Aoshima Mazda MX-5 NB (Mk II) 787B Tribute Build

I have finally taken some completed photos of my Mazda MX-5 NB (Mk II) 787B tribute build. I certainly do not claim to be the first to do this - even Mazda UK had a 1:1 tribute in the NA / Mk I MX-5s - but here is my take.

The base kit is the Aoshima 'Garage Vary' version of their Mazda MX-5 NB (Mk II) range (kit #040904). This kit comes with the front and rear bumpers you see here, the rear wing, a Mazdaspeed-style roll-hoop, hard-top roof and some white six-spoke wheels. The wheels used on this build are actually from a different Aoshima MX-5 NB kit and are supposed to represent the period OEM Mazdaspeed wheels; which they kind of succeed. I have further added a parts bin "race interior" of driver's race seat, fire extinguisher and steering wheel. I created a full rollcage with a combination of 3-D printed rear cross brace and polystyrene tubing for the front half. There is a Parts Box (brand name) resin intercooler jammed in the front bumper and some parts bin tow hooks. I lowered the ride height to get the tyres just tucking into the arches.

For the livery, this is strictly an homage trying to capture the main features of the Le Mans winning 787B.* Paint is Tamiya's TS-31 Bright Orange and TS-35 Park Green, with my first use of Tamiya's 'masking tape for curves' to create the pattern. I used Hobby Design decals (HD04-0082) which came with the white dashes; some versions of aftermarket decals for the 787B livery do not. I tried to put the Renown and door number in approximately the correct spot, then after that it was purely placement by what looked 'right'.

Overall, I am very pleased with the outcome of this build. I threw all my (limited) expertise at the model and - for once - the end result is a perfect match for my original vision. I am not sure I will build another model I am happier with. I may have just reached my peak!

Hope you enjoy it as well.

Grant.











And now for something a little more fancy....






Finally, with a more out-of-the-box build of the Garage Vary kit: