Updated: 28th June 2007

Scale 1/24 Kit Manufacturer Fujimi Grade-up Parts Acu-Stion Historic Racing Miniatures Resin Engine Studio 27 Renaissance Decals Year 1970 Driver   Event Le Mans 1970

1/24 Fujimi Porsche 917K - Le Mans 1970

After poor results in 1969 and facing a new competition, Porsche concluded an agreement with John Wyer and the Gulf Team. This became the official Porsche team and development partner. When testing at Zeltweg Wyer's engineer John Horsmann wanted an increase in downforce at the expense of drag. A new wedge-shaped tail was then molded with aluminium sheets taped together which gave the 917 much needed stability, this new version was called 917K (Kurzheck).

Early in the 1970 race, the factory Ferraris retired after a collision. The two Porsche factory teams, Gulf-Wyer and Porsche Salzburg, continued to battle each other. At the end it was the red and white #23 917K of Porsche Salzburg, with the standard 4.5 litre engine, driven by Hans Herrmann and Englishman Richard Attwood through the pouring rain, that finally scored the first overall win at Le Mans. Martini's blue 917LH with a green "psychedelic Hippie" design came in 2nd.

I will be using the Fujimi kit and the engine upgrade kit from Historic Racing Miniatures, I also have several etch sets from Studio 27 and Acustion along with another grade up set from Renaissance. Both doors will be opened. More information on the build to come soon.

Reference Material used - 1/24 Gulf Porsche 917K

The Fabulous Porsche 917 by Peter Hinsdale	Porsche 917K by Motorsport in Detail (click image above)	Porsche 917 Super Profile by John Allen	Porsche 917 The Ultimate Weapon by Ian Bamsey

Details added:

• Added as resin engine, oil & fuel tanks using the Historic Racing Miniatures upgrade set
  Replaced kit doors with Renaissance doors
  Replaced rear hood with Renaissance wider resin version
  Added small rear centre spoiler & etched side pieces
  
• Added photo-etch & decals as follows;
  Rear exhaust support mounts
  Brake & Clutch systems
  Twin Windscreen Wiper
  Front Grill
  Dashboard fronts & controls
  Driver's Pedals
  Spare wheel staps
  Driver's seat belt hardware
  Headlight surrounds
  Rear light surrounds
  Rear spoiler & hinges
  
• Scratch built add ons;
  Brake Fluid reservoirs
  Tubular Frame
  Cooling Ducts
  Rear Cockpit window including sliding open section
  Various Fluid hoses, reservoirs & cables either side of engine
  Compenents and circuitry on bulkhead
  2 further coils behind driver's seat
  Windscreen water tubing
  Driver's seat belt brackets
  Hoses from transmission tunnel
  Fire extinguisher guages and hoses
  Emergency internal shut off switch

Progress & Completed pics