GB WIP. 1977 Lotus 78 Tamiya 1/20

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Orso
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GB WIP. 1977 Lotus 78 Tamiya 1/20

Post by Orso »

I brought out a kit that I've started on. The engine block and gear box had been assembled and painted. It is an old kit without etch parts so a 1978 version can't be built out of the box. I have the new one as well so I decided to build it as a 1977 car.
lotus78_01.jpg
I started looking at pictures and realized that the version Tamiya made didn't race. I can't find it in any pictures so now I have to bring out the saw.
But I wonder why I have bought four sets of decals for the 78.
Last edited by Orso on Mon Jul 28, 2014 5:12 am, edited 4 times in total.
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Re: GB WIP. 1977 Lotus 78 Tamiya 1/20

Post by Eagle50 »

Orso wrote:... I wonder why I have bought four sets of decals for the 78.
LOL I've done that too -- purchased aftermarket decals, when I'd already purchased them a year or two before. At least we've got plenty of spares now. And if you don't buy aftermarket decals when they're available, they can soon be gone forever.

I'm sure your 78 will be great, by the way!

Chris
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Re: GB WIP. 1977 Lotus 78 Tamiya 1/20

Post by Terry »

I'm less concerned about your excessive decal stash or more interested in what you consider needs changing. I've got one of these kits last year (to do a 1977 car). While I'm aware that the old battery box for the toy motor is in there and the exhausts are wrong, along with a somewhat crude interpretation of some parts of the rear suspension, that's about as close as I've looked at it so far. What you're describing sounds like kit surgery if a saw is involved. Watching with interest.
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Re: GB WIP. 1977 Lotus 78 Tamiya 1/20

Post by Orso »

Don't worry to much. The big visible difference between the plastic parts and the photos of a 1977 car is the side plates of the wings. I can't find any pictures of the combination of the end plates in the kit and the high air scoop together. The latest issue of the kit has the newer type of end plates as etched parts.
I also have an Getrag conversion from Studio 27 that has new end plates. They are higher than the Tamiya ones.
10069652n5.jpg
But the newer 1/12 kit has both versions so it might be right. I have not looked in to what year they represent as I want to use the type in the original kit.
So I have to build the low type of air scoop. But this was only used for the first two or three races in 1977.
But the four sets of decals are still puzzling. I had only planned to build one Lotus 78.
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Re: GB WIP. 1977 Lotus 78 Tamiya 1/20

Post by Orso »

I have to correct myself. The odd combination in the original kit seems to have been used at least once by Rebaque in 1978. It is also possible that it is visible on a pic of Gunnar Nilsson in the 1977 South African GP but the angle of the car makes it hard to see.

Edit 2020-01-14
Now I am sure as some clear pictures have surfaced. Gunnar Nilsson had that combination in the 1977 South African GP so the old Tamiya kit can be built as is.
Last edited by Orso on Mon Jan 13, 2020 9:14 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: GB WIP. 1977 Lotus 78 Tamiya 1/20

Post by Orso »

I think I start to have a clue why most of the decals are present. But that isn't what this is about.
lotus78_02.jpg
Well since I wanted to use the original Tamiya type of rear wing end plates I had to build an early 1977 car.
lotus78_03.jpg
I decided on the Argentine GP car as it would be very different looking compared to the 1978 car. So Bring out the saw and some plastic card.
lotus78_04.jpg
I also started on another Lotus 78 that will be built parallel. This one will be Ronnie's ride from South Africa in 1978. This will be built out of the box I almost said but realized it isn't true.
I found out that one of the decals I had belonged to an conversion set with the Getrag gearbox. As far as I know it was used in South Africa, at least during practice. So I will use it.
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Re: GB WIP. 1977 Lotus 78 Tamiya 1/20

Post by rtedore »

looking forward to seeing this.
BEST REGARDS
ROY TEDORE


"I BUILD FOR REFLECTION, NOT FOR PERFECTION"

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Whoops. I glued it on upside down

Post by Orso »

lotus78_05.jpg
And it is on purpose. The air box for the engine has to be of a lower type so
lotus78_06.jpg
I have to rebuild it. I started by cutting the front down in hight
lotus78_07.jpg
before gluing the intakes upside down. This would give me the basic shape to work from. I need to build a bit at the time to keep the parts stable enough to handle. When the glue have cured I can start cutting away unnecessary material.
Last edited by Orso on Sun Jul 19, 2020 7:07 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Re: GB WIP. 1977 Lotus 78 Tamiya 1/20

Post by harveyb258 »

Great work! I look forward to seeing this one coming together.
Cheers, H
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Re: GB WIP. 1977 Lotus 78 Tamiya 1/20

Post by Orso »

One piece and let it cure. Next piece and let it cure.
lotus78_08.JPG
That is how I will rebuild the air box. First a piece of plastic card at the front part.
lotus78_09.JPG
Then a triangular piece inside the air box.
lotus78_11.JPG
When the glue has set I can cut the air box down in height.
lotus78_10.JPG
Now the outlines is set. When everything has cured I can start working on the final shape.
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