Four Small Wheels 9/2004 - Editor's choice

Editor’s choices - our favourites from this month’s new releases

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New 1:43rd metal super-kit

PADSK001

Aston Martin DBR1 1st Ring 1959

£95.75

This kit has been promised for a long time and all of you who have been patiently waiting won’t be disappointed. The main body casting is very well proportioned and the base plate fits snuggly into it. The few smaller parts that were flash free enough for us to test fit also went together well, though there will be a fair amount of preparation needed. The metal used is fairly soft and the worst of the excess material will be simple enough to remove with a sharp blade before final sanding. The kit features a full engine with a very finely cast bonnet to cover it. The decals are clearly printed and there are two i.d. flashes included, one white, one yellow. There is a debate over what colour this should be on the car, so you have the choice. All of the photos that we have found are in black and white but the flash does look a little darker than the white number roundel, so we’d plump for yellow. Take your time and you will have a fine miniature of the car with which Moss secured Aston Martin’s 3rd successive Nurburgring 24 hours victory almost single handed, driving 36 of the 44 laps for the second year running.

New 1:43rd resin hand built

FELB001

Riva Ariston

£415.45

Riva is one of the most famous names in wooden motor boat construction and the Ariston was one of their most popular models. Between 1950-1974 just over 1000 were made for discerning clients. A real one will set you back well in advance of US$100,000 these days and is the perfect launch for use from one’s yacht to the casinos of Monte Carlo.
Feeling 43 have captured the lines of this beautiful machine superbly and the standard of finish, particularly of the main hull, is excellent. These boats are made of varnished mahogany and Feeling have replicated this with very finely printed decals that have a deep lacquer finish over the top. The smaller details are recreated with a wealth of fine cast and p/e parts. It’s just a shame that for those of us with shallower pockets there won’t be a kit available.

New 1:12th die-cast

TAM23205

Ferrari Enzo

£499.95

Very occasionally Tamiya release a semi-assembled model in their Collector’s Club series and they are always pretty impressive. This takes the standard to new heights though! Ferrari’s technically advanced Enzo is an ideal subject for the high detail treatment and the Japanese giants have done a superb job. On opening the very well thought out presentation box we are greeted by the sight of the highly detailed chassis and central body section all pre-assembled with the front and rear body sections, wheels and fitted luggage (yes really) all separate. There are tools included for fitting these loose parts including a proper wheel brace for doing up the centre lock hub nuts! The chassis itself features a highly detailed engine with full plumbing, the suspension works against proper spring/damper units, there are dampers on the door hinges, the list just goes on and on!
Whether you are fortunate enough to have a real Enzo in the garage or not, this will make a fantastic addition to any Ferrari collection or an extremely impressive stand alone piece for the den or the office.

New book

ISBN0760319545

The Complete Book of The WRC by Henry Hope-Frost & John Davenport
weight 2.5kg

£34.99

This amazing reference source represents the collaboration of three important parties, Henry Hope-Frost was Managing Editor of Autosport before becoming a well respected freelance motorsports journalist, John Davenport was one of the Worlds leading rally co-drivers to a number of drivers in the 1970s, including Hannu Mikkola, before turning his attention to organising events and rally journalism and finally the LAT photo archive who have opened their collection of more than 9 Million (yes really!) images to illustrate the book. There are over 300 large format pages divided into 5 chapters. The first reviews the history of the World Rally Championship from its formation in 1973 to the end of the 2003 season. Chapter 2 is an alphabetical listing of the 66 drivers who have won events, from Andrea Aghini to Franz Wittmann, who incidentally was the first man to win in an Audi Quattro. 3rd, we have the winning cars from 21 manufacturers, complete with technical specifications and a summary of results. Next up we have the events, which show the constantly changing face of this exciting championship. And finally, the results. Top ten listings for every event on the WRC since 1973, complete with photos of every winning car. Throughout, the book is superbly illustrated with spectacular photographs which capture the spirit and drama of this most demanding form of motorsport. This will certainly become a much used volume in our library and is the ideal one stop reference source for anyone interested in rallying. The event winners would also make for a great model collecting theme.