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Manufacturer: |
Kawai |
| Kit Number: |
KMP-01 |
| Parts Count: |
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| Original Price: |
1300 JPY |
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Japanese instruction says that the model is a fictuonal F-1 car
powered by Honda RA164E engine, but it's obviously the Williams FW09
from 1983 Kayalami GP. It's likely that the manufacturer Kawai
coudln't obtain the licnese, or didn't bother getting one. Common
notion about this kit is that it's too poorly designed that it's not
worth building, but upcon close observation, it may not be the case.
This build is meant to be a challenge, and also a casual build just
to have fun with a supposedly bad kit. |
Body parts are cleanly made, with no sign of flash.
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Engine is broken into many
parts, which is a positive sigh, but how about the accuracy? The kit
includes the driver figure as shown.
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Gear box is not oversized,
unlike Tamiya, but lacks details. Kit includes the differential, as
well as working shock absorbers. Front suspension design seems
overly complex.
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Since the kit is
motorized, it includes many metal screws for stronger construction.
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A part of the body where
the front suspension arms are attached is made with a metal parts.
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Tires look realistic, and
features GoodYear logo.
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Since the model is meant
to be a fictional F-1 car, the decals are pretty much useless, but
that's what ALPS printer is for. :)
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Wheels don't seem to
represent any of the ones used by Williams, but my research material
is limited, so I don't know (it may be from another GP). Monocoque
is molded with the bottom part of the engine and transmission.
Separately-sold FA130 motor is supposed to be attached to the fuel
tank area -- interesting design.
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Two AAA batterirs are
stored transversely, and this increases the thickness of the heat
exchanger area on both sides.
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As you can see, the kit contains a fair amount of parts to turn
this into a semi-detailed motorized model, and I intend to keep the
drive train mechanism simply because it's a cool design. Storing the
motor in the fuel tank area is an interesting solution. |
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Next: Dry Fit |
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