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Richard Bungay
68 articles

Tamiya 1/20 Ferrari 312T3 - Gilles Villeneuve - 1978

July 6, 2022 · in Automotive · · 6 · 0.9K

See all my models at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/98961263@N00/albums/72157603606379755

Photograpy: Nikon D300; Focus Stacking using Helicon Focus; Editing using LightRoom

Paint: Zero “ 70's and 80's”

Aftermarket: Icon Resin rain tires; seatbelts

Decals: Shunko

Wow, am I glad this build is over. The kit isn't bad but the plastic from my example had degraded over time (this kit was originally issued in 1978 and there were no re-issues that I know of other than a clear version in 2002) and the plastic was more brittle than I've ever experienced. During the build I was continually repairing broken parts or just ditching them when repair was not possible. The interior details are just a mess and I ended up using blobs of superglue to keep several assemblies together. It was touch and go several times as I contemplated ditching the whole kit out of a sense of hopelessness. I made it to the end though and I'm glad to have this Ferrari among my collection.

A brief history of the car can be found here: https://www.ferrari.com/en-CA/formula1/312-t3.

As a Canadian, I am particularly interested in Villeneuve's brief career. Villeneuve drove the 312T3 during his first full year in with Ferrari. He earned his first victory that year, fittingly, at the Canadian Grand Prix which was the 16th and final race that season.

Comments welcome,

Richard

Reader reactions:
7  Awesome

3 additional images. Click to enlarge.


6 responses

  1. Those after market tyres look great, Richard, good work on this old kit. I was a huge fan of Gilles, one of the greatest drivers never to become world champion.

  2. Fantastic result despite the challenges, Richard! Also a huge fan of the beloved Gilles.

  3. You turned this into a great model, Richard @rbungay, even with the struggles you had during the assembly.

  4. Nicely done Richard, looks good with the rain tyres !

  5. WOW Richard, that looks great. Gilles was a wild man, but highly respected among his peers. Some of my favourite F1 cars are the ground effect era, and Ferrari another firm favourite of mine, so this one pushes all my buttons. I think I have the same kit in my stash... hope I don't struggle as much as you did as I am short on patience...oops!

  6. Fantastic work.

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