1/43 Model Review: 1993 World Champion Alain Prost (Williams FW15 Renault)

Background

The Williams was already the dominant team since the middle of 1991, with its perfected active suspension and other driver aids. The FW15, originally intended for the 1992 season, was shelved because the FW14 still dominated the 1992 season. The FW15B was a conversion to 1993 rules for pre-season testing, whilst the FW15C was used during the season. There was an FW15D in testing too, as well as the revolutionary CVT car.

The car continued to dominate F1. Alain Prost was signed, with the French engine connection in the middle of 1992 after a season out of F1 having fell out with Ferrari. Mansell, the 1992 champion, refused to work with Prost again after their time at Ferrari, and left for Indycar. Damon Hill, the test driver, was eventually called up to take up the second seat.

The car dominated the season, with Prost able to use his experience over the young Hill to take 7 wins in early and mid season. Hill took 3 wins in a trot, his first in the sport, towards the end of the season as he got used to the car and bad luck left him, and the team won both titles, Prost winning his fourth Drivers' Title.

This was the last car with driver aids until the early 2000's when traction control was allowed again, and it was Prost's final season in F1. He had signed a two year deal, but after Williams signed Senna for 1994, Prost refused to work with him again, and agreed to leave the team for Senna's arrival. He did flirt with coming back with McLaren after another year out, but it was uncompetitive and the team were going through a rebuilding phase.

Onyx

Onyx 172

The 1993 Onyx cars were another step in improvement from Onyx, with mirrors, new tyres, and slightly more accurate shapes. The sidepod inlet is very angled, whilst the car in real life was more curved. The car is labeled the FW15B, which never raced in 1993, but they raced the C spec version of the car initially designed to be used in 1992.
Score: 5/10

Quartzo

The Quartzo car comes in two editions, one with the driver figure in the car, the other with a standing figure and a podium. The car is the same base as the Onyx car, the one with the standing figures has slightly different mirror mounting points.
Score: 5/10

Minichamps

Minichamps 430930002

Gode 338.002.4

The original Minichamps car comes in the new chequered flag box which has become standard for their models. But Gode also produced a number of German GP versions of their 1993 cars. Whilst Onyx had angled sidepod inlets, the Minichamps have a straight version.
Score: 6/10

Minichamps 402929301

The car received a bit of an update when it was included in the two car World Champions set, which has better decals and an updated driver figure.

Minichamps 436930002

When the New World Champions Collection version was released, I was hoping for a new resin model, but instead we have the original car heavily updated. At least the rollover hoop has a 3D hole rather than a sticker. The update is nice, the helmet shape is much better, the colours more vivid, the decals are of better quality.
Score: 7/10

Formula 1 Car Collection / Ixo

I'm personally quite disappointed with Ixo's attempts at the 1992 and 1993 Williams. It's just quite basic from some of the other angles of the car, and doesn't quite capture the essence of the car. In that regard, I'd say that I'd prefer the early Onyx/Quartzo versions over this.
Score: 4/10

Tameo

Tameo TMK167

By far and away the best version of the FW15 is to go for this Tameo car. I don't think its perfect by any means, I've seen better Tameo models. You shouldn't be able to see the steering wheel, that was covered by the top of the monocoque for example. But it's still a very good model.

Score: 8/10

1/43 Model Review: 1983 World Champion Nelson Piquet (Brabham BT52 BMW)

Background

1982 was a development year for Brabham with new BMW turbo engines in the BT51, but with rule changes specifying a flat bottom for 1983, Gordan Murray developed the BT52 made specifically with mid-race refuelling which made for a smaller rear end resulting in the distinctive dart shaped car. Piquet started the season well, battling with Prost's Renault and Arnoux's Ferrari. But a bad run of luck and reliability mid-season put the Championship campaign in jeopardy, however a consistent end of the season saw Piquet 2 points behind Prost at the final race at Kyalami, with Arnoux also in contention. Piquet raced into the lead, but when Prost retired, Piquet coasted home in fourth to clinch his second Drivers' Championship - the first for a turbo charged engine.

