Ferrari 250 GTO - Fujimi or Revell Germany?

[Kmb0319]

To all of the experts out there, I need a little advice.  I'm going to shift my building a little...  I still want to add several more muscle cars to my collection, but I've gotten very interested in building some classic sports cars as well.  I've absolutely got to build a Tamiya Mercedes 300 SL, but there's another "must have" that I need some advice on.

I need to build a Ferrari 250 GTO, but I'm not sure which way to go.  Back in my teens, I built a couple Fujimi kits, and have always considered them and Tamiya to be the best out there.  I've seen the Fujimi Enthusiast kits on Ebay for around $40, and would happily jump that way.  But, I also see the Revell Germany kits that say they have something like 250 parts.  I've looked up build pics of both, and they both seem to be great models.  SO... anybody got any good input for me as to which is the better way to go??  Thanks, everyone!

[superbike-shaun]

Hey KmB,I think if you can find,a Gunze Sanyo kit, I think you will be pretty happy, what u need to know is these kits all come as a curbside,kit though,,,so if u like your builds,w/ engine and drivetrain details you might want to pick up an older AURORA models,Ferrari BERLINETTA, that will have said engine and drivetrain details. Good luck,superbike-shaun.

[Mike Chernecki]

I have the Fujimi kit and the Historic Racing Miniatures engine kit. Together they build an amazing 250 GTO. 

[afx]

I second the recommendation for the Fujimi GTO.

[niteowl7710]

Fujimi's is the newest (tooled in 2008), and arguably most accurate one available surpassing the older RevellAG kit. It's not quite an Enthusiast Series kit,  but it is 180+ parts and full detail.

If you self-import from HobbyLink Japan or Hobby Search it's running about $23.

[64Comet404]

The Fujimi kit looks great, and fits together nicely. The only area which I will be changing on mine are the wire wheels; the ones in the kit are toy-like in comparison to the wheels in the Revell Germany (originally Protar) kit.

[Foxer]

I agree with you about the quality of the brands mentioned, but I've only built one 250 GTO which happened to be a glue bomb to start. Still, I found this to be a well done kit ... and it does have a beautiful engine! It's not a new kit and available everywhere, so that is probably a factor.

I just wanted to throw another option at you ... the first photos in my build thread give you a good look at the disassembled kit pieces .. http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/topic/101568-cannonball-2015-build-ferrari-250-gto-111815-done/?do=edit  

(linking doesn't seem to be working this morning)

I'll be looking forward to seeing your build when you decide ..

[Snake45]

Is the Revell Germany the same kit as the Italeri/Testor? If so, I built that one a few years back and it went very smoothly and produced a nice looking model. Maybe a real Ferrari nut could find some stuff to complain about but it looks fine to me.

[afx]

Here is the Revell kit.

[Exotics_Builder]

Is the Revell Germany the same kit as the Italeri/Testor? If so, I built that one a few years back and it went very smoothly and produced a nice looking model. Maybe a real Ferrari nut could find some stuff to complain about but it looks fine to me.

No, it is the Protar kit.  It has opening everything (like the old Aurora/Monogram 250ish GTO), but suffers from a too squared back end amongst a couple of other things.  I don't know about the tires in the Revell issue, but the Protar kits were terrible (a problem endemic to them). 

The Italeri and Fujimi are both good.  Adding the HRM aftermarket engine does improve them, but not absolutely necessary.  Lots of Aftermarket stuff for the Fujimi if you are looking for more detail.  I have all of the aforesaid GTO's in my stash, if you have any other questions.

[Kmb0319]

Awesome, guys... Thanks!!  Sounds like my original inclination for the Fujimi kit was correct.  I thought the Revell might be a newer tool, but I didn't realize they got the old Protar kit.  Fujimi it is!

[Kmb0319]

OK, it's official.. I ordered the Fujimi kit and threw in the Tamiya 300SL for good measure...  but one last question, especially for you, Gerry, since you've got all of these.  I looked at a couple of the Enthusiast kits, but the ones I saw for sale were older versions asking much more $.  But, it looked like they said 188 pcs as well.  So, what's the difference between the enthusiast and sports car series kits if the piece counts are the same?  And, you mention lots of detail parts available for the Fujimi kit.... what detail parts are available that you know of?  THANKS!

No, it is the Protar kit.  It has opening everything (like the old Aurora/Monogram 250ish GTO), but suffers from a too squared back end amongst a couple of other things.  I don't know about the tires in the Revell issue, but the Protar kits were terrible (a problem endemic to them). 
The Italeri and Fujimi are both good.  Adding the HRM aftermarket engine does improve them, but not absolutely necessary.  Lots of Aftermarket stuff for the Fujimi if you are looking for more detail.  I have all of the aforesaid GTO's in my stash, if you have any other questions.

