Who Builds in 1/43 scale...

I used to build a lot of 1/43, but kinda lost interest when the pre-finished die casts got almost as good & cheaper than the kits.  Like you Doug, I built mostly LeMans type race cars.  I haven't built any in a few years, but still have several unfinished kits in the stash.  Here's a couple I did a while back & photographed for a thread on another Forum.

Regards,  Rick

Nice looking Cobras - what kits?

43rd is my favorite scale (but not exclusive). I've been building them since about 1985 and have done over 100, (F1, sportscars, rally, saloon racers). Currently I'm working on the SRC Ferrari 156 for the F1 group build which I bought about 1990. I build out of the box as well as varying degrees of extra detailing especially on some of the older kits (I still have some John Day, some of which were OK kits but many were rubbish) or if I want to represent a car in a specific event. I've also used transkits on diecast. Some excellent transkits were available years ago to convert Solido, Burago Norev etc diecats into acceptable racers when the range of kits wasn't as extensive as it is now. My preference for 43rd is the range and the size. I still dont think F1 diecast is anywhere near as good as a well built kit but do concede that many of the rally and sportscars are now almost as good.

I have to agree prices make them 43rd less attractive so I tend to build more 24th pastic now.

I fought off 43rds for years.  Finally gave in to build the Tameo McLaren 2-seater.  Surprised how well they go together, very little fiddly bits and the decals were excellent.  That being said, 1/20 F1 is still my preference.  I'm very intrigued by the extras you can get for 43rds.  You can do the entire Audi or Bentley LeMans pit stop in 43rd now.  Or a really sweet F1 pit stop as well with Denizen figures.  My problem is the size, it is to small to me.  On the flip side, you can get a kit of practically any race car ever produced.  I have one car from every year that Schumacher has driven F1.  Going to be a great display when finished. 

Where to get them?  Grand Prix Models in the UK is pretty much the tops.  Very fast in getting your order to you and excellent customer service.  Live with the exchange rate.  Icarro is also very good at getting what you need.  He can also find the odd and unusual item as well.  Those are my tops.  I just can't bring myself to buy diecast.  I guess there is something about seeing the model in my display and knowing that I did all the work, good and bad. 

Excellent Cobra's Rick!! One of my all time favorite cars. Who's Daytona kit did you use?

I also like Grand Prix Models as a source for my kits. After buying from a fairly local vendor, who's stock is a little sparce, it was nice to find someplace that had just about every kit in stock. I really like their service, and am amazed to be able to order from England, and have the kit in my hands a few days later.

Don't get me wrong here, I used to build in the other, larger scales. I just fell in love with 1/43, and build them exclusevly now. I sold off my larger scale kits, and went out and got more 43rd'ers!!  

Doug

Yes Grand Prix Models has been my source since the mid 80's. The first time I went to England in the early 90's i went and visited the shop and had a delightful afternoon with Brian Harvey (the original proprietor and editor of Four Small Wheels - their excellent monthly kit magazine) and he gave me one of the red 5 nose decals off you-know-who's Williams.

Go away! I am struggling with 1:24 and 1:20 as is!

I will try to do a 1:43rd just for the experince once, though... But then again, by that time my eyes won't be able to handle it!

SeaBee wrote:

Go away! I am struggling with 1:24 and 1:20 as is! I will try to do a 1:43rd just for the experince once, though... But then again, by that time my eyes won't be able to handle it!

I hear what you're saying about the eyes SeaBee, that's why I use magnifiers!!! My old eyes aren't what they used to be!!!!!

Doug