Posted February 5, 2023 by f1nut in Diecast models

Diecast Review: Tarmac Works Lando Norris McLaren MCL35M 2021 Monaco GP 1:64 scale

Belated happy new year to everyone! Apologies, it’s been a few months since my last post due to being sidelined with lots of distractions (including covid) but I’ve got some good posts and content for F1-nut.com lined up for 2023.

First up for the new year, a diecast review. Over the break, I picked up some new diecasts including the Tarmac Works 1:64 model of Lando Norris’ podium winning McLaren MCL35M raced at the 2021 Monaco GP. This racecar is known for its special one-off iconic Gulf Oil blue/orange stripe racing livery that McLaren put on their cars for that race weekend. Side note: Rumour has it that the new Williams FW45 for 2023 will feature a revised Gulf Oil livery make-over too…

Tarmac Works specialise in 1:64 diecasts with a focus on sportscars but have released this model in collaboration with IXO for its F1 collectors.

For a small model, this is a surprise packet. Tarmac Works have managed to package this model with an attractive Gulf Oil liveried outer box design.

Nicely presented outer box design

Unboxing, the model comes encased in a secure plastic clamshell mould and also included is a decal sheet with the Vuse e-cigarette sponsor logos to apply to the front wing and chassis. The decals are tiny so some care and skill will be needed if you want to upgrade the model to full race livery.

The model itself is a genuine diecast – given its size, it has nice feeling of weight and cool metal. At 1:64 scale, it sits just over 3 inches long and its wheels do rotate, so the model car can be rolled across a table or the floor.

It actually reminds me a lot of a Matchbox model diecast but with much more refined chassis detail.

On closer inspection, there are some obvious compromises due to the smaller scale – the sidepod air in-takes are not fully formed, the rear view mirrors are small rectangles on the side pods and the front suspension is a block mold with no gaps in-between the suspension rod arms.

Even at 1:64 scale, the chassis and decals are impressive

But, that’s being nit picky, because if you run a magnifying glass (or a macro lens) over this Tarmac Works model, the chassis and the decals detailing is very impressive for a model at this price point.

Note: The MCL35M retails online on Tarmac Works website for US$15.90.

If you look hard enough, there is a molded driver seat and steering wheel in the cockpit. There is no driver figurine but at this scale and price, that’s not a big issue.

The front and rear wings are solid plastic, so should be able to withstand some rough handling, unlike resin models that need to have wing and mirrors snap.

I managed to get in touch with the Tarmac Works team with a few quick questions and they were kind enough to reply. Here is the Q&A:

F1-Nut.com: How did you come about working with IXO and selecting the 2021
McLaren MCL35M for release?

Tarmac Works: The honest answer is that it came down to licensing at first as we wanted to start our F1 collection quickly and IXO has established a relationship with both McLaren and AMG. In addition, we really like the McLaren team as both of their drivers are very popular so it was an easy choice for us.

F1-Nut.com: Any plans to release the 2022 McLaren MCL36?

Tarmac Works: Yes, the MCL36 is in under development and will be releasing later this year.

F1-Nut.com: Do you have any plans to release other F1 team cars in the Global 64 collection? What about vintage F1 cars from earlier eras?

Tarmac Works: We have the Mercedes-AMG F1 W12 and Mercedes-AMG F1 W13 in our line-up and they will be releasing later this year. Currently we do not have any plans in making other F1 cars.

F1-Nut.com: The decals on the included decal sheet are small, so any tips for
applying them to the smaller 1:64 models?

Tarmac Works: We suggest our collectors to use a tweezers with sharp tips like below so you can be more precise during the application.

So there you have it…McLaren F1 fans can be very happy the Tarmac Works team are also McLaren fans and released these two important MCL35M race cars for us to enjoy. And, Mercedes and Lewis fans can look forward to the Tarmac Works releasing the W12 and W13 later this year!

You can buy the McLaren 1:64 models from the Tarmac Works website or your local hobby car distributor shop. It’s no surprise that their 1:64 scale Danny Ricciardo MCL35M 2021 Italian GP model is sold out!

I’ve included some additional pictures you can check out below: