Newsletter 680: Original Race PicturesSeptember 11^th, 2025

First issue of Komakai's new Original Race Pictures book series. A publication packed with exquisite photographs covering the spectacular Lancia LC2 in minute detail at the 1000 Kilometers of Monza, 1000 Kilometers of Silverstone, 1000 Kilometers of Spa, and 1000 Kilometers of Brands Hatch during the 1983 season. The volume, featuring a total of 74 full-color pages, includes some previously unpublished photographs. It is undoubtedly an absolutely essential reference for Lancia LC2 enthusiasts.

This set of carbon fibre patterns for the Tamiya kit of the Suzuki RGV-Gamma XR-89 is composed of two decal sheets. Each of the decal sheets has a template printed on the back with the patterns, which must be cut out, and which correspond perfectly with the corresponding pieces of the kit. Each of the carbon fibre patterns is identified with the number of the part of the kit on which it has to be placed. The set has a total of 28 carbon templates printed on printed on Carbon Fiber Twill Weave Black on Pewter decals.

This set of carbon fiber patterns for the Tamiya Yamaha YZR-M1 kit consists of a decal sheet with the patterns printed on the back. The patterns are to be cut out by the modeler and correspond perfectly to the corresponding parts of the kit. Each carbon fiber pattern is identified with the number of the kit part on which it is to be applied.

This set of carbon fiber patterns for the Mercedes CLK-GTR Tamiya kit is made up of two decal sheets. Each of the decal sheets has the template with the patterns printed on the back, that needs to be cut, and that correspond perfectly with the corresponding pieces of the kit. Each of the carbon fiber patterns is identified with the number of the kit part on which they have to be placed.

Reedition of one of Tamiya's classic scale model kits, with photo-etched parts for the brake discs, radiator, oil cooler, and steering wheel spokes, and with the intake trumpets made of turned metal. Tamiya has also revised and improved the instruction manual, with instructions for painting the tire tread marks, and has also added an A3-sized double-sided brochure with photographs of the real car. The kit reproduces the single-seater's V12 engine in great detail, including cables to recreate the fuel and ignition lines. The front part of the nose can be removed once the model is assembled, revealing the mechanical elements located there, such as the radiator.

Released by Tamiya in 1981, this scale model kit hadn't been available in their catalog for 26 years. Now, we can once again enjoy this kit, which allows you to recreate the Mazda Savanna RX-7, a vehicle that attracted attention not only for its aerodynamic design but also for its rotary engine. The kit realistically reproduces the bodywork, the passenger compartment, and the underside of the chassis. Some parts of the kit are movable, such as the sunroof and the retractable headlights, which can be opened and closed. The instruction manual and decals have been updated, and masks for painting the rear side window frames are also included. The kit includes also a driver figure.

A true rally legend, with the added attraction of being the last two-wheel-drive model capable of winning a World Rally Championship. A 1/8 scale kit with more than 785 pre-painted parts, 252 of which are metal. This impressive kit allows you to assemble a faithful replica of the Lancia 037 that won the 1984 Tour de Corse, driven by Markku Alén and Ilkka Kivimäki. As is customary with Ixo Collections models, all the doors and hoods open to reveal a meticulously reproduced interior and mechanics. The model is completed with the addition of lights and sound effects. The Lancia 037 model captures the essence of an era in which Italian design, raw power, and the legend of Martini Racing merged in competition. Once assembled, the model weighs approximately 6 kilos and is 50 cm long. Don't miss it!

Start looking for space, because you're going to need it! Ixo Collections presents us with a model of a symbol of the United Kingdom, as much as the Welsh Guards at Buckingham Palace, the Routemaster. With the usual quality of Ixo Collections, the kit combines no less than 1247 plastic and metal parts, all of them pre-painted and ready to be assembled. In addition, the kit includes lighting and engine sound functions. Once assembled, the model measures approximately 70 cm, and weighs 14 kilograms.

Replacement seat for the Tamiya kit of the March Judd CG901B sponsored by Leyton House. The new seat has been reproduced in great detail, including the holes for the various harness sections and the anchors for the shoulder sections, replacing the kit part that has the belts preformed in the plastic of the piece itself. A set of harness buckles is also included to build a detailed replica of the original seat belts.

