McLaren M7, Heller, 1/24

Hi

when John-w showed his M7 a while ago I decided that I want one, too. I also did not build it in the box version, but I also didn't choose a varsion of a particular race, I made it like I think it looked best (and also because that way it looks similar to the M14 that I drive virtually in an rFactor league this year ;) ). The M7 seemed to look different in every race anyway.

This is the old Heller kit, 40 year old moulds, and it shows - while it's nicely detailed for a kit this age, it's not that easy to build. You seldom have holding pins but you have to glue face on face or worse... this doesn't always work (for me at least) so unfortunately the car only stands on 3.5 wheels... well... And the tires are as almost always with Heller a catastrophe. If this kit is ever rereleased, this would be a business oppurtunity for IconModeler...
I used decals from Pattos, you don't have to use Future, it will work with e.g. Zero 1k clear - if you are very careful! But these decals are thick and have a grainy surface, so it will be difficult to achieve a smooth surface.

I painted with decanted TS56, Zero 1k clear, Alclad Alu/Steel. The rear wing is from a Lotus 99 covered in foil, the trumpets are wire end ferrules, the cooling pipes were done with plastic rods and solder and I also added some seatbelts. John described the problems with the cooler in his WIP, I decided to glue it in the nose, but therefore also glued the nose on.

Hope you like it,

http://www.marcosaupe.de/images/mod_mclm7_00.jpg

http://www.marcosaupe.de/images/mod_mclm7_01.jpg

http://www.marcosaupe.de/images/mod_mclm7_02.jpg

http://www.marcosaupe.de/images/mod_mclm7_03.jpg

http://www.marcosaupe.de/images/mod_mclm7_04.jpg

http://www.marcosaupe.de/images/mod_mclm7_05.jpg

Looks great! Union reissued this many years ago but besides that I don't think it's been back. Agree about the tires, really the only thing that needs to be upgraded. Still has to be one of the best Ford DFV engines in 1/24 scale. Well done!

Mike

Lookin good.

I like it!

wow. it looks really great. bravo!

Very nice build. I wish the Heller tools would reappear.

I agree, the tires are really bad. Apart from that your McLaren is amazing. Could be a MFH instead of Heller.

Thanks all :)

Absolutely gorgeous build! You have done a fantastic job with that old Heller. I have printed your photos for inspiration for whenever I have the courage to start mine!

On the subject of the old Heller F1 kits, does anyone know of any available replacement tires for these 1/24th Heller kits? I have unbuilt kits of this McLaren M7, the Brabham BT33, Lotus 49B (five of these :iceslolan), Porsche 917K, Ferrari 512S, etc. The kit tires in all of these are not very good, with the McLaren and Brabham being especially bad looking (fronts much too wide). Has anyone found any replacement tires that work with any of these kits? I know about the "70's Prototype Tyres" set that Model Factory Hiro made, but I don't know of any supplier that has them in stock.

Anyone know of any other replacement tires that would work for any of these old Heller kits? Or any suggestions on what to do with the terrible kit tires? :1zhelp:

Thanks