Monaco 1971 Ickx (Protar) and Andretti (Tamiya)

[Ronnux]

One of my biggest projects so far… I thought it would be a nice idea to make a diorama with some of my to do stockpile kits so I did some research of what would be close to realistic to built. I started with the 4 figures and toolset by Tamiya in 1/12 and thought about combining it with the Tamiya 312B. When I got the chance to buy a Protar 312B2 my idea started to develop.

In Monaco 1971 Ickx and Regazzoni drove the new 312B2 and Andretti drove the 312B. So the idea was to built a diorama with both cars and the Tamiya figures on a piece of track.

The biggest problem were the wheels and tires of both cars. As many of you know the Tamiya front tires are to wide and the Protar tires are way too big and out of proportion. Also the correct decals seemed to be a problem, but fortunately Macs had some S27 312B decals just before he closed down his shop.

So after lots of blood, sweat and tears, especially with fitting issues of the Protar kit and copying the rims I finished this project!

Things done:

Acu Stion mechanical parts set for the 312B (seat belt buckles and wing endplates) because I had the original Tamiya 312B release without the etched parts.

MFH belt material en Acu Stion etched belt parts

The 312B has Indycals houndstooth seat decals

Added self made funnel covers

Added MFH fuel lines

Used S27 decals part 1 and 2 and some of the original Tamiya kit decals. Only had one large firestone decal, so copied it (above nr 4 logo).

‘Shaved’ the head of what seems to be the Fittipaldi figure, so it will fit the helmet of Ickx

I was very lucky with the re release of the Tamiya Lotus 72D. The tires are a close match to the dimensions used in 1971. I ordered 2 sets from the Tamiya import company in Germany and had to adapt the front rims (they are 4mm narrower). Biggest challenge was to make a mould and to resin copy the adapted 312B rims for the 312B2. First time for me creating a silicon mould and cast the two part rim in resin. A lot of trial and error and time, but in the end an ok result for me.

Made a base with a part of the start finish straight of Monaco 1971.

Used Tamiya paints TS8/TS13 for the body and alclad for the chrome parts. Other parts were painted in Tamiya Acrylics or Laquers.

So enough with the writing! Here are some pics of the completed project!

Ron

[Ronnux]

Some pictures of the building process..

[Ronnux]

And more…

[tubegenius]

BRILLIANT! Are you saying the Lotus 72D tires are useable for the Tamiya 312B with some wheel modification?

[Ronnux]

Thanks! Yes, the rear tires of the 72D fit the 312B rear rims pretty close and the front tires are 4mm narrower!

[Jeff]

Fantastic work, a very cool project!!

[Shiiya]

Wow , Awesome project , congratulations !

[Dede]

That is an amazing result, very well thought out and executed diorama with both Ferrari's being used, very impressive.

[woodgp]

fantastic display , great work on everything , lots of work on tool sets etc ... cool

[MarcoSaupe]

Very nice work, love those Flat12 Ferraris!