Building the new Lancia 037 Rally
After life intervened, it took a new Lancia 037 Rally by Tamiya to get me back into the hobby.
I own an original Lancia Rally, the bodywork for which was sold some time ago. I was losing enthusiasm, right up until Tamiya announced product 58654.
My ownership of the unusually-proportioned original 58040 had me thinking I would never get – or want, for that matter – a touring car-based 037, but seeing it get the re-re-release treatment (or just a re-release of the re-release, which was a sufficiently-different model from the original) and a new shaft-driven chassis (the first re-release had belts) was enough for me to put in a pre-order. I cannot remember the last time I was this excited about an upcoming Tamiya product…
After a long wait, it arrived a week after mid-February, and I got building right away!
The TA-02S is much like the TA-02SW and has a lot in common with the DF-01. All this translates into good accessibility and parts support – something I find important to a rally car. It makes sense, then, that the re-re-release of the Manta Ray (DF-01) is timed similarly to this one. It provided for a truly enjoyable build, and helped me rediscover the joy of assembling radio-controlled models.
One of the gripes about this version of the Lancia 037 Rally is that it is four-wheel drive; purists bemoan Tamiya’s decision not to pair the shell with a proper rear-wheel drive chassis. That is the genesis of my plan for this model: to finish it in the colours of the Volta-prepared Lancia 037 4WD-H, a special hybrid version of the 037 prepared long after the days of Group B. It will entail red paint and custom decals, and therefore my first-ever project on Inkscape software.
All the attention given to this new 037 has me thinking about resurrecting my original Lancia Rally, too, which I am doing alongside this project!
Electronics will be a package left over from one of my cars that got sold, comprising a brushed ESC compatible with motors down to 12T, a SF-10W servo from HPI, and a Spektrum SR200WP receiver. An LED kit will be installed for purposes of illumination.
The model that inspired me to return is the subject of this showroom entry. I hope to be able to complete the model someday soon!
The car, recently. Getting closer!
The sleek, nicely-illustrated box.
The TA-02S layout is on the side.
4
A small sample of the contents.
1
The build goes quickly.
That bumper makes it a Lancia!
Dampers took some experimentation.
Accessibility is great on this chassis.
2
The shell is in primer right now.
3
The inspiration for the build!
1
Still better than the stock cockpit?
A cage was built out of the kit sprues.
1
Custom decals will realize the 4WD-H scheme.
2
A new round of supplies is needed!
Something for the rear cockpit!
With a saw, it becomes an Evo.2 car.
1
Already thinking about the next one...
Masked for and painted in black.
Bringing the paint!
Still making progress on other parts.
If you liked those pictures, you should see these...
^The well-known Lancia rally car^
Comments
Dirt-540
Really enjoyed reading your post, nice to see someone with a real passion for a particular car. I feel its about time Tamiya put a little more effort into its re-releases. By the looks of this 037 release they've got it right; An excellent choice in car for starts (one of my personal faves being a Group B fan) but theyve actually done the body in ABS which is excellent. And a worthy chassis at last rather than the budget TT01. Nothing wrong with TT01s but sometimes a TA varient is whats really needed and from a running perspective I prefer TA chassis. Really looking forward to seeing your red variant of this classic.
howitzer71
have not got any rally cars !! have to get a few !! love the lights on this looks awesome !!!!
SRB Bloke
Loving your concept and enthusiasm for this car. Looking forward to seeing next update.
neobrunox
interested that Tamiya give birth again to the Lancia 037, this car has something special !
your project gives me the desire to buy one
looking forward too to see it finished
ECUpparilloT
Awesome - have the same idea for my 037 - so straight into the fav's! Looks very nice so far - please keep us informed about the progress : )
tamiyachris2
An especially perfect style, I love it. Where did you get the decals, since I have 4 body’s I decided to create 1 like this.
Grastens
Thanks! The decals were a custom order from MCI Racing; I submitted a design for them.
Want to leave a comment?