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Buying my first 1/43rd scale model kit happened by accident by way of a short trip in research. I have built polystyrene model car kits in 1/25th, 1/20th, and 1/12th scale over the years on and off. My current interest is in Le Mans and Formula 1 racing subjects. Several companies manufacture wonderful kits of automotive racing machines, but limits production to kits that have mass appeal. One car I particularly loved was the Lola T-70.
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I searched the Internet to see what was available and somehow I stumbled (or was it divine intervention?) onto the model cars website run by Peter Radcliffe.
Navigating through his site and others, I found several kits of the Lola T-70. Although the kits were 1/43rd, pictures of them showed exquisite detail and spurred my interest in buying one. I thought "how hard could they really be in this scale?" One primary difference between these kits (resin and metal) and ones of polystyrene was price. These kits were on average at least twice the price of a polystyrene kit in a larger scale. After deciding to buy a kit, I made an inquiry to Peter and he gave me some suggestions on what would be appropriate for my first kit. I selected a curbside kit of the Lola T-70, Lemans, 1969, from Provence Moulage.
After placing my order, I started researching the Internet for any tips I could find on building in 1/43rd. Peter also sent me an informative e-mail with general guidelines for building resin 1/43rd models. After a few days the kit arrived. It came in a small box about 2-1/2 inches by 6 inches. I was thrilled with anticipation to see what was inside. Most of the fun opening any model kit is the anticipation of finding out what's inside! Initially my eyes grew big when looking at all the parts stuffed in that little box. I carefully opened the box and examined all the small parts with amazement. I thought, wow, is this cool!
After thoroughly looking at the picture-only instructions and the finely cast resin body of the Lola T-70 did I realize this would take a little more thought before I was to start building. I took my time admiring the finely engraved panel lines of the body and scrutinizing over the fine detail of the photo-etched parts. I examined the decals and made sure all of the parts were there. I had never worked with this medium before and was quite excited about this new challenge.
After I sat down at my workbench I began to think about what I was getting into. I know that I wanted to build the Lola to the same standards I set for myself with plastic kits. The question to myself was if I could build a visually appealing model in this scale the first time. I had a lot of confidence and looked forward to the challenge of building something this small and exquisite.
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I followed the normal routine of parts preparation and priming. I had some difficulty with orange peel when I began painting the final finish coats; perhaps this is because I am not used to spraying such a small surface area. I ended up rubbing it out to correct the problem. I had no problem with technique; my problem was working in small spaces with very small parts. Regardless of the obstacles (slight orange peel in the paint, ill- fitting parts, and smudged vacuform), I overcame them all and learned the process of building a Provence Moulage kit. I also realized that these kits would require the same degree of skill, if not more, in building a plastic kit. After completing the building process, my appetite was wet for more.
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I was pleased with the result and consider my initiation into 1/43rd complete. The model looks just as good if not better than much larger scale kits. What is really impressive is that these models often have the same level of detail as much larger scale kits. I believe it takes more modeling skill to cram all of that detail into a 4-inch model than one twice its size! I have heard through many sources that building in 1/43rd is what separates the men from the boys in car modeling. I have decided to pursue building in this scale as my primary choice and to develop my skills for this scale. I suppose my only disappointment so far is in my inability to build to my standard of larger scales. I am a model builder more so than a model collector, I savor the
building experience. Hopefully I will master the basic techniques for 1/43rd in the not too far distant future. I have seen advertisements for the "super kits" and I am just as curious and excited about building one of those as I was about building my Lola.
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Editor note:
It was a very pleasant surprise one morning when I opened my e-mail letter box and found the pictures of Robert's Lola. I remembered his first e-mail asking about Lola T70 kits as it is also one of my favorite cars, I have over 20 of different scales in my collection. The few problems he had are I suspect those of adapting to a smaller size as he indicated but what was immediately apparent to me was his attention to detail. So many model makers apply decals across panel shut lines and then do not cut the decal to allow the panel to "open"! This can be clearly seen for the doors on the number roundels and white stripes on the roof.
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