Anyone experienced kits by Model Factory Hiro - Japan?
Discussion
I am tempted to treat myself to a model from a company in Japan - Model Factory Hiro. It is expensive (£600) and I have searched the internet to find reviews of their kits but with no luck. The car is the Aston Martin DBR1/2 tin the guise that it won Le Mans in 1959. I used to make model cars (40 years ago!) and I have just retired and rather fancy making this as a project. From the images it seems to be a mix of metal and resin parts while the wheels are individually spoked. I wonder what the more seasoned modelers on here think of this kit? Any advice welcomed...
https://www.atelier-d-camara.com/1-12-maquette-en-...
https://www.atelier-d-camara.com/1-12-maquette-en-...
Hi Henry I have just read your build thread, very interesting and you built a stunning model. I don’t know if the Aston has moving engine components but wow, that’s incredible. I read that you used a 0.25mm drill, I assume that was in a special modeller’s drill: what tools would you suggest I need for one of these models?
Also, do you still have any links the online resources you mention? What did you use to paint the body, the finish is amazing. Oh, and out of interest, what did you use to get the detailed photos, I assume not a phone!
Sorry to bombard you with questions
Also, do you still have any links the online resources you mention? What did you use to paint the body, the finish is amazing. Oh, and out of interest, what did you use to get the detailed photos, I assume not a phone!
Sorry to bombard you with questions
Thanks Henry, that's really useful. I will let you know if I bite the bullet.
p.s. I will need to use a specific colour so I doubt Tamiya offer it in their range. That said, the colour of DBR1/2 as it was when it won Le Mans is somewhat of a mystery. Most of the contemporary photos are in B&W and the few that are colour are of dubious value because they are over 60 years old and Kodachrome changes colour over the years. All part of the fun I suppose when attempting to build a model of a specific car at a particular moment.
p.s. I will need to use a specific colour so I doubt Tamiya offer it in their range. That said, the colour of DBR1/2 as it was when it won Le Mans is somewhat of a mystery. Most of the contemporary photos are in B&W and the few that are colour are of dubious value because they are over 60 years old and Kodachrome changes colour over the years. All part of the fun I suppose when attempting to build a model of a specific car at a particular moment.
Well I've placed my order for the DBR1/2 so I'm committed now! I retire this month so it will be a retirement project for the winter months. I'm looking forward to the research because although the car exists, and I have seen it, I want to model it in it's 1959 Le Mans guise. The car has changed quite a lot over the years so it will be fun getting the details, including the colour, corect. I must say I am slightly nervous because I've not attempted a build like this before, and I am a perfectionist! Expect lots of questions in the coming months... 
generationx said:
Wow, helluva way to reignite a hobby and a beautiful subject. I'm looking forward to everything you post about this!
Indeed, that's way I am a little anxious about what I can achieve. I used to build decent (in my opinion) car models but that was 35 years ago but good enough that I still have the Airfix 1:12 Bentley that I built on display in my study. As an Aston chap I couldn't resist the opportunity to build my own DBR1/2. I just hope I can do it justice. I will certainly have the time on my hands I just hope my eyesight is still good enough p.s. you will spot the Bentley needs to go into the workshop to have the rear mudguard fitted back!
Cheers Dave, I expect the Bentley will get a refresh at the same time. Like fixing the loose undertray and replacing the broken rear wing. My mum kept it safe for me in a shoebox when I moved house in '93 and I rediscovered it in the top her wardrobe when she died in 2014 - bless her!
p.s. The TVR is a model of my Griff 500...
p.s. The TVR is a model of my Griff 500...
Thanks, I'll get onto the AMHT to see if I can access Brian Joscelyne's photos. Regarding the tonneau cover, I am not convinced it was clear plastic. I know some models now show it like that but video footage of the two cars finishing at Le Mans shows it to be flapping around more like grey vinyl or double duck.
ETA here's a great pic taken before the start. Do you think that's clear plastic? Hard to tell. Mind you I didn't realise the cars had a windscreen wiper!
ETA here's a great pic taken before the start. Do you think that's clear plastic? Hard to tell. Mind you I didn't realise the cars had a windscreen wiper!
Edited by RichB on Friday 18th June 23:24
Hi Steve, I managed to find some quite interesting photos just on the internet.
You are spot on about the clear vinyl, in this image of Shelby/Salvadori's car, at Hotel de France pre race, you can see the front wing through the tonneau. Looks like there was a stiffening rod supporting it along the driver's side.
p.s. I noticed that their car lost it's windscreen wiper at some stage during the race!
You are spot on about the clear vinyl, in this image of Shelby/Salvadori's car, at Hotel de France pre race, you can see the front wing through the tonneau. Looks like there was a stiffening rod supporting it along the driver's side.
p.s. I noticed that their car lost it's windscreen wiper at some stage during the race!
Gassing Station | Scale Models | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff