Testors/Italeri Ferrari 250 GTO

[Dragline]

I have a couple of questions concerning a dream build I am putting together and wanted some opinions of my choices.

Last year I decided to build a super detailed 250 GTO. My first stop was at a MAMA meeting where I purchased a R&M of M Ferrari engine off Norm Veber. He made me a fresh one and was kind to throw some extra goodies in for me and was helpful about a few things concerning a high detail build. He said that either the Testors/Italeri or Fujimi kits are THE place to start for such a build. He also explained the hazards of going with the Gunze high tech kit but explained the rewards of such an endeavor.

So, I have the engine kit and just purchased a sealed Testors/Italeri kit. I know I'll need a wire wheel set and see a few to choose from but here is the main question I have. What PE set would be best for this kit? There is no maker who says their kit works for the Italeri specifically. I see kits for the Hasegawa and Fujimi cars and they look good. They are all 1/24th scale so scale isn't an issue but things like the headlight bezels will be made with a particular kit in mind so fit could be problematic.

My question then becomes. Which PE set has the best chance for success? If I can use all the available PE parts so much the better but I can live with a few not being perfect if they are tweakable. I can live with not being able to use it all if for the large part I can use the majority of the kit. Which kit offers the most parts usage and parts count?

Any and all answers are very much appreciated.

Bob

[jrherald420]

I would like to know some of this info also. I have the Gunze kit with the engine and 2 of them that are curb side. The PE rims are nice but im sure there are better ones in the aftermarket somewhere.

[Snake45]

This doesn't really answer any of your questions but I built that Testor kit out of the box about 20 years ago and had NO problems with it. In fact, I recall getting it together start to finish in something like 19 or 21 days, which is about world-record speed for me. I was very pleased with the results. Wouldn't do another one but only because I don't enjoy playing with dozens of tiny little parts. I'd rather build a curbside of this car next time.

Edited September 30, 2014 by Snake45

[Mike Kucaba]

Norm had or has some other upgrade parts for this car. I remember the headlite trim for one and some other stuff for the California.

[Mike Chernecki]

KA Models has a wheel set for the Italeri kit

http://www.ka-models.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=35_52&product_id=200

Not sure if their which photo-etch sets fit the Italeri kit KA and Hobby Deisgn have one for each of the Revell or Fujimi kit. AcuStion has a pricey full detail set including wire wheels, again not sure if it fits the Italeri.

I am building the Fujimi kit and have both the Hobby Deisgn and KA Models photo etch set and both a beautiful. the Hobby Design kit has turned aluminum shifter and screws for the headlights. KA also has turned aluminum mufflers etc for it.

I need to order an engine from HRM. I am having trouble finding a set of Wire Wheels for the Fujimi kit as the 3 or 4 different sets that were made are long out of production.

[Mike Chernecki]

Norm had or has some other upgrade parts for this car. I remember the headlite trim for one and some other stuff for the California.

I think Norm has dropped his Ferrari line of parts. HRM has a few pieces; engine and tires, maybe more.

[MrObsessive]

Bob if you were with the MAMA club back in the mid '90's, you might remember my GTO build from around this time in 1996. I used Norm's engine as it was my first endeavor into building this fantastic engine! As for fitting in the Italeri kit (which I used), it fits like a glove and practically no mods were done to the chassis.

Here are a few pics.............

I goofed on a couple of the carbs as far as the venturi tubes' depth. Not quite even on all of 'em. Of course if I were building this today, I'd have a different method in getting those symmetrical. BTW, I'm not so sure about Norm ceasing production of these engines. Last year (maybe two years ago), I bought from Norm his 250 GT SWB engine for an Italeri California Spyder kit which is on my someday pile.

If he did quit making them, then it's very recently so.

Here are a few more pics of the whole car..........

In answer to your question about the wheels, those KA sets are very nice as I have a set for the '57 Testarossa kit. The ones on my build here were actually hand laced units I bought from someone advertising them in the old SAE back in '96. I simply can't remember who it was that did them and if they're still making them nearly 20 years later. I do know that for the set of four, they cost something like $75 plus shipping back then.

Yeah, I'd like to build this one again someday.............20 years hindsight shows me what things I'd do differently, and improve on.

Hope this helps you out!

[Exotics_Builder]

KA Models has a wheel set for the Italeri kit

http://www.ka-models.com/index.php?route=product/product&path=35_52&product_id=200

Not sure if their which photo-etch sets fit the Italeri kit KA and Hobby Deisgn have one for each of the Revell or Fujimi kit. AcuStion has a pricey full detail set including wire wheels, again not sure if it fits the Italeri.

