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Any Lotus 7 fans here?


Codger

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There seems to be quite a few 1/12 Tamiya '7' kit owners here who haven't built them.

I know this isn't a 'wants' thread, but it seems like the logical place to ask if anyone who has this kit might consider passing it on or exchanging it for something else???

I might get a wrist slap for asking here.......

Roy.

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Robin,

Your gallery is a pleasure to see. Thanks for sharing.

My fave is your orange 'bad boy' racer and of course, the 1:1 Westy. Love the way they sit and the 'on rails' steering feel you must enjoy.

In contrast, here I am tooling the blunderbuss where it loves to be-open road at the beach. My hair has been torn off by the 200 MPH breeze:

Cobra112ACustomMedium_zpseda12c5f.jpg

I must say I'm very pleased at the turnout of responses and beautiful cars and models shared. It enlightens all of us, but selfishly, I may enjoy it the most.

I hope that future members who come across this thread when it's no longer current will revive it with updates and photos. I'll always follow and respond.

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It varies a bit...

Many say 'Kay-trum'.....

Roy.

As Roy says, it varies but most people say it that way generally I find. Depends how proper you like to pronounce the Queen's English! ;)

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There seems to be quite a few 1/12 Tamiya '7' kit owners here who haven't built them.

I know this isn't a 'wants' thread, but it seems like the logical place to ask if anyone who has this kit might consider passing it on or exchanging it for something else???

I might get a wrist slap for asking here.......

Roy.

A valid question but I want to keep mine. It is jewel-like and I appreciate it.

I will, hopefully, finish it one day.

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P1010053_zps042a9fb0.jpg

P1010052_zpsc2b66ef7.jpg

This brings back so many memories of my uncle's 1966 Seven from about 1971 - his was that green as well, with the curved wings.

That fixed seat, aluminium interior, and that engine looks familiar as well.

His had a 1500 Cosworth engine with two twin coke Weber carburetors.

Very low to the ground, it was VERY fast.

Biggest problem was that it broke at least two axles in the about two years he had it.

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Red Spider, love the Westfield model. Thanks for posting!

As Roy says, it varies but most people say it that way generally I find. Depends how proper you like to pronounce the Queen's English! ;)

I grew up a few miles from Caterham and a mate's dad worked there. We always say it as "cater-um".

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Nothing to show in photos. The monster is half-built and likely to remain that way. But if enough people want, I'll dig it out and make some photos - there's not much to see...

Robin, the twin-cam Ford in your orange beast looks like my Esci Cosworth - would I be correct in assuming it to be so?

I can't add anything to the pool about the real 'uns, as Loti are somewhat thin on the ground where I live - they'd fall to pieces just driving up to get the morning milk. I drive an '09 Subaru WRX - quick, but probably nowhere near as much fun a 7. A lot more practical though.

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Nothing to show in photos. The monster is half-built and likely to remain that way. But if enough people want, I'll dig it out and make some photos - there's not much to see...

As thread-starter, I want. But will ask politely. :winkgrin: No model or 1:1 photos refused here.

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Here are a few photos of 7's I've built over the years,

Ferrari612002.jpg

Robin, as a bit of a 'case freak', would you shed some light on this great display? That appears to be a hinged-top display case. Did you make it? I make my own glass cases but much simpler than that.

I also like the mini-diorama with the covered floor jack. Very cool and natural.

EDIT: Also love the Brooklands screens- a detail I always planned for my 1/12.

Edited by Codger
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It's a 1996 Caterham Seven Classic SE. It has a 1600cc Ford Crossflow with twin DCOE Webber cars. The brochure says it's 100bhp but I wouldn't swear on that.

This series of "Classics" were virtually the last Sevens built to what had been the original Lotus Series 3 specs i.e. solid rear axle (Morris Ital in this case), simple front suspension (upper wishbone serving as anti-roll bar) and flared front mudguards.

I bought it late in 1996 and still love it to bits. I've done a number of track days and sprint events - the picture was taken at Curborough - but I haven't for quite a while. To be honest, I don't particularly want to cane her around a track anymore as she is 18 years old now.

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Beautiful story and specs for a thrill ride. Although I understand about stress and age, I had continued to cane mine (27 years old) on track up until about 5 years ago-the onset of eye troubles. I did so because I spent much time underneath, keeping maintenance sharp such as pads, brake bleeds, fluid changes, bolt torques and engine adjustments (carbs, valves, oil system).

Might I suggest a less strenuous way to have fun on track? Autocross is a great way and you can get as mild or serious as you wish. I did so near the end and laughed my butt off doing so. It extends that envelope that the car has that you can't quite get (although I always try) on the street.

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Is the Cobra real or a replica? I went to the 2012 LeMans classic with a mate in his Southern Roadcraft SRV 8, powered by a 6.3 Chevy V8. What an experience.

The engine is from the Esci crystal Escort, as are the wheels and axle.

The glass case is top hinged, I bought it at the "Hippy Market" in Rio de Janeiro many years ago and the Lotus fits perfectly.

My Westfield also has a Ford 1600cc crossflow with twin 40's.

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Is the Cobra real or a replica? I went to the 2012 LeMans classic with a mate in his Southern Roadcraft SRV 8, powered by a 6.3 Chevy V8. What an experience.

The engine is from the Esci crystal Escort, as are the wheels and axle.

The glass case is top hinged, I bought it at the "Hippy Market" in Rio de Janeiro many years ago and the Lotus fits perfectly.

My Westfield also has a Ford 1600cc crossflow with twin 40's.

Robin,

The Cobra is an ERA replica I built starting in 1985. I say starting because I re-built it 2 1/2 times since then. It has a correct 7 liter Ford Sideoiler of 550HP.

I have long craved a set of 48IDA's but I got the twin Holleys to work perfectly in this combination so saved about $6K USD and instead spent it on race parts for the chassis.

That case purchase is a great story and happy coincidence.

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I do want a 1:1 Lotus 7 at some point - just a few of the 1:24 Tamiya kits in the pile...

Have a 1:1 Lotus Elise (225,000 miles!) on the drive and Turbo Esprit in the garage.

10604571_10152542889863123_2685614031167

10687435_10152543071088123_7699708583712

10644537_10152543070273123_4392632159537

10633802_10152542889558123_7803112150200

Bit of a Lotus addict really...

Iain

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Following on from roymattblack's comment about the unreliability of Lotus in general I quote our chief mechanic's advice to apprentices -

- LOTUS

- stands for

- Lots Of Trouble Usually Serious

Yeah, yeah - that old one...

<yawn>

Total rubbish in my experience - as long as they are looked after properly.

Iain

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Very torquey - lots of grunt from relatively low rpm and no real Turbo lag - a very advanced package for early 80's.

But it's not about power - it's the handling :)

Yes - very rare - especially in that condition. Came through factory at Hethel late '82 - registered Jan '83 - so was in factory being finished when Chapman died - black Lotus badge on nose :(

Car has been featured in Classic and Sportscar magazine, as well as Wheeler Dealers on TV. I've owned her since '97.

Iain

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All you real Lotus owners... I feel quite lower class with my humble Soobie. What was it that Clarkson said that time? "That is the throb of a flat four turbocharged engine, a sound which all over the world heralds the imminent arrival of a moron." I resemble that remark.

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All petrol-heads together Rob - I'd love to have a go in a Scooby - never had opportunity...

In my experience most Lotus owners are pretty down-to-earth - just enthusiasts like drivers of other sporty cars!

Iain

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All you real Lotus owners... I feel quite lower class with my humble Soobie. What was it that Clarkson said that time? "That is the throb of a flat four turbocharged engine, a sound which all over the world heralds the imminent arrival of a moron." I resemble that remark.

Good old flat fours - had an Alfa 33 Cloverleaf that I now miss dearly, in spite of her tempremental electrics

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