Fujimi Ferrari 458 Italia

[Zoom Zoom]

It was fun to throw this car together right after getting it, just like a kid again

I love the 458, I've poured over photos, "built" ones I like on Ferrari's configurator. Can't wait for Revell's kit...

This kit is overpriced by a factor of two. It's clear that Fujimi didn't put forth any of the same effort as they did to the F430 or Scuderia. It honestly seems both rushed and over-simplified. Quality issues like some fitment issues (short rear axle, side glass), significant sink marks in the rear spoiler, seats, and windshield over the rear view mirror detail...

No photoetch, no transfers, no window masks...but priced like Tamiya's Aston DBS that has all those extras. And none of the quality issues.

It does look pretty slick when finished. If you have to be an early-adopter and have a 458, this kit is adequate; I'm not suffering buyer's remorse, I'm just disappointed that Fujimi winged this kit. Maybe Fujimi will revisit it like they did after the initial RX8. The interior is the biggest disappointment; with integral seat bases and door panels molded to the floorboard/wheelwells. When built, the only obvious issue is with the door panels. The dash and seats look good; I did not paint over the molded brown for part of the interior, so the sink marks in the seat bolsters remain..but the seats do look pretty good, even having the hinge areas.

I'm on a roll w/white Ferraris. This is my first color choice; looks great w/my 612, and this weekend I'm building a white Testa Rossa "Lucybelle" that was race at LeMans in '58. My Revell 458 will be a completely different look..

[crispy]

Beautiful work Bob. That color scheme really hits the mark with me.

I am disappointed to hear about the caveats on this kit. Like you, I too would have expected much more for my money. The seat bottoms are very disappointing. Half the fun for me is the interior and what a great job to the details they do.

Like you I won't let it deter me as I look forward to this coming. Also like you I look very forward to the Revell kit. Which, as of late, has become superior to Fujimi and only getting better.

Bob, really stunning color scheme. I love it.Now, not to have to copy it!

Chris

[Chuck Most]

It may be a flawed kit, Bob- but I must say the end result looks pleasing enough. And yeah- the white is a nice change from the 'standard' red in which 99% of all Ferraris in every scale are finished. Strangely, I think red is the worst possible color for a Ferrari!

[voljeepx]

Bob, impeccable job as always! This car looks killer in white with the black roof! I will be waiting for the RoG kit to come out after hearing all of the issues with this release. Fujimi is either hit or miss. I just built their Volkswagen GTI and this thing was uber detailed inside, so it's kinda confusing to me why they would "cheap out" on this interior. Probably just wanted to beat Revell to market with this one! Anyway, great job again and keep 'em coming!

[elan]

Great build as always Bob! This is why I rarely buy Fujimi kits, you never know what to expect. I alway check the forums before I buy a new kit, I hate surprises.

[sigmaman]

Great stuff mate. Love the white.

[Foxer]

That's one stealthy Ferrari in white!

[Zoom Zoom]

I was dissatisfied with the wheels/tires and stance on this Ferrari so I changed it. The wheel/tire diameter was a bit too large, the tire profile was too tall and square. I have a couple sets of aftermarket Aston DBS wheels, so I used a set on this car because they looked good (and a lot like the F430 Scuderia wheels). I painted the wheels in Tamiya gunmetal rather than black, and I used some parts box tires from an F430. I also revised the front wheel mounting; I ditched the kit rotors/calipers in front as the calipers were way too small and the integral rotor w/the wheel hub didn't center the wheels properly.

I'm a lot happier w/the look. I still need to put some small cavallinos on the centercaps.

[vizio93]

Wow nice job, I like those second set of wheels better also. I can't believe I missed this build the first time around. Again nice job !!!

[cruz]

Awesome Bob, keep the second set of rims on it, way better than the first!!!

[cars1206]

Looks awesome!!! great to see one finally built. I love the black roof. There's a TDF Blue 458 on e-bay right now. Unlike all the reference pictures I have collected to date it has body color rocker panels.

[Jon Cole]

Bob's Ferraris, like all his sports cars, are the benchmark. Let's hope this one doesn't self-combust like the 1:1's do!