Volume 1 issue 4 - Kit Lotus Archive

KIT LOTUS
Volume 1 issue 4 September 2008
In this issue
·
Editorial
·
Lotus collection for sale
·
Techniques featuring readers IX
·
Lotus 30
·
The diecast page
·
Featured model - Tameo Lotus 109
·
In the footsteps of legends’ - part three
·
Lotus 60th Anniversary /Lotus Evora
·
Web Directory
·
Bits and Pieces
EDITORIAL
Is the diecast boom over? A very dear friend of mine from
Olympia sent me a copy of a recent article from the US publication ‘Car and Driver’ which featured an interview with Bill
Tran, the US Business Development Manager for AUTOart the
Chinese model car company. The article was a first person
view of the current state of the model car industry carrying the
tag line ‘The golden age of small wheels crashes into China's
big problems’.
In the article, Tran lays out the bleak facts which face the
small car industry mirroring the real stuff for similar reasons..
Rapidly rising costs across every facet of production, from
wage costs to the costs of the raw material zamak . From
cardboard boxes to diesel costs all contributing to a flat profit
margin in the £10 to £20 range. So like the real motor industry, the model makers are cutting costs and raising prices
when they can. Detailing on rank and file ranges is being reduced whilst the current star cars are being upgraded with
more detail and moved into the more profitable £40 to £100
ranges.
we have been spoilt for choice over the last few years with the
diecast detail getting better and better as European Technology
met the low cost Chinese economy. It is no accident that most of
the major European manufacturers have their production plants
in the far east. As long ago as 1990 I worked with a design
consultancy in London’s East End who were responsible for all
the design work on the Exclusive First Edition range of Coaches
and Commercials and 100% of their output was destined for
China. It must have been one of the first ranges along with
Pauls Model Art Minichamps to be set up exclusively with
Chinese production in mind. It made sense that costs were
lower so the design investment and tooling quality could be
increased.
The article predicts a slow down in output of new models and no
doubt some of the dozens of new releases previewed at
Nuremberg in spring won’t see the light of day before much
later, up to a couple of years the typical delay, according to Tran.
The author of the article was quite derisory toward the European
specialist manufacturers but judging by the amount of new
offerings emerging month on month, the industry is alive and
well and living in a centrifugal casting machine near you. I can’t
count the number of manufacturers nor could I expect to keep
up with the out put, hence the specialism in our favourite marque.
It is inevitable that as costs in China spiral, the tidal wave of
millions of super detailed diecast will slow and the article
advocates getting out the glue and spray cans to resume the
quest for specialist stuff in the kit arena which is where we are.
Still it is comforting to know the kit industry is probably more
stable than the diecast companies. I for one whilst taking my fair
share of Chinese technology, will not shed a tear whilst
continuing to get in a mess with superglue and paint. It just isn’t
the same when you pay your money and someone has done it
for you, no matter how good it is. Bill Tran is leaving AUTOart to
try a new challenge!
Tran also reports that demand—even for the high quality
items—is falling and collector wallets are staying firmly in the
back pocket. He also suggests that not just for the cost is the
market dropping, his theory is the ‘wow factor’
Next issue: More news and features about the collecting, and building of miniature Lotus models.
Lotus collection for sale
I am sure most of you will have heard of John DawsonDarmer the Australian who owned several historic
Lotus race cars including Jim Clarks 1962 Lotus 25
and Andretti’s 1979 Lotus 79. He lost his life at the
wheel of Lotus 63/2 at the 2000 Goodwood Festival
of Speed. Since then I have often wondered what
would happen to the collection, convinced all along
that it would eventually come on to the market and
sure enough at the time of writing, Bonhams the
Auctioneers has the Collection for sale including the
FWD Lotus 63 so I can only surmise that it has been
restored following the fatal crash at Goodwood and as
only two of the complicated Lotus 63 chassis were
built (the other is in the Donington Collection), it must
be offered for sale in Australia “
Hopefully, whatever the outcome, enthusiasts will be able
to see the cars in shows, races and displays wherever they
end up. The collection also includes a lightweight formula 2
Lotus 16 and a Lotus 18 F1 car. Many illustrious drivers
have at some point piloted these icons including: Jim Clark,
Stirling Moss, Lucien Bianchi, Richard Attwood, Masten
Gregory, Mario Andretti, Carlos Reuteman, Jochen Rindt,
John Miles, Jo Bonnier, Bob King and Alan Stacey.
