Tamiya 12050 - 1:12 Porsche Carrera GT

Porsche Carrera GT supercar plastic model kit in 1:12 scale

A naturally aspirated V10, a carbon-fibre reinforced plastic monocoque and a six-speed manual gearbox — the Porsche Carrera GT is one of the last supercars built without compromising to electronics. Tamiya 12050 reproduces it in 1:12 scale from a new mould developed in 2013.

The model offers a rich set of features: the doors, front lid and engine cover open on metal hinges, the removable roof stows under the front lid, and the rear wing rises when the number plate is pressed. Beneath the cover sits a finely reproduced V10 engine, and the suspension is rendered complete with dampers and anti-roll bars.

Besides the plastic sprues and clear parts, the box contains photo-etched parts, cast metal suspension arms, white metal components, vinyl tubing, masks and seatbelt material. Two screwdrivers are supplied for assembly.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues
• Clear parts
• Photo-etched parts (mesh)
• Cast metal suspension arms
• Metal hinges for the doors and lids
• White metal components
• Rubber tyres
• Vinyl tubing: ignition and brake lines
• Metallic decals
• Waterslide decals
• Masking sheet
• Seatbelt material
• Two screwdrivers
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:12
• Item number: 12050
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Mould: new, 2013
• Skill level: intermediate (a large kit with a high number of details — reproduced engine, working body mechanisms, metal and photo-etched parts)

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

Assembly:

The body mechanisms deserve the most attention: the metal door and lid hinges and the rising rear wing reward careful, repeated dry-fitting before anything is permanently joined. The two screwdrivers supplied with the kit are all that is needed for the screwed connections. Cyanoacrylate glue is recommended for the photo-etched parts, the white metal components and the cast metal suspension arms.

A road car body is finished in gloss — spray the colour in thin coats and consider polishing the surface once it has cured. The included masks make it easy to define the edges of the glazing and other details. Applying the waterslide decals over a gloss coat limits decal silvering, while the metallic decals reproduce the bright emblems. The V10 engine and suspension can be varied with metallic paints and washes to bring out the detail.

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
• Modelling paints (acrylic or enamel), including metallic shades
• Gloss clear coat as a base for the decals and for the bodywork finish
• Decal setting solution
• Polishing compounds and pads for the paint finish (optional)
• Modelling wash to emphasise the detail

About the car – Porsche Carrera GT:

The Porsche Carrera GT was produced from 2004 to 2007 and drew directly on the marque's experience in endurance racing. It was built around a carbon-fibre reinforced plastic monocoque and powered by a naturally aspirated 5.7-litre V10 producing 612 hp, coupled to a six-speed manual gearbox.

The car featured ceramic brakes and a removable roof that stowed in the front of the body. Top speed reached around 330 km/h. The Carrera GT offered no extensive driver aids, which earned it a reputation as a demanding machine for experienced drivers. A total of 1,270 examples were built.

Original car specifications (Porsche Carrera GT):

• Production years: 2004–2007
• Engine: naturally aspirated 5.7-litre V10
• Power: 612 hp
• Gearbox: six-speed manual
• Construction: carbon-fibre reinforced plastic monocoque
• Brakes: ceramic
• Body: with removable roof
• Top speed: approx. 330 km/h
• Production: 1,270 examples

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 and metal and photo-etched components. Many of them were developed from studies of the original cars, carried out in cooperation with the 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.