Heller 1949 Talbot Lago Grand prix racer

[samdiego]

I still have a couple of finishing touches to do. Good kit, the tooling is still in good shape, engraving is good. The hood could have been about an 1/16th longer. I tried to come up with a way to mold the body halves together for paint before assembly but the suspension at both ends wouldn't let me. The seams aren't bad except for between the cowl and cockpit. There are some sinks there that need attention.  The dash is just a flat panel with a nice decal, I'd like to at least have bezels. I didn't have any Photo etch or tubing the right size.  Love the shape of this car and would recommend the kit. Probably my first Heller kit

 

 

Edited February 28, 2018 by samdiego
better photos mostly, some editing

[Richard Bartrop]

It builds up nice, though the car actually first came out in 1949.

[Ace-Garageguy]

Good looking model. I finally got one of these a few months back, and it's quite a bit nicer than the old SMER / Merit kit of a closely related car.

Here's more info on the Heller kit...

 

[samdiego]

1 hour ago, Richard Bartrop said:

It builds up nice, though the car actually first came out in 1949.

That's what I thought, but the instructions say '39

[samdiego]

No they don't. I kept seeing 1939 on the instructions because they start with a bit of Talbot Lago history, in French. When I finally got around to reading the story in the English translation, it's pretty easy to figure out. This car is indeed from 1949

Edited February 28, 2018 by samdiego

[Richard Bartrop]

Looks like it replicates the carb setup from 1950, where the Smer/Merit kit represents the original 1949 setup.  Indycals also has some decals for the Smer kit.

[afx]

Very nice.  This era produced some beautiful race cars.

[bbowser]

Nicely done.  I know that Heller kits in general are not the easiest to get together.  This one looks great.

[samdiego]

Thanks All!

[Plashdaddy]

Having just fought Heller’s Bentley together, I sympathise with you and say well done, looks good!

Edited March 2, 2018 by Plashdaddy
Should’ve included a pic.

[GerN]

Great OOB build!  I had to dig mine out of the stash.  How did you get the louvers looking so good? 

[Bill J]

Very nicely built. I really like the old race cars. Maybe 'cause I am old

[Bainford]

I really appreciate the review of this kit, thanks for posting. I have been interested in some of these old Heller race car and classic car kits, but know nothing about them. This review helps. Cheers.

[ATHU]

Beautiful work. I built this kit last year and based on my previous experience with Heller kits, it was actually a lot better than I had expected.

[stavanzer]

I have the SMER kit. I need to build it. Seeing your build of the Heller kit, makes me wonder if I should just trash it, and get the Heller kit. Your build is outstanding.

[Ace-Garageguy]

3 hours ago, alexis said:

I have the SMER kit. I need to build it. Seeing your build of the Heller kit, makes me wonder if I should just trash it, and get the Heller kit. Your build is outstanding.

The SMER / Merit kit can make an outstanding model with some effort, but if you don't want it, I'll gladly take it, and pay the shipping.

Here's what it takes to build the SMER kit well:   http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/Gal1/501-600/gal558-Talbot-Dalton/00.shtm