The collection is a tribute to Dawson– Darmer’s lifelong
commitment to Motorsport, he was a successful Rally
Navigator as well as the Chairman of the Historic
Commission of CAMS (Confederation of Australian
Motorsport)
Featured website
www.mikesminiatures.com
I exchanged emails with Mike Surrurier down there in
South Africa having first checked out his website.
Classic Team Lotus Tasman Championship Lotus
32B. Former Dawson-Darmer collection member,
exchanged for the Lotus 79
have been restored.
It is my understanding the Lotus 79 is in the collection
by virtue of a swap with Classic Team Lotus who did
not have a genuine Clark car in their collection, the car
exchanged was the 1965 Tasman Championship
winning Lotus 32B in Team Lotus colours driven by
Jim Clark and can be regularly seen whenever CTL
display . CTL had two 79s retaining one for themselves
and Dawson-Darmer taking one in exchange, the chassis he took was the fifth 79 to be built, it had never
won a GP but also had never been crashed and as
Dawson– Darmer was more interested in the car than
the history, he was happy with the deal. Naturally, the
only colour scheme to honour the 79 would be in the
JPS Livery (1:18 version still on the MINICHAMPS new
release list for around £69 quid).
Clarks 1963 championship winning Lotus 25 is expected to fetch between 1.1 and 1.8 million Australian
Dollars and there is some speculation on the web that
undoubtedly part of the collection will see a return to
Europe.
Bonhams are quoted as saying that the collection “ is
arguably the most important and historically
significant collection of Collector’s motor cars ever to
Mike is the proprietor of Mikes Miniatures and runs his
specialist model manufacturing company on the basis of
producing interesting subjects. He is the only model maker
of I am aware of who is producing a MK1, MK II and MK III
Lotus in any scale.
His models are in resin with photo etched detail parts and
polyurethane tyres. Retailing at £40 each including
shipping this has to be a bargain fro such an ultimate rare
subject. Mike offers to bulk up shipping if anyone is
interested in obtaining one of his kits. I don't mind doing
the admin stuff if enough are interested, email me at
[email protected] if you would like to obtain a kit but
please bear in mind, Kit Lotus is not about selling kits but
we could make the odd exception if sufficient people are
interested..
Mike is also looking for help, a natural Lotus enthusiast he
plans to make a replica of the Clairmonte Special which
began life as a 1952 Lotus VII before being converted to a
two seater and re-named. It was only the second Lotus not
to feature the Austin Seven Chassis. So far Mike has been
unable to obtain sufficient photographs, if any one can
help he will be glad to hear from you. Email him on
[email protected]
Take a look at Mike’s website for photographs of Elites
and Mark VIIII,s as well as the early Lotus models. There
are other marques featured but anyone who is prepared to
tool up and produce such a specialist model not once but
several times, has to have our support as Lotus model
builders and collectors.
Mike has promised to keep KITLOTUS informed of new
Techniques — Bare metal foiling
BARE METAL FOIL
.
Reader Simon Parsons sent me the photographs in this article
about his experience with bare metal foil. The model is MEA’s
nice 1:43 scale Lotus X1 and Simon decided he would use the
Graham Hill Oulton Park car to emulate the unpainted
aluminium bodied cars that are currently doing the rounds of
Historic Sports Car Races.
Bare metal foil is available commercially, Simon used the product from Paul Fitzmaurice at ‘Little Cars’, I get mine from Grand
Prix Models although Paul offers the product cheaper than GPM.
Three finishes are available matt, brushed and polished..Simon
used the matt aluminium version.
When you buy the foil, as with the special decal paper, you will
find comprehensive instructions that need to be followed to the
letter, this can be unforgiving stuff, if you get wrinkles for
example, the best advice is to start afresh. It can be applied over
paint but it won’t adhere to any silicone residue so the same rule
applies to both. With paint, key the surface with fine grade wet
and dry , if you have to clean the surface use a silicone free
cutting compound .You will need the sharpest tools from your
tool box for this, ideally with your craft knife at its sharpest.
Foiling a complete 1:43 body shell is no mean feat with multi
layers being required simply by the shape of the compound
curves and the typical size of propriety sheets. Typically the foil
from GPM is 300mm x 160mm and should be adequate for
several 1:43 scale models and if only used on sections, will
accommodate a couple of 1:24 scale model but of course it
would be impossible to get perfection from one sheet in a single
application, so, try not to cover too big an area at once as this
material is delicate and can easily crease. Careful choice of split
lines using obvious changes in body shell definition can be a big
help but this should be less of hassle if for example you are
detailing a works X1 with the aluminium panels on the lower
body shell.
