I was interested to see that Ferrari briefly considered rebuilding Michael Schumacher’s car after the Saturday practice accident at the Brazilian Grand Prix. In the end due to damage they used the spare car, incurring a 10-place engine change penalty, but I’ve got some idea of the task they faced. I spent the same day building my own Formula One Ferrari and it’s a lot of work!
The chassis and front suspension went together ok but assembling the rack and pinion steering was a little fiddly. Mainly because I had to do a wheel alignment after assembly to get the steering wheel straight as I didn’t notice it was off while putting the rack and steering column together. The front wing is a complex assembly with sculptured endplates that are surely the result of many hours in the wind tunnel. The rear wing is small (2004 spec) and set at a steep angle so obviously this car is not being prepared for a high-speed circuit.
After completing the chassis and air-box section (with camera) you have the rear of the car including a V10 engine and drive train to assemble. The engine block clips together and its so impressive assembling the little crankshaft, cranks, and pistons then sliding them into the block. Add the exhaust and radiator assemblies and the engine is complete. You can even crank it over to check it “runs” ok before installing in the chassis. It acts a stressed member taking the loads from upper rear suspension and forming the rear wing mount although the floor/diffuser extends back to hold the lower suspension. The drive transfer gears and rear axle/differential assembly attach to the engine block and transfer the drive to/from the back wheels allowing the engine to turn realistically. It probably won’t stand up to 19,000 rpm like the real thing but you get the idea.
The final step is mounting the tyres on the wheels and fitting them to the car. I’m not sure if they are dry or intermediate, as have smooth grooved center but slightly treaded edges. While applying the remaining sponsor decals I decided the car must be for a tobacco free event as Marlboro are conspicuous by their absence.
My task was a little easier than the real thing as I had no electronics or hydraulics to deal with but when you consider that the car I built is made of Lego it’s amazing how much detail there is. After assembling 719 pieces the result is an impressive 1:10 model (47cm long) of a 2004 v10 Ferrari Formula One car. Although it’s quite complex the superb assembly instructions, 84 pages in total, make this a model a pleasure to complete. Being Lego everything just clicks together with no tools* required. The main body shape is “suggested” with the lines defined by curved linear members and panel sections rather than being “totally there” but this allows the complex construction to be seen by all. You’ve done all that work so why hide it!
According to the box it’s aimed at children 9+ but if you are a Ferrari or Lego fan of any age you’ll love it. It was a great way to spend a wet afternoon. They say little boys never grow up…
*PS: It wasn’t quite all no tools I made a slight design change to one component (with a hacksaw!) and used two spare parts to form pins that make the spit upper body panels align perfectly. It’s not necessary but I think improves the final result.
I got my Lego Racers 8386 Ferrari F1 Racer 1:10 from The Warehouse New Zealand.
See it online at www.Lego.com/racers
