Mazda MX-5 Roadster (ND)
Adding the latest version to my MX-5/Miata collection. In “MX-5 speak, this is the ND, or fourth generation, introduced in 2015.
The kit, Tamiya #24342, is a new design released in 2015. Reflective of Tamiya's latest releases it is a beautiful exercise in design and execution.
Tamiya clearly put a lot of effort to accurately reflect the original design. Doing so also resulted in some complexity I have not seen previously. The headlights are four-part designs. Taillights are three parts. The dashboard has separate (chrome) parts for the HVAC controls and vents. Even the rear vents are two-part assemblies.
It's a curbside kit but Tamiya did not skimp on underbody details. The driveline and suspension are beautifully rendered. There are panels on the chassis that cover portions of the detailed driveline (accurate to the 1-1 design). I like the greasy bits, so I cut them away in the style of MX-5 Cup racers. Other than that, and a few paint details where I like the European scheme, I built it to the instructions. Oh yes, I also made the seats two-tone because I dislike all black interiors.
The main body is painted with Tamiya TS-45 Pearl White rattle can. It's not as sparkly as Mazda Arctic white but close enough for me. Other paint is either Tamiya acrylic or rattle can lacquer. This leads to the only challenges I encountered with the build.
Initially I thought “Great! No chrome”, I do not need to mess with bare metal foil. Wrong. The black trim on a white body proved difficult. For one thing the contrast is unforgiving. Any error jumps out at you. To make matters worse the acrylic did not adhere well to the pearl white making achieving clean mask lines next to impossible (no pixel peeping please). I have never encountered this problem before.
So, my collection now has the NA (1989 - 1997), the NB (1999 - 2005), and the ND (2015 to present). Unfortunately, I won't be able to complete the set unless someone releases a NC kit (2006 - 2014). The only NC kit I have found is a discontinued Hasegawa kit which typically sells in the $200 - $250 range. Out of my price range.
Ken, I love it! I don't see any issues with the white and black.. Looks great for a white paint job, seriously a hard task. Two years ago I attended the SCCA Solo Nats, first big year for the NDs... To boot I was working course when their class was running, and good greif, for a street class, these latest MX-5s carry speed like you wouldn't believe. Get the right line and it just sticks.. love it!
Great collection, Ken, and this latest is very neat, here's hoping Tamiya release the latest model, and the Fiat version as well. Definitely liked.
This is a wonderful build, Ken!
I looked as close ad I could and found no issues whatsoever!
This is a great MX-5 collection, and I hope you will have luck with the -3!
Congratulations on your build!
Looks great Ken. You nailed the interior and using a black background really shows off the highlights of your white MX-5. I love that rear right radio antenna poking up. Bravo.
Looks great! I would love to build a model of an NC since that’s been my ride for 16 years.
Fujimi had NCs in their lineup from 2006-2014 - one version of them even has photo-etched parts. Unfortunately it's been long discontinued, and I haven't checked eBay yet, so can't comment on how ridiculous its price is now.
Beautiful builds! Nice work.
Just ran across this, you achieved a beautiful result.
Bummer about the NC, I had a real one for 17 years (I'm writing this in March 2023) and wanted to build a model of it, but couldn't find an affordable one. I recently traded it in for a 2023 Audi RS3. Now, if I can find a model of that car...