Newsletter 709: TS-16 AAWApril 16^th, 2026

In the early 1970s, Finnish driver Leo Kinnunen was on Lotus' radar, although negotiations ultimately fell through. It wasn't until the 1974 season that Kinnunen, with a private team, made his Formula 1 debut, using one of the Surtees Ford TS-16s that had proven competitive the previous season. However, the experience was a disaster, and of the six Grand Prix races he entered, he only managed to compete in the Swedish Grand Prix at the Anderstorp circuit, despite not qualifying. This model kit allows you to recreate the car with which Leo Kinnunen contested his sole Formula 1 Grand Prix. The kit includes the complete resin body, accompanied by numerous white metal parts for the rims, cockpit, suspensions, and other mechanical elements. Among these, the Cosworth engine stands out, which is fully assembled and visible at the rear. The kit is completed with the decal sheet and a photo-etched plate.

The Forti team debuted in Formula 1 in 1995, with their first car being the FG01, equipped with a low-powered customer version of the Ford EDD 3.0 V8 engine. This, combined with an outdated and conservative chassis design, meant that this single-seater was by far the slowest on the grid. Its best result of the entire season was ninth place at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, although three laps behind the winner. Undoubtedly, the car's most striking feature was its eye-catching livery, a mix of yellow, blue, and green, reflecting the team's Brazilian influence in its inaugural year. The kit, which allows for the reproduction of the 1995 late season versions, is conceived as a curbside model, with a resin body, accompanied by numerous white metal parts for the rims, cockpit, suspensions and other mechanical elements, a complete decal sheet and a sheet of photo-etched parts. Everything you need to recreate this single-seater in detail and complete your collection of Formula 1 models.

Sir John Young 'Jackie' Stewart secured the second of his three Formula 1 World Championship titles in 1971, driving the Tyrrell Ford Cosworth 003. The Stewart-Tyrrell partnership was virtually unbeatable throughout the season, winning six of the eleven races. The kit includes the complete resin body, accompanied by numerous white metal parts for the rims, cockpit, suspensions, and other mechanical elements. Among these, the Cosworth engine stands out, which is fully assembled and visible at the rear. The kit is completed with the decal sheet and a photo-etched plate.

Following the re-edition of the Ford Capri, Tamiya continues announcing new reissues, this time with another spectacular Group 5 model: the Toyota Celica LB Turbo, which competed in the German Touring Car Championship (DRM) in the late 1970s. The scale model kit retains the same parts list, including the driver figure for the interior, although it omits the electric motor and its mechanisms from the first edition. Both the instruction manual and the decal sheet have been revised for this re-edition.

Decal sheet allows you to create the version of the car Max Verstappen, accompanied by Dani Juncadella and Jules Gounon, used in the second round of the NLS Series at the Nürburgring as preparation for the main event at the Green Hell: the 24 Hours of Nürburgring. A race in which they were the winning team for a few hours, before being disqualified due to an irregularity with the number of sets of tires used during the event. But the demonstration of their strength had already been made. This decal sheet is designed for use with the Tamiya scale model kit, and as it is an Evo version, it is recommended to use a transkit such as the one developed by LB Production.

Hasegawa has developed new moulds for one of Japan's most charismatic cars, the Toyota Starlet. This kit allows you to reproduce the racing version that won the Starlet Grand Cup Race Championship in 1982. The kit includes a whole series of new parts to recreate the racing version, starting with a body without a sunroof, front and rear spoilers, anti-roll bar, new suspension, brakes and rims and, of course, slick tyres. Are you up for it?

At the 1993 Japanese Grand Prix, held at the Suzuka circuit, the Tyrrell team presented minor changes to its car, the 021 equipped with a Yamaha engine. These changes were mainly focused on the front nose and wing, as well as a larger headrest. Hasegawa has reproduced these parts in this reference. The local driver, Ukyo Katayama, qualified well, achieving thirteenth position on the grid, although later in the race he had to retire due to engine problems.

New version of the complete and detailed Hasegawa kit of the Nissan Skyline R32 Group A, in this case with the decoration used during the 1992 season by the Kenji HKS Racing team. The best result of the season was achieved in the last race, held in Fuji, finishing just outside the podium in fourth position. A great kit, with precise fit and a great definition of the parts that characterises the new generation of Hasegawa kits.

