F1 Renault R25

Model, text and photos
by Scott Harvieux

I ordered this kit by mail order right after the end of the 2005 F1 season. It is the Studio 27 1/20 Renault R25 Championship car.

The paint is Model Master French Blue with a little gloss white mixed in to lighten up to the realistic shade and shot in four coats through airbrush. The decals went on good but they are the "High Tech" type where you are supposed to peel off the carrier film after they dry. I have never been able to perform this task properly, so I left the carrier film on and shot 3 coats of clear lacquer over everything when done, and they look great

All of the little winglets and spoilers go on nicely, as well as the photoetch gurney flaps, but you have to make sure to drill out the holes a little to facilitate the fit pegs. Photoetch seatbelt hardware and a nicely engraved steering wheel finish out the interior.

The suspension arms fit is a little off, but since they are white metal you can bend a little without fear of breaking, so it worked out well. I paint all carbon fibre surfaces with a mix of semi-gloss black and gold, which is similar to the carbon fibre used on these racers. The turned aluminum wheels should have a little black painted on the inside, but I just cannot bring myself to do it cause that aluminum looks so good the way it is.

All in all this was a very fun build. I figured it was time to build this car, since Alonso won the driver's championship, and this car was constructor's champion.