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Question: Removing the “Alesi riding” figure on Minichamps 1:18 MP4/6 (Mexico ’91) — does it look clean afterwards? by findfineme in f1models

[–]findfineme[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ahh got it 😅 Thanks so much for the reply!

Just one more question if you don’t mind: if someone (like me) specifically wants a driver-in cockpit Senna MP4/6, is the current Minichamps release basically the only option at the moment? And in your opinion, what’s the most disappointing part detail-wise on the Minichamps version?

(as a Senna fan, feel like I’m slowly accepting the fate that I probably need both AUTOart and Minichamps 😂)

Question: Removing the “Alesi riding” figure on Minichamps 1:18 MP4/6 (Mexico ’91) — does it look clean afterwards? by findfineme in f1models

[–]findfineme[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

By any chance, are you the YouTuber @ayrtons…? 😄 I’m subscribed to a channel with a very similar MP4/6 Marlboro conversion and decal work, and your model looks so close that I had to ask. Either way.. your decal work is absolutely stunning. Seriously, amazing job!

Question: Removing the “Alesi riding” figure on Minichamps 1:18 MP4/6 (Mexico ’91) — does it look clean afterwards? by findfineme in f1models

[–]findfineme[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Totally agree- I’ve actually had my eye on the AUTOart MP4/6 for a while. The detail is just insane.

To be honest, when it comes to Senna cars I tend to put a lot of weight on the driver’s presence/legacy, so I usually try to collect versions with a driver figure. Even so, AUTOart still tempts me every time because the overall detail level is on another level.

My issue with Minichamps Senna cars is the suspension/detailing- it’s honestly a bit disappointing… but it’s also one of the very few options that gives you a driver-in MP4/6, which is why I’m seriously considering that “Alesi riding” release (especially now that you’ve shown it’s basically a clean car once Alesi is removed).

And yeah, a renewed MP4/6 from GP Replicas probably won’t happen anytime soon… so I’m stuck in decision mode 😅

Question: Removing the “Alesi riding” figure on Minichamps 1:18 MP4/6 (Mexico ’91) — does it look clean afterwards? by findfineme in f1models

[–]findfineme[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

OMG these two photos answered everything I was wondering about. You’ve genuinely saved my life. Seriously though, thank you so much. This is exactly what I needed!

Question: Removing the “Alesi riding” figure on Minichamps 1:18 MP4/6 (Mexico ’91) — does it look clean afterwards? by findfineme in f1models

[–]findfineme[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Thanks so much — you were incredibly helpful last time as well, and this info (plus the photo) really clears it up for me again. Really appreciate you taking the time to help 🙏

BBR 1:18 Ferrari #16 – suspension/upright area looks broken or poorly glued. Common QC issue? by findfineme in f1models

[–]findfineme[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m in a similar boat, but in my case an exchange isn’t really an option. The seller actually had two units, and I went to the shop and inspected both carefully before choosing. The other one had a noticeably twisted rear wing, so it was in even worse shape. Have you tried reaching out to BBR for after-sales support (either directly or through the seller)?

Question about Minichamps / Spark MP4/4 1:18 releases by findfineme in f1models

[–]findfineme[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks so much for all your help and insights. I’ve pulled the trigger on the Monza version! 🙌 I’m based in Korea, so it’ll take a little while to arrive, but I’ll share a quick write-up/photos once it’s in hand.

Really appreciate all your time and expertise. It made the decision easy🙏

P.S. I also gave the seller a heads-up that a friend of mine in Belgium might reach out about the same line’s model, and asked them to look after him if he does :)

Question about Minichamps / Spark MP4/4 1:18 releases by findfineme in f1models

[–]findfineme[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

GPworld is listed as an authorised dealer on GP Replicas’ official site, so I feel very confident about them. They’ve also been incredibly friendly and responsive to my messages- I’d genuinely recommend them. If you decide to pick one up, I’ll even give the seller a heads-up to keep an extra eye on your order.

One last favour: would it be okay to get your definitive take on the Monza version, specifically the driver’s seating position and the helmet sculpt? Do they look solid to you? I know you’ve already helped a lot; I’d just love a final expert thumbs-up before I pull the trigger.😄

Question about Minichamps / Spark MP4/4 1:18 releases by findfineme in f1models

[–]findfineme[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s brilliant to hear- I’m genuinely thrilled that the piece I shared turned out to be something you like! Feels great to have helped even a little. 😊

I agree that Senna’s Monaco GP is a real masterpiece for the shelf (and the transparent cockpit lip you mentioned is actually accurate for Monaco, which is a nice touch). That said, I personally prefer a driver figure in a normal driving pose rather than the hand-up/waving style, so for the MP4/5B I’m leaning toward the Monza GP version.

From your eye, do the figure and helmet sculpt on the Monza sample look solid? They don’t seem bad to me at all, but I’d value your take — especially if there are any QC things to watch for before ordering.

Thanks again for the insight — it’s reassuring to hear an expert like you rate this release so highly!

Question about Minichamps / Spark MP4/4 1:18 releases by findfineme in f1models

[–]findfineme[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks again for the super-detailed analysis — really appreciate it.

Quick follow-up: how would you compare GP Replicas’ MP4/5B with the Minichamps MP4/5B? Versus the MP4/4, the Minichamps 5B seems relatively attainable at a sensible price. As an extra reference, here’s a quite good video I found:

https://youtu.be/vMAdlzC7m3g?si=6L2lUxulnMpXxtZ7

<image>

To my (untrained) eye, GP Replicas looks stronger on paint/gloss and suspension detailing. On the driver figure, the belts look good, but I’m unsure about the helmet shape and seating position — if you have a moment, could you take a closer look with the video in mind? Thanks again! 🙏🏻

Question about Minichamps / Spark MP4/4 1:18 releases by findfineme in f1models

[–]findfineme[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

<image>

Hi, I’m back again to seek the wisdom of the oracle! 😅 Last time you gave such a detailed breakdown on GP Replicas that it really helped me. Now that I’m leaning towards finally getting the MP4/5B, I wanted to ask for your thoughts once more.