Make sure you follow the instructions closely especially when it
comes to wrap arounds and small components.
The foil is self adhesive, should be overcut , removed from its
backing and gently laid on the area to be covered before gently
firming it into place using your fingers. The ubiquitous cocktail
stick can help here and cotton buds can help. Take off the point
and round off the end then use it to smooth the foil by gently
rubbing round the contours of the component, the cotton bud
will also help achieve this. Using a very sharp craft knife, a new
blade always helps and allow the weight of the blade to achieve
the cut, there is no need to exert any pressure if the blade is
surgically sharp. Cut away the excess and use the slightly
blunted end of the cocktail stick to ensure body seams are
accurately finished. Using the weight of a very sharp scriber
along the panel lines without exerting pressure will also help The
result is very satisfying but of course, patience is essential.
Judging by the pictures Simon very kindly sent, he has achieved
an amazing model. For extended shelf life, pop your unused foil
in a polythene bag and keep it in the fridge!
www.bare-metal.com
www.kitlotus.com
Lotus 30
Not one of Chapman’s greatest creations, the Lotus 30 could be
described as one of those projects that demonstrated his single
mindedness in his own beliefs, preferring to wrestle a project to a
self destruction point rather than abort early on the advice of
others. It could also be said that the 30 represented Chapman’s
opportunist nature and his belief that he could extend the Ford
connection from the Indy Car project into the increasingly
popular Group 7 big sports car series. Unfortunately for
Chapman, that link did exist but with his big rival Eric Broadley of
Lola cars and the route to the legendary GT40s veered away
from Cheshunt.
The backbone chassis of the original Lotus 30, fabricated from
20 gauge steel was its weak point along with its brake cooling
problem and overheating. Even the mastery of Jim Clark could
The Hawk version in 1:32 scale is quite crude in terms of how
many parts make up the kit but I am making the assumption that
it too was predominantly aimed at the slot car market as against a
kerbside model although it does have seating detail and it is a
product of the mid sixties. The injection moulding of the body is
accurate and would quite easily work up to a kerbside with some
not redeem the 30 with only minor success apart from a win at
Mallory Park.
So what about the scale model 30, of course there are some and
even the Lotus ‘failures’ attract the replicators over more
successful sports racers of the day. Admittedly not many variants
exist in model form but it is possible to pick up three, all sharing
an overriding characteristic and a clue to why they were modelled.
The uncluttered shape allowing for easy moulding/casting is a
feature not lost on the Slot Car Racing market. US company
HAWK made a 1:32 version in the sixties and TAMIYA also came
up with a 1:32 version in their Mini Racing range. In 1:24 scale,
an intriguing version cast in resin is available from RESILIENT
RESIN who can be found at [email protected] .
Most obviously a slot car body, but the experienced modeller or
the scratch builder will recognise its potential for a very nice
kerbside model of the Lotus 30 and possibly the 40 . No doubt a
good rummage in the parts box will turn up some of the required
parts. Alternatively, a raid on ebay could reveal a donor kit
(McLaren M8 by Heller Humbrol is one example) and I am sure
parts from some of the early AMT Indy Fords may help as well.
The resin shell will need a bit of flash cleaning but will make up
into a excellent replica, nicely moulded and complete with vac
form windshield and headlamp covers, RESILIENT RESINS have
done a good job, the rest is up to you. It is definitely on my to do
list .
kit bashing. These are still regular visitors to web site auctions and
so should not be too difficult to come by.
Harder to come by than the Hawk version but also in 1:32 scale, it
is very rare to see a Tamiya Lotus 30 from the Mini Racer series,
again, the range name implies slot car and the body has only
superficial cockpit detail when compared to the Hawk version. The
wheels on the Tamiya version are more accurate and have
separate polyurethane tyres whereas the Hawk version has a
single wheel/tyre moulding.
It is unlikely I will build either of the smaller versions but the 1:24
scale is inviting especially as it will require some scratch works
and research to obtain the rest of the components.
If you have a Lotus model project to share or
photographs to show, they are welcome in
KITLOTUS
Email to:
[email protected]
The Diecast Page — AUTOart Lotus Esprit Turbo 1:18 scale
In my other life as a Classic Car Event Organiser, I was
admiring a very pretty Series 2 Lotus Esprit in Essex
colours at the finish of the 2008 Nottingham Classic Tour.