I am building the Fujimi kit and have both the Hobby Deisgn and KA Models photo etch set and both a beautiful. the Hobby Design kit has turned aluminum shifter and screws for the headlights. KA also has turned aluminum mufflers etc for it.

I need to order an engine from HRM. I am having trouble finding a set of Wire Wheels for the Fujimi kit as the 3 or 4 different sets that were made are long out of production.

Don't waste time on the Accustion set. Go with KA or Hobby Design. They will work. Get the Fujimi version PE as the Revell is the Protar kit. I have all the kits and much aftermarket. So if you have questions, ask away. Bill Geary's post on his 250 GTO is an excellent example of what can be done

[Dragline]

Thanks fellas....

The KA set is in my wish list on Amazon as I thought it looked the best, but the HD set also did look good as well. Thanks for the pix Bill and the fact that it drops in is certainly a bonus. I was pretty sure that picking the base kit was probably the most important part outside of securing Norms motor. I moved to Baltimore in 98 Bill so I wasn't there at all during the 90's. In fact, I didn't get to my first meeting until about 4-5 years ago. I go when I can but work makes it tough.

I may end up getting the KA PE set and sourcing some wheels as well. That should do the trick. I can scratch other parts and maybe bash a few things along the way.

I really appreciate you guys dropping some knowledge. That's the reason I come here every day.

Bob

[Exotics_Builder]

For wire wheels, MFH sells them, check out Hobby Link Japan. Also CRAZCAR16 on EBAY does wire wheels for a variety of cars. I picked up a set for a JAG XKE from him

[The Creative Explorer]

He also explained the hazards of going with the Gunze high tech kit but explained the rewards of such an endeavor.

What are those hazards?

[Dragline]

My understanding is the metal frame must be cut as well as a few other items. He explained it but I have since forgotten the details. You could always e-mail Norm and ask. I decided on this route not so much as a dodge but for less expense. That Gunze kit vairies from 75.00 to well over 100.00, with over being the norm.

Add the motor expense and PE and wheels and we are talking 200.00 just for the way I'm going. I paid 56.00 for this kit in case anyone was interested. They can and do go for more, I feel I got a deal.

Bob

[Dragline]

Thanks Gerry on the wheels heads up. I'm already looking into them.

B

[jrherald420]

The Gunze kit comes with PE wheels. At least my 3 kits did.

[MrObsessive]

For wire wheels, MFH sells them, check out Hobby Link Japan. Also CRAZCAR16 on EBAY does wire wheels for a variety of cars. I picked up a set for a JAG XKE from him

Gerry, I tried to look up this seller on eBay, but they said the seller name was invalid. Is his username in all caps? I tried different variations...........

[Mike Chernecki]

Gerry, I tried to look up this seller on eBay, but they said the seller name was invalid. Is his username in all caps? I tried different variations...........

Bill, try crazycar19.

[MrObsessive]

Thanks Mike I found him! He does have some nice wheels.......might get a set from him down the road.

[The Creative Explorer]

My understanding is the metal frame must be cut as well as a few other items. He explained it but I have since forgotten the details. You could always e-mail Norm and ask. I decided on this route not so much as a dodge but for less expense. That Gunze kit vairies from 75.00 to well over 100.00, with over being the norm.

Add the motor expense and PE and wheels and we are talking 200.00 just for the way I'm going. I paid 56.00 for this kit in case anyone was interested. They can and do go for more, I feel I got a deal.

Bob

Thanks Bob, I can see it is an intricate kit, but working on the Gunze XK-E, it didn't seem too difficult. I will probably add an engine from a Fujimi Enthusiast kit.

I think 75-100 is soo overpriced, I paid about 25 dollars for 1, a few months ago. Seemed fair to me.

[jrherald420]

25.00 for a Gunze Sangyo Ferrari 250 GTO with a full detail sohc V12 engine?

[jrherald420]

I have seen the curbside Gunze 250 GTO kits for that. Heck i bought 4 of them for 10.00 each and 2 were still sealed. My 250 GTO high tech kit with the v12 engine cost me 110.00 shipped to my door.

[Exotics_Builder]

Bill, try crazycar19.

Thanks, my typo. Sorry about that

[The Creative Explorer]

25.00 for a Gunze Sangyo Ferrari 250 GTO with a full detail sohc V12 engine?

Well, truth be said; it is the Airfix kit, which is a rebox of the Gunze. But even though it is a high-tech, it doesn't have an engine.

[89AKurt]

Bumping this old thread to see if there is a follow up.