"What can you add to the already distinctive-looking 312T4?"
You know me - I can never resist a rare kit - especially if it is something about Formula 1 in the 70s. This is why I was excited about winning an auction on an upgrade kit from Chevron Models. This kit helps recreate one form of the 1979 season champion car from Ferrari, specifically the winning car driven by Jody at the famous historic Monaco circuit (this type of wing was also used in the same year earlier at Long Beach by Gilles, who eventually won the race). It features a unique, downforce-increasing rear wing set. I'm just more than glad that this exists and that I was able to get one to share with you.
Oh, by the way, here's an article that answers your WHY:
"First of all, this allowed a greater depth to the rear wing so it could still comply with the maximum dimensions of the rules – but also less bodywork overhang meant there was a smaller change of collisions with barriers in the event of the drivers getting it wrong." (Piola & Somerfield, 2018).
This kit does not come in a traditional box but a bag (like the RC body shell bags). I was so lucky to get it below the original price.
Here are what you get from the kit:
Yep, a detailed, bright-printed instruction brochure, metal and resin parts for the rear wing, a complete racing belt set, and, of course, as a tradition, a printed photo of the completed model. Very light kit!
The printing quality of the instructions is good. It is quite detailed, as it takes some effort to recreate this unique wing used by Ferrari in 1979.
Like the M23 kit, Chevron often teaches you how to scratch-make parts, such as the side wings here. The template is attached for builders' convenience.
Many modifications are required, starting with replacing the vents on the original body with the two metal parts provided by Chevron. The rivets on the metal parts seem to big to my eyes, though.
Chevron also did a fair job reproducing the unique rear wing stand. Of course, the construction only comes after you clean up these parts completely first. Basically, we will be building a pyramid. I might also change the screws in the picture, as the actual car definitely didn't use Philp heads to secure the rear wing and the two side wings on the body (the real car used hex socket head screws).
Here's what a temporary fitment looks like.
The resin wing parts look alright; no air bubbles and it feels heavy.
This is how the stand connects to the wing panel.
Also comes in the box is a vacuum-formed windscreen that accurately captures the thickness of the 1/12 scale windshield, which is impossible for its plastic counterpart.
No need to buy the MFH belt set for this one now; Chevron kindly offered one out of the box. Sticker printing quality is very good (see the comparison to the MFH belt set I did in this
review).
A photo of the completed model! A nice final touch.
All right, so these are what you get from Chervon's very lightweight transkit that helps you build an extraordinary beast from the 1979 Formula 1 season. You probably won't be able to find this anywhere else, so if you happen to see one, don't miss it if you like it!
Photo Credit: MotorSport Magazine
Reference
Piola, G., & Somerfield, M. (n.d.). Monaco’s craziest ever formula 1 tech ideas. https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/monacos-craziest-ever-tech-ideas-1041223/3101909/
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