Citroën Xsara WRC 2004 1:24 Scale Italeri Model Kit #3698 Review

Right On Replicas, LLC Step-by-Step Review 20150219*
Citroën Xsara WRC 2004 1:24 Scale Italeri Model Kit #3698 Review

Review and Photos by Alan Mann

The Xsara World Rally Car is based on the road-going Xsara but ultimately having very little resemblance to it under the skin. It was one of the most successful cars ever to compete in the World Rally Championship. The car took Frenchman Sèbastian Loeb to 28 rally wins, three consecutive Driver’s Championship titles from 2004 to 2006 and Citroën to three consecutive Manufacturer’s Championships in 2003, 2004 and 2005. In 1999, the WRCs predecessor, the two-wheel-drive naturally aspirated Xsara Kit Car, won overall in Rallye Catalunya and Tour de Course. This car was considered the best car in the class. In 2001 the Kit Cars category was withdrawn and was replaced by Super 1600 and Super 2000. In 2002, French driver Sèbastian Loeb was going to win the Monte Carlo Rally but he was given a penalty because of an illegal tire change. He took a win later on the Deutschland Rally. In 2003, the Citroën Xsara was been more competitive. In Wales GB, the leader Richard Burns suffered a blackout and withdrew from the rally. Sèbastian Loeb made a lot of mistakes on last round and unfortunately, he lost the last round and the championship by just one point. However, Citroën got the manufacturers’ title and in 2004 Sèbastian Loeb won the championship.

 

For the Modeler: This review covers the Italeri Kit #3698 Citroën WRC 2004 in 1/24 Scale. Heller makes the only 1/24-scale kit of the Citroën Xsara rally car. Italeri repackaged Heller’s parts with decals for a 2004-season car. Heller has offered versions of this kit with markings from 2001, 2003, and 2005. As such, this kit  would be considered a Re-Release (Re-Pop), and they are readily available at online hobby shops. There is no Skill Level listed on the box but an additional box sticker from the US distributor states 14 years of age and older. I would rate it a minimum Skill Level 2 as it requires paint and glue. The kit comes in 70 parts molded in White, Red, Clear, Chrome and Vinyl tires. The kit itself is fairly well done, with a detailed interior but no engine or suspension detail. The body is where the car really shines. The lines look correct and the overall design is proper. The decals are Cartograf and are of high quality. There are a ton of individual decals and you must take your time to do them. The car utilizes three colors on the body and there are no masking lines to help with color transition. Overall dimensions are: Length: 7”, Width: 3”, Height: 2-1/2”.

  

Covered in this Review:  If you want to perfect your build; basic construction; preparing parts for better finishing; alternate assembly sequence suggestions for fit and ease of finishing; complete paint and adhesive selections and applications; test fitting; explaining instruction errors; making realistic tires; dashboard detailing; gauge decal map; authentic interior color scheme; front and rear suspension build sequence; chassis installation; using “clear” glue for the windows; expanded kit history; identifying and removing mold lines; fender well identification; roll cage construction and installation; orienting the directional tires; front and rear wheel differentiation; preparing the roof for add-ons;  masking techniques explained;  decal preparation and application; how to use decal setting solutions; using floor polish to make perfect windows; are all fully examined in this extensive 15 page, full-color Step-by-Step review in PDF format.

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