This was the final Championship success for the Brabham team, as Ecclestone sold the failing team in 1987, and the name disappearing from the sport in less than 10 years.

Minichamps

Minichamps 430830005

The BT52 is one of the most distinctive looking cars in F1 history, with its arrow shaped chassis. Minichamps released a Brazilian GP version of the car. It's a very basic model from Minichamps, its got nice proportions but just lacks a bit of detail.

Minichamps 80429423036

I came across this BMW edition of the BT52 which has the late season colour scheme. It was nice to have both editions of this car, but the blue just makes it look a bit toy like to me.
Score: 6/10

Minichamps 436830005

An updated version was released in the World Champion Collections set, and it comes with an updated driver figure and a new rear wing. I really like this update to the original model, so for me this has gone up a grade.
Score: 7/10

Formula 1 Car Collection/Ixo

Ixo have released the above car in the Formula 1 Car Collection magazine series. The Brazilian Eaglemoss version comes with a driver figure.

I've come across this early season version of the car too available from Altaya. Overall, the standard is fairly comparable to the early Minichamps version.
Score: 6/10

Quartzo

Quartzo's version is of a similar standard to Ixo's but the overall finish of the car is a bit of a let down for me.
Score: 5/10

Tameo

Tameo TMK006

Tameo TMK010

The late season version from the European GP was also released from Tameo.
Score: 8/10

Spark

Spark S7110

Spark S7104

Spark have shown some early but yet to be released photos of their version of this car, but I'm interested in seeing more. From this angle, it looks like a very promising model. I believe it will be released later this year.

For more World Champion Reviews, click on this link here https://fongugp4.blogspot.com/p/f1-world-champions.html

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


For more World Champion Reviews, click on this link here https://fongugp4.blogspot.com/p/f1-world-champions.html

1/43 Model Review: 1978 World Champion Mario Andretti (Lotus 79 Ford Cosworth)

Background

Colin Chapman had fine tuned the ground effect by extending the rear endplates down behind the rear wheels to enlarge the aerodynamic force. It was introduced at the 6th race of the year, at Belgium, where the car won six wins out of eight, 5 of them by Andretti who claimed the Drivers Championship and helped Lotus win the Constructors' title, the last for the Lotus team. Sadly Andretti's team-mate, Ronnie Peterson lost his life following an accident at Monza.

Though both the Lotus 78 and the 79 were used, it was really the advanced aerodynamics of the 79 that won Lotus their championship, so I'll just be featuring the 79 in this post. From a quick look, besides TSM's set in this post, only Quartzo and RBA produce a version of the 78 from this season. Spark have produced a 78, but not with Andretti in the cockpit.

Minichamps

Minichamps 430780005

As we reach the end of the 1970s, the shapes of the cars have transformed completely from the 72 that took Jochen Rindt to his first title. Spurred by aerodynamic gains, large sidepods shaped as aerofoils, and covered engines were the way forward which makes these models more about the aerodynamic surfaces than engine detail. So this pretty simple offering from Minichamps stands up pretty well, the shape is nicely done and the JPS livery looks as nice as ever. The helmet sits a bit far forward and a little low though.
Score: 7/10 

Spark

Spark S1848

Spark have recently released their version of the 79, this one from the Belgian Grand Prix. Personally, being a Brit, I do like the addition of the flag on the side. I like the detail and the helmet looks really great with Andretti's grey and red stripe. A very nice model from Spark. You'd do well to buy this model yourself for under £100.
Score: 8/10 

Quartzo

Quartzo 4089

A nice model from Quartzo of the Lotus 78

Formula 1 Car Collection / Ixo

This car is also featured as part of the Formula 1 Car Collection series and it's not a bad job. I can't put my finger on it, but it just looks a bit stale, a bit souless, it just lacks the character of the real thing.
Score: 6/10

Tameo

Tameo WCT78

Tameo have produced another stunner with this version of the 79. A mix of good proportions and lovely detail, this one put together very well.

Score: 9/10

True Scale Models (TSM)

TSM TSM12SS3

TSM released their three car set of Andretti in the Lotus. This includes both the 78 car and the 79. It comes with all the usual quality you'd expect from TSM and this doesn't disappoint.

