Tamiya 12046 - 1:12 Team Lotus Type 72D 1972

Team Lotus Type 72D Formula 1 car plastic model kit in 1:12 scale

The black-and-gold John Player Special livery and the wedge-shaped body make the Lotus 72D one of the most iconic silhouettes in Formula 1 history — and the car in which Emerson Fittipaldi claimed the world championship. Tamiya 12046 reproduces it in 1:12 scale, with a fully rendered engine and the unusual torsion-bar suspension.

The mould dates from 1973, the release with new parts appeared in 2012, and the kit was reissued in 2023. The model can be built in one of two 1972-season specifications — the British Grand Prix at Brands Hatch or the Italian Grand Prix at Monza — both in John Player Special colours.

The kit also includes one seated driver figure that can be placed in the cockpit. The front cowl and cockpit cover are removable after assembly, keeping the interior and the wired Ford Cosworth DFV engine on view. The steering wheel turns the front wheels.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues
• Photo-etched parts: radiator, wing end plates, brake discs, metal seatbelt fittings
• Seatbelt stickers
• Metal suspension springs
• Synthetic rubber tyres
• One seated driver figure
• Waterslide decal sheet for two 1972-season versions
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:12
• Item number: 12046
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled model size: 400 × 173 × 87 mm
• Skill level: intermediate (a large kit with a high number of details — wired engine, torsion-bar and spring suspension, photo-etched parts, driver figure)

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

Assembly:

The torsion-bar and spring suspension is one of the more interesting stages of the build — dry-fitting the sub-assemblies helps to keep the geometry correct and the movement free. The Ford Cosworth DFV engine and its wiring are best painted and finished before installation, since they remain fully visible once the cowls are removed. Cyanoacrylate glue is recommended for the photo-etched parts and the metal seatbelt fittings.

The John Player Special livery is based on deep black with gold lining — the black is best sprayed in thin coats over a carefully smoothed surface, since a gloss black finish shows up every imperfection. Applying the waterslide decals over a gloss coat limits decal silvering. The driver figure can be painted with acrylics, with a wash bringing out the detail of the overalls and helmet. The instructions provide Tamiya paint codes for both versions.

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 parts
• Precision modelling tweezers
• Brushes in various sizes, including fine ones for the driver figure
• 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 – Lotus 72D:

The Lotus 72 was one of the longest-serving and most successful cars in Formula 1 history. Its wedge nose, side-mounted radiators and torsion-bar suspension formed a package well ahead of the competition. The 72D represented the mature form of the design.

In 1972 the car raced in the black-and-gold colours of its sponsor, John Player Special. Emerson Fittipaldi won 5 of the season's 12 races with it and took the drivers' world championship, while Lotus claimed the constructors' title.

Original car specifications (Lotus 72D):

• Racing season: 1972
• Team: Team Lotus, John Player Special colours
• Engine: Ford Cosworth DFV V8
• Suspension: torsion bars
• 1972 achievements: 5 wins from 12 races (Emerson Fittipaldi), drivers' and constructors' world championships

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.