This month, we continue where we left off with more of the 1/43 scale Lotus cars by RBA Collectibles, out of Spain. As I mentioned in the previous newsletter, this company seemingly came from nowhere to produce some nice models of various Lotus F1 cars that raced throughout the years. I would suggest that if you can only get one of these models, to pick up the Lotus 33 reviewed earlier, as it is not available anywhere else.
The next model in their collection is the Lotus 72C driven in 1970, as driven by Jochen Rindt. What is nice about the model, is that it contains the proper gold leaf team lotus decals. Again, this model comes on a rather nice plastic base with an acrylic cover.
The Lotus 72D was the next release, as driven in 1972 by Emerson, and it comes in the popular JPS color scheme, complete with John Player Special decals and winning stickers that were placed on the rear wing after each grand prix victory!
The Lotus 78 is next up, again, with the proper JPS logos, although these don't look to be same shade as those on the 72D. As an interesting note, there was much discussion on the color of these decals on various diecast forums that I belong to, and the consensus was that Lotus used whatever paint was available at the time to paint these cars.. similar to the 'Ferrari red" cars of this time period. There are models out there of the 72E that have much more yellow than gold on the JPS logos ... but that's for another review. Finally, we round out the collection with the Martini Lotus 79:
RBA, in addition to the nice plastic base and acrylic cover, also released a few of these models with a plastic clamshell packaging that also included a nice booklet about the car, and a brief history of Lotus F1 racing. Here's an image of the 79 again with the clamshell packaging:
And here is the magazine that was included with this version:
Finally, I would like to give a big "Thanks" to Ed Young. He gave up a weekend to come and help me work on my 1984 Turbo Esprit that had sat for three years. It's great to say that I now have her back on the road in all her Lotus glory! Thanks again, Ed!
Until next month ... happy hunting! Matt
