Tamiya Lotus Europa

[Justin Porter]

When Tamiya announced this reissue, I knew it was one I was going to have to make a "one for inventory, one for me" order. Sure enough, Tamiya came through with the additions to the kit. On top of the self-adhesive metal transfers that were in the kit the first go-around, Tamiya has included a nice new photoetch fret with grilles to take the place of the old vinyl mesh, faces for the brake rotors, buckles for racing harnesses, badges and locks, plus printed belts for the harnesses and a new sprue with nicely rendered RS Watanabe style wheels and a GT style wing as seen on some of the Europas in period. 

Assembly so far is, well, it's Tamiya. To this point I have the engine together and the frame with suspension fully assembled. Paints are mostly a selection of Vallejo Metal Color, Model Color, and Model Air.  

[mrmike]

I built the original kit last year and I added plug wires and an ignition coil.  It turns out to be one of my best builds yet.  I'm looking forward to see what you can do with this reissued kit!

[Bainford]

I was very excited to hear of this reissue, and glad to hear they upgraded the kit. I have two on the way from HLJ right now. I’m interested to see how yours goes together. Looking good so far. 

[beeRS]

This is coming along nicely. I didn’t know Tamiya had added extra to the re-issue. I’m going to have to pick one of these up now. 

[Justin Porter]

Well, nice big step forward on the Lotus. The chassis is now mated to the tub and the engine is in place with the engine bay completed. The blue is Arctic Blue from the Vallejo Model Air line which is my "close enough" stand in for Lotus Lagoon Blue. You can see the PE carb plate and turned aluminum velocity stacks that are included in this reissue of the kit.

[Bainford]

It’s coming along nicely. 
 

The two kits I ordered arrived on Wednesday. The new additions to the kit are nicely done and quite welcome. 

[Andrew McD]

Inspired by the work you've done I too have just ordered this one.

[peteski]

On 1/1/2021 at 4:21 PM, Justin Porter said:

The blue is Arctic Blue from the Vallejo Model Air line which is my "close enough" stand in for Lotus Lagoon Blue.

Friend of mine owns the 1:1 vehicle. His has a similar color. He told me that when he had his repainted he used some Corvette color (I don't recall which) -  it was was a close match.

[Justin Porter]

Latest update on my Tamiya 1/24th scale Lotus Europa. I finally have the interior all done and also it's up on its wheels. The interior is finished in a two-tone of Vallejo Model Air Sand Beige and Tamiya Deck Tan, with various other paints for small details. I couldn't help but drill out the holes in the steering wheel spokes on account of having my new pin vise to play with. The wheels are finished in Alclad Dark Aluminum.

[Scalper]

Nice progress. I like how you drilled out the steering wheel nice.  

[Bainford]

Looking good. The interior paint looks a good match for the factory biscuit colour.

I have this kit as my next to build. 

[Dann Tier]

I love a Lotus!, and yours is moving along Brilliantly!!!

[Erik Smith]

Looking great. I really like the new additions Tamiya included. 

[slusher]

Real nice clean work, nicely detailed dash...

[Pete J.]

Always loved this strange little car.  For the time, it was a very advanced look.  Precursor to the designs that followed. 

[89AKurt]

Cool subject.  Doing something like the steering wheel holes is what makes a better model all around.

[MrObsessive]

Lookin' good Justin! I didn't know this was even being reissued by Tamiya! I have the original kit.......never touched it. I'd like to grab the reissue with all the neat stuff they added.

Keep up the great work! ?