Score: 9/10

1/43 Model Review: 1975 World Champion Niki Lauda (Ferrari 312T1)

Background

Ferrari brought in Luca Di Montezemolo to change the fortunes of the team, and a new driver in little known Niki Lauda started the 1974 season. Lauda was quick, securing more pole positions than anyone else, but his inexperience showed. He finished the season in fourth place. In 1975, the team introduced a new car, the 312T, and won four of five Grand Prix mid season when the car was raced. Lauda also became the only man to lap the old Nurburgring Nordschleife in under 7 minutes. At the final race of the year, Lauda secured his fifth victory to clinch his first of three World Championships.

Minichamps

Minichamps 430750012

It's a shame that there's so few Ferraris being produced by Minichamps due to licensing, but I'm glad they made this one. My only complaints stem with Lauda's helmet being way too orange, and the plastic rear wing assembly. They've applied nice chrome paint though. The car itself is a nice shape.
Score: 7/10

Quartzo

Quartzo 4031

Quartzo's car is also quite nice, but doesn't have quite as nice a finish as the Minichamps version. Still, it's not a bad alternative, and there are plenty of them to choose from.
Score: 6/10

Fujimi

Fujimi FJM1243023

I've not ventured into buying any Fujimi models yet, but they are slightly higher end in terms quality and price from the models above. Because of that, it is a better version than the Minichamps car and so deserves a higher score for me.Score: 9/10

Looksmart

Looksmart LSRC61

This Looksmart model was released in 2019 and its a thing of beauty, though I think this is the same as the Fujimi model. The helmet looks straight from a Spark car with the large transparent visor, which I'm not immediately that keen on. For me, I would have liked to see more definition on the rear end, there seems to have been more detail attempted on the Mattel Elite car than this, though the overall finish of this car is better. Still, these slight nitpicks aside, this is still a beautiful model.

Score: 9/10

Mattel Elite

Mattel Elite T6937

I've not been too big a fan of the mass produced Mattel/Hot Wheels cars, but having said that, there are a few highlights, and this one is really not bad at all. It's a shame the elite models don't come with a driver figure, but then again, the Hot Wheels driver figures weren't particularly great. In its place, you get a nicely detailed cockpit with a gear lever.

Score: 8/10

Altaya/Ixo

Altaya is another brand I'm not too familiar with, but I believe they sell Ferrari cars by IXO. If that's the case, then this model should share the same mould as the Mattel Elite car, however Mattel's version has more effort put into the finish of the livery and the decals. 

Score: 6/10

For more from this series of World Champions, click here: https://fongugp4.blogspot.com/search/label/World Champions

1/43 Model Review: 1972 World Champion Emerson Fittipaldi (Lotus 72 Ford Cosworth)

Background

The Lotus 72 was first raced in 1970 and led Jochen Rindt to four straight victories before his death at Monza. It was enough for him to still became World Champion, whilst Emerson Fittipaldi took his place in the team, immediately winning in the USA. 1971 was a development year and in 1972, Fittipaldi became the youngest driver at the time to claim the Drivers' Championship and the car its second Constructors' Championship. Fittipaldi and new team-mate Peterson were competitive in the 72 during the 1973 season but for some failures to finish let Stewart to clinch the title. Fittipaldi would leave to be with McLaren for 1974 where he became World Champion, whilst Lotus scrapped the Lotus 76 and again ran the 72. Again in 1975 the team ran the Lotus 72 but the car was finally beginning to show its age. However it was remarkable that the car ran for so long and was so successful for the most part.

1972 was the first year that we saw the iconic JPS livery that the team would run these colours for over a decade (except in 1979 when the ran a Martini livery).

