Tamiya 1/12 Caterham Super 7
This Tamiya Caterham Super Seven BDR is one of the most superb 1/12 scale models available!
Materials hew closely to the original. Construction details add authenticity and since all parts are individually assembled, the model process effectively simulates the actual building process of the full scale version. For example, each aluminum body panel is screwed on to the space frame individually. The suspension arm, engine mounting and wheels are attached with tiny hexagonal nuts. Coil springs are attached to dampers by metal brackets and screws, permitting mobility.
features
- Separate bare aluminum hood with louvers
- Royal blue cloth seat belts with foam pads, metal clips and buckles
- Ultra detailed engine compartment with vinyl tubing
- Bare aluminum muffler and chrome exhaust pipes
- Chrome roll bar
- Metal see-through grille
- Accurately treaded Goodyear tires with alloy-looking Super 7 wheels
- Realistic black bucket seats with headrests
- Accurate headlights, taillights and emblems
- Black velour-like carpet
- Black rubber-like tonneau cover
- Realistic dashboard and wipers
- Authentic spare tire mounted to the rear
- Windshield with bare aluminum frame
build log
The first step was to remove all the spruce that was around the frame to strengthen it while packed in the box. Be careful not to mistake the frame for spruce and cut out the wrong piece! Next I painted the frame flat black to eliminate the unattractive 'soapy' look of the black plastic.
The aluminum side panels have been added.
The front suspension members have now been added along with the torsion bar. This was a fairly complex process owing to the number and size of the parts and the tiny screws that are used for attachment.
Main floor panels added.
The front disc brakes, calipers and hubs have now been added. Six separate colors were used to lend depth to the model.
The picture on the left below shows the differentia and the drive and half shafts. The constant velocity joints are shown on the end of each half shaft.
The picture on the right below shows the differential installed into the car (pictures shows frame turned over for a better view of differential.
The rear sub-assembly, which consists of the rear axle (Dion tube), shocks, disc brakes and torsion bars. This assembly took about four hours to prep, paint (seven different colors) and assemble.
The next step was to install the sub-assembly into the car along with the fuel tank and additional frame parts.
This picture shows the rear sub-assembly installed in the car. Also installed at this point is the fuel tank and the rear frame extension.
You can now see that I have installed the roll over bar, rear body work, center tunnel and carpets. Also installed are the lap component of the four point safety belts as well as the gear knob.
Today was spent preparing, masking and painting the engine, engine components and transmission.
The top left picture shows some of the components ready to be sprayed: the top right shows the transmission masked to allow the front half to be sprayed black (shown after spraying) having already been primed all over in gray as well as the engine block masked off ready to be sprayed silver; the bottom left picture shows the end result, with the masking removed from the transmission ready to have the black section masked for tomorrow's spraying of aluminum paint. The engine block has had the mask removed having been sprayed aluminum and is ready to be re-masked to spray the remainder of the gray block red. The last image shows the results of three to four hours' work.
As you can see from above today I masked the parts of the engine and the transmission that I painted yesterday so I could spray the transmission silver and the engine block red.
The bottom two pictures show the (almost) completed engine ready to be installed into the car.
The engine is now installed along with the exhaust and seats.
I spent most of the day prepping, masking and spraying to ready the parts required for the next wave of construction.
These consisted of an upper frame for the engine bay that holds the steering, brake master cylinder and control pedals. Parts for the cooling system, carburetors and steering wheel were also painted.
You can see that the upper frame has now been installed along with the dashboard, radiator, oil cooler spark plug leads and control pedal assembly.
The wheels including the spare are now on. Seat belts, carburetors and the windscreen have also been added.
The remaining bodywork that will be painted has been sanded and primed in gray ahead of being sprayed British Racing Green. Even though the plastic is green, the finish will be much better with painting.
The Caterham Super 7 is now complete and the following images show the level of detail captured in this beautiful model.
3/4 view with hood removed.
From the rear.
Engine detail. I think the twin webber carbs are particularly impressive.
View with the hood on . I think you will agree that it is a nice looking car!
Nose view of the car showing detail of the front suspension.
That 's it for the Caterham Super 7 BDR model. Click here if are interested in buying this completed model.
