Aryton Senna’s Kart

[Scale-Master]

This is a Fujimi kit of Aryton Senna’s cart (according to the box) circa 1981. It is 1/20 scale probably to go with other 1/20 scale F1 models. (Sure would be nice if it were 1/12…)
The kit apparently was molded to allow for other versions including one with some fairings. Instructions show to cut off the mounting pins from the frame...

Well, most of them, as I found out after painting… (Nothing that wasn’t easily touched up.) I added the three seat supports to the frame before shooting it with Tamiya Bright Red.

[Scale-Master]

The tires were not true, especially the fronts. But the center holes for the rims were uniform.

I reshaped and trued them on the lathe using the rim holes as the mounting points.

I was disappointed that the nicely printed Dunlop tire side wall lettering was not backed in white so they were useless over black tires. Fortunately I had a set of yellow Dunlop decals I already made for a Hot Wheels project handy, and they were only a tiny bit undersized compared to the kit ones. Better than nothing…

[Scale-Master]

The engine is made up of two main pieces; the crankcase and the head.

[Scale-Master]

The steering linkage was hand painted per the instructions color call-outs.

Then the skid plate and fuel cell were installed.

Pedals, front bumper and steering column were next. So far it is a nice fitting little kit.

[ChristopheB]

Curious to see how this one will look completed. Nice work so far.

[Scale-Master]

The engine and seat were mounted to the frame. I am noticing more and more that the kit is a bit simplistic and lacking in some details. While it would make for a much better piece if it were detailed more, I’m too far in to address most of what is missing. I’ll definitely just build it OOB as originally planned.

[Scale-Master]

The rear axle, brake rotor, chain and sprockets are on it as well as the number plates. The decals were resistant to solvent and surprisingly took a good half hour to get them settled down.

[Scale-Master]

The exhaust pipe has been installed.

[Scale-Master]

The wheels were a very tight fit onto the axle and I didn’t think they would seat all the way on so I opened up the holes in the rear wheels with a drill bit by hand so they would slide on.

I still need to put the steering wheel on it, but that will wait until I get more work done on the figure.

[Scale-Master]

I started assembling the driver figure and positioned his left arm so the steering wheel was straight and let the cement dry.

Then I did the same with his right arm.

[Scale-Master]

The helmet is also molded in clear. I shot it yellow and applied the kit decals. Again (like the tire lettering) they did not back the decals in white, but at least going over a light color they were somewhat usable. Unfortunately both the black and the green stripes were too short and missing the white outlines as shown on the box top. I touched up the gap in the black and mixed a reasonable facsimile for the green and hand painted the whole stripe since I could not match the color due to its translucency.

[Scale-Master]

After a clear coat the “face” and flat black trim was added. I painted the visor clear blue then smoke to create the tint.

[Scale-Master]

The body was sprayed satin black and given a wash of medium gray.

[indy1977tx]

Very nice work. I liked this kit and it is nice to see you building it plus improving it, too.

Jordan

[Scale-Master]

I made decals for the stripes and chest.