Minichamps 

Minichamps 430720008

I got the original release from Minichamps of the 72D from the British Grand Prix (if I'm not mistaken) and someone had added JPS decals to the livery. It was one of those cars that were getting a bit long for the old Minichamps shorter cases. It's a fairly basic but well proportioned car. It would have been nice for the driver to sit higher in the car, but at least he could see out the visor.
Score: 6/10

Minichamps 436720006

I also got myself the updated version from the World Champions Collection, this version from the Italian Grand Prix. It comes with an updated driver figure and also a new airbox. They made the cylinders on the engine silver, but it shows up how plastic and low detailed they actually are. They've changed the gold slightly to a lighter version on this model as well, and personally I prefer the original.
Score: 7/10

Other Versions

Spark

Spark S2149

Spark have recently released their version of the 72D this particular one from the Argentine GP, and it is a nice model. Although I prefer Minichamps helmet and tyres, Spark do a better job at the driver figure itself. The attention to detail on the engine is what wins me over on their version. I feel their rear wing and airbox is just a bit better defined.
Score: 8/10

Spark S4282

Spark have also done this Spanish Grand Prix version, with a yellow visor, different rear wing and different airbox. I love the 70s for such big changes from race to race. Similar to the Argentine GP version, this is a great effort from Spark again.
Score: 8/10

Quartzo

Quartzo 4022

Quartzo have done their version, and whilst it's a cheaper option, their work on the engine surpasses the detail on the Minichamps version for me. It does feel a bit plastic (that's because it is) and it just takes away a bit from the reality of the model for me.
Score: 6/10

Ixo/Altaya/Formula 1 Car Collection

Ixo's car comes in various guises and thus varying qualities of finish, some with and others without a drive figure. The quality is similar to Quartzo's, but the car looks a little short to me. 
Score: 6/10

RBA

There is an RBA version, which somewhat bears a resemblance to the 72, but there are much better budget options around. This is one to avoid.
Score: 4/10


For more from this series of World Champions, click here: https://fongugp4.blogspot.com/search/label/World Champions

1/43 Model Review: 1971 World Champion Jackie Stewart (Tyrrell 003 Ford Cosworth)

Background

Jackie Stewart had won the 1969 championship with Ken Tyrrell who ran customer Matra cars at the time, but for 1970 they spent most the year designing and building their own chassis and fixing initial problems. Come 1971, Stewart returned to winning ways winning six races on his way to his second Drivers' Championship.

Francois Cevert ran the 002 and Stewart the 003 during the season, though they were minor differences between the cars. Both retained their chassis for the majority of the 1972 season, but were outclassed by the Lotus 72, only winning races when the Lotus retired. The Tyrrell 003 would be the team's most successful car.

I've recently moved near Edinburgh, and the actual 003 is currently residing at a museum there, so I look forward to making a visit soon.

Minichamps

Minichamps 430710011

The original version 1/43 from Minichamps was a nice model that I think is based on the German Grand Prix. No real complaints for the quality produced at the time, but the models produced today are much more detailed and so this is starting to look a bit dated.
This model was quite rare and you could get one between £50-£75. Despite the success of the Tyrrell 003, it is actually the Tyrrell 005 (by Minichamps) of that era that was harder to purchase second hand.
Score: 7/10

However the value of this car has dropped since the updated World Champions Collectors Version arrived...

Minichamps 436710002

The same model is used again for the World Champions Collection, even though the releases are well over a decade apart. This is from the German GP where Stewart won. The blue is a bit closer to the real thing, the decals are a bit sharper and more consistently applied. The mirrors look improved too. Minichamps have a habit of charging modern day prices for something that was a third less on original release. Without updating the model, it looks a bit simple compared to the modern resin models, the shapes are not quite as pronounced and sharp. But for what it is, it's a nice model of the car.
Score: 7/10

Other Versions

Quartzo 4046

I did own an Quartzo version from the British Grand Prix, but unfortunately I don't have particularly good photos of that car to show you. The shape did have more pronounced contours, but the additional plastic parts, like the mirrors, take away from it. The driver model is not particularly good either.
Score: 5/10


So with that, I am quite happy to stick with the Minichamps version.