It has featured in a number of my classic tours but it was
seeing it in the rare UK summer sunshine this time that
nudged my decision to feature the AUTOart 1:18 scale
Lotus Esprit Series 2 in this month’s diecast page.
only’ as a submarine in the first and in alpine scenes
complete with ski racks in the second.
In my collection since being recieved as an inspired
Father’s Day gift, the model, resplendent in its typical
1980’s black livery with gold graphics, graces my cabinet
and edged out the MONOGRAM Esprit Sport, well actually
it gave me an excuse not to build the MONOGRAM version.
Several diecast Esprit versions are available with both 1:18
and 1:43 scales
bolstering the AUTOart catalogue
including both Bond versions. Corgi in keeping with their TV
related model themes produce the Esprit in ‘Spy who loved
me’ and ‘For your eyes only’ versions and both are still
easily found on website auctions.
Any model out of the AUTOart stable is a must for
Timeless shape of this Esprit typifies the British
Supercar
As usual, AUTOart produce a faithfull replica with opening
doors revealing an interior also typical of an eighties Lotus
in a cream contrast. One of Chapman's last creations, the
Esprit became a British Supercar with classic styling that
refuses to date and only slight cosmetic changes to the
model as it progressed to the later V8 version (also
available from AUTOart) .
The shape of the model is accurately reproduced with all
opening panels fitting nicely into the body shell. Because of
its mid engine configuration, the turbocharged Lotus 910
16v dohc engine is only replicated at the top end with cam
covers and the turbo inlet being visible. A separate panel
covers the engine underneath the louvered rear window.
Development of this Lotus type 82 began several years
before its launch but was seriously delayed because of the
Delorean V6 project. When it finally appeared at an
extravagant ‘bash’ at London’s Royal Albert Hall, it had the
tag line ‘keep the door from the wolf’. It’s 910 engine, a
revamp of the 907 and a Garrett AiReasearch turbocharger
announced the arrival of a genuine 150mph Lotus supercar.
The Esprit gained immortality by featuring in two James
Bond movies, ‘the spy who loved me ‘ and ‘for your eyes
Typical eighties interior, light coloured leather and exterior
graphic in colours to match the Grand Prix cars.
enthusiasts, no matter what the model or make of car, the
attention to detail is constant and I doubt if anyone is ever
disappointed when they choose models from this
manufacturer. No Lotus F1 models are available despite
my error in issue 3 where I mistook the AUTOart
information and should have said Minichamps. Current
Lotus models are available but no mention yet of project
Eagle!
For more information visit:
www.autoartmodels.com
Featured Model - Tameo Lotus 109 - 1:43 scale
Chris Murphy designed chassis powered by Mugen Honda , the last chapter in Lotus Formula One.
Synonymous with 1:43 scale models of Formula One subjects since 1983, has been Tameo Kits, this small Italian
artisan company produce the benchmark by which all other
F1 models makers in this scale aspire to. Admittedly, other
makers have fabulous mouth watering offers such as the
150 component kits from BBR, but, horses for courses, expect to pay a lot more money and agree with yourself that
you are up to super kit standard before you part with the
thick end of £200 quid for such a kit. If on the other hand,
like me , the standards set by Tameo are more than ade-
giving the builder adequate locating pins for the appropriate
pick up points. Reverting back to your pin chuck, all of the
locating positions are marked in the castings so all you
need to do is ensure you choose the correct drill bit and as
the white metal is soft, there is no need for power tools to
achieve accuracy, just a delicate touch with the drill bit and
gentle turns will do the job.
So, ready for dry run. Locating the suspension parts will
determine if your drilling is good but will also give you the
opportunity to square up the geometry if required. Again,
gentle hand pressure should be all that is required but on
occasion where this can’t be achieved, appropriately sized
hand pliers are useful.
quate for someone of my skill level.
This review kit is one I made earlier, much earlier, over ten
years ago. Even then I was really happy with the quality of
the components and marvelled at the tiny detail put into
such detail as the photo etch components and the small
machined parts such as the wheel fastenings.