[Mike Chernecki]

I also added some photo-etched wire/turned aluminum wheels, turned aluminum injector stacks and the hobby design full detail set (tons of photo-etch, aluminum switches, rivets, etc)

[Matt Bacon]

As far as I know, there have never been different releases of the Fujimi GTO. Whatever they're called, they all have the same contents.

There are some of the original "Enthusiast Model" series that are now available in regular boxes, with all the same insane detail parts as when they were EM-series kits. There's a 288 GTO, a Dino 246 and at least one of the 911s that's available in something like a "Circuit Wolf" box at a VERY reasonable price. Confusingly, there are also kits which contain the "simplified" versions of the same kits in boxes that look remarkably similar. The best way to check is to go to HobbySearch (1999.co.jp) and look at the full instructions for each box, until you find the one that you want.

Anyway, I'd also recommend the Fujimi kit highly. You really don't NEED any aftermarket for it. Just wire up the engine and you're good to go. The Revell is half the price, and certainly easier to find on this side of the pond. The Revell kit is the Protar original, with opening doors; the Italeri is also available in a Testors box, and has a body with closed doors but with an opening bonnet. Both have engines.

People have differing views on the wheels in the Fujimi kit. Personally, I think that if you strip the chrome, spend a bit of time cleaning them up, respray with chrome and wash them with a detailing wash, they look pretty darn good. Of course, you could buy one of the dedicated etch Borrani wire wheel sets from say, Renaissance, but they'll cost you as much as the original kit...

The Gunze/Airfix "Hi-Tech" has fantastic wire wheels in it, and may be cheaper (especially in an Airfix box) then a set of wheels.

bestest,

M.

[niteowl7710]

OK, it's official.. I ordered the Fujimi kit and threw in the Tamiya 300SL for good measure...  but one last question, especially for you, Gerry, since you've got all of these.  I looked at a couple of the Enthusiast kits, but the ones I saw for sale were older versions asking much more $.  But, it looked like they said 188 pcs as well.  So, what's the difference between the enthusiast and sports car series kits if the piece counts are the same?  And, you mention lots of detail parts available for the Fujimi kit.... what detail parts are available that you know of?  THANKS!

 

The 250 GTO has never been part of the Enthusiast Series.  There are a couple of racing variations that are OOP at this point that tend to sell for more. Otherwise it's just people miss listing the kit trying to overcharge for it.

The only Ferraris in the actual Enthusiast Series are the 288 GTO, the versions of the Daytona, and the Dinos ( arguably not a Ferrari in some circles)

[Junkman]

The Gunze Sangyo kit is the best proportioned one.

[Matt Bacon]

The Gunze Sangyo kit is the best proportioned one.

Though it does have squared off rear wheel arches which don't appear on any of the real things. I really don't think there's anything wrong with the Fujimi kit's shape, compared to photos and plans. The Gunze is a great kit, too -- it just looks slightly "beefier" than the Fujimi. Having got up close and personal with Nick Mason's GTO, my overwhelming impression was that it was smaller and more svelte than I expected, so for me the Fujimi probably gives the more accurate impression of the real car...

bestest,

M.

[afx]

Fujimi 

Gunze

Italeri

(Click on the pictures to see them full scale)

Edited May 21, 2016 by afx

[MrObsessive]

Well, I gotta say that I'm a little biased towards the Italeri one. Probably because I spent a LOT of time with this one building it back in '96 or so.

These are somewhat recent pics as it's a little beat up now. Particularly the PE headlight surrounds and the one door knob handle is broken.

My first attempt with Norm's Veber's engine kit from back then................

If I do build another 250, I'd have to go with Fujimi's. To me the car just "looks right", and more true to the original lines of the car------even though no two were alike with the 36 or so that were built in 1962-63. Not to mention, as was said there are TONS of detail items out there for the Fujimi kit. Not so much the case when I built my GTO 20 years ago.

I'm not a big fan of the Protar kit though I have one. I never liked the too short back end, although that is correct for that particular serial # car which was restored after it was in an accident. The original restorers just didn't get the back end correct to my view compared to how it would have looked when new.

 

[Matt Bacon]

This is the Gunze (built from the Airfix box):

bestest,

M.

Edited May 21, 2016 by Matt Bacon

[Chuck Kourouklis]

As the consensus has ultimately directed, Fujimi.  Fujimi, Fujimi, FUJIMI.

