Diecast review: Spark 1:64 Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing RB18
As we move onto the Japanese GP this weekend, it was barely only 12 months ago that Max Verstappen claimed his 2nd world title at Suzuka in Adrian Newey’s interpretation of the new 2022 design regulations – in the Red Bull Racing RB18. In this post, we’ll take a quick look over Spark Models, or “Sparky” as they call themselves in their 1:64 series rendition of Max’s RB18.
Although technically not a diecast, Spark Models have been producing their resin models of the RB18 in various scales from 1:18, 1:43 and 1:64.
Bottom of the box print details
With inflation pushing the retail prices of new 1:18 and 1:43 models into much higher price brackets, 1:64 scale models now occupy the sub $50 price point that 1:43 diecasts were priced at decade ago. Are 1:64 scale models the new black?
The 1:64 Spark includes a very nice enclosed clear plastic display case (much like its 1:43 models).
These 1:64 scale Spark resins come in a familiar outer cardboard box container with a display cutaway to expose the car. The outer box is all plain white with a “Sparky” icon mascot on the right side which seems to suggest these models are being targeted towards younger junior collectors.
1:64 scale measures down to approx 4 inch model
The car comes in a high plastic display box and the car model itself is mounted on a sloped base plinth with the car and driver details printed on the length edges of the plinth in the same style as Spark’s 1:43 models.
On close inspection of the 1:64 model itself, it is an incredibly detailed rendition at such a small scale. The sponsor decals detail around the halo and Max’s helmet are instantly obvious when you look over this model.
Fantastic detailing at 1:64 micro scale
Being a resin model, the actual car weight is light. The car is detachable from the plinth via an underside plastic twist screw. The aero turning vanes on underside floor of the car have been reproduced – how accurate to the real RB18, I’m not sure.
The wheels turn via a metal front wheel axle
At around $30US box price (some online retailer are selling cheaper), this Spark 1:64 RB18 is beautifully crafted and represents excellent value.
Being a world championship car, serious collectors might prefer to have the 1:43 and 1:18 model instead but if you’re on a budget (who isn’t these days?) the 1:64 scale model doesn’t compromise on details. It looks just like the bigger models but shrunk down to 4 inch scale!
The 1:64 model is mounted on a sloping plinth
Other 2022 cars that are also available in Spark 1:64 scale include Mercedes W13 (Lewis & George), Aston Martin AMR22 (Sebastian & Lance), AlfaTauri (Yuki & Pierre), Alpine A552 (Fernando & Esteban) and Alfa Romeo C42 (Valterri and Zhou). Unfortunately, Williams FW44 and McLaren MCL36 aren’t included probably due to licensing reasons.
Size compared to 1:43 Minichamps of Vettel’s RB8
When I get my hands on some of the other 1:64 models, I’ll post up another review. The 1:64s of Lewis’ zero sidepod Mercedes W13 and the Alfa Romeo C42 both appear to look good in Spark’s photos.
