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First Look Review
187
Porche 911 Turbo
Porsche 911 Turbo, saphier blue metallic
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by: Frederick Boucher [ JPTRR ]

Introduction
Herpa has just released this new 1/87 (HO) Porsche 911 Turbo in saphier blue metallic. Herpa has renewed their relationship with Porsche and resumed making this iconic sports cars.New type! The top variant of the Porsche program, the 911 Turbo, enhances the Herpa car model range in the 1/87 scale from June 2016. The filigree miniature model is delivered with modern rear spoiler. - Herpa

Currently Herpa catalogues 60 Porsches and 44 911s in 1/87 and 1/43 scales.

The Model
When I first looked at it I thought Herpa's 911 Turbo was a die cast, so silky does the finish appear. Yet it is indeed plastic. It is factory assembled with some applied parts. Molding is excellent. Fine recessed lines simulate hood and panel details, including the gas cap. Rubber-plastic composite tires surround the plastic hubs.

Herpa packs these models in a form-fitted cradle held inside a soft plastic box. It does a remarkable job of protecting Herpa's models. This one arrived after the shipping carton was crushed by the postal service. You can see in the photo that the box was crashed, However, the model was unharmed except for a tire that partially off the hub. It was easy to move back on to the rim.

Detail
This little car features big detail for the scale. As noted, fine lines simulate panels, doors and hoods. Crisp exhaust ports are under the rear bumper. Fine grille work is under the front. Side view mirrors are attached by Herpa, as is the rear spoiler. Those mirrors do not have a simulated reflective surfacing.

Herpa uses clear and transparent tinted lenses for the headlights and brake lights and running lights. The clear passenger glazing allows a clear view into the interior. In there you will see molded detail including seats, dash, console, an attached steering wheel, and an attached photo-etched rear view mirror.

The tires have fine tread detail along the edges but no none on the face. Underneath the car is token chassis detail.

Herpa's little turbo 911 makes an impressive presence with detail. Its finish really enhances it.

Finish
While the wheels and interior and some external black chrome are molded in color, most of this diminutive turbo sport sports an excellent coat of paint in saphierblaumetallic / saphier blue metallic. It looks to me like the black chrome along the windows are also painted on. Remarkably, the Porsche emblem is painted on the hood, as is the logo on the rear. The paint is smooth and highly reflective.

Conclusion
Herpa's 1/87 Porsche 911 Turbo makes a striking model. Herpa has created and released an excellent new HO scale series of Porsche 911s. The excellent finish compliments the quality molding and surface detail. The clear lenses and attached mirrors enhances the molded detail. The interior is exceptional.

My minor criticisms are that the side mirrors do not have a simulated reflective surfacing, and limited tire tread.

This new HO Porsche 911 Turbo is very detailed and expertly molded and assembled. It should enhance any model railroad layout or 1/87 diorama. Recommended.

Please remember to mention to Herpa and retailers that you saw this model here - on Auto Modeler.
SUMMARY
Highs: Beautiful painting and excellent detail. Clear lenses for the lights.
Lows: Side mirrors do not have a simulated reflective surfacing. Limited tire tread.
Verdict: Herpa's new Porsche 911 Turbo is a wonderful 1/87 model for braille scale collectors, dioramaists, and model railroaders who need a modern Porsche.
  Scale: 1:87
  Mfg. ID: 038614
  Suggested Retail: 14,95 EUR
  Related Link: Car & Truck News May, June
  PUBLISHED: Jun 18, 2016
  NATIONALITY: Germany
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 87.04%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 90.46%

Our Thanks to Herpa!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About Frederick Boucher (JPTRR)
FROM: TENNESSEE, UNITED STATES

I'm a professional pilot with a degree in art. My first model was an AMT semi dump truck. Then Monogram's Lunar Lander right after the lunar landing. Next, Revell's 1/32 Bf-109G...cried havoc and released the dogs of modeling! My interests--if built before 1900, or after 1955, then I proba...

Copyright ©2021 text by Frederick Boucher [ JPTRR ]. Images also by copyright holder unless otherwise noted. Opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of ModelGeek. All rights reserved.



   


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