How accurate are the 1/18 TSM models?

I've had a UT models F1 LM for a while and I've been looking to upgrade. TSM Models announced their F1 GTRs and caught my eye. I was hoping some of the experts on here can give me an idea of how accurate their 1/18 Mclarens are to real life. I've ruled out the F1 LM as too far off. It looks like it's cast from the same molds as the GTRs with the left side air intake and the ride height bring too low. On to the race cars, I noticed the TSM models have two types of rear lights: the Harrods and Ueno are surrounded by black and are larger, the Lark, Gulf and Fina are smaller and the bumper molds around them. The Lark, Fina and Ueno look like some of the reference photos I found online but the Gulf and Harrods look the opposite in real life. Are am I right in thinking that the rear end of these two is off? Any other inaccuracies you guys can spot in the hardware or the livery? Maybe rate the accuracy of each model from 1-5 with 5 being best?

http://www.tsm-models.com/tsm/store/category/77

Cheers

I don't own any of these models, nor have I seen any in person; these are some of the things I've noticed looking at pictures. Please correct me on any of my observations/information.

1/18 TSM (General): All of the TSM F1 models (GTR, LM) share a few shortcomings. The OZ wheels are inaccurate in shape with spokes that are too thin and offsets that are a bit deep. The all around stance is wonky; the front track is too narrow (especially noticeable on the LM and '96 GTRs due to the fender flares) and the rear looks jacked up (the tire sizes - short front, tall rear - might be at fault). That said, I think TSM captured the body shape quite well. For example, comparing the TSM and AutoArt LM models, the shape of the headlight areas appear more correct on the TSM while the AutoArt "brows" look droopy.

1/18 TSM Ueno Clinic: The glaringly obvious mistake here is the absence of 01R's front fender flares. The colors appear a few shades too bright, although that might just be the photos.

1/18 TSM Harrods: This one doesn't have any stand out inaccuracies at first glance. In regards to the taillights, this model shows the car in one of its '95 configurations. GTR 06R is one of the '95 cars that was later updated to '96 specifications. Easy-to-spot body changes include the addition of integrated front flares, the extension on the roof air-inlet and (as you noticed) the smaller taillights set deeper into the bodywork. So in a way you were correct in questioning the models accuracy. It just depends on when your reference picture was taken. ;) The model has the incorrect '96 front bonnet for a model of 06R in its '95 guise.

1/18 TSM Gulf: Going off of GTR 02R (when it ran #24) the model is missing the same flares as the 01R model (which is strange, because TSM's 1/43 of 02R has the flares). As a '95 this car also has incorrect taillights (the actual car still retains its '95 spec bodywork).

1/18 TSM Fina: This one seems all around correct with the right aero work. Subtle differences in the actual car can be seen across photographs. The air inlet and side skirts for example. This model has the extended roof-air inlet (which looks a bit shallow on the model compared to the real thing) and the full length skirts; I've seen photos of 16R with and without these features. I believe 18R also has the #38 Fina livery (currently).

1/18 TSM Lark: This one also appears to be fine all around. The models likeness seems true to 14R (during its career) and/or 04R (as it appears today).

It might be worth mentioning that the things I have mentioned above are based off of the pictures on TSM's website. I'm not sure if the models are shown are pre-production or the issued product.

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Straying from the topic a little bit, I think the nicest offering in 1/18 scale is from HPI (again, this is based one pictures). I'm not sure what availability is like as I believe HPI is no longer in business. For comparison's sake, here are the TSM and HPI 01R models:

TSM

http://www.diecastsociety.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/TSM131805-1_19P3l.jpg

HPI

http://www.hpimodelcar.com/lib_img/line_up/8894/pop/8894-1.jpg

A lot of detail photos of the HPI model can be seen in this thread on Diecastxchange (http://www.diecastxchange.com/forum1/topic/120673-mclaren-f1-gtr-59-ydalmasmsekiyajjletho-winner-le-mans-24-hours-1995-hpi/). In addition to the Ueno Clinic livery, the HPI website (http://www.hpimodelcar.com/en/line_up/1-18th-scale-models.php) shows the short tail in two Lark liveries (#60, #61) and the long tail in Fina, Loctite and Lark (#44 Suzuka, #44 Le Mans). One big catch with these models is that they are a curbside (no opening features). Fortunately, for myself, I am into the smaller scales so I don't have to face this sort of dilemma. :iceslolan

One more thing for thought. If you are a tinkerer, a TSM model might make a really good starting point for a great model. More accurate wheels and tires (I'd try reaching out to AutoArt to see if you can purchase "repair" parts) and some adjustments to the suspension would make a TSM first rate.

Wow, thanks so much for the info and tips, I couldn't figure out the reason for the different set of tail lights. I also found the racingsportscars.com pages for all the chassis and I'm amazed to see how many slightly different versions there are for the front bumper on the early cars. I guess they were still experimenting with aerodynamics or just different cooling needs for different events?

As for diecast, that HPI model looks absolutely stunning. Given the rarity and probably high price I don't think it's likely I'll ever own or even see one up close. I just placed an order for the Harrods livery and can't wait. For fear of doing more bad than good, I don't think I'll tinker with the wheels at all.

http://www.racingsportscars.com/chassis/photo/GTR-02R.html

Hi friends,I have a question about the true color of the 01R. The original car is grey or black? I have the TSM 1/43 in grey and the IXO model in black.
In the pictures of magazines he look black. Them why the models in grey.

Certainly they were experimenting with cooling and ventilation as the earlier cars had little lips covering the lower parts of the Air intakes as well as frequently having appertures taped over etc.

...I just placed an order for the Harrods livery and can't wait. For fear of doing more bad than good, I don't think I'll tinker with the wheels at all.

I don't blame you for feeling hesitant. A quick search shows the TSM models starting at $199 and fetching upward of $288 (depending on seller); I knew they were expensive, but not that expensive! Maybe "tinkering" wasn't the best word choice. :wink:

When you get it post some pictures (here or maybe the "The Definitive McLaren F1 Scale Model List (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=939977)" thread).

Hi friends,I have a question about the true color of the 01R. The original car is grey or black? I have the TSM 1/43 in grey and the IXO model in black.
In the pictures of magazines he look black. Them why the models in grey.

I believe 01R is a dark shade of gray that appears black in some photos. In well lit photos it is easier to see the grey, especially if you compare it to a picture of a black F1. I'm hoping someone with more knowledge can provide a definitive answer. Regarding the models; my guess is that different model manufacturers interpreted the color differently, the result being the variation you see from model to model.

Also of some interest, the commemorative 650S Le Mans comes in a color called Sarthe Grey which is, according to Mclaren (http://cars.mclaren.com/featured-articles/650s-le-mans.html), "...inspired by the famous No.59 F1 GTR that won in 1995." The appearance of Sarthe Grey varies quite a bit in photos. In this one I can see some resemblance to 01R's shade of grey:

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/316/19246563081_40b4ec67df_c.jpg
McLaren 650S LeMans Edition, Nathan Craig (https://www.flickr.com/photos/exoticcarlvr22/19246563081/)

Certainly they were experimenting with cooling and ventilation as the earlier cars had little lips covering the lower parts of the Air intakes as well as frequently having appertures taped over etc.

The evolution of the short tail aero and the variation of details between each car fascinates me... and sometimes makes my head swim!

Thanks a lot my friends, I ever have the dude about the true color of this car,
Greattings.