Newsletter 679: Superleggera V4 RacingSeptember 4^th, 2025

What a surprise to learn of Tamiya's announcement of adding a new option to its catalogue for the Ducati Superleggera V4, equipped with all the elements of its competition kit. This scale model kit faithfully reproduces the Ducati Superleggera V4 with all the parts included in the competition kit supplied by the brand itself. In this way, we find the Akrapovic competition exhaust, which is assembled precisely thanks to the ergonomic breakdown of its parts, with the clutch and its open carbon fibre cover, which comes in two parts for easy painting, covers for the mounting holes of the side mirrors, since they are not assembled, the protection for the brake lever, the competition cap for the fuel tank, the carbon fibre swingarm cover, with the fibre patterns included in the decal sheet, and the new covers for the right and left fairings. Tamiya also worked on the decals to faithfully reproduce the subtle red and carbon fiber gradation patterns on the fairings, as well as the Akrapovic logos on the exhaust and carbon swingarm. To complete the kit and recreate the track version, it comes with slick tires and a racing stand.

Set of 4 1/24 scale 3D printed resin rims with a design similar to that used by Alfa Romeo on its 14-inch steel rims. A set of rubber tyres with tread is included. The set also includes various adapters, so that the wheels can be mounted on models from the most common manufacturers, such as Tamiya, Hasegawa or Aoshima. The air valves for the rims are also included in the adapter holder.

Set of 4 1/24 scale 3D printed resin rims with a design similar to that used by Alfa Romeo on its 14-inch steel rims with hubcap. A set of rubber tyres with tread is included. The set also includes various adapters, so that the wheels can be mounted on models from the most common manufacturers, such as Tamiya, Hasegawa or Aoshima. The air valves for the rims are also included in the adapter holder.

Complete set of parts to improve and detail the cockpit of the Tamiya kit of the McLaren MP4/4 in 1/20 scale.... of the unit driven by Ayrton Senna wearing the number 12. Both the seat and the steering wheel were different from those used by his teammate, Alain Prost, so these parts have been detailed to the maximum to resemble those used exactly by each of the drivers. In addition to the steering wheel and seat, other parts such as the instrument panel, gear lever, pedals, fire extinguisher or brake force distributor are included, along with a sheet of decals and photo-etched parts.

Complete set of parts to improve and detail the cockpit of the Tamiya kit of the McLaren MP4/4 in 1/20 scale.... of the unit driven by Alain Prost wearing the number 11. Both the seat and the steering wheel were different from those used by his teammate, Ayrton Senna, so these parts have been detailed to the maximum to resemble those used exactly by each of the drivers. In addition to the steering wheel and seat, other parts such as the instrument panel, gear lever, pedals, fire extinguisher or brake force distributor are included, along with a sheet of decals and photo-etched parts.

Originally released in 1981, this classic model kit from Tamiya's 1/6 scale motorcycle catalog is back for a limited time. This kit of the Honda CB750F, which quickly became the best-selling 750cc motorcycle after its launch in 1979, faithfully reproduces its sleek silhouette and air-cooled, inline-4 DOHC engine. The front forks feature coil springs for smooth operation. Once assembled, some of the side covers can be removed to reveal the internal mechanical elements, such as the battery. The scale allows for a much larger-than-usual exploded view, as does the level of detail. Fantastic!

1:24 scale reproduction of Volk Racing Rays TE37-SL rims used on the Toyota GR Supra A90, designed to be used with the tires of the Tamiya kit. Made in resin using 3D printing, the rims faithfully reproduce the structure of the real rim, improving the appearance of the set. The design of the rims has also taken into account the internal relief of the original Tamiya tire. The mounting method, inserted from the front, allows the lip of the rim to remain on the tire, integrating correctly as it would in reality. The rims have a diameter of 21.6 mm, which increases to 22.5 mm in the area of the outer lip, where it rests on the tire. In addition to the rims, inflation valves, two types of nuts, standard and long size, and decals with the rim logos are included. Without a doubt, an essential improvement for modelers looking for a totally faithful reproduction in their work.

