SCALE MODEL NEWS

Fans of classic British cars will love this Mini Cooper Mk I from Revell, a neatly produced 126-part kit. The Mini didn’t earn its name without a reason, and its tiny proportions are reflected in the bijou dimensions of this kit - when assembled, the Revell Mini Cooper Mk I measures just 127 mm (5 in) from bumper to bumper. It may be small, but Revell’s kit is nicely formed, with detailed features that include: * True-to-original bodywork with fine surface details.
 * Separate movable bonnet, open or closed.
 * Multi-component detailed 4-cylinder engine.
 * Separate exhaust assembly.
 * Detailed interior with dashboard, front seats and rear bench seat.
 * Car can be built in left- or right-hand drive versions.
 * Wheels rotate. 
* Optional radiators for two versions.
 * Chrome parts include wheel caps, door handles, grille, lamp surrounds.
 * Imitation rubber wheels.
 * Decals with different markings.
 About the real thing In 1956, Greek-British designer Alec Issigonis was commissioned...

Mega Mini - less height, more speed: Revealed by BMW Mini just in time for the Geneva Motor Show next week is the ultra-sporty Countryman JCW. It earns its keep here as a kitbash option for modelmakers keen on the 1:24 scale Hasegawa Mini Cooper S ALL4 Countryman. Alternative parts We’ve had a look in the Hasegawa box, and it all looks very complete in there, with separately bagged-up components to keep things neat and tidy - and of course, avoiding the possibility of parts scratching each other while in transit from factory to workbench. Speed on four wheels As for the real thing, it’s a bit of an oddity, this John Cooper Works (JCW) Countryman. First the designers jacked-up the suspension to give us the Mini Cooper S All-4, now the performance guys lower it again to make the top-of-the-range JCW racer. Ah well, we like to think they know what they’re doing! Fast Mini man As for JCW, it’s named after the late John Cooper, the revered specialist racing car maker and tuner who breathed ...