New reference of the Hasegawa kit corresponding to the Group C Sports Prototypes used by Toyota in the early 90s. This reference corresponds to the version that participated in the first race of the season of the Japanese Sports Prototype Championship (JSPC), the 500 Kilometers of Suzuka, where it achieved third position. Regarding the other references, apart from the decal sheet with the new decoration, this model incorporates new front wings and different side windows.

What better tribute to the news from Toyota of the return of the Celica to its range than the limited-time reissue by Hasegawa of the kit of what was the first model in the series, which had been presented at the 1969 Tokyo Motor Show. A simple and well-fitting kit, made up of 84 pieces.

Hasegawa offers us the option of building the version with which Japanese motorcycling legend Norihiko Fujiwara achieved the third of his three consecutive 500cc titles in the Japanese Motorcycle Championship. A kit with an extensive and detailed parts list faithfully reproducing the parts of the real bike. Note that the Lucky Strike tobacco advertising is not included in the kit.

New limited-time edition of the Nissan Skyline BNR32 model kit with one of the liveries used by the Nismo team in the 1992 season. Apart from the new decals, the model includes as a novelty some different headlights and the beautiful Volk racing wheels.

New limited edition kit of the racing version of the Isuzu Bellet. For this reference, Hasegawa has included a whole series of new parts to reproduce the restored version of the vehicle that obtained second place overall and first in class in the Japan All-Star Race Silver Star Cup B. Thus, in addition to the new decal sheet, you can find new rims with slick tires, the racing driver's seat and the steering wheel, the dashboard, the safety arch, and a few more to faithfully reproduce the racing car.

Limited edition of Hasegawa's Nissan Sunny pickup kit, featuring a very American hot-road style decoration. In addition to a completely new decal sheet including side flames, the kit includes RS Watanabe rims and a new resin front spoiler, giving the model a sportier look.

Hasegawa launches a new version of its complete kit of the Toyota Supra A70 Group A, with the decoration of the two units of the Tom's team that competed in the 36th Macau GP in 1989, where they managed to finish in sixth and seventh position. Its detailed interior and its complete chassis, with perfect fit, will delight the most demanding modelers.

The latest versions of the BMW 2002 tii incorporated characteristic elements such as much larger bumpers. Hasegawa has incorporated a series of 3D-printed parts in this reference to update the model's image, with new front and rear bumpers, reflector, side moldings and the rear license plate light.

Elegant version of the Nissan Fairlady 240Z with its elongated G-Nose, where the front grille disappears, and wire rims that give it a classic touch.

Hasegawa re-edition of this beautiful kit of the Toyota 2000GT, in the configuration corresponding to the time when the model went on sale in April 1967. A simple kit that will allow you to build one of the first Toyota sports cars, and a true icon.

Limited time re-issue of the Lucky Strike Roberts Yamaha YZR500 0W98 kit used during the 1988 500cc World Championship season, with which Wayne Rainey finished third overall, climbing onto the podium on seven occasions, including a victory at the British GP held at Donington Park. His teammate, Kevin Magee also took a victory, winning the Spanish GP held at the Jarama circuit. The kit does not include the decals with the tobacco advertising.

Continuing with its team in the Japanese 500cc Championship, men's cosmetics brand Tech21 updated its Yamaha YZR500 for the 1989 season, switching to the revamped 0WA8 version. This new reference allows for a highly detailed reproduction of this version, complete with a decal set printed by Cartograf.

Limited-time re-edition of one of Hasegawa's Collectors' Hi-Grade Series kits, featuring a series of metal and photo-etched parts to enhance the kit's detailing. The engine, gearbox, exhaust manifolds, wheel hubs, radiators, and electronic modules are made of white metal, while other parts such as the rear spoiler supports and radiator grille are photo-etched. The outer rims of the wheels are made of turned aluminium.

Complete set with all the necessary parts to replace the master cylinders and brake fluid reservoirs on Beemax's 1/12 scale McLaren Honda MP4/4 model kits. The detail on the new 3D-printed parts is incredible, including even the connections for the brake lines. Simply perfect!

Exquisite 3D printed reproduction of the complete front grille to replace the original included with the Beemax Group 5 BMW 320 E21 Turbo scale model kit. The meticulous printing ensures the entire grille has through-slats, just like the real grille, and with remarkably fine slats. Furthermore, the central kidney grille section has been printed separately, facilitating painting, as have the air intake trumpets that replace the headlights. Spectacular!

