Toyota Celica 1993 Safari Rally

[galaxyg]

Background:

I got this kit very cheap, secondhand and started. I'd already built the 1992 Repsol/Marlboro Celica ST185 as a tarmac car and so since the safari parts were also in the box with this, I decided to build it as a safari version. All it needed were some extra decals which I drew and had printed up. Kankunnen was the winner of this event, so I've decalled the car as his. Safari rally cars are a niche within a niche and this is my first one. It won't be the last.

 

Pros:

Perfect fitment and shape, as usual from Tamiya. The kit is the same moulds as Tamiya's '92 Safari Celica so you get those safari parts in this kit for free. Like the Tamiya Porsche 959, this kit seems to be in constant production and just like the 959, is a cheap buy and easy to find.

 

Cons:

This kit shows it's age compared to the Evo V which I built alongside it. There's less detail in the chassis/suspension, less in the interior with more parts moulded-as-one - such as the interior tub and less niceities such as the window masks. Some of the decals are a little tricky to lay down as well.

 

Verdict:

Great and since it's also cheap and easy to find, a good introduction into complex decalling.

 

Build notes:

Built over 7 weeks in October/November 2022. Extras to the kit are: Bonnet and boot pins, and the decals unique to this version. Just like the Evo V I built, there's very little this kit needs that Tamiya don't already provide. The car is painted with Tamiya rattle-cans, clearcoated with Mr Hobby Premium gloss, then weathered with UMP weathering pigments. Annoyingly the spare wheel has moved out of it's correct position and due to the front bull-bar being glued to both the body and the chassis, I decided trying to seperate the two halves to correct the wheel wasn't worth it.

 

[ceeb555]

Hi, lovely build and photos. Especially like the subtle weathering, not over the top and looks extremely authentic. I followed the build and the carbon fibre on the up and over snorkel is a great touch. A unique version with your home produced decals. Overall a superb looking model. 

[desert falcon]

As ceeb555 said above, a lovely build and the weathering is just perfect 👍 

[Windy37]

This has turned out really well . Just the right amount of weathering for me , and I agree with the Safari  cars being special  ; purpose built and tested for months , in Africa , just for this one event .

Gary . 

[Vesa Jussila]

You have done good job again. Looks really good. 

[ScaleModeller_54]

Excellent Looking Celica , love the weathering

[Bobby No Mac]

Nice job. The raised suspension and exterior scaffolding really make it look like the business 

[keefr22]

Like that , top work!

 

Keith

[Spiny]

These Celicas always look crestfallen to me when the headlights are in the raised position.

 

Fortunately nothing about this build to be crestfallen about - the decalling looks a real challenge but has come out well. And I'm another one glad to see you haven't gone OTT on the weathering... but then again I'm someone who always builds his cars clean so I have to say that

 

[k5054nz]

A gorgeous build and as others have said the mud splatter looks just right. Magic work!

[von Race]

On 12/2/2022 at 2:35 AM, galaxyg said:

Safari rally cars are a niche within a niche

You can say that again! But always a fun option,

Your Celica muddied up pretty well, top job!👍

[kapam]

Excellent Safari Rally build!

The added grime is just the right look.

I'm always keen to see WRC subjects on the forum.

Well done!

👏👏

[PatW]

Superb finish! I remember the event as acquaintances were on that rally in a team mechanic role!

[F-32]

That looks perfect

[Keeff]

Superb job all round! 👌

 

Keith 😁