Before all this of course, the make or break of any model is,
does it look right? Tameo excel at creating faithfully shaped
replicas, not easy when so many subjects have to be modelled to create an F1 grid. The 109 body casting came well
protected in expandable plastic mesh tubing and whilst
some preparation work on the white metal is required, It is
only a matter of removing minimal flash and split lines, preparing the surface for painting with lots of TLC using fine
wire wool and fine grade wet and dry, before making yourself satisfied that the paint will go on to your own liking. The
only other preparation is to get out your pin chuck and hand
drill the openings for suspension pick ups, the mirror locations and the various other antennae/brackets required for
assembly. You can then leave the body shell until you want
to dry run the components prior to paint.
Assembling suspension, wing and spoiler assemblies manufactured by Tameo is made simpler by the thought put into
the photo etch design. Half etching has been extensively
used to enable the builder to fold components and to allow
best use of the sheet of raw material during the etching
process. Sufficient lugs and pegs have been allowed for
Usual story for paint, no filler was needed on this kit, just
light primer followed by another rub down and then the top
coat. In this case, the decals covered most of the body so it
is up to the builder as to how much shine goes on.
The main body work decals need to be applied before
assembly and this set by decal masters CARTOGRAF are
well up to the high standard you would expect but the
compound curves do mean some time with the decal
softener and the wife’s hairdryer set on a low gentle heat.
Component Quality
¶¶¶¶¶
Ease of assembly
¶¶¶¶
Clarity of Instructions
¶¶¶¶
Decals
¶¶¶¶¶
Overall Appearance
¶¶¶¶¶
Overall, a smashing kit and the essential addition to any
Lotus collection as the last F1 Lotus ever.
Check the full range at www.tameokits.com
In the footsteps of legends - part three
This third part of ‘in the footsteps of legends’ takes us into the
black zone, the early seventies when Nottingham tobacco
company John Player created a marketing icon by launching the
John Player Special cigarette, more to the point, they latched on to
their already successful backing of Team Lotus with the Gold Leaf
brand and created the John Player Special race car or Lotus 72 to
you and me. John Player Team Lotus was born.
Already a Lotus obsessive brought up on the exploits of Jim Clark
and Graham Hill, I was drawn to similar traits displayed in Ronnie
Peterson’s driving style, never dirty always blindingly fast and if he
didn’t break the car, there was a fair chance of victory.
At that time, recently wed to Sue we were fairly free of
responsibilities so it was a typical thing to jump in the car and
drive to Brands Hatch or Silverstone for the Grand Prix, Sue would
load the vittuls and off we would go at 2.00am in the morning. By
5.30 the camping stove was on and an open air cooked breakfast
in the car park outside Brands Hatch would go down a treat. This
particular year, 1974, Ronnie Peterson was team leader at JPTL
with the flamboyant Belgian Jackie Ickx as his number two. No
new car yet for Ronnie and the ubiquitous Lotus 72 was in the E
configuration.
We hadn’t been there for practice but we knew that Ronnie had
put the ageing 72 on the front row alongside pole winner Nikki
Lauda, the chance of an upset at Brands was on the cards.
Two summers previous, Sue and me sat in a hotel lounge just
outside Venice watching the epic battle between Fittipaldi,
Stewart and Ickx at the British Grand Prix live on Italian TV, and
now we were poised to enter the same circuit hoping for a repeat
of the outcome, a JPS win.
Circuits at that time were nothing like they are now with very
limited facilities. The car was parked literally 50 yards from the
gate, beyond that just a few more yards would find you pressed
up against the Paddock Hill Bend fencing, but that wasn’t for us
but it was a reason for getting there early.
Bearing in mind at that time I earned a massive £25 quid a week,
the entrance ticket to stand up against the fence all day was £2
each, but , if you got there early, you could pick up an unreserved
seat on Paddock Hill Bend for another £2, this we did. OK so it
doesn’t have a roof but what the heck
It was still only 7.00am and the Grand Prix didn’t start until
2.00pm so we had the time to wander around but at least we
had the £2 jackpot in our pocket.
Race time finally came after an untimed practice in the morning and several supporting races followed by the RAF flypast
and of course the Dagenham Girl Pipers.
At the flag Lauda got the drop and shot into the lead followed
at a distance by Schekter, Reggazoni who made a banzai start
from the fourth row and Ronnie Peterson who made an
uncharacteristic hash of his start. It was a pleasure to watch,
especially from the side of Brands Hatch, a natural
amphitheatre. Unfortunately any chance of a good place for
Ronnie evaporated with a puncture and to be honest it was no
surprise as the determined Swede used every inch of the track
and the grass to keep up. Peterson’s three victories in 1974
owed more to his sheer determination and skill than the merits
of the car, which by this stage in it’s illustrious career was
becoming outdated. Petersons majestic skill graced the black
and gold cars for another year before leaving for better luck.