Replacement seat for the Tamiya Ferrari F189 kit. The new seat has been reproduced in great detail, including the holes for the various harness sections, replacing the kit part that has the belts preformed in the plastic of the piece itself. A set of harness buckles is also included to build a detailed replica of the original seat belts.

Replacement seat for the Tamiya kit of the Benetton Ford B188. The new seat has been reproduced in great detail, including the holes for the various harness sections, replacing the kit part that has the belts preformed in the plastic of the piece itself. A set of harness buckles is also included to build a detailed replica of the original seat belts.

Replacement seat for the Tamiya kit of the Williams Renault FW13B. The new seat has been reproduced in great detail, in addition to eliminating the preformed belts in the plastic of the piece that originally came with the kit. A set of harness buckles is also included to build a detailed replica of the original seat belts.

Italeri has made new molds to reproduce the S-Way version of the Iveco Stralis.

That the series "Stranger Things" has been a huge success is beyond any doubt. So much so that some of the vehicles that appear throughout the different seasons have also become part of the series, like another protagonist. We have seen the character of Sheriff Hopper riding his Chevy Blazer on countless occasions, so why have the option of building such a charismatic model? Revell is going to give us that opportunity, with a completely redesigned kit, made up of 100 pieces.

That the series "Stranger Things" has been a huge success is beyond any doubt. So much so that some of the vehicles that appear throughout the different seasons have also become part of the series, like another protagonist. In the fourth season, some of the protagonists spend a long time on board a Volkswagen T3 dedicated to delivering pizza to homes. Revell has incorporated into its kit of this model the parts and elements necessary to reproduce the one that appears in the series, maintaining the characteristics of the original kit, such as its sliding side door or its complete engine.

The Schlingmann LF 20/16, based on the Mercedes Atego 1529 truck, with a 2,500-litre water tank and a powerful pump that can deliver up to 2,000 litres per minute, plays a key role in the main firefighting team. This 270-part kit recreates the technical complexity of the vehicle, reproducing not only the mechanical part of the truck, but also all the equipment compartments for the driver and crew. It even includes the breathing apparatus! The decals included with the model allow up to three versions to be made, corresponding to the Löhne Volunteer Fire Brigade, the "Fire Brigade" and Schlingmann.

Revell has decided to bring back some of the classic Matchbox references in 1/32 scale, such as the Mercedes Benz SSKL, originally launched in the late 70s. The kit, despite its smaller size, has a large number of parts, up to 79, which also include those necessary to assemble the engine and chassis.

Revell has decided to bring back some of the classic Matchbox references in 1/32 scale, such as the Porsche 917/10, originally launched in the mid-70s. The kit, despite its smaller size, has a large number of parts, up to 64, which allow the engine, the front tubular chassis to be mounted, and even the pilot to sit at the controls.

Revell has decided to bring back some of the classic Matchbox references in 1/32 scale, such as the Tyrrell P34/2, originally launched in the late 70s. The kit, despite its smaller size, has a large number of parts, up to 80, including those needed to assemble the engine.

To mark the 50th anniversary of the birth of the first Porsche 911 Turbo, Revell has decided to launch a commemorative set. The kit includes no less than 86 parts, with the engine and interior fully detailed. The kit also includes 6 10ml bottles of Revell Aqua Color paint, a brush and a bottle of Revell Contacta Professional Mini.

1/16 scale kit, which includes a total of 94 parts to assemble the classic BMW "motorcycle-car". The kit allows you to reproduce its small engine of only 0.25 litres of displacement, and also the unique front door, with its characteristic position and way of opening, is movable.

New version of the famous Volkswagen T1 van, this time with the distinctive features of the workshop vehicles used by Volkswagen and Porsche roadside assistance services, which were also characterised by not having windows in the loading area and having side ventilation grilles. Among the 146 parts you will find in the box, there are those necessary to assemble the complete engine, chrome parts, and doors that you can choose to leave open or closed.

Kitbox PZY Model has been releasing several Lexus LC500 scale model kits, and it was clear that the racing version couldn't be an exception. A model that triumphs in the top category of the Japanese GT Championship, better known as JGTC, the GT500. Thanks to Kitbox PZY Model, you can build this spectacular scale model. The scale model kit is made of excellent-quality resin and features an extensive photo-etched sheet to reproduce every last detail. Truly spectacular!