Decal sheet to recreate the Group A version of the Toyota Celica ST185 with which Jari-Matti Latvala achieved victory at the 2025 Šmucler Historic Vltava Rally. A beautiful livery with colours similar to those used by the Yaris WRC in the World Championship. The decals have been developed to fit Tamiya and Hasegawa kits.

Decal sheet reproducing the two Surtees Ford TS16 cars that competed in the 1974 Brazilian Formula 1 Grand Prix, held at the Interlagos circuit. Brazilian fans not only enjoyed the victory of local hero Emerson Fittipaldi in his McLaren, but also the comeback of Carlos Pace, who in his modest Surtees (number #18) managed to climb from twelfth on the grid to fourth place. The other Surtees driver, Jochen Mass (number #19), was not so lucky, being the last driver to cross the finish line in seventeenth place, two laps behind the winner. The decal is designed to be used on the Revell or Matchbox kits.

Manufactured by Tameo for Cigale 43, and without losing an iota of the quality that characterizes this manufacturer, this reference allows to make the version of the Jaguar Cosworth R5 that competed in the 2004 Monaco Grand Prix. A GP where the Jaguar team used a slightly different decoration, with the nose and the upper part of the engine cover in red, although they were not lucky, since both cars retired at the beginning of the race. The scale model kit is made up of a large number of white metal parts, an extensive sheet of photo-etched parts to achieve the best detailing, and a complete decal sheet.

Manufactured by Tameo for Cigale 43, and without losing an ounce of the manufacturer's trademark quality, this scale model kit allows for the creation of the version of the Jaguar Cosworth R5 that competed in the 2004 British Grand Prix, held at the Silverstone circuit. With its bodywork painted in the characteristic metallic green, Jaguar earned a point in the constructors' classification thanks to Mark Webber's eighth-place finish. The scale model kit is composed of a large number of white metal parts, an extensive sheet of photo-etched parts for the finest detailing, and a complete decal sheet.

The Jaguar Cosworth R5 was the last single-seater car of the Jaguar Racing team, which announced its withdrawal from Formula 1 at the end of September 2004, becoming the RB Racing team for the following season. This meant that, now in the colors of its new sponsor, the car was used in various test sessions to prepare both the drivers and the team for the 2005 season. Manufactured by Tameo for Cigale 43, this scale model kit reproduces the test unit used at the end of 2004. The kit is made up of a large number of white metal parts, an extensive sheet of photo-etched parts to achieve the best detailing, and a complete decal sheet.

Pre-diluted satin finish varnish supplied in a 100ml bottle and ready for use with your airbrush. Allow the base paint to dry for at least 30 minutes before applying this varnish. Apply a thin coat, allow to dry for 5-10 minutes, and apply successive thicker coats (at least two more are recommended) allowing 5-10 minutes drying time between coats. Touch dry in 1 hour, and full hardness after 24 hours. Wait at least 48 hours to polish. If applying over decals, always apply at least a couple of thin coats. NEVER apply wet coats of varnish directly onto decals, as this could damage the decals.

Pre-diluted matt finish varnish supplied in a 100ml bottle and ready for use with your airbrush. Allow the base paint to dry for at least 30 minutes before applying this varnish. Apply a thin coat, allow to dry for 5-10 minutes, and apply successive thicker coats (at least two more are recommended) allowing 5-10 minutes drying time between coats. Touch dry in 1 hour, and full hardness after 24 hours. Wait at least 48 hours to polish. If applying over decals, always apply at least a couple of thin coats. NEVER apply wet coats of varnish directly onto decals, as this could damage the decals.

1/24 scale rims and tires set for the Nunu BMW M4 GT3 kit. At Decalcas, they know you're looking to enhance the look of your models, so why not add this faithful reproduction of the Rimstock rims fitted to the BMW M4 GT3 and the correct size tires, thus improving the overall look of your model? Made in 3D resin with Decalcas' usual print quality and impressive fit and detail. We recommend using this product together with the Decalcas reference DCL-PAR175 - Brake discs.

