For me, Spark have overtaken Minichamps in 1/18 and in almost all cases Spark is the brand I go to when looking to buy modern F1 models that are available in both brands. I think the attention to detail is just so much better and finer pieces are more realistic. Front wing and driver helmet are great examples. I can't understand how Spark miss rear wing mandated dots on 2022 models but they have rectified this on 2023 models so they are improving. The addition of a display case is also a big advantage as I display my models in plastic cases that are either suppljed or I've purchased, which is added cost. I have the 2023 RB19 and 2022 W13 on order and can't wait to receive them. Keep posting the videos. They are first class and a joy to watch for me as a collector.
Spark are indeed improving steadily. They also seem to listen more to customer's feedback. I do agree they have better finer details, this has almost always been the case though.
Getting into model collecting videos/comments like these are really helpful in deciding what brands to go for. It looks like Spark is the way to go. Any clue on if their decal border issue has improved at all for 23 and possibly for upcoming 24 models?
Yeah, I agree. Spark has definitely learnt from past mistakes. I don't think they always got the overall look right, but these new models seem to be spot on in that regard. As they usually are better too in finer details, the end result it that they are ahead now of Minichamps. I hope Mini will take on the challenge and go one better next time around!
I think Spark models are better quality than Minichamps, for example the helmet decals, the rear LED's on the rear wing. Think they still need to sort the rear suspension though.
For this model, Spark is better in my opinion, yes. Hard to tell for other ones. I do have a 2022 Minichamps F1 model review coming up, and I've got to say, it's no less good than this Spark!
Already a new classic style review in your style. I always love the backstory and other info you provide with each model! Also when you showed the small Cabinet part at 5:10 it raised a question in me: Do you plan on doing another collection video like you did a while ago? I am really curious to know what your collection currently looks like 😁
Thanks! To answer your question, no. BUT.... there is something even better coming up! Also I don't feel like a lot has changed in my collection since the last tour video, so it would be too much of the same otherwise.
Thanks for another detailed review and comparison! I would go for the Spark without hesitating. I hope they can fix their decal issues on matte paint and get the tyres on Minichamps's level too.
You're welcome! If Spark would solve the decal issues and do these tyre sidewalls with extra details and markings, then there is no reason to even look at the Minichamps model. I have the feeling they do listen to their customers more and react faster too, so I guess that's good news for next year's models!
Great videos! I always prefer spark than minichamps for it's details. However, I also like those mini figures. So I bought the MV shop version of RB18 suzuka as well as RB16B Abu Dhabi. Besides, I heard that there are going to be both RB18 and RB16B with mini figure in 1/18 from spark ordered by model dealers from Japan. So I think that would be the best choice for me to have both details and mini figures(like RB16B monaco from the stone model car).
How do you add the tyre decal and rear wing dots. It would be great if you could do a video to show how to do this as it does improve the model immensely and adds a further level of realism. Thanks.....
Tyre decals are done by hand. I've done a brief explenation on how I add these markings in some earlier reviews of the Red Bull RB1 or the Mclaren MP4/5b. The rear wing dots are done in the same way.
I think the RB18 looked great in soft tire compound during qualifying., The red stripes and lettering on the tires combined with the shiny tire compounds of todays Pirelli''s looks great on the actual car. I bought a Spark RB18 with soft (red tires) and it's always kind of bothered me when I look at it because of the thick stripes. I think Minichamps got tire sidewall and lettering right, so when it came to purchasing a model of the RB19, I chose Minichamps. I think their foil visors are such and improvement from those ugly brown visors tipped the decision for me.
Are you going to review the 1:12 scale model from Spark for the RB18? I have the RB16B in 1:12 scale for Abu Dhabi and Turkishand they look freaking fantastic!
Unfortunately, no. Unless someone sends me one to review like last year! Otherwise I'll need to buy one, and to be fair, I'm not really interested in that. The RB16b model was pretty good indeed, and for sure the RB18 will be even better, but I'm not really a Max, Checo or Red Bull Racing fan, so I won't be getting one normally.
I've explained this in some of my other videos, like the Senna 1990 1/12 Mclaren or the Red Bull RB1 Star Wars model. Maybe I'll do another shorts explaining how I do these markings, but in the meantime you can check it out in those videos I mentioned.
