This was the first of Fernando Alonso's double Drivers' World Championship crowns, and sadly only Championships. After years of domination by Ferrari, it was refreshing to see the reliable and consistent Renaults battling with the quick but fragile McLaren. They also benefitted from the introduction of Michelin tyres, as they took victory in the first four races, one to Fisichella and the others by Alonso. Alonso would gain 7 wins over the season, earning the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships for the team.

Minichamps

Minichamps 400050005

The standard version comes with the usual Minichamps quality, good proportions and an increasing amount of detail and refinement. I'm not a big fan of their helmet shape, and the modelling of the HANS device seems to get in the way of the driver figure sitting in the cockpit properly. The grills at the rear of the sidepod are in 3D to a degree, but I think they could have done with a small black line just to bring them out. The rear wing is nicely done, with Renault's unique integration with the endplate on the main plane.

Minichamps 400050205

Minichamps have done a French GP livery which  is a bit more imaginative than the 'Team Spirit' logos. Minichamps have done a nice job in putting that on the model. 

Minichamps 403050025

There are a couple of special boxes, this being one of them sold in Japan, but all of them featuring the standard model.

Score: 7/10

Minichamps 436050005

The R25 got the World Champions treatment and an update. Sadly the issue with where the driver sat in the cockpit is even worse on this model. Personally, I prefer the original paint and decal job. Because of my disappointment that this re-release is actually worse than the original, I'll have to knock it down a grade.
Score: 6/10

Formula 1 Car Collection / Ixo

First thing I noticed was how high the nose is, or how low the front wing is, either way, the wing supports are way too tall. The bargeboards don't have the finesse as the Minichamps version. The rolloever bar and the sidepods aren't bad, the grills being a little more muted than the Minichamps car. The rear wing is pretty basic. It's not a triumph, but it's not a disaster either.
Score: 6/10

Tameo (SilverLine)

Tameo SLK021

There are a couple of versions by Tameo, the first being from the San Marino GP.

Tameo SLK023

This is the Chinese GP version of the R25. The model is nice, as you expect from Tameo. The nose is perfect along with the front wing, I think it's captured very nicely indeed. There's lovely detailing on the bargeboards and in the cockpit. The rollover bar has nice definition into the thin fin at the trailing edge, and the grills look nice and pronounced. A nice rear wing caps off a fantastic model, I can't find any fault with it.
Score: 10/10

1/43 Model Review: 1995 Ferrari 412T2

Background

The 1995 Ferrari challenger was a development of the 1994 car, the Ferrari 412T1, and this would be the last V12 powered Ferrari in Formula One. The car was reasonably competitive, scoring several podiums throughout the year, but was not on par with the Williams or Benetton of that year. They competed for victories at various Grand Prix, such as European and Italian GP, but it was Jean Alesi who would score the only win of the year at the Canadian GP, his only win in Formula 1. They finished 3rd in the Constructors' Championship.

Minichamps

Minichamps 430950027

The Minichamps car sits very far forward in the box. I really like this model from Minichamps. I thought that the shape is pretty generic and simple, but as we will see from other model makers (and my own first attempt at modelling the car for GP4), it's perhaps not as easy as it seems. Anyway, the proportions are great on this car, the front wing has the turning vanes behind it, the rear wing and its stepped double winglets are nicely done. It's a shame that the helmet was so large and for some reason looking down at his legs. For a model of its time at a reasonable budget, I think this is a little gem.

Score: 8/10

Onyx

Onyx 237

Onyx and Minichamps produced the same car back in 1995 offering us a direct comparison. The Onyx car is based on earlier in the season whilst the Minichamps car was based on the mid-season. So just a two element front wing, a sticker for the hole in the engine cover, and only one set of winglets near the rear wheels on this model. The cockpit sits a little far forward, and so the engine cover is elongated as a result to compensate. The model also seems like it was made on a ball rather than a flat surface, with the front of the car pointing down and the rear of the car similarly pointing down, with the middle of the car slightly raised. Because of that, the shape of the nose needs to be higher around the suspension area, and so that looks weird as well. For me, this isn't really that good a model from Onyx.

Score: 4/10

Mattel Elite/Ixo

Mattel T6286

The Mattel car is based on the European GP the exiting race in mixed conditions where Alesi's great car control allowed him to put slick tyres on earlier than anyone else. He was leading the Grand Prix until the final stages when Schumacher forced his way past on a chicane that Schumacher had an input in designing.

