Flintstone

LC2, always support the underdog!

I built the original Protar kit when it first came out. Assuming the decals are the same as the Protar ones, then they fit ok. I fitted the windows in to the body (take time to get them to fit well) and then put the black surround decal on top and it seemed to go well. The kit represents the launch/first race version. The LC2 is indeed a fab car, it just seemed to have bad luck. In 1983, the car had Pirelli tyres, but they proved troublesome due to the aerodynamic load put on them, so later in the season they tried Dunlop tyres. The problem was the LC2 had been designed around the radial Pirelli tyres and the Dunlops were cross ply tyres. This restricted their competitiveness. In 1984 and 85, they had lots of reliability issues, but were finally using Michelin radials and the car performed really well. In 85, the would have won at Monza, but were in the pits for refuelling when a storm brought trees down and stopped the race! They did have a couple of wins including at Spa in 85, which sadly was the one with the fatal crash of Stefan Bellof. In 86, the LC2s were really competitive again, but Lancia was also struggling with taming the S4 Group B rally car and sadly they had lost test driver Giacomo Maggi, who was developing the LC2 in a pre season crash. A single car was entered and the last race for the factory team was at Silverstone, where the car kept the Porsches and Jaguars behind until another problem intervened. The car was repaired and then did the fastest race lap, before Lance withdrew from Group C altogether. There was talk of Rondeau taking over the LC2s, but this came to nothing when Jean Rondeau was killed on a rail crossing. The result of all this was a fabulous looking car that was always fast (lots of poles and fastest laps), but it just didn't win enough! I was really pleased to see them push the Porsches and keep them honest!

The model of HMS Storm in the Submarine Museum looks like it is painted in a colour similar to RAF sky and a mid green.

I wonder if the different paint staining could be a result of hot exhaust gases/oil and sand? Maybe you need both together to affect the paint in this way? Perhaps sand on its own just wears paint away, such as on leading edges, but the added heat and oil does something else to the paint?

I have been on the Tissot Watches website and under the history section is a bit about their motorsport history. There are a few photos of the Ensign, but also a Team Ensign sticker in blue, Link - https://www.tissotwatches.com/en-gb/history-carracing.html

Looks great!

Excellent

Fantastic, particularly considering it is 1/72!

I have been looking at the Ixo Collections Lancia 037 and Centauria Lancia Stratos. Both look good. Ixo Collections also do a Alpine A110 (the original one). So there is lots of choice. I also was thinking about the Mezzo Mix 1/12 917k, although the 917/10 also looks good. I did wonder if one of these would be good practice for the MFH 037 that I have waiting patiently as part of the loft insulation.

I must admit I like the idea of the 917, but I would like to see it first. Large scale car kits can look a little toy like if not done well.

This is the one I was thinking of and it now appears to have an engine option:- https://mezzo-mix-models.jimdo.com/modelparts-for-sale/porsche-962-in-1-8-scale/

Following the 70s DFV F1 car route, I would like a Tyrrell 006 please🤞

Ixo Collections / Agora already make a Gulf livery 917 and there is a seller on ebay with a 1/8 resin 956.

The plans in Royal Navy Submarines by Maurice Cocker has plans by John Lambert. I think these are also in British Submarines in two World Wars by Norman Friedman. The plans used to be available in larger format as part of the Warship Data International series. You could try the Submarine Museum in Gosport and the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich as I think they hold some builders plans. There are lots of images of some boats, but others such as HMS Upholder do not seem to exist anywhere.

Looks great!