If there's one striking feature of Group 5 cars, besides their widened bodies and powerful turbocharged engines, it was the enormous wheels that had to be fitted to manage the immense power output, which also necessitated improved brake management and cooling. One of the most common elements used to help extract the hot air generated by the brakes were air vents, which, in the case of BBS, mimicked the design of the honeycomb rims they covered. The 3D-printed parts from Fat Frog Models reproduce these aerodynamic covers in exquisite detail, adding a much more realistic touch to the wheels of your Beemax scale model kits, and are compatible with the references for the BMW 320 E21 and the 1979 Porsche 935 Group 5 cars.

Set of 3D printed parts designed to replace the original chain on the Tamiya 1/12 scale Kawasaki ZZR 1400 scale model kit. The chain is highly detailed, including the links between each one, and both the front and rear sprockets incorporate the fastening bolts, also reproduced with great detail.

Set of 3D printed parts designed to replace the original chain on the Tamiya 1/12 scale Honda Dax 125 scale model kit. The chain is highly detailed, including the links between each one, and both the front and rear sprockets incorporate the fastening bolts, also reproduced with great detail.

Set of 3D printed parts designed to replace the original chain on Fujimi's 1/12 scale Suzuki GSX-R750 scale model kit from the 1986 Suzuka 8 Hours. The chain meticulously reproduces the links, including the gap between each link, and both the sprocket and pinion incorporate the fastening screws, also reproduced with great detail.

Set of 3D-printed parts designed to replace the original chain on Hasegawa's 1/12 scale Honda RS250RW scale model kits. The chain is highly detailed, including the links, and both the front and rear sprockets incorporate the fastening bolts, also reproduced with great precision. This reference also includes the clutch assembly, further enhancing the detail of the original part.

Set of parts that reproduce in great detail the side air intake grilles for your Nunu Porsche 911 991 RSR GT3 scale model kits. One of those simple details that exponentially increases the realism of your model.

Set of parts that reproduce in great detail many of the connectors used in the wiring harnesses of 1980s vehicles, suitable for detailing your 1/12 scale models. The parts reproduce both connectors with the male and female parts connected, as well as both parts of the connectors disconnected.

Set of parts that reproduce in great detail many of the connectors used in the electrical harnesses of 1980s vehicles, suitable for detailing your 1/12 scale models. The parts reproduce connectors where the male and female parts are connected to each other.

A few months ago, Tamiya reissued its 1979 Honda CB750F scale model kit, and, following a similar path to Honda itself, has just released its new 1/12 scale model kit of the new CB1000F. Honda describes the new CB1000F as "Inspired by the iconic 1979 CB750F, it is reborn with contemporary muscle and technology. The CB1000F is born, with an unparalleled riding feel and a unique sound." We don't think this release is a coincidence! The decal sheet allows you to choose from three different paint schemes, and assembling it is sure to be a real treat for motorcycle enthusiasts... and even those who aren't.

The re-release of the Ford Capri Turbo has undoubtedly been a joy, but unfortunately, the decal sheet in this new Tamiya edition is incomplete, missing some logos... and even the driver's name on the doors. Luckily, this is no longer a problem, as Reji has also noticed and prepared a small supplementary decal sheet so your Ford Capri Zakspeed Turbo scale model will be complete, with the missing Shell logos and Hans Heyer's name on both doors.

Decal sheet featuring several of the most common logos found on sports and racing seats. Now you can complete or personalize the seats in your models. Logos included from manufacturers such as Momo, Sparco, OMP, Corbeau, Recaro, and Atech.

Decal sheet with emblems from some of the most prestigious car manufacturers and those regularly involved in motorsport. Now you can complete or personalize your models with their full-color emblems. Logos included from manufacturers such as Ford, Ferrari, Lancia, BMW, Porsche, Fiat, Skoda, and Subaru.

Now you can build your own 1/8 scale replica of the legendary BMW M3 E30, with a scale model kit where every element, every shade of color, and every line is reproduced with absolute precision. The kit contains over 602 pieces, all pre-painted and ready for assembly. Once assembled, all the doors and hoods open, revealing the complete interior and engine. And if that weren't enough, it also features controls for the engine sound and the activation of the headlights and taillights. An exceptional reproduction with meticulous attention to detail.