The Ixo car is not based on any particular GP. In other blog posts, I've split the two, but as we've noted on multiple occasions, they used the same moulds, so I've combined them in this review. I was hoping for more, considering modelling had come on since the mid-90s, but I was left really disappointed with this model. The car is in general way too tall, particularly that giant airbox. The Mattel car features better decals,  but their attempt at the late season version of the rear wing winglets is laughable, it's truly terrible in how shallow it is. It's all because the sidepod does not taper down at the rear so the modellers couldn't produce an accurate winglet because the rest of the model is so ill-proportioned. The plus side is that the cockpit of the Mattel version is quite nice (of the budget cars I've reviewed so far) and the vents at the rear of the car are nicely detailed and painted.
Score: 5/10

True Scale Models / Fujimi / Looksmart

TSM TSM11FJ012

From what I can tell, these three brands have all released the same version of the model, and I can't really tell them apart. Here is the TSM/Fujimi car above.

Looksmart LSF_ES1701 

Looksmart produced a special limited edition run of 1000 for the Japanese market, this one based on the Canadian GP. The car seems too small for the wheels and tyres or vice versa. I find the nose and monocoque area a little too bulbous and not enough nuance to the actual shape. The front and rear endplates look oversized, with the rear wing so tall it looks like it was still made for the 1994 rules. The camera's are nicely done, the suspension has nice details, the bargeboards are well done and have nice chrome supports. The sidepod is really nice, particularly around the rear of the car and the rolloever bar is really nicely done too. The cockpit detail is nice, and within itself, the proportions are great, but it's a shame they are let down by the rest of the car. The vents at the rear of the car are a little over emphasised for my liking but the diffuser details looks nice. There are parts of the car I'd like to give a 10/10, but the let downs are almost as bad as some of the budget models above.
Score: 8/10

BBR

BBR Met47

This is the Italian GP version, and you can also get the Brazilian GP and Canadian GP versions as well. I do like the Italian GP specific car as it's got a stripped back front wing and rear wing, which are all nicely done on this model. Proportionally, this is of a similar standard to the Minichamps car, nicely done. There's some better details, as you'd expect from BBR on this car, but I feel it could do with a bit more attention to detail and refinement. The shape of the nose is fine, but could be better. The rear vents don't have any detail, but you do get a nice cockpit and seat. Overall, it is better than the Minichamps car as you'd expect and especially for the price, but I suppose I was expecting and hoping for more which would have propelled my mark to a 9.
Score: 8/10

Tameo

Tameo TMK193

Tameo TMK202

The first picture is the Brazilian GP version and the second is from the Canadian GP. I love the Ferrari 412T2 and it's a shame I've spent so much time modelling it, that I'm left deflated by many of the models, with the original mid-90s Minichamps version being a strong contender for my favourite of the lot so far. But trusty old Tameo have knocked it out the park again on their model. For me, it's not perfect, but it's close enough for the scale. The front wing is a masterpiece, the nuances of the front fins, nice separated front wing elements and turning vanes, the nose is spot on. The cockpit is really nice, and all the minor bumps on the headrest and airbox is nicely done too. The opening of the sidepod could be better from top-down view, but that's only a very minor point. The rear of the car is beautifully done, the rear wing and diffuser area is lovely, though, again, I think they could have put a bit more detail into the vent on the engine cover/rear sidepod.

Score: 9/10

1/43 Model Review: 2004 World Champion Michael Schumacher (Ferrari F2004)

Background

The 2004 Ferrari was based on the F2003GA which was an evolution of the F2002. It dominated the 2004 season, with Schumacher winning 12 of the first 13 races, securing his fifth Drivers' Title in a row, the team's sixth Constructors' title in a row, and Schumacher's record breaking 7th Drivers' Title. Ferrari were left pretty much unchallenged for the championship, with Button and BAR being consistent podium finishers.

Hot Wheels (Mattel)

Hot Wheels B6206

Hot Wheels have produced another reasonably shaped car with good proportions with the usual slightly chunky appendages.
Score: 6/10

Mattel Elite

Mattel Elite X5515

The Mattel Elite car is based on the German GP. The front wing endplates are too tall, but their aerials and bargeboards are much better on this model. The overall shape isn't as good as the Hot Wheels model with it just lacking a bit of refinement.

