Lotus 98 and Lotus 99

I've not bought it yet as I must order a couple of other things but it is on http://www.f1specialties.com . I asked them what modifications they made but in this case, it was only a matter of paint ( as I am more or less a rivet counter-aircraft idiomatic expression- I must do an extra effort to be satisfied )
One question though : where can I find those publications you quote ?

Yes there are some significant differences with the engine cover between the 2 but they seem easy to fix as you're going back to the 98t. If you can, check Autocourse 1986/87 and 1987/88 (the latter is superb for the 99T and you can see all why Tamiya's car is an EARLY season car only and that significant differences are required to make use of the non tobacco decals included in the kit), Autosport File - Lotus and Rainer Schlegelmilch's Grand Prix Fascination Formula 1. On page 216 of that book there is a semi over head shot of the 99t and 98t (there is a series taken virtually identically of each car from 1975 through 1992) which shows some real differences beteen the 2 - well to my eye anyway.

The engine cover on the 98t was smooth from top to the side pods whereas the 99t had a pronounced step at about cockpit height. The Tamiya 99t has the early season turbo air intake location but I think from the photos in the above references they are still slightly further foward than the 98t. The engine cover seems to narrow quicker on the 99t so there is a more of a gap between the edge of the side pod and the edge of the vertical rise of the engine cover. I also think the curve in to the rear wheels from the side pods is more pronounced on the 98t, the 99t being more flowing allowing better air flow through to the rear wing. I also think the rear diffuser is quite different and I also think the radiator exit is slightly different between the 2 but I can't find enough clear photos to confirm or deny both points.

However as there were continual aero changes appearing on the cars throughout each season you have to be quite careful in identifying which photos were taken where, this is particularly so for the wings. Pingtang is right about the wing end plates but only on a race to race basis, the early 99t had much the same as the the 98t did on occassions. I would also disagree with Pingtang when he says the turbo air intake scopes are smaller on the 99t, they certainly were from mid season (and located differently - Autourse 1987/88 has some excellent diagrams that show these bodywork changes) but the Tamiya is an early season so they are about right for the 98t.

I think it would not take much work to fill in the step on the 99t's engine cover to produce that beautiful smooth shape of the 98t and forget about the narrower rear of the cover and different rear deck - leave those to the rivet counters. The wonderful highly polished black colour and JPS decals will draw the eye.

Where have you got the 98t decal set from?

I'll get those pics scanned for you tomorrow mate. Can you send me an email first. It'll be easier for me to attach the pics to the message if I reply to your message. Just click on the email icon under this message.

Thank you, chap, it would help me a lot. I don't plan to make a mega detailed kit but to set the most obvious corrections. If you want to send scans directly, you'll find my email address in my profile. Thank you in advance.

There were a few small differences between the two cars, but they are visually very similar. The front wing end plates on the 98 were smaller. The air intake scoops on the top of the sidepods were smaller on the 99. The area directly ahead of the cockpit was dark tinted clear plastic on the 98 while it was solid on the 99. In the front suspension, there were some extra arms/wishbones to support some uprights on the 98. If you want, I can scan some pictures in from some books that I have that will show what I'm talking about. There would also have been alot of difference internally with the change from Renault to Honda power (there might have been external differences too, to make room for the new engine?)

hope this helps.

Thank you, chap. I planned to make one of each from the Tamiya 99 but the problem was that I thought there were differences, but which ones ? I know a little more on planes.
I'll follow your advice and see the results.

Jose,
I've been looking at images found by doing a google search for both the Lotus 98 and the Lotus 99........and they're really very similar cars......same general layout with no really significant dimensional differences - to the naked eye, anyway.
Almost all of the pics of the Lotus 98 have JPS sponsorship (black with gold pinstripes), and the Lotus 99 seems to have Camel sponsorship - the all yellow cars.
There's lots of pics online of either car - just do a google search for images for either one. Good luck.