galaxyg Posted December 2, 2022 Share Posted December 2, 2022 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. 22 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ceeb555 Posted December 2, 2022 Share Posted December 2, 2022 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. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
desert falcon Posted December 2, 2022 Share Posted December 2, 2022 As ceeb555 said above, a lovely build and the weathering is just perfect 👍 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Windy37 Posted December 2, 2022 Share Posted December 2, 2022 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 . 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vesa Jussila Posted December 2, 2022 Share Posted December 2, 2022 You have done good job again. Looks really good. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ScaleModeller_54 Posted December 2, 2022 Share Posted December 2, 2022 Excellent Looking Celica , love the weathering 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobby No Mac Posted December 2, 2022 Share Posted December 2, 2022 Nice job. The raised suspension and exterior scaffolding really make it look like the business 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keefr22 Posted December 2, 2022 Share Posted December 2, 2022 Like that , top work! Keith 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spiny Posted December 2, 2022 Share Posted December 2, 2022 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 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
k5054nz Posted December 3, 2022 Share Posted December 3, 2022 A gorgeous build and as others have said the mud splatter looks just right. Magic work! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
von Race Posted December 10, 2022 Share Posted December 10, 2022 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!👍 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kapam Posted December 15, 2022 Share Posted December 15, 2022 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! 👏👏 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PatW Posted December 15, 2022 Share Posted December 15, 2022 Superb finish! I remember the event as acquaintances were on that rally in a team mechanic role! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F-32 Posted April 20, 2023 Share Posted April 20, 2023 That looks perfect 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keeff Posted April 20, 2023 Share Posted April 20, 2023 Superb job all round! 👌 Keith 😁 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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