K&R Replicas Model

The K&R Replicas Model

Completed Model

I recently had the enjoyable experience of building a scale MG Farina Magnette model supplied by K&R Replicas. Thier little Magnette model, in 1/43 scale, was an absolute delight to build. Included in the kit was an extremely body shell, individual seats, dash, door panels, axle, plus dozens of individual chrome pieces, and real rubber tires. It is a masterpiece in the model-makers art. Even though this is surely a low-volume product, there is virtually no detail spared and proportions are spot-on. Best of all, because of good design, this model can be enjoyably built by first time builders yet also prove a challenge for experiences modelers.

This is a white metal model. If you've never built a white-metal model, don't be put off . Although K&R Replicas offers these models in a pre-built form, and the main components aren't very difficult to assemble. If you've ever made a plastic model, you can build a white-metal model.

What is white metal? White metal is very similiar to lead in its softness. It can be sanded, cut, and even bended slightly. Compared to plastic, it is a much more forgiving material to work with. Best of all, just like plastic model, it can be glued together. I used a glue called Duco from a local hobby store.

Full instructions are included in the kit, but I have a few additional hint about white metal modeling:

White metal, although satin colored when out of the casting, can be scraped with a hobby knife to look like chrome. This is very helpful on the molded raised edge along the side of the Farina Magnette, and the window surrounds.
Although the K&R Replicas reccomends primer and then auto touch-up paint, this can sometime hide detail and stink up the house. I used Testors Acryl Water-Souble gloss paints and no primer. Although not as durable as the reccomended finish, these models are not the type rolled around on the carpet by five year olds.
You can not glue painted surfaces together! You must scrape any paint off mating surfaces.
Make certain you follow the order in the instructions carefully. If you glue in one part before the other, sometimes everything won't go together quite as easy.
Skip interior details if you are a novice builder. I've built several white metal models before and the microscopic chromium window winders and other interior details on this model were very challenging. To make this kit attractive to new modelers as well as those looking for a challenge, these superflous details are included. That doesn't mean you have to include them!

This was a great kit. Not all white metal model kits are of this quality. Some model makers make the model with seperate bonnets (that never look right), undistinctive wheels, or skimp on the chrome. Sometimes model makers get the proportions all wrong. It can be tempting, especially on models like this with low volume, to try to commonize parts between different models and make them close, but not quite right. K&R Replicas is owed credit for making a great model, with perfect proportions, at a reasonable price.

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