Ferrari F310B Formula 1 (F1) Race Car 1:20 Scale Tamiya Model Kit #20045 Review
Right On Replicas, LLC Step-by-Step Review 20141008*
Ferrari F310B Formula 1 (F1) Race Car 1:20 Scale Tamiya Model Kit #20045 Review
Review and Photos by Alan Mann 
A modern Formula One car is a single-seat, open cockpit, open wheel race car with substantial front and rear wings, and the engine positioned behind the driver. The regulations governing the cars are unique to the championship. The Formula One regulations specify that cars must be constructed by the racing teams themselves. The use of aerodynamics to increase the cars grip was pioneered in Formula One in the late 1960’s by Lotus, Ferrari and Brabham. As well as being blindingly fast in a straight line, F1 cars also have incredible cornering ability. The 1997 the 310B was Ferrari designer John Barnard’s attempt to keep rival Williams off the podium. It was an improved design package, but still used Ferrari’s powerful V-10. In 1997 Michael Schumacher and Eddie Irvine raced for Ferrari. They had not been as competitive as they hoped for in the years preceding, however, Schumacher as the lead driver led Ferrari to 5 victories in the 1997 season. Those results might have catapulted Ferrari and Michael into the World Champion if it weren’t for an incident with rival Jacques Villeneuve in the last race of the season. Nevertheless, the 310B was an incredibly successful car for Ferrari. The F310 and F310B won a total of 8 Grand Prix, 22 podiums and 7 pole positions. The F310 proved to be a front-running car, but without the outright pace or superb reliability which led to the Williams FW18s dominating 1996. This car was notable as being the first Ferrari F1 car to use the then more conventional V10 engine format. The name F310 refers to the engine type, a 3 liter, 10 cylinder engine.
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For the modeler: This review is based on the Tamiya 1/20 Grand Prix Collection Ferrari 310B in 1/20 scale, Kit #20045. The box is dated 1997 and this is the original release version but it is still available and can be found quite easily. The kit consists of 
about 105 parts molded in Red, Black and Clear with Vinyl tires. The decals are extensive and high quality BUT due to the regulations on Tobacco Advertising they do not have any of the MARLBORO branding decals. There are sets available as Fill-In decals to replicate the proper look, I will use the TABU DECALS set. This is a Japanese Model Kit so with that said the directions are in Japanese with multiple language translations on the instructions, it can be confusing. The build is straight forward and well detailed so if you take your time it should go together nicely. Tamiya is a quality product and the parts show few if any blemishes. The build starts with the body and requires you to construct on to it, take care to not damage the finish as you build. The motor is detailed and the cowl is removable to show the motor. The suspension mounts securely. Overall the finished size is: Length: 8-3/4â€, Width: 4â€, Height: 2-3/4â€.
Covered in this Review:Â If you want to perfect your build; basic construction; preparing parts for better finishing; alternate assembly sequence suggestions for fit and ease of finishing; complete paint and adhesive selections and applications; test fitting; dashboard detailing; using aftermarket decals for authenticism; making the skid plate look like wood; airfoil assembly and detailing; detailing the steering wheel; correcting panel a misfit is discussed; making realistic tires; airbrush advantages; engine construction and detailing; removing copyright scripts; suspension construction and detailing; using setting solution for decal application; mold seam and ejector pin identification; detailing the instrument panel; decal preparation and application; and an expanded race history of the real car; are all fully examined in this 16 page, full-color Step-by-Step review in PDF format.
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