Set of 3D printed parts to improve and detail the braking system of Tamiya's Toyota GR Supra kits. The set allows to reproduce the braking system developed by Brembo, and includes the four ventilated brake discs with the cores and connecting elements printed separately, as well as the brake calipers and brake pads. Even the caliper bleeders have been included among the parts! This disassembly and separate printing of each of the parts that make up the braking system facilitates the painting of each of the elements, increasing the detail and quality of the finish. A piece of metal wire is included to reproduce the connecting tubes between both sides of the calipers and the brake pad retaining clips.

Resin kit that will allow you to make the curious prototype presented by the AVS Shadow team for the Can-Am series, and which had the particularity of having airbraking devices. The Marsh Models kit, made of high-quality resin, also includes several photo-etched plates and white metal parts that allow the model to be assembled with a great amount of detail.

This resin kit allows you to reproduce at 1/24 scale the unmistakable Esso version that characterized the Group 4 Porsche 911SC Almeras of the early 1980s. This particular version is the one that competed in the 1980 Monte-Carlo Rallye Automobile, driven by Hannu Mikkola with Arne Hertz on his right. A very complete kit, which includes the option of mounting the engine, which is accessible once the model is completed.

This new manufacturer brings to the shelves of SpotModel the model of the Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP in a scale slightly larger than usual, but which has more and more followers, such as the 1/9 scale. The kit comes with many of its parts pre-painted, such as the fairing, and the anchoring system of the parts allows them to be assembled without the need for glue. The kit defines in great detail the mechanical parts and the chassis, and has several interesting details, such as the front fork made of metal, some decals made of epoxy resin for the Honda logos that go on the tank, and it even includes a curious magnetic mat so that you can place the screws necessary for assembly on it without risk of losing them.

The second reference from this new manufacturer modifies the decoration of its 1/9 scale Honda CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP kit, reproducing the decoration used by Honda in the commemorative version for its 30th "birthday" since the first Fireblade was launched back in 1992. The kit comes with many of its parts pre-painted, such as the fairing, and the system for attaching the parts allows them to be assembled without the need for glue. The kit defines the mechanical parts and the chassis in great detail, and has several interesting details, such as the metal front fork, epoxy resin decals for the Honda logos that go on the tank, and it even includes a curious magnetic mat so you can place the screws necessary for assembly on it without risk of losing them.

USCP once again delights us with a set of parts designed to detail and improve the engine compartment area of another of the classic kits in the Italeri catalog, thus taking advantage of new technologies in terms of design and 3D printing. The engine compartment area of the Renault 5 Alpine model will look better than ever thanks to all the parts that make up this reference, such as the exhaust manifold, the cylinder head, the ignition coil with the wiring already included, the intake air ducting, the timing belt, among others. Simply and plainly, spectacular!

Collector's assembled model that reproduces the version of the Subaru Impreza WRC S5, famous for its "zebra" decoration, with which the pair formed by Nigel Heath and Steve Lancaster participated in the 2001 TAP Portugal Rallye, finishing in twentieth position.

Assembled collector's model reproducing the version of the Alpine A110 RGT+ driven by Raphaël Astier, accompanied on his right by the legendary Denis Giraudet, in the 2024 Mont-Blanc Morzine Rally, finishing in sixteenth place. A rally with a strong presence of Alpine A110 units, and the winner was indeed the unit driven by multi-time world champion Sebastian Loeb.

Determined to enter Formula 1 with his own team, former sports car driver Willibald (Willi) Kauhsen took chassis WK001 of his Kauhsen KE01 single-seater to the official FOCA tests at Le Castellet, which took place in early December 1978. Patrick Neve was in charge of driving the car, this time painted in white, during these tests. The kit is designed as a curbside model, with the complete bodywork made of resin, accompanied by numerous white metal parts for the rims, cockpit, suspensions, gearbox and other mechanical elements. In addition, there is a complete decal sheet and a sheet of photo-etched parts.

