1/43 Model Review: 2019 Toro Rosso STR14 Honda (Minichamps and Spark comparison)

After the highs of a podium finish for the Toro Rosso team, their first podium since Vettel won the Italian GP in 2008, we now have two choices of STR14's to purchase. Minichamps have released their first 2019 car, and it's the Toro Rosso STR14 Honda. We've already seen the Spark version released a few weeks ago and it offers our first direct comparison for 2019.

Minichamps 417191910

The Minichamps car is a resin model, so the model itself is more expensive, but you get a much more accurate model. The model looks fantastic, the general shape is spot on and there's nice details to go with it. There is no specific GP that's mentioned as to where the car is based.

Minichamps 417190023

The first thing I noticed in difference is the tones of the blue and the red, with the Spark car looking more washed out in colour compared to the Minichamps offering. I've tended to prefer Minichamps on their choice of colour and I would do the same for this model. The decals on the Spark models have in the past been a little inferior to the Minichamps version, but to me, there's very little difference between the two.

Spark S6079

The front wings in terms of shape are very similar. Minichamps have gone for blue end plates on the inside, where as Spark have it correct in that it should be black. Both the noses and the complicated vanes for the support are very similar. The Minichamps car seems to have slightly better definition on the halo fin, but both cars have done the cockpit, sidepod and engine cover areas very well and it's hard to find any difference between the two (as it should be). I do still prefer the Minichamps helmets even though Spark have improved theirs for their most recent cars. 

It's not the best angle to compare the complex bargeboard regions, or the diffuser areas, and I haven't seen any close up shots to compare the two properly, but from what I can see, there's no meaningful difference to their approaches, no glaring errors, they both look fantastic.
So in summary, I'd be happy with either model, with the final colour of the Minichamps and the helmet shape edging it for me, but I'd not be disappointed with a Spark model either.
Score:8/10

Special Versions

Minichamps 417190626

This is the Monaco GP version, only a very small limited edition run, where the teams ran tributes to Niki Lauda after his passing away. 

Minichamps 417191126

Whilst Albon starred in the German GP, it was teammate Kvyat who benefitted with a podium finish in the Toro Rosso. 

1/43 Model Review: 2019 Toro Rosso STR14 (Spark)

The 2019 Toro Rosso team recalled Daniil Kvyat and alongside him hired impressive GP2 driver Alexander Albon. Kvyat had spent a year doing simulator work with Ferrari and was praised for some helpful set up work returned to the Red Bull family, making his third full-time return to the team. The Russian has been solid and quick in the Toro Rosso, being a regular points scorer. Albon took a little while to get to speed, but scored his first points in the second race in Bahrain. After starting from the pitlane in China, he earned a 10th place finish and 'Driver of the Day'.

Spark S6079

Spark S6080

Spark have released both Kvyat and Albon STR14 cars, coming with a pitboard for the team's 250's GP at the Chinese GP. For me, Spark have done a really nice job on their 2019 models, this one being the latest released this year so far.

Toro Rosso had gone down a different front wing philosophy to the main Red Bull team, with there being very minimal angle on the outside of the front wing, in an attempt to claim back the outwash effect lost with the change of regulations.

Score: 8/10

Spark S6094

Amazingly, Toro Rosso scored two podiums in 2019. This is Kvyat's podium from the German GP, finishing an excellent 3rd in a chaotic race, with rain tyres, always a plus for me. This model also comes with a pitboard with the finishing positions for an excellent weekend for Toro Rosso

Spark S6096

Gasly joined Toro Rosso after the summer break and in complete contrast to his short Red Bull career, he put in many strong performances in the second half of 2019, including a fantastic podium in Brazil. But here was another fantastic performance at the Belgian GP, who like Leclerc, lost a friend in Hubert the previous day. Gasly put in some strong overtakes to finish in the points.

I did find this Australian GP edition on ebay, I think it was sold at the Japanese GP, which included a 'Thank You Charlie' message.

Spark S6047

Spark have released all three podium finishers, with Pierre Gasly earning his first podium at the Brazilian Grand Prix. Thoroughly deserved after a difficult start of the season with Red Bull followed by a brilliant stint with Toro Rosso and the emotion on the radio after he crossed the line touches your heart. This model comes with a pitboard and a trophy.