For more from this series of World Champions, click here: https://fongugp4.blogspot.com/search/label/World Champions

1/43 Model Review: 1970 World Champion Jochen Rindt (Lotus 72 Ford Cosworth)

I'm starting a new series of Driver's World Champions of which I have collected over the years. I start with a disclaimer that I grew up as a fan of F1 in the 1990s onwards, so my historical knowledge isn't quite as fanatical about the 80s and 70s and even less so of the 60s and 50s. But I do appreciate the history and the roots of what Formula 1 was back then and how it grew into this global phenomenon it is today. I have a couple of the World Champion models from the 50s or 60s, but not enough to do a series, so I'll begin with 1970 and the Lotus 72 that propelled Jochen Rindt to the title.

There are some very rare models from Spark that I don't have, or I simply can't afford them, and I've not ventured into Brumm, Quatrzo or IXO cars too much to fill in the gaps, as I mainly collect Spark and Minichamps models.

1970 - Lotus 72 - Jochen Rindt

Background

Jochen Rindt was a successful racing driver and previous Le Mans winner, but since his Formula One debut in 1964, he never had a car to match his talent. In 1969, he joined Lotus, and took his first Grand Prix victory finishing the year in fourth place. For the 1970 season, the third race was in Monaco where, due to retirements, Rindt lay second behind Jack Brabham, but his relentless pace caused Brabham to make a mistake on the last corner, letting Rindt through to victory. He then went on to win four races in a row mid-season, giving Rindt the Championship lead.

At Italian Grand Prix, designer, Colin Chapman, experimented by taking off the wings to reduce drag, to try and compete with the more powerful V12 engines, but Rindt's team-mate reported the car as impossible to drive, even in a straight line. In final practice, Rindt suffered a front right brake shaft failure, slinging him into the barriers at the Parabolica corner and taking his life. Nobody was able to gain enough points to overtake Rindt in the Drivers' Championship, and so Rindt remains the only posthumous World Champion to date.

Minichamps

Minichamps 430700005

The original Minichamps offering of the Lotus 72 was a nice simple car from, I think, the British Grand Prix. With the 70's cars, much of the rear end is still exposed, and Minichamps have put in a good effort with the engine and gearbox model.
Score: 6/10

Minichamps 436700005

The World Champions edition comes with wet tyres, a nicely updated driver model and helmet, and decals from, I think, the German GP. I feel they have improved the paint scheme, the original looks a little more like a toy, where as this updated version looks a bit more serious.

Score: 7/10

Other Versions

Spark S4280

Spark released their version from the Dutch GP, and as much as I'm not a fan of their 90s cars, I do love their treatment of the cars from the 60s and 70s, particularly the drivers and the details on the engine/gearbox. Their model is much sharper than the Minichamps model and I think the Spark version is overall a more satisfying model.
Score: 8/10

Quartzo have also done a nice budget model, as have Ixo/Formula 1 Car Collection and RBA.

Quartzo 4019

Quartzo's model is nicely done, lovely details, and despite not being made from resin like Spark, I think it's comparable to it. 

Score: 8/10

Formula 1 Car Collection

Ixo's version, this one from the Formula 1 Car Collection, is a pretty basic, but fairly nicely proportioned car. 

Score: 65/10

RBA

RBA/Atlas released a couple of World Champion cars and here is the Lotus 72, which again for a cheap model comes with nice detail around the engine and suspension.

Score: 6/10



For more from this series of World Champions, click here: https://fongugp4.blogspot.com/p/f1-world-champions.html

Retrospect

It's a sad reminder of a time in F1 where death was a regular occurrence, a state that only begins to change in the 1970s. And it's one criticism of Colin Chapman that his drive to produce a faster car, innovatively brilliant as he was, often pushed the boundaries too far as to risk his driver's safety. That's not to say he didn't care, the death of Jim Clark affected him deeply, but it does make you appreciate the level of engineering, the safety tests, the component testing and the safety standards of the modern day tracks that these days the cars are so reliable and the risk is much reduced.

I came across a comic-strip biography of Colin Chapman when browsing a local book store, and I think the comic was a brilliant way to treat a darker time. Beautifully illustrated and an accurate re-telling of his life is simply fantastic, and I enjoyed going through this book with my young son.