Following his attempt to enter Formula One by purchasing the Kojima KE009 entered by the Japanese team Kojima Heros Racing for the 1977 Japanese Grand Prix, former sports car driver Willibald (Willi) Kauhsen decided to develop his own single-seater. Named the Kauhsen KE01, his first chassis, the WK001, was built in September 1978. It was an extremely compact car with innovative aerodynamic solutions, such as a rear wing that sat ahead of the rear axle and was connected to the side skirts by wide pillars. These side skirts also housed the radiators and some of the car's additional fuel tanks. This reference allows us to reproduce the car as it was tested in November 1978 by Gianfranco Brancatelli during private tests at the Paul Ricard circuit. The kit is designed as a curbside model, with the complete resin bodywork, accompanied by numerous white metal parts for the rims, cockpit, suspension, gearbox, and other mechanical components. Added to this is a complete decal sheet and a sheet of photo-etched parts.

When two-time world champion Graham Hill decided to embark on the adventure of creating his own Formula 1 team, leaving Brabham, he acquired a customer unit of the Shadow Cosworth DN1, founding Embassy Racing With Graham Hill, commonly abbreviated as Embassy Hill. The team, made up of around 20 engineers and mechanics, debuted in 1973 with a single car, and it wasn't until 1975 that it began competing as a constructor with its own chassis. The season wasn't very successful, with its best result being ninth place at Zolder... where only nine cars finished. This reference allows for the reproduction of the version used in the Spanish Grand Prix held at the Jarama circuit, where Hill had to retire due to brake problems. The kit includes the complete resin bodywork, accompanied by numerous white metal parts for the rims, cockpit, suspensions, and other mechanical elements. Among these, the Cosworth engine stands out, fully assembled and visible at the rear. The kit is completed with a decal sheet and a photo-etched part plate.

This scale mdel kit allows you to reproduce either of the two Shadow Ford DN1 units that competed in the 1973 Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix, held at the Jarama circuit. At this circuit, the Shadow team achieved the first of two podium finishes of the season, both third places, thanks to George Follmer. The kit includes the complete resin bodywork, accompanied by numerous white metal parts for the rims, cockpit, suspensions, and other mechanical elements. Among these, the Cosworth engine stands out, fully assembled and visible at the rear. The kit is completed with a decal sheet and a photo-etched part plate.

This scale model kit reproduces the Shadow Ford DN9 unit that achieved fifth place in the 1978 Swedish Grand Prix, held at the Anderstorp circuit. The kit includes greater detail than other models from the same manufacturer, allowing partial disassembly into several pieces of the upper body and the nose, exposing the cockpit, the front end with the radiator and the entire rear section with the Cosworth engine. The body is made of resin, accompanied by numerous white metal parts for the rims, cockpit elements, suspensions and other mechanical parts. These include the Cosworth engine, which is fully assembled and visible, and the gearbox. The kit is completed with the decal sheet and a photo-etched plate.

This scale model kit reproduces the Shadow Ford DN9 unit that achieved fifth place in the 1978 British Grand Prix, held at the Brands Hatch circuit. The kit includes greater detail than other models from the same manufacturer, allowing partial disassembly into several pieces of the upper body and the nose, exposing the cockpit, the front end with the radiator and the entire rear section with the Cosworth engine. The body is made of resin, accompanied by numerous white metal parts for the rims, cockpit elements, suspensions and other mechanical parts. These include the Cosworth engine, which is fully assembled and visible, and the gearbox. The kit is completed with the decal sheet and a photo-etched plate.

