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As reported in the General section, the long awaited and much anticipated Hasegawa's Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa is making its way to workbenches across the world. While not a comprehensive review, here is a quick look at it as a first glance:
Hasegawa Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa
135 parts
Plastic molded in white, black plated parts and clear
This is one of the most recognizable vintage Ferraris of all time and many consider it to be the most beautiful and/or the most important of its era. However, for some unknown reason, there had never been a mainstream plastic model kit of it in our 1/24 - 1/25 scale. Companies like Model Factory Hiro has multimedia kits of this subject, but they are out of reach (read expensive) for many modelers.
Well, our prayers have been answered and Hasegawa stepped up to the plate.
I haven't done any detailed measurements or reference comparisons but the body proportions look to be spot on. The body is molded in white plastic. Some mold lines need to be worked but nothing major. Panel lines can use some deepening. Overall, while not Tamiya crisp the body is very nice. In my copy a very small sink mark in the inner fender is the only "flaw" I see so far, and it's very easy to correct.
The most recognizable feature of this car is the pontoon fenders. These are molded separately. Test fitting mine, I noticed that it will take some fiddling to make them fit properly. In my copy, the driver's side fender fits a bit better than the passenger side.
The hood fits very snugly and tight, but the air intake is molded in. That's a no-no for me and it has to be opened.
The rest of the parts look very crisp. The exhaust tips are molded open. That will save me a lot of machining time.
When Hasegawa announced they were going to release photoetch wheels for this kit at the same time, I thought they were admitting the wheels in the kit were not good. But to my surprise, the molded wheels are very nice and can easily find their way into other projects.
The windshield seems to be a bit on the thick side. The instructions look clear but I don't see any indications on racing numbers roundels locations. The seatbelts are hopeless decals.
My personal conclusion is: Hasegawa aimed at Tamiya, hits Fujimi and that is a good thing. While I haven't done any assembly (which is the final judge) I highly recommeded this kit based on what I see.
Thanks,
Edited by ismaelg, 14 March 2008 - 04:09 AM.
