Tamiya 1/24 Toyota Celica Monte Carlo Rally

[generationx]

This was another kit I have had lying around for years. In a previous modelling “life” I had sprayed the body very badly with Humbrol enamel which stripped without a problem. Also the decals were long destroyed but I was able to get a new set from the UK’s Tamiya importer.

The decals in this kit are a NIGHTMARE. Being used to nice friendly Cartograph I was shocked at the low quality of these. They would crack easily, not conform to curved surfaces (of which there are a lot on this car), and any decal softener would make them curl up or fall to pieces. I ended up getting another set from the importer and hoping that would be enough! Consequently the photos show various wrinkles and splits, these show up worse in the glare of a camera flash.

The rest of the kit was great. It’s basically Out Of The Box, but I’ve added a smattering of Scale Motorsport carbon and kevlar, some Model Factory Hiro heat shield on the rear silencer, and Bare Metal Foil for tunnel heat shield, mirror faces and the backing for all the lamps. Also there’s some Scale Motorsport seatbelt hardware with Studio27 material.

I’ve built the car driven by the great Juha Kankunnen, I’ve worked for teams where he has driven and he’s a lovely guy and a mean champion rally driver!

Enough blah blah blah, here’s the pictures:

















Underside with various extra finishes:



Interior:





Comments and criticism are very welcome!!

[stevenoble]

Nice job on one of my favorite rally cars.The interior looks very good and I particularly like your straps.Shame about those decals, but not your fault.I know what you mean when you say they wrinkle and crack.They are very poor,I had the exact same problems with them when I built this kit.I searched for aftermarket decals but could never get any.

[MidMazar]

I had the same problem only with red bull decals, and some fujimi decals. Only solution i found was using very hot water on a shirt. Give it a wash and itll look sweet.

[potsie]

Yep, I know what you mean about these decals. But you have done a fine job all the same.

[Mister_S13_2]

*wolf-whistle*

nothing more to say