Revell 1970 Porsche 917KH

[Jim B]

Here is my build of the Revell/Fujimi 1970 Porsche 917KH:

The fit on the kit was sketchy at best.  Lots of very small attachment points with questionable locations at times.  The rear frame is a prime example of this (lots of small parts & very fiddly assembly).  Overall, I am moderately pleased with the results.  No, all four tires do not touch the ground at the same time (usually), no, the windshield wiper doesn't actually touch the windshield, and no, the windows don't fit into the body.  The fit of the rear body to the chassis was a complete nightmare and caused this car to almost be binned at several times.  I've really liked the 917 for a very long time, and I've wanted one in my collection.  Am I happy that I have one in my collection? Yes.  Would I build this kit again? Absolutely not!  Well, here it is, warts & all.  Color is Tamiya Italian Red TS-8.

The light has been repaired since this photo was taken.

Edited July 9, 2023 by Jim B

[Mittagskind]

Despite all the difficulties, a successful job. A nice model of an interesting car. I'm sure it looks good in the display case.

[Jim B]

Thanks, Hanjo.  I'm definitely glad it's in the display case.

[Rich Chernosky]

Jim I think you overcame all your difficulties and turned out a nice model.  Those decals were tricky but you nailed them.   Good work

[bbowser]

Looks very nice!  I wonder if this is a reboxed Heller kit since I encountered all the same issues with the Testors Ferrari 512 which I believe was reboxed?  You really made it look great, however.

[Gramps46]

Your 917 looks pretty darn good despite the fit problems. What did you paint the fan with?  Looks spot on.

[Jim B]

Thanks, guys.  I appreciate the kind comments.

@bbowser I don't know if it's a former Heller kit, but I'm pretty sure it's a former Fujimi kit.

@Gramps46 The color I used for the fan & any of the "fiberglass" was Testors Model Masters Afrika Mustard 1955 (FS30266).

[ChrisR]

NICE.

[Pierre Rivard]

Well done Jim. It's a tricky kit (re-boxed Fujimi) but you made it work. Brings back memories of when I built one of these (the 71 winner). Upper to lower body fit, glass fit, being short of hands to assemble the rear chassis links. Challenging but it makes a nice replica in the end.

[Jim B]

Thanks, guys.

@Pierre RivardYes it does make a nice replica, but it sure was a challenge getting there.  Not exactly a "relaxing build".

[vintagerpm]

10 hours ago, Jim B said:

Thanks, guys.  I appreciate the kind comments.

@bbowser I don't know if it's a former Heller kit, but I'm pretty sure it's a former Fujimi kit.

@Gramps46 The color I used for the fan & any of the "fiberglass" was Testors Model Masters Afrika Mustard 1955 (FS30266).

It is the Fujimi kit. The old Heller/Protar/&others kit is completely different (and supposedly even harder to build).

[Jim B]

1 hour ago, vintagerpm said:

It is the Fujimi kit. The old Heller/Protar/&others kit is completely different (and supposedly even harder to build).

Thanks. Ok, we'll skip that one, then.

[slusher]

Great looking 917 !

[Jim B]

Thanks, Carl.

[afx]

Nice work.

[Jim B]

Thanks, JC.

[Rattlecan Dan]

Came out fine if you ask me. Great looking car. Nice job.

[Force]

It turned out nice.
I've got one Fujimi and one Union 917K and I believe the Union kit is a reboxed Heller kit.

[Jim B]

Thanks, guys.  I appreciate the positive comments.

[randyc]

Great build!  I recently did this one as well.  Went back and looked at HPI guys build.  As he did, I glued a lot of the sub assemblies before paint.  I think that helps in the long run.  

Also waited till last thing to do the wiper.  And built it up on the windshield.  

Don't worry about perfection in these builds I bet the real car was far from perfect in its day.  And mine doesn't sit on all 4 either.  It's close and ya can't tell unless you're really close. 

[Jim B]

Thanks, Randy.  It was a struggle at the end, but I think it came out alright.

[Lobo2me]

Way to wrestle this one to the ground. Very nice execution on a very cool classic Le Mans winner!!!!

[Jim B]

Thanks, Steve.  It was a bear at the end, but it's done.

[1959scudetto]

Don't know how/why I missed this one, James. Despite your troubles, it came out very good !

[Jim B]

Thanks, Helmut. I appreciate it. This was a blast from the past. It sure was a bear to get together.