After attempting to build 1/43 models from the early years of kits, often dating to the last 30 years of the 20th century, I decided to try something different, that is, something both different and new. I found this one:
Well, it's 1/43 scale anyhow. I did a little research before ordering it from an English dealer, and there's a good World War II story in its origins. Here's a good source:
That's it. Just those six white metal pieces. The two major halves did not “click together.” Quite a bit of smoothing, using a paper finger-nail file, cut down to fit. Pegs and holes still don’t fit well. Same problem with wheels on axle pegs. On the other hand, all that sanding took a couple of minutes. These are small pieces. Oh yes, some of the little folks started showing up. Just curious, I think.
Using my smallest drill bits to enlarge the several holes, 2 for wheels and 3 For the main body’s two parts. A hand-held electric drill is just a little heavy to do this quickly. No hole on the underside for the kick stand to attach. I found a rough spot that is probably meant for this purpose, so I used a small drill bit and took a chance. Just fits. Whew!
Colors choices, based on pictures from the web, were wide open. One site said in 1953 the only colors were gray or light brown, but either Vespa or many, many buyers changed that. I chose yellow, just because I had some and like it. I had used a medium gray primer, and probably the yellow would have been brighter over a white primer. I painted the wheels with a chrome spray and then brushed on black for the tires... very carefully. Then came assembly. That took maybe five minutes, probably less.
And so, after maybe an hour, cut into minutes and spread over three days for drying time and my regular chores, here's my Vespa.
And then the little folks and I had some fun with it.
This one was fun! But now I think I'll take a couple of days off and work in the yard a bit. Maybe I will still go to that storage area and browse in those older kits again. I haven't had a plastic one in my hands recently . . .
Hi David. Nice build. I have this kit and also one of the Swallow sidecar by the same company. Both are unbuilt so hopefully I can get them together this Winter. Your project here has inspired me. Thanks.
And speaking of beach cars like your Fiat, BMC did a very limited run of these based on the Mini. I made one from a stock saloon. Here is my best representation of the car and its wicker seats.