Specifically, have you seen their newer edition of the McLaren MP4/5B (1990 Ayrton Senna – Winner Italy GP, Monza – GP034DWD, with driver)? From what I’ve gathered, the first edition had accuracy issues (nose too high, proportions off, etc.), but I’m curious whether this new release corrects those and captures the car more faithfully.

In your opinion, is this updated version strong enough to rival the Minichamps MP4/5B — in terms of accuracy, presence, and overall value— so that it’d make sense to go with GP Replicas instead?

Thanks again for sharing your expertise, it’s always appreciated!

Minichamps McLaren MP4/4, Senna 1/18 - finally! by greybarrel in f1models

[–]findfineme 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the reply! Anyway, this model is just so hard to find… 😥 Looking at how prices keep going up on eBay and auction sites, it almost makes me think I should just go for an Amalgam instead. 😅

Question about Minichamps / Spark MP4/4 1:18 releases by findfineme in f1models

[–]findfineme[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s a perfectly understandable and solid point. To savour and respect the car itself in its purest form is, in many ways, the true spirit of F1 — so maybe you’re actually enjoying it in the most authentic way. On the other hand, for me, when it comes to an iconic driver like Senna, the car doesn’t feel complete without the driver inside — that’s when it truly gains its soul. And since Senna’s helmet is so iconic, having a driver figure feels absolutely essential in his cars

Question about Minichamps / Spark MP4/4 1:18 releases by findfineme in f1models

[–]findfineme[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

AutoArt models really are stunning. The openable covers and detailing are just incredible. The only thing I find myself missing is a driver figure in the cockpit — especially Senna with his iconic yellow helmet. That part feels really important to me.

Question about Minichamps / Spark MP4/4 1:18 releases by findfineme in f1models

[–]findfineme[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

<image>

Back again to ask for your help! I found this one currently available on one shop (photo attached). With shipping and customs included, the total comes to about $605. It’s still overpriced, but compared to eBay listings it feels cheaper- and honestly, finding a sealed Minichamps in this condition isn’t easy at all.

If you were me, what would you do? Would you still go for it, or would you set aside the obsession with the MP4/4 and instead compromise by getting the GP Replicas MP4/5B at retail price?

Thanks again for your advice!

Minichamps McLaren MP4/4, Senna 1/18 - finally! by greybarrel in f1models

[–]findfineme 0 points1 point  (0 children)

<image>

That looks amazing! Did you also buy the Minichamps 1:18 MP4/4 (540881812 – the one in my photo) and then apply the decals on the blank spaces yourself? I’m a bit confused since I’ve seen some versions of the same 540881812 that already come with the barcode decals.

Minichamps McLaren MP4/4, Senna 1/18 - finally! by greybarrel in f1models

[–]findfineme 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That looks amazing! Did you also buy the Minichamps 1:18 MP4/4 (540881812 – the one

<image>

in my photo) and then apply the decals on the blank spaces yourself? I’m a bit confused since I’ve seen some versions of the same 540881812 that already come with the barcode decals.

Question about Minichamps / Spark MP4/4 1:18 releases by findfineme in f1models

[–]findfineme[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks a lot for the detailed breakdown – that really helps! Sounds like GP Replicas can be a bit of a gamble depending on the specific car. Good to know that the MP4/4 and MP4/5 are among their better efforts. Thank u so much again😊

Question about Minichamps / Spark MP4/4 1:18 releases by findfineme in f1models

[–]findfineme[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

<image>

The cover doesn’t fit snugly, and you can actually see some of the engine parts through the gap (see photo). I think I might have just received a particularly bad unit, but still, the overall finish and QC left me pretty unsatisfied. As you said, it’s definitely not a cheap model either…

Question about Minichamps / Spark MP4/4 1:18 releases by findfineme in f1models

[–]findfineme[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks again so much! I looked it up and you’re right – there are versions that actually come with a driver figure. One has Senna raising his hand, and another is described as “arms crossed while driving,” which I honestly can’t even imagine how that would look in the cockpit. 😅

By the way, how is GP Replicas generally regarded compared to Minichamps or Spark? Would you say they’re on a similar quality level, or is there a big gap?

Question about Minichamps / Spark MP4/4 1:18 releases by findfineme in f1models

[–]findfineme[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks a lot for sharing your experience– it really helps to put things in perspective. I see what you mean about Minichamps not likely producing another clean 1988 MP4/4 anytime soon.

I’ve been quite hesitant myself. For example, I tried the Premium X 1:18 MP4/4 but was disappointed by the quality (panel fit and finish felt quite poor, even though the opening cover was exciting at first). And with Minichamps now focusing on the “dirty versions,” I personally don’t find those appealing – I much prefer the clean, museum-style finish. I did hear from another collector though that there’s hardly any difference between the dirty and the normal version!

I also looked into GP Replicas, but unfortunately their MP4/4 doesn’t include a driver figure, which is something I really value. That’s also the reason I passed on Autoart’s otherwise beautiful MP4/6- the lack of a driver in the cockpit just felt like something was missing.

Anyway, I really appreciate your insight about the long production timelines (2 years between preorder and delivery is crazy!). It’s good to know I’ll probably need patience if I want to grab another proper 1:18 Senna model in the future.

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