Tamiya 12054 - 1:12 Tyrrell 003 1971 Monaco GP

Tyrrell 003 1971 Monaco GP Formula 1 car plastic model kit in 1:12 scale

Six wins from eleven races and the world title — with Jackie Stewart at the wheel, the Tyrrell 003 was unstoppable in 1971. Tamiya 12054 reproduces the car in its Monaco Grand Prix specification, with the distinctive flat nose it wore on its way to victory through the streets of the principality.

The mould dates from 1973, the Monaco version was introduced in 2015, and the current release appeared in 2022. The kit includes decals printed by the Italian house Cartograf.

The upper body cowl and nose section can be removed after assembly, and a display stand is supplied for showing them off. Beneath them sits a finely reproduced Ford Cosworth DFV engine with its wiring. The suspension on metal springs is movable and the steering wheel turns the front wheels.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues
• Photo-etched parts: brake discs, radiator, wing end plates, body fasteners, seatbelt buckles
• Metal mirror stalks
• Metal suspension springs
• Rubber tyres
• Display stand for the removed body cowls
• Cartograf decal sheet
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:12
• Item number: 12054
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled model size: 345 × 170 × 70 mm
• Skill level: intermediate (a large kit with a high number of details — wired engine, removable body cowls, photo-etched and metal parts)

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

Assembly:

Since the upper body cowl and nose section can be removed, and the supplied stand allows them to be displayed alongside the model, the interior of the car deserves to be treated as a display feature in its own right. The Ford Cosworth DFV engine and its wiring are best painted and finished before installation. Cyanoacrylate glue is recommended for the photo-etched parts, the body fasteners and the metal mirror stalks — the tiny fasteners call for precision tweezers.

The bodywork is finished in gloss; applying the Cartograf decals over a gloss base limits decal silvering, after which a further clear coat protects them. Engine, suspension and exhaust parts can be varied with metallic paints and washes. 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 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
• Decal setting solution
• Modelling wash to emphasise the detail

About the car – Tyrrell 003:

The Tyrrell 003 established Ken Tyrrell's team among the leading constructors of Formula 1. Powered by the Ford Cosworth DFV, it combined a simple, well-honed design with fine handling and reliability.

In 1971 Jackie Stewart won 6 of the season's 11 races with the car, including the Monaco Grand Prix, and took the drivers' world championship, while Tyrrell claimed the constructors' title. The Monaco specification was distinguished by its flat nose, suited to the slow, tight street circuit.

Original car specifications (Tyrrell 003):

• Racing season: 1971
• Driver: Jackie Stewart
• Engine: Ford Cosworth DFV V8
• 1971 achievements: 6 wins from 11 races, including the Monaco Grand Prix
• Titles: drivers' world championship (Jackie Stewart) and constructors' championship (Tyrrell)

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.