Projects I’m working on appear below. Completed projects get moved off this page into the Build Diaries list.
updated 5 February 2026
Ferrari 643 “Upgrade Parts” Version (Rosso, 1:8)
I’ve ended up with another of Rosso’s 1/8 scale Ferrari 643 F1 cars to build, but this one includes the hard-to-find ‘Upgrade Parts’ set that adds extra detail not included in the original kit.
As usual, I’ll document the build on this blog, however it will concentrate mostly on the ‘Upgrade’ parts rather than all the same detail that has already been addressed as part of the previous Ferrari 643 build (which can be viewed HERE, or watch the build video on the YouTube channel).
I’ve done an unboxing video of what comes in the “Grade Up Parts Set” box – see below.
These are the standard kit parts, building up the brake assemblies, steering etc. On the previous build, the owner had already started and had assembled the steering rack and various other parts. But with this kit, nothing had been started, so I’ve got the opportunity to experience the full build this time around.
Master cylinders for the brakes and clutch are part of the Upgrade set, cast in white metal. As you can see, the reservoir on the left was damaged and had to be straightened (thankfully, without breaking!) before the flash and mould lines were cleaned up.
All three parts will be fitted to the front bulkhead, but the bulkhead requires three mounting holes to be drilled first (the three 2mm holes around the bottom of the big hole). This is a metal part.
Test fitting.
Holes were drilled for the brake lines to fit later in the build
Hydraulic reservoirs and fittings painted, then fitted to the bulkhead. The steering rack, bulkhead and some other metal bracings were added to the monocoque prior.
Metal wires are added to simulate the high pressure pipes from each pump.
The original kit uses one large sticker that has all the dashboard markings printed on it, then this part (which is actually clear) is supposed to go over the top. But since we have high quality after market decals for this build, I’ve painted this clear part (which has switches moulded into it) and applied the decals directly to it.
The effect is much better than if it was out-of-box.
Brake and hub assemblies finished with the kit-supplied special tool for the wheel nuts.
Front and rear wings painted and assembled, ready for decoration.
Another couple of items that are different on this build to the previous one – flocking has been added to the steering wheel to simulate the suede used in real life. This has produced a more authentic finish than what flat black paint can achieve. Also, what I assume is the brake bias adjuster supplied in the Upgrade Parts set has been fixed to the inside of the cockpit.
As per previous build, all the water pipes had moulding lines removed then cleaned up and re-painted, firstly in gloss black (Tamiya), then polished aluminium (Alclad).
A couple of pipes and this catch tank have to be fitted prior to the engine. I’ve added the temp sensor to the pipe (which is not part of the Upgrade kit) plus heat shielding to the tank (also not part of the Upgrade kit). Remaining pipes, radiators etc cannot go on until the engine is in.
With the uprights in place, the remaining front suspension can be fitted.
I added 1mm black cable to represent the brake lines. One end is glued into the caliper, then run along and tied to the lower wishbone before entering the tub.
The master cylinders are Upgrade kit parts, but all the added brakes lines and pipes are additional after market.
All the man engine components were painted a metallic black (eye-balled mix of SMS’ Chassis Black and Steel), then start coming together, initially with the upper and lower suspension arms.
The engine mostly together. Exhausts (big job!) will be added later. In addition to some detail painting, reflective heat foil has been added to the exterior of the induction box.
Some of the fittings added to the gearbox, still more to go. Wires have been added to the control box in front of the oil cooler.
Rear spring/shock/bell-crank/push-rod assemblies. The springs are real, but the suspension does not operate.
Heat shielding glued to the inner faces of the rear bodywork.
Fire bottle decaled, fittings painted and metal foil added to the mounting straps.
There’s still more work to be done before the monocoque and engine can be screwed together, but it’s getting closer!
To be continued…
1979 Lotus 80 (Factory TZ, 1:20)
This Lotus won a poll I ran on YouTube to decide which kit to build next. So…
It’s an obscure 1:20 scale resin and metal kit of the 1979 Lotus 80, which turned out to be a major flop for the then reigning Formula One world champions. Following the success of the Lotus 79 ground effect car, Lotus decided to go ‘next level’ with the 80, featuring almost full-length venturi tunnels, sealed to the ground with sliding skirts, and producing so much downforce the car would not require a front or rear wing.
Initial testing revealed it was aerodynamically unstable, resulting in major porpoising as the team struggled to control the downforce. The car soon sprouted traditional wings.
Mario Andretti looks on as Carlos Reutemann sits in the car on a wet and gloomy day of testing at Silverstone.
It was was raced by Mario Andretti in just three Grands Prix – Spain, where it finished 3rd, then Monaco and France where it retired from both races. It was, essentially, a failure. The team never raced the car again and reverted to using the previous year’s chassis.
Press launch, 1979. The Martini & Rossi livery looks great, but the kit does not include decals and I’ve not been able to source any in the correct scale.
I’m going to build this as the sponsorless test version in its original no-wings configuration, which I think will look pretty cool.
The box. I suspect this is not the original. The kit was purchased second-hand.
The contents of the box. Unfortunately, this is not a complete kit, as explained in the unboxing video below. It never included decals and has a couple of parts missing. Strangely, there is a fluro-orange plastic wing and one resin-cast front tyre. The rubber tyres look like they’re from a Tamiya kit.
Before prepping, gluing or painting anything, first step is to source or build the missing parts.
To be continued…
1978 Lotus 79 (Hasegawa, 1:20)
Instead of building another really old F1 kit from the stash, I decided to do this – a new release from Hasegawa, the Lotus 79 from the 1978 German Grand Prix, but this is the Detail Up version that includes extra parts and photo etch. Kit number 52298 (also listed as SP498), it’s 1:20 scale (same as the Tamiya Grand Prix series) in plastic with rubber tyres.
I plan to do this as an out-of-box build of Mario Andretti’s car #5 as he won the race on the way to becoming World Champion.
I did an unboxing video for this kit on YouTube – watch it HERE.
There are LOTS of parts in this kit!
Cosworth DFV engine block goes together quickly. I questioned why Hasegawa bothered to model the flywheel and clutch when it will not be visible once the bellhousing and gearbox go on. But I guess if you were doing a diorama, this could be really handy!
The engine appears quite well detailed, but the kit does not include any ignition leads. I’d like to add some, so need to drill out all the mounting points to glue leads in later in the build. First step is the distributor.
Nine tiny holes drilled. The entire part is only 5mm wide!
Distributor, coil pack and rocker cover (x2) all drilled.
