McLaren MP4/1B
Description
The McLaren MP4/1B was one of the first Tameo Kits models I built and was also my first attempt at reproducing the distinctive red and white Marlboro livery.
Selecting the right shade of red required some consideration. After comparing several options, I chose Marlboro Red from Model Factory Hiro. For this project, I also used photo-etched seat belts from Studio Rosso for the first time.
Another new experience was building two versions of the MP4/1B simultaneously. Alongside Niki Lauda’s #8 car, I also built John Watson’s #7 version. Working on the two models side by side made the building process particularly enjoyable and gave the workbench something of the atmosphere of a Formula One team.
The MP4/1B marked Niki Lauda’s return to Formula One with McLaren in 1982 after two seasons away from the championship. He won at Long Beach in only his third race after returning and later took a second victory at the British Grand Prix.
The completed model was later featured on the official Tameo Kits website.