This scale model kit allows you to reproduce either of the two Arrows Ford FA1 units that participated in the 1978 Swedish Grand Prix, held at the Anderstorp circuit. In this race, the team achieved a great result, thanks to Riccardo Patrese's second place. The team's other driver, Rolf Stommelen, was not so lucky, having to settle for fourteenth place, three laps behind the winner. The kit includes greater detail than other models from the same manufacturer, allowing partial disassembly into several pieces of the upper body and the nose, exposing the cockpit, the front end with the radiator and the entire rear section with the Cosworth engine. The body is made of resin, accompanied by numerous white metal parts for the rims, cockpit elements, suspensions and other mechanical parts. These include the Cosworth engine, which is fully assembled and visible, and the gearbox. The kit is completed with the decal sheet and a photo-etched plate.

This scale model kit allows you to reproduce either of the two Arrows Ford FA1 cars that participated in the 1978 South African Grand Prix, held at the Kyalami circuit. At this event, the team was not yet fully sponsored by Warsteiner, and parts of the bodywork were painted white, combined with the beer brand's classic gold color. Riccardo Patrese was forced to retire from the race due to an engine problem, while Rolf Stommelen finished ninth. The kit includes greater detail than other models from the same manufacturer, allowing partial disassembly into several pieces of the upper body and the nose, exposing the cockpit, the front end with the radiator and the entire rear section with the Cosworth engine. The body is made of resin, accompanied by numerous white metal parts for the rims, cockpit elements, suspensions and other mechanical parts. These include the Cosworth engine, which is fully assembled and visible, and the gearbox. The kit is completed with the decal sheet and a photo-etched plate.

Set of lower skid plates, both front (for the engine) and rear (for the differential), also known as sump guards, for use with the Audi Quattro Group 4 rally kits from both Tamiya and Italeri. These parts are not included in the original Tamiya kit, while the Italeri kit only includes the front one, and with a very different design from the plate used by the real car. Thanks to this reference, the lower part of your model will have the perfect finish.

Set of rubber tires for 18-inch rims. Ideal for use in conjunction with USCP 18-inch rims.. The tires measure 27.2 mm outside diameter, 20.2 mm inside diameter, and 11.5 mm wide. The Dunlop SP Sport 8080 tread marks are embossed on the tire profile.

The R5 Turbo seats were characterized by their carefully designed design to enhance lateral support for the occupants, with prominent, enveloping side cushions. When designing the Renault 5 Turbo kit, Tamiya included flatter seats to accommodate the driver's figure, thus losing the seats' spectacular appearance. This pair of resin seats has been designed to replace those in your Tamiya Renault R5 Turbo kit, but without having to assemble the figure, achieving a much more realistic image of the interior. In this reference, the central part of the seat highlights the texture of the fabric.

Set of rubber tires for 16-inch rims. Ideal for use in conjunction with USCP 16-inch rims. The tires measure 25 mm outside diameter, 18,2 mm inside diameter, and 10 mm wide. The Dunlop tread pattern appears embossed on the tire profile.

Pair of 1/24 scale resin seats reproducing the design of the racing seats used in competition in the Renault R5 Turbo. A decal sheet with the Renault Sport logos is included.

Set of rubber tires for 16-inch rims. Ideal for use in conjunction with USCP 16-inch rims. The tires measure 25.4 mm outside diameter, 18,05 mm inside diameter, and 10 mm wide.

If your project is focused on the rally version of the Tamiya Renault R5 Turbo Rally, USCP has just announced this even more complete and specific reference. In addition to including all the parts from reference 24T074, some more specific ones have been added for this version. Thus, we also find a set of racing seats, the rear base with the spare wheel, which is included, the front auxiliary lights, steering wheel, fire extinguishers, gear lever, dashboard accessories in the co-driver area... everything you need for a perfect version!

Set of parts designed to detail and enhance the engine compartment of the Tamiya kit of the Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA. In this case, the engine was also modified to reproduce the narrow-head version used in the Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA and GTAm racing cars. The set also includes other parts for detailing the engine bay, such as the intake manifold and the ignition coils, with wiring already included. Truly spectacular!