Revell Germany F2000 Page1

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Revell 1/24 F1
Replacing those notorious tires

Updated on 07/29/2002

Revell Germany has been releasing modern Formula One cars in 1/24 scale. They have many attractive modeling subjects, so those who've been used to Tamiya's 1/20 scale models might want to give these kits a try. After brief examination, I have to say the bodies seem alright, the fitting is acceptable and the decals are very nicely done. So I think the Revell F1 kits are more than "workable" to most modelers. Problem is their tires, and I bet those who have any of their recent F1 kits know exactly what I'm talking about.

The September 2002 issue of the Model Graphix magazine has a tiny column about how to replace those troublesome tires without spending too much money. I tried it myself, and it seems work, so I'd like to share the information, and show you how step by step.

(UPDATE: Revell Germany appears to have updated their F1 tires as early as the TF102 kit.)

1. What you need

Kyosho Mini-z Racer High Grip Tire (600 yen): Kyosho has been making a pre-assembled R/C car, called Mini-z (pronounced "minutes") Racer for a few years, and the subject has expanded to not only sports and GT cars, but also Formula 1 cars. Just like their big R/C cars, Kyosho has released many accessories in the Mini-z product line. The part we need is called High Grip Tire. Because Mini-z Racers are 1/28 scale, these tires are pretty close to 1/24, and the quality and appearance of their grooved tires are just as good as the tires you'd find in Tamiya's 1/20 scale kits.

Tamiya Hop Up Options No. 295 Tire Inner Foam (400 yen): Tamiya's primary offerings are R/C products, and they have many accessories. This "Tire Inner Foam" is supposed to be used to fill the space inside the tire for a better grip in racing, and it can be used to fill the space inside the Mini-z tire. The spacer doesn't necessarily have to be this particular item, but it can be anything as long as it fills the space inside the Mini-z tires. I'm showing the exact product, the Model Graphix article presented.

Click for a bigger image.

Kyosho High Grip Tire and
Tamiya Tire Inner Foam

2. Tire Sizes

Here is a table of the tire sizes to show why this substitute is a close match.

The second column is from FIA's technical regulations, and the third column is 1/24 scale tires based on the FIA data. The next column is the size of Revell tires, followed by Mini-z tires. The last column shows the size of the tires fitted to the kit wheels with the Inner Foam inside.

	FIA	1/24 (desired size)	Revell	Mini-z	Fitted w/ foam
Front Width (max)	305	12.7	12	14	13
(min)	355	14.8
Rear Width (max)	365	15.2	15.3	15.8	15.6
(min)	380	15.8
Front Diameter (Dry)	660	27.5	23.6	25	27
(Wet)	670	27.9
Rear Diameter (Dry)	660	27.5	23.6	25.3	26.5
(Wet)	670	27.9

3. How to install

Installation is pretty straightforward. Just put the replacement tire around the Revell wheel. Inner diameter of the tire is 14 mm, so it matches with the wheel size. Since the Mini-z tires are firmer than the Revell ones, a little bit of stretching is necessary. After several tries, you'll get the knack of it. It might ease your work if you soak the tires in warm water, but I didn't have to do it myself.

The picture to the right shows the tire without the foam. It clearly shows that the tire is deformed, and needs a spacer inside.

All you have to do is to cut Tamiya's Inner Foam into the appropriate width and length by trial and error.

Install the foam inside the Mini-z tire. Use a pen or some kind of round pointy object to make the work easier.

Try not to tear the foam by the plastic wheel, and carefully install the wheel into the tire. The picture shows the result, and the foam successfully raised the center part of the tire. This increases the diameter slightly, and 1/28 is now closer to 1/24. (probably not exact match, but still looks good)

4. Comparison

Here is a comparison between two front tires. The picture clearly shows the increased size. The surface of the new tire looks far more realistic than the kit tire.