Background:

Here's one Ferrari that doesn't look so great in red. It's one big, elegant, beautiful grand tourer but I can't think of another car where the choice of colours and wheels make such a difference to it. Wrong choices and it just looks big, bland and possibly ill proportioned, and I've always dismissed it as a result. Right choices and it looks like something a whole lot better and the sense of the car's styling shines through. I chose to make a two-tone car a little like the Sessanto versions and change the wheels too. I also got a photo-etch pack from Hobby Design. The overall level of effort, detail, Revell-isms, PE and the bespoke mask-making make this number 2 on my planned "5 challenge builds" for 2023.

Pros:

A huge amount of detail, a well detailed engine and very tidy interior. Lots of hidden details too mean that if you build this kit, you'll have a good idea of how a real 612 Scaglietti is under the skin. It's a nice strong, tough model even before assembly. The front and rear windscreen fitment is from the outside and a very good solution. Overall proportions look good. Most of it fits together easily.

Cons:

The supplied wheels and tyres are horrible, and look out of proportion. The tyres are also a bit plasticky and the wheels are chromed - and the entire chrome sprue is horrible. The brakes are weak with flat, almost 2D calipers. The body doesn't fit perfectly onto the chassis, there's no positive mounting and little scope to glue either: this is a typical Revell problem. The bonnet doesn't perfectly close without something to hold it down. (Blu-tack in my instance). More than 50% of the kit is moulded in red and it's a horrible colour to cover. Red engine, red seats, etc. Some of the parts fitment is a little vague and/or small contact areas for the glue. The instruction sheet has some omissions and errors in part numbers. Revell's flappy-end box is annoying.

Verdict:

Mostly good, it's a nicely detailed model with overall decent fit, the worst parts are the tyres and wheels and they are better if just replaced. Built as-it-comes and it'll be fine. With changes and extra detail it's very very nice indeed.

Build notes:

Built over the course of about 4 weeks in May/June 2023. I've changed the wheels, tyres and brakes for those from a Fujimi F430 kit, and they improve the appearance a lot. It's painted in Tamiya Metallic Black and Tamiya Light Gun Metal, with a Tamiya AS-22 Dark Earth interior. There are many photo-etch additions from the Hobby Design set, most of which are on the interior however the one that makes the most improvement is the replacement front grille. The hub-centre emblems and front and side emblems are 3rd party, and the rear Ferrari horse is Tamiya. The number plates custom printed. The 50-MH-23 number plate is specific for this build using Portugal plates as they fit the format of the build's significance: 50 - the age I will be 2 days after completing this. MH, my initials. 23 - the current year. As a 50th birthday present to myself, I am very happy with this build. It's certainly going to be one of my 3 best/favourite of 2023, and it'll stay in prime display position for quite a long time. I have a new and strong appreciation for the 612 Scaglietti now - and as such there are more photos than usual of this completed build.

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