Italeri leads this week’s scale-car news with three September releases now available directly from the manufacturer. The selection covers quite a range: a compact Italian coupe, a large-scale Safari rally car and a Dutch tractor unit that could carry several Fulvias if everyone signs the appropriate insurance forms.
These are availability developments rather than three completely new announcements, but each offers a useful project for a different kind of builder.
The Lancia Fulvia “Fanalone” Is Available in 1/24
Italeri’s 1/24 Lancia Fulvia Coupé 1.6HF “Fanalone” is now available from the company’s online store. Item 3619 is priced at $57 in Italeri’s home market.
This is not entirely new tooling. Italeri describes it as containing new parts, along with a photo-etched fret, chromed components, rubber tires and color instructions.
That combination makes the Fulvia particularly interesting for intermediate builders. It has enough separate detail to teach useful techniques, but its 6.5″ finished length keeps the project from occupying the entire workbench.
The Fulvia would make a strong subject for a lightly weathered historic-road-car build. Subtle tire wear, a little road grime and restrained fading can add character without turning it into a rally car that has just completed three stages through a gravel quarry.
3619 Italeri Lancia Fulvia Coupè 1.6HF “Fanalone”
Where to Buy: www.BrookhurstHobbies.com
Italeri’s Big Safari Delta Is Ready for the Workbench
The most substantial release is Italeri’s 1/12 Lancia Delta HF Safari, item 4720. Previously previewed by the company, it is now listed for direct purchase at $251.
This is a serious project. The completed model measures approximately 13.1″ long and includes opening doors, front and rear bonnets, a detailed engine compartment and a fully developed competition interior.
The Safari equipment gives the familiar Delta a noticeably different character. Italeri supplies off-road wheels and tires, flexible polyurethane mudguards and additional rally hardware. The kit also includes photo-etched and chromed components, hoses, screws, springs and two decal sheets with composite-material patterns.
Working suspension adds further mechanical interest. Builders will want to study the instructions and plan their painting sequence before assembly, especially around the suspension, engine bay and opening panels.
Italeri describes the release as containing new parts but does not identify it as wholly new tooling.
4720 Italeri Lancia Delta HF Safari
Where to Buy: www.BrookhurstHobbies.com
The DAF XF95 Brings European Truck Modeling Back Into Focus
Truck builders receive the 1/24 DAF XF95 Super Space Cab, item 93834. The kit is available now for $82 and produces a model approximately 9.6″ long.
Italeri has not labeled this release as new tooling or as containing new parts. It should therefore be considered a returning or updated release rather than a newly developed kit.
The package includes a large decal sheet and color instructions. That makes the DAF a good platform for learning how to handle long stripes and commercial markings across large body panels.
The XF95 is rated Skill 4, so it is better suited to an intermediate builder than a first-time modeler. Careful chassis alignment is especially important. A truck with one wheel floating above the ground tends to look less like a hard-working long-haul machine and more like it is cautiously avoiding a Lego brick.
93834 Italeri DAF XF 95 Super Space Cab
Where to Buy: www.BrookhurstHobbies.com
Upcoming: Detroit Area Auto Modelers Toy Show
The Detroit Area Auto Modelers Toy Show takes place November 8 at the Macomb Community College Sports & Expo Center in Warren, Michigan.
The automotive focus makes it a worthwhile destination for builders searching for discontinued kits, aftermarket parts and project inspiration. The show runs from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with admission priced at $5.
More info: Detroit Area Auto Modelers Toy Show
