1/43 models

i was looking around hlj and i found 1/43 kits. they are mostly made of metal but i was wondering if anybody has done one, and what their thoughts were on it.

i was looking around hlj and i found 1/43 kits. they are mostly made of metal but i was wondering if anybody has done one, and what their thoughts were on it.

I build pretty much exclusivelly 1:43 due to the range of models available and the fact that I prefer the scale. You'll find that while a lot of models are white metal (especially open-wheel models) the majority of closed wheel models feature a resin body withe resin and etched accessories.

A lot of the skills required are the same as for a plastic kit, but you will often find that the kits need a lot of fettelling and finsihing to get them to fit just right. Also the instructions are often not that good, so some research may be needed to figure out where all of the parts go and what color things should be!

If you want a good first 1:43 model I'd recommend looking at BBR or Provence Miniature Automobiles for closed wheel cars or Tameo for open-wheelers. They go together quite easily and don't have so much detail they'll scare you off!

I'd say go for it, and keep us posted. There are quite a few 1:43 builders in the racing sub-forum, so if you have problems they are plenty of people to help out.

Like lotus_man, it's my chosen scale as well. So, what he said goes for me also. So many subjects and kits to choose from, and so many different skill levels of kits to suit different builders and your mood. Sometimes I want a simple kit, depending what else is going on outside of building and sometimes a high-detail kit is a nice break from the kit-building norm.

If you want to check my web site below with mine and other builders models shown, you can get a quick snapshot of what is available. There are a couple of threads in the in-progress section at this site as well to look through. lotus_man offers building tips as he shows the build process.

I have also some 1:43 kits, like Formula Opel Lotus (of Mika Häkkinen), Opel Manta Mantzel, etc. The scale is quite challenging, but you get models in white metal or resin in 1:43 you don't get as 1:24 plastic kits... which makes them more interesting.

I love 1:43 too, I say go for it, once you open up the box for the first time you will be addicted, I am currently building a Tameo Superkit of a Ferrari 312T3, al white metal and photoetch, it's great.

Anyway, the guy I get all my stuff from is In England, his name is Paul and he runs www.little-cars.com He specialises in 1:43 and is always helpful answering any questions you may have. He is also great at reccomending first try kits that are not too overwhelming, my first one was a Tameo Brabham BT46B 'Fan Car' a great kit.

Have fun

I can't help but notice as I browse 1/43 sites, that the majority of kits are race cars. Where are all the street machines?

I love 1:43's too. In fact, I was thinking about starting to sell 1:43 resin cast street cars.

thanks for the feedback, it sounds very promising and i think ill get one.

I just got my Tameo Ferrari F2004M in the mail today.. (first 1/43) Wow! What an awesome looking kit. So much detail for this scale, and 2 sets of decals.. sweet. It's moving way up near the top of my list of things to build. (big pile in the closet.. you guys know how it is)

The great thing about the 1:43 kits is that in most cases they come with many PE parts and wheels made from real aluminium with cast or PE inserts. Basically same kind of stuff you get to 1:24 only with the detail kits...

Street machines are probably the least featured subects in 1/43 scale.
There are some, but most are diecast bodies and toy based.
Doesn't mean you can't customize and detail them though...
The Ultimates by Monogram from several years back are worth checking out too. There was a '67 427 Vette Convertible and a 289 Cobra...
I get all my 1/43 stuff from Model Car Masterpieces in Southern California, (Costa Mesa). They do good mail order. - Mark