Score: 6/10

Ixo / Formula 1 Car Collection

The Ixo car comes in various sets, but it is essentially the Mattel Elite car, without the fine aerials and lacking red wheel nuts. The Formula 1 Car Collection version is actually of Barrichello's car rather that Schumacher's. They have had to add an extra support behind the front wing under the nose which is a shame.
Score: 5/10

BBR

BBR BG265

This BBR car is from the Canadian GP.

BBR BG278

This one is based on the Hungarian GP. I don't know if there are others, but I find the nose a bit too bulbous at the front. The rest of the monocoque is nicely done and there's nice detail on the suspension arms, the bargeboards and the aerials. Good cockpit detail, nice sidepods and airbox. The Hungarian GP version seesm to be running too little rear wing, which sits a little too rearward for my liking. It's a really nice model from BBR, but that nose just puts me off straight away, that and I think they could have done better on the rear wing.
Score: 7/10

Tameo

Tameo TMK343

There are a fair few variations to feature, the first being from the Australian GP, with nicely sculpted 3D gills on the sidepod.

Tameo TMK347CHI

By the Chinese GP, the sidepods now had a chimney rather than gills and the tobacco sponsorship on the airbox is much neater.

Tameo TMK347

And finally I wanted to feature the Japanese GP version but is essentially the same as the Chinese GP spec. The proportions on this model are superb, and the refined details are lovely. The detail on the rear wing is superb to me, with the separate elements and the curved edges are vey well done. The bargeboards are nicely defined and very neat, the exhaust area is beautifully recreated. The cockpit is outstanding, this is a real triumph of a model.
Score: 10/10

1/43 Model Review: 2003 World Champion Michael Schumacher (Ferrari F2003-GA)

Background

The Ferrari F2003GA was a development of the F2002, which was used for the first few races, and the new car was the quickest in the field, however it tended to use up their rear tyres quickly. McLaren and Williams were then able to mount a championship challenge, but Ferrari found a problem with their rivals tyres causing them to be redesigned and giving the Ferrari shod Bridgestones the advantage once more. The team won 7 races and scored 5 pole positions. 

Hot Wheels (Mattel)

Hot Wheels B1018

Hot Wheels continue with making these championship winning Ferrari's, and as the cars get more curves and complexity, it really begins to show on the cheaper range of cars. However, Hot Wheels have done a reasonable job on this car, I like the curves on the rollover bar, the sidepod is not bad. It's nicely proportioned, if not a bit chunky in parts, such as the aerials and the bargeboards.
Score: 6/10

Mattel Elite

Mattel Elite P9944

Mattel Elite X5514

The Mattel Elite brand comes in two versions, a generic World Champion version and a low downforce Italian GP version. It's nice to get genuinely different models with different wing levels and dry/wet tyres. As with previous versions, this is not the same as the Hot Wheels car, with the appendages much more refined than the clunky Hot Wheels version. However, the front wing on the Hot Wheels car is more accurate, the nose and the supports and front suspension area are also superior on the Hot Wheels car. I think the engine cover and sidepods are a little more refined on the Hot Wheels model too. Though overall, I prefer the Hot Wheels car, it's not quite enough difference for me to give a different grade.

Score: 6/10

Ixo

The Ixo version of the car is as ever the same as the Mattel Elite car, but with different appendages. Whereas the Mattel Elite car has much more refined bargeboards, aerials in particular, are just as clunky as the Hot Wheels car.
Score: 5/10

BBR

BBR (British GP)

BBR (Spanish GP)

There are various versions available of the BBR model. For me, there are some strange proportions going on in this model. The nose seems a little off to me, and the front wing elements don't seem any better than the Mattel Elite car. The contours of the airbox are nice, if not a little over exaggerated. The bargeboards and sidepods are really nicely done for me, as are the 3D gills on the Canadian GP version, but the oversized front end plates and the rear wing that sits a bit too far back detract from the good points of this car.

Score: 6/10

Tameo

Tameo TB012

USA GP

Tameo TMK330

Spanish GP

Tameo TMK331

Monaco GP

Tameo TMK337

Italian GP

As you can see, there are many Tameo versions available, and to me they are all top quality. It's hard to nitpick the proportions or the fine details, the refinement into the detailed areas and accuracy in shape variations from race to race are fantastic.
Score: 10/10