Tamiya 12033 - 1:12 Renault RE-20 Turbo

Renault RE-20 Turbo Formula 1 car plastic model kit in 1:12 scale

When Renault entered Formula 1 with a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine, rivals viewed the idea with scepticism. The 1980-season RE-20 dispelled those doubts — three victories in a single year showed that the turbo era had begun. Tamiya 12033 brings the car to 1:12 scale with the drivetrain and cooling system fully reproduced.

The mould dates from 1981 and the photo-etched release appeared in 2006. The current 2022 edition includes a decal sheet printed by the Italian house Cartograf and new painting instructions.

The design of the model allows the interior to be displayed: the body cowls are screw-mounted and can be removed after assembly, revealing the frame, the cooling system and the turbocharged V6 engine with its gearbox. The suspension on metal springs remains movable and the steering wheel turns the front wheels.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues
• Photo-etched parts: radiator, intercooler, oil cooler, brake discs
• Metal-plated parts: wings and air intakes
• Metallic decals for the mirrors and instrument panel
• Metal suspension springs
• Rubber tyres
• Cartograf decal sheet
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:12
• Item number: 12033
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled model size: 389 × 184 mm
• Skill level: intermediate (a large kit with a high number of details — reproduced engine and gearbox, photo-etched parts, screw-mounted body cowls)

Please note: The kit does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Assembly:

This is an elaborate kit best tackled sub-assembly by sub-assembly: first the turbocharged V6 and gearbox, then the frame and cooling system, and finally the body cowls. Because the cowls are removable, the whole interior remains on view — painting and finishing the drivetrain parts before enclosing them makes a marked difference to the final result. Cyanoacrylate glue is recommended for the photo-etched and metal-plated parts; it is worth handling the plated parts with gloves or a tissue to avoid marking their surface.

The Renault team colours of the 1980 season are built around yellow, white and black, and the extensive Cartograf decal sheet reproduces the full markings of the car. Applying the decals over a gloss coat helps to avoid decal silvering, after which a further gloss coat protects them. The instructions provide Tamiya paint codes for the marking scheme.

Tools required:

• Modelling side cutters for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sanding paper for cleaning up sprue gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Cyanoacrylate glue for photo-etched and metal-plated parts
• Screwdriver for mounting the body cowls
• Precision modelling tweezers
• Brushes in various sizes
• Modelling paints (acrylic or enamel), including metallic shades
• Gloss clear coat as a base for the decals
• Decal setting solution
• Modelling wash to emphasise the detail

About the car – Renault RE-20:

The Renault RE-20 was a development of the RS-10 and raced in the 1980 season. It was powered by a 1.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 DOHC engine producing around 520 hp — far more than the naturally aspirated 3-litre units of the day, although that advantage came at the cost of throttle lag and reliability troubles.

During 1980 the car won the Brazilian Grand Prix, the South African Grand Prix and the Austrian Grand Prix. Those results convinced its rivals that turbocharging was the route to victory, and within a few seasons virtually every leading Formula 1 constructor had turned to turbo power.

Original car specifications (Renault RE-20):

• Racing season: 1980
• Design: development of the Renault RS-10
• Engine: 1.5-litre twin-turbocharged V6 DOHC
• Power: approx. 520 hp
• 1980 victories: Brazilian Grand Prix, South African Grand Prix, Austrian Grand Prix

About the manufacturer – Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 by Yoshio Tamiya in Shizuoka, a city regarded as the centre of the Japanese model industry. The business began in the timber trade and wooden model production, releasing its first plastic model kit in 1960. The brand became known for its precise injection moulds and excellent parts fit, which is why its kits are chosen by beginners and experienced modellers alike. The large 1:12 car kits are among the most elaborate items in the company's catalogue, combining finely reproduced engines, working suspension on metal springs and photo-etched parts. Many of them were developed from studies of the original racing cars, carried out in cooperation with teams and manufacturers. Alongside plastic kits, Tamiya offers a full range of modelling accessories: paints, glues, tools and brushes. The company is present in dozens of countries today and remains one of the most recognisable brands in the hobby.