Post by 1961redlegs on Jul 5, 2023 20:36:49 GMT -5
Freshly finished is my replica of the BRM P25 Harry Schell drove in the 1958 French Grand Prix. Schell-an American expat was fondly regarded by his fellow drivers as a capable racer and a first-rate socializer. As the 1950s wore on, he became better and better at the craft and was on the cusp of becoming a winner. A challenge indeed in the era of Fangio and Moss!
In 1956, he’d driven well for a Vanwall team that was about to become the first British concern that could consistently compete-and beat-the Italian cars. Schell, being American, was out of a ride, as Vanwall wanted an all-British effort in 1957. Schell found work at Maserati in 1957 and in 1958, he moved to British Racing Motors, a perpetual disappointment that was too now on the rise, and while it wasn’t Vanwall, was a decent machine. Still, when Schell qualified third for the 1958 French GP, it turned heads. He ran well in the race, but an overheating engine ended his pursuit of winner Mike Hawthorn.
This kit is an old 1950s model kit that was really meant to be built as a toy. It is dated and sparse, but has good lines and is a good base for a detailed build. I added an interior, made a gearbox, replaced the steering wheel, added disc brakes, rescribed the panel lines (the kit was based off the 1956 car), added front and rear coil springs, scratchbuilt and rerouted the exhaust, and weathered the seat. The tires are resin replacements from Fernando Pinto, the decals are from GWS Customs, and the paint is Duplicolor Toyota Pearl Green. The paint was a challenge, as I tried a custom mix of my own creation that didn’t look quite right, but this paint proved a good match for the blueish green metallic paint BRMs were known for. This was a fun challenge and I truly enjoyed flexing my skills on this one. Thanks for looking!
In 1956, he’d driven well for a Vanwall team that was about to become the first British concern that could consistently compete-and beat-the Italian cars. Schell, being American, was out of a ride, as Vanwall wanted an all-British effort in 1957. Schell found work at Maserati in 1957 and in 1958, he moved to British Racing Motors, a perpetual disappointment that was too now on the rise, and while it wasn’t Vanwall, was a decent machine. Still, when Schell qualified third for the 1958 French GP, it turned heads. He ran well in the race, but an overheating engine ended his pursuit of winner Mike Hawthorn.
This kit is an old 1950s model kit that was really meant to be built as a toy. It is dated and sparse, but has good lines and is a good base for a detailed build. I added an interior, made a gearbox, replaced the steering wheel, added disc brakes, rescribed the panel lines (the kit was based off the 1956 car), added front and rear coil springs, scratchbuilt and rerouted the exhaust, and weathered the seat. The tires are resin replacements from Fernando Pinto, the decals are from GWS Customs, and the paint is Duplicolor Toyota Pearl Green. The paint was a challenge, as I tried a custom mix of my own creation that didn’t look quite right, but this paint proved a good match for the blueish green metallic paint BRMs were known for. This was a fun challenge and I truly enjoyed flexing my skills on this one. Thanks for looking!
