1/5th scale model of deloved F1

[2D/3D]

Hi guys,

I read in a past post (from late february) that you were wondering about large scale models of the F1 (visible in a museum and as the Le Mans winner).

Well, in the automotive world, during the design process of a car, design studios work mostly with 1/5th scale, 1/4th and 3/8th. Only once, I read that 1/10th scale models were made, it was for the Mercedes SLR (to stay in the familly) project car and I think this was only due to time restrictions and only at very early stages. A minimum size is required to appreciate the volume and proportions as well as the details.

Usually those models are made of industrial clay. It does not have water in it, it is quite hard at room temperature, very soft at 60°C. The advantage is that you can easily add on material without color differences you may find with poly filler or hardness differences with plaster (depending on how dry it is). On the other hand, finishing of the model is difficult. I won't go into that now. They are used to evaluate the design and make quick changes including during primery windtunnel testing.

The models shown earlier were of two types and not of the above. The Ueno one is machined on hard polyurethane foam from computer data well after the design is frozen. The allow one is I think machined too but it could also come from a fiberglass cast of a plaster mold of an original clay model. The glass parts are vaccum formed on the plaster model too. If it had been from a road car model I would have bet it was but as it is a race version, developped much later in the lifespan of the model, computer datas were already available. Mercedes has the longest history of making extremely detailled 1/5th scale models alongside developpement of full scale models but now it is very common for all manufacturers. Still, it is really expensive to make so I don't think there are many around.

Now, why I am telling you all that? It is not only to hopefully answer a question but also to tell you that I own one. Not for sell as such, so easy on your horses !

I will be just too happy to post pictures of it and to tell you all about it but I am new to this game and I have no idea how you are supposed to do so.

In the meantime, I have enjoyed many of your stories so I shall add two of my own: one, is that I read that the clinic model had been used to test in full scale a "special" color for a demanding and not too sure but rich client, and also I meet a frenchman who spent one night sleeping in a F1 (he was organizing a big showfair for a large automotive parts reseller in StEtienne, France -yes, where the aluminium suspension arms of the corvette are made- and McLaren brought in a F1 without gearbox) well, I have heard stupid stories about one night stand, but this one is the weirdest.

Be good and dedicated to the queen of the road !

[Peloton25]

Thanks for the info and the stories.

Is the model you have a GTR model? I'd assume that it is. Any chance you can explain how it was acquired?

Anyway, you can forward any photos you have to [email protected] and I can post them later.

If you already have them hosted somewhere on the web, you can click this icon in the posting window and paste in their URL in the box that pops up.

BTW: We're always glad to have someone new here who shares the passion, so welcome aboard.

>8^)
ER

[Peloton25]

2D/3D sent through photos of the model he owns. It looks pretty impressive to me! I'll let him share the details on it that he forwarded in his email since I'm not sure if he intended it all to be public:





>8^)
ER

[McLaren F1 Guy]

Wow! That thing is giant. Looks very nice.

[2D/3D]

So, those models were made by a small modelmaking company in the UK about 10 years ago.

For the Ferraris and the Jag, they had a license to make it (I have those letters) as for the F1, what I am holding is the master model and no production was ever made as the company stopped its activities.

What is pretty neat is to compare them all, one next to the others, the F1 is so tiny !

I don't know if any 1/5th scale model was produced during the design process of the F1, I saw pictures of full scale clay model and fiberglass model with 17inch wheels !

So I guess I am pretty lucky to have come across this model, guess it shows on my face !

[Newton22]

Would it be appropriate for you to explain how it was aquired or possibly about how much one of those are? Thanks.

[2D/3D]

Well, I bought them long time ago to that company and when they were about to close I bought what was left of it (models, molds, papers, stock) which was not much but the F1 was there, not totally completed.

This model has nothing to do with McLaren, they had to make it an official four views layout with section lines as reference, that's all but the model still looks great.

Nothing is really for sell, I have another green and a blue jag but they are not completed.

I am in the design field and I did a lot of modelmaking of prototype commercial goods or cars.

As for how much would be one if I was to make a few, it all depends on the level of details and how many are made all together (in order to spread the cost of the mold making, etc...), if McLaren wants license money (Ferrari and Jag offered free license but would McLaren agree ?), anyway I don't have real plan to make some so how much would you be ready to pay to get one of those ?

And more important, would it be a road car, an orange LM, a GTR ?

You tell me, I will think about it and tell you what I feel...in the meantime, we will keep dreaming !

[Peloton25]

As you mentioned in your email to me, it really seems that the licensing fee would really kill any potential, assuming you could even gain a license at all. It actually surprises me that the Ferrari's were allowed to be produced with no license fee as that is one of Ferrari's most profitable segments these days.

If I could choose, I would more than likely want an LM or GTR -vs- the road car as I already have a 1/12th scale road car diecast from Paul's Model Art. The problem is that I doubt I could afford one of these and then I'd also need to find a place to put it.

>8^)
ER

[2D/3D]

As to Ferrari, this deal was well before they sold the rights to all scale models to Mattel (Barbie in a Ferrari, it rhymes...), but I was told it was truly easy but more difficult with Jag. Maybe I will search my files to find the letter...only god knows where it is.

My biggest fear is that McLaren -in order to grant a license- would like to turn it into something perfect as they do with all their products, which is fair enought but put the products price in stratospheric heights.

I store mine vertically on walls....ready for launch !

[mclarenmaniac]

hi 2d/3d!
thnx much for all the valuable info n pics u provided regarding those 1/5th models.they look really GREAT!!!!!!!!!
i bet u so lucky 2 have those in ur collection.
regards
MM