This was not to be and a rejuvenated Ronnie rejoined John
Player Team Lotus to run as wingman to Mario Andretti in the
last Lotus World Championship. Sadly he wasn’t to see Mario
crowned following his untimely death after his accident in the
1978 Italian Grand Prix.
Another legend had passed by but this time I had been given
the opportunity on several occasions to witness it at first hand.
30 years on in his home town of Orebro Sweden, a museum to
his memory has opened.
www.ronniepetersonmuseum.com
Classic Team Lotus agreed to lend their Ronnie Peterson Lotus
72 to the museum as a main exhibit, but unfortunately the ex
Fittipaldi Lotus 72 was crashed during the Thoroughbred GP
meeting at Donington Park so at the time of writing, the team
have had to retain the Peterson car whilst components are
copied to repair the Fittipaldi car.
Several 72s are in private hands with the one most local to me
and hence a regular of my destinations is 72/8 which resides
in the Donington Collection but there is no doubt I will have to
make the pilgrimage to Orebro one day.
Make good use of the website
All previous issues are available for
download.
There is a Guest Book where comments
can be left which may be viewed by other
Lotus enthusiasts
www.kitlotus.com
Lotus 60th Anniversary
HETHEL CELBRATES SIXTY YEARS OF LOTUS
On Sunday 14th September, Group Lotus opens it’s doors to a special event celebrating sixty years of Lotus
cars since founder Colin Chapman built his first Austin Seven Special and Lotus was born. Some pundits are
suggesting that 1952 was the real inauguration but that only refers to the incorporation of Lotus Engineering
Limited as a company.
The Lotus factory site on Potash Lane will be open to the public, admission is £15 per person on the day but
discount rates are pre-bookable on the internet.
The company’s products will be on display including the fabulous new LOTUS EVORA or Project Eagle as it has
been referred to during it’s gestation period. This is a 2+2 vehicle and represents a return to this market since
the 1970/80s Elite based cars.
Technical talks will be on the menu, a full factory tour, demonstration laps and of course Classic Team Lotus.
There will be lots for everyone and no doubt more than a spattering of Lotus models cars on sale with the rest
of the merchandise.
There is a spare parts catalogue on the website in preparation for an auction on the day. Maps of the site and
directions to get there are downloadable.
Unfortunately, KIT LOTUS won’t be there in an exhibitor capacity because of the cost but hopefully the event
will be covered in later issues.
Lotus Evora
3.5ltr Toyota V6 mid engine coupe 2+2 seating and room for golf clubs! Starting price around
£45000. The first model has been released by Matchbox, no doubt the specialists will be on the case
extremely quickly. Watch this space.
KIT LOTUS—WEB DIRECTORY those important websites for Lotus modellers
www.rallybadge.co.uk
www.grandprixmodels.co.uk
www.acustion.com
www.modelfactoryhiro.com
www.indycals.com
www.f1specialities.com
www.studio27.co.jp
www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com
www.modellersite.com
www.modelworks.co.uk
www.classicteamlotus.co.uk
www.johnshintonmodels.co.uk
www.lotusdriversguide.com
www.mikesminiatures.com
www.modelsport.com
www.nottinghamclassic.co.uk
www.modelsport2008.co.uk
www.historiclotusregister.co.uk
www.model-cars.org.uk
www.clublotus.co.uk
Link your site to this page, send your request to [email protected]
www.kitlotus.com
Bits and pieces
Next time in Kit Lotus
·
Feature kits Continuing build—
Tamiya Lotus Europa
Model Factory Lotus 97T
Profil24 Lotus IX
·
In the footsteps of legends—
Indianapolis special
·
Lotus 78 upgrades
·
Die cast page
·
News and comment
·
Website reviews
In the flesh, shown last time but only in grey, the
Lotus 93T by Studio 27
Mistakes gaffes and errors ......
Committed in KIT Lotus are all mine, pick them up by all means, it
just means my own knowledge gets the gaps filled
............................. JT
Still to come from the EXOTO stable is this little beauty the Lotus 78 from 1977, now on the pre order
list. The EXOTO website list also advises that the Clark 49s and all of the 72s as retired so if you can
pick one up at the right price, do it now!
See all of the EXOTO range at www.exoto.com
.
Kit Lotus—the essential read for Lotus model builders and collectors
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