I do like the Gunze kit, and it wasn't strictly a curbside - there are versions with pot metal engines out there:

The Fujimi kit has come in for some criticism because the front end looks a little too "snouty" and sharp - but the comparison pictures show that Gunze's rear fender arches deviate far further off the norm than Fujimi's front end.  The Avon tires aren't period correct but they're sized right.  And if you have to go the one-piece wheel route, Fujimi's really are some of the best Borranis ever executed under that limitation.

You want the straightest route to the best-looking GTO out of a box, it's Fujimi, and by a margin.

Edited May 22, 2016 by Chuck Kourouklis

[Exotics_Builder]

OK, it's official.. I ordered the Fujimi kit and threw in the Tamiya 300SL for good measure...  but one last question, especially for you, Gerry, since you've got all of these.  I looked at a couple of the Enthusiast kits, but the ones I saw for sale were older versions asking much more $.  But, it looked like they said 188 pcs as well.  So, what's the difference between the enthusiast and sports car series kits if the piece counts are the same?  And, you mention lots of detail parts available for the Fujimi kit.... what detail parts are available that you know of?  THANKS!

 

As far as I know, there have never been different releases of the Fujimi GTO. Whatever they're called, they all have the same contents.

There are some of the original "Enthusiast Model" series that are now available in regular boxes, with all the same insane detail parts as when they were EM-series kits. There's a 288 GTO, a Dino 246 and at least one of the 911s that's available in something like a "Circuit Wolf" box at a VERY reasonable price. Confusingly, there are also kits which contain the "simplified" versions of the same kits in boxes that look remarkably similar. The best way to check is to go to HobbySearch (1999.co.jp) and look at the full instructions for each box, until you find the one that you want.

Anyway, I'd also recommend the Fujimi kit highly. You really don't NEED any aftermarket for it. Just wire up the engine and you're good to go. The Revell is half the price, and certainly easier to find on this side of the pond. The Revell kit is the Protar original, with opening doors; the Italeri is also available in a Testors box, and has a body with closed doors but with an opening bonnet. Both have engines.

People have differing views on the wheels in the Fujimi kit. Personally, I think that if you strip the chrome, spend a bit of time cleaning them up, respray with chrome and wash them with a detailing wash, they look pretty darn good. Of course, you could buy one of the dedicated etch Borrani wire wheel sets from say, Renaissance, but they'll cost you as much as the original kit...

The Gunze/Airfix "Hi-Tech" has fantastic wire wheels in it, and may be cheaper (especially in an Airfix box) then a set of wheels.bestest,

The 250 GTO has never been part of the Enthusiast Series.  There are a couple of racing variations that are OOP at this point that tend to sell for more. Otherwise it's just people miss listing the kit trying to overcharge for it.

The only Ferraris in the actual Enthusiast Series are the 288 GTO, the versions of the Daytona, and the Dinos ( arguably not a Ferrari in some circles)

Sorry, I was away for the last day and a half and just catching up.  You have got the answer already.  Fujimi 250 GTO was never in an EM series.  The Fujimi 288 GTO was. 

 

[Kmb0319]

THANK YOU ALL!!!  I've been meaning to respond, but I'm packing up the house for our move and work has, of course, gone crazy right as I'm doing so.

I got my emails that my 300 SL and Fujimi GTO have shipped...  I'll be excited to get going on them once I'm settled into the new house.  

Matt, thanks for all your input and pics... I also looked up  a few other Ferraris you've built, and you do some seriously nice work!!  That Gunze GTO above is beautifully done, but I agree with you and others that the proportions are better on the Fujimi.  The car above looks really good, but slightly "puffy" in its overall proportion... could just be that particular pic.

Bill, that Italeri build is phenomenal!!!

Gerry, thank you, and I'm completely jealous of your Ferrari stash.  WOW!!!  Especially the 250 SWB and 275 GTB... and you have multiple Hasegawa 250 TRs.  That's the next one I have to try to track down and build. 

[Exotics_Builder]

 

Gerry, thank you, and I'm completely jealous of your Ferrari stash.  WOW!!!  Especially the 250 SWB and 275 GTB... and you have multiple Hasegawa 250 TRs.  That's the next one I have to try to track down and build. 

That's just one shelf.  There are four more, going all the way up to a LaFerrari

[Art Anderson]

Something to consider when thinking accuracy of any of these kits:  Every 250 GTO was slightly different in body panels/shapes that the others, for the simple reason that these cars were hand-built, with body panels that were individually hammered out of aluminum with minimal wood forming templates.  I've read that some panels were even formed "freehand" as well, which accounts for perhaps even the variations between model kits--at least that seems plausible.

Art