1:20 McLaren M23 - British GP 1978 Decals Set (for Tamiya Kits)

McLaren M23, British Grand Prix 1978, a Studio27 1:20 decal sheet

This is not a kit. It is a 1:20 decal sheet from the Japanese Studio27 for a model of the McLaren M23 from the Tamiya kit. The set captures the appearance of the car from the British Grand Prix 1978, a privately entered M23 with race number 40, behind the wheel of which sat Tony Trimmer. The model, paints and clear coat are not included in the package.

The real subject, and one important clarification

The McLaren M23 is one of the most famous cars of the brand: with it James Hunt took the world champion title in 1976 in a dramatic season against Niki Lauda, and even before that Emerson Fittipaldi fought out the first drivers title for McLaren with it in 1974.

This sheet, however, does not capture the Hunt car. By 1978 the M23 was already out of date and the works team was racing with its successor; the older M23s made their way to private stables. At the British Grand Prix 1978 an M23 was therefore on the track, but in the hands of private teams, not of the factory. It is just such a car, with number 40 and in the colors of a private entry, that this set reproduces. It is an honest reminder of what Formula 1 of the 1970s really was: light, simple and deadly dangerous cars with huge tires and large wings, where privateers with used equipment started alongside the works aces.

Tips for applying the decals

Apply the decals exclusively to gloss clear coat, as a matte surface will make the film around the printing turn silver. On a formula car with a narrow nose, sponsor lettering across the edges and the areas of the wings, decal softener is an absolute necessity, otherwise a decal will not embrace the shape. Once it is dry comes clear coat and polishing to a wet shine. Do not forget that weathering is not done on F1 cars, as a model is not a grubby tank; it stays clean and glossy, and that is why every imperfection shows in it.

Who the sheet is for

• Owners of the McLaren M23 kit in 1:20 from Tamiya.
• Collectors of Formula 1 of the 1970s who want a variant other than the works livery.
• Modelers who enjoy the lesser known private entries of legendary cars.
• Those interested in the 1978 British Grand Prix and its entry list.

This is a decal set, not a model. The kit, paints, clear coat and softener are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.