Meng 1/24 McLaren MP4/4 1988 (CS-007)

This time we are going to check Meng 1/24 McLaren MP4/4 1988 (CS-007). New set comes as reduced version of the previous release from the same brand. This famous car is easily recognized, and now you have a chance to build one in smaller size. Nevertheless, brand claims that all features are nicely preserved even in such dimensions. Overall packaging is typical, so each frame is packed into separate bag. Let's open them all and take a closer look together.

By the way, here you can read review with another classic Formula 1 car.
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Watch this video-review where I show all parts even closer.

On the first frame you will find brakes and wheel rims. Large triangular parts will work as support for the body shell.

Note that brake rotors are molded together with calipers. Overall details look great for such size.

Next frame brings parts for the front and rear wing. Both look up to scale, but rear will take a bit of more time as you will have to align panels together.

It is notable that body shell is molded as one-piece element. Such design will be useful during installation. Well, it is also handy for display as you will just place it on stands.

Next sprue carries suspension and engine parts. All of those are nicely molded and have thin attachment points.

Note that engine looks great out of the box and deserves some careful paintwork. It might be worth getting some decent reference photos for this.

Monocoque is also one-piece element, just like driver's seat. Here you can also see floor panel and radiators.

External details look great, but be ready to work with decals. You will have to apply a lot of those in order to copy carbon shell.

Clear frame looks fine and carries all necessary parts. There are no masks included here.

Kit features four vinyl tires in two sizes, just like on the real car. Those look okay for standard build, just be sure to sand them a bit.

Meng also gives us chrome decals for the rearview mirrors, chrome sections for air intakes. There is also a textile section for seatbelts. As you can guess, it should be combined with PE buckles.

But that's not all with decals, because you will get more on three sheets. The biggest one will be useful for carbon fiber, while smaller ones carry everything for outer details and tires. Note that Marlboro logo is omitted, and you will have to get it separately.

Assembly manual is typical for this brand. I show all pages in the video-review. Overall I can say that this kit has a huge potential to turn into a nice project. You get all necessary things in a standard package, but it is possible to get even more with help of HobbyDesign set. Keep in mind that project with aftermarket will require certain skills from you. :)

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