Don't miss this reprinted and newly designed decal for the Repsol Honda team bike that Carlos Cardus used during the 1990 and 1991 seasons, where he finished second with four wins and third respectively in the 250cc World Championship.

This decal set is not a complete set, and has been designed to replace some of the more poorly designed decals found in the original Tamiya kit decal set, such as the Suzuki lettering or some of the numerals. The graininess of the metallic blue, the large size of the number 36, and the lack of gradation of the number 42 have been improved. A vibrant fluorescent red and silver have also been used in some of the decals, to satisfy users who want a more faithful reproduction of the real bike. Even the number 1 that Joan Mir placed on the bike's fairing after becoming MotoGP World Champion in 2020 has been included.

This decal reference allows for the reproduction of the 2021 version of the Suzuki GSX-RR, specifically those raced at the Styrian Grand Prix, the tenth round of the season held at the Austrian Red Bull Ring circuit, where Joan Mir took second place on the podium. In addition to adding the decals of the new sponsors used in 2021, the colors and gradients have been carefully considered for a more faithful reproduction of the real bike.

Complete set of parts to add or improve your scale model's battery. The layout of the printed parts allows for easy painting and increased detail, with the base, terminals, and mounting plate as separate parts.

Complete set of parts for adding two nitro cylinders to your scale models. Includes a bracket mount for the two bottles, as well as decals for the bottle labels.

Complete set of parts for adding a nitro gas cylinder to your scale models. Includes a bracket mount for the bottle, as well as decals for the bottle label.

The powerful BMW 320 Group 5 sponsored by Rodenstock left its mark in the 1979 German DRM Championship. In the sixth round of the championship held at the Norisring circuit, luck was not on its side, as it could only finish in sixteenth position among Division II vehicles. But that does not take away one bit of charm from this striking decoration of one of the most famous Group 5 vehicles.

With Ford scaling back its motorsports operations, the job of developing the Group 5 Ford Capri fell to the Zakspeed team, which won five consecutive DRM Championship titles between 1972 and 1976. Zakspeed developed the aluminium and Kevlar chassis of the Ford Capri Group 5, where more than 80 meters of aluminium tube were used for a total chassis weight of only 75 kg, while Ford Cologne developed the aerodynamics and Ford Europe supplied the Kent engine blocks, which thanks to the action of two turbochargers KKK reached about 380 HP in 1979, to deliver 450 HP in 1980. With one of these Capri from the Zakspeed team Klaus Niedzwiedz achieved fifth position among the division II vehicles in the Norisring race, seventh round of the 1980 German DRM Championship.

Assembled collector's model that reproduces the version of the Lancia Beta Montecarlo Turbo Group 5 of the Lancia Corse Italy team participating in the 1980 6 Hours of Silverstone, where after obtaining fourth place on the grid, it failed to finish the race after damaging a wheel in a collision.

Assembled collector's model that reproduces the version of the Lancia Beta Montecarlo Turbo Group 5 of the GS-Sport team as it participated in the thirteenth and final event of the Deutsche Rennsport Meisterschaft in 1981 held on the Nürburgring circuit. Its driver, Hans Heyer, obtained fourth position in the division II race, the same position he finally occupied in the championship after achieving 2 victories and 10 podiums during the season.

Assembled collector's model that reproduces the version of the Toyota Celica 2000 GT (RA21) that, driven by Hannu Mikkola, and accompanied on his right by Arne Hertz, achieved second position in the 1977 Lombard RAC Rally, in what was the best performance of the Japanese model in its participations in the World Rally Championship.

Assembled collector's model reproducing the version of the Ford Escort WRC driven by Juha Kankkunen, accompanied on his right by Juha Repo, which finished second in the 1997 Acropolis Rally, achieving a fantastic one-two for the Ford team, as Carlos Sainz took the victory.

Assembled collector's model that reproduces the version of the Toyota Yaris GR Hybrid Rally1 with which Sebastian Ogier achieved another victory in the World Rally Championship, this time on the asphalt of the Croatia Rally in 2024.