Hi, Mark with "its all about racing". I primarily collect and review 1/43 scale IMSA and F1 race cars. I did however bid and win a Spark 1/18 World Champion 1st Victory Monaco GP. The seller shipped from Mexico to the state of Virginia. The box was wrapped like a 100000 year old Mummy. Took me 10 careful minutes to unrap it. Alas a found the right rear wheel detached and the Pitot tube broken. I did find the pitot tube and repair it. I repaired the rear as well. Figured it was easier than shipping back to México and only paid 150.00 USD. Here's my thoughts on this: Does shipping a model on a wooden base make it more subjectable to impact damage during shipping? I have never received a damaged 1/43 scale Spark model, and I have over 300. This is one of only 3 1/18 scale models and the first Spark. The 2 other were IXO and Auto Art. Both came with cheap cheesy packaging and no base or acrylic jewel cover but, were in excellent condition. What are your thoughts, this is the only 1/18 scale model I own and therfor cannot form an opinion.
Hi Mark! I've checked out your channel and some of your reviews, nice work, keep it up. I think some models, especially the 1/18 with heavy bases are susceptible to getting damaged during shipping, yes. Most of them are also screwed on way too tight, so the model itself takes the brunt ot the impact. Nice job on fixing it though! I actually sometimes enjoy the challenge of fixing or rebuilding a damaged model.
Minichamps in the 90s were far better compared today considering the price aspect you expect perfection in the 90s the cars cost £10/15. Today on ebay 1/43 scale of lewis 2020 sells over a £100 thats far too expensive
Spark's version is much better than the minichamps model. And is less expensive, Spark model is £170 whereas minichamps is £200+, add to that the display case gives it good protection and my opinion more kudos, though I do agree that the extra parc fermé and pitboard are a tad unnecessary
Are the red decals actual fluorescent red colour? Rocket red is something Minichamps always fuck up on these Red Bulls and I haven't seen a Spark one IRL to see if they actually have the real colour or not.
Great videos! I always prefer spark than minichamps for it's details. However, I also like those mini figures. So I bought the MV shop version of RB18 suzuka as well as RB16B Abu Dhabi. Besides, I heard that there are going to be both RB18 and RB16B with mini figure in 1/18 from spark ordered by model dealers from Japan. So I think that would be the best choice for me to have both details and mini figures(like RB16B monaco from the stone model car).
For me, Spark have overtaken Minichamps in 1/18 and in almost all cases Spark is the brand I go to when looking to buy modern F1 models that are available in both brands. I think the attention to detail is just so much better and finer pieces are more realistic. Front wing and driver helmet are great examples. I can't understand how Spark miss rear wing mandated dots on 2022 models but they have rectified this on 2023 models so they are improving. The addition of a display case is also a big advantage as I display my models in plastic cases that are either suppljed or I've purchased, which is added cost. I have the 2023 RB19 and 2022 W13 on order and can't wait to receive them. Keep posting the videos. They are first class and a joy to watch for me as a collector.
Spark are indeed improving steadily. They also seem to listen more to customer's feedback. I do agree they have better finer details, this has almost always been the case though.
Getting into model collecting videos/comments like these are really helpful in deciding what brands to go for. It looks like Spark is the way to go. Any clue on if their decal border issue has improved at all for 23 and possibly for upcoming 24 models?
I realy like the new Spark cases, because I don't have a glass box and the Model is better protected...😊
Spark,bbr Are my favorite models
Best quality and price
Yeah, I agree. Spark has definitely learnt from past mistakes. I don't think they always got the overall look right, but these new models seem to be spot on in that regard. As they usually are better too in finer details, the end result it that they are ahead now of Minichamps. I hope Mini will take on the challenge and go one better next time around!
I think Spark models are better quality than Minichamps, for example the helmet decals, the rear LED's on the rear wing. Think they still need to sort the rear suspension though.
For this model, Spark is better in my opinion, yes. Hard to tell for other ones. I do have a 2022 Minichamps F1 model review coming up, and I've got to say, it's no less good than this Spark!
@@rpsmodelcarreviewsIt's just a shame that there isn't a manufacturer that can make a model that combines the positives of both Minichamps and Spark.
Already a new classic style review in your style.
I always love the backstory and other info you provide with each model!
Also when you showed the small Cabinet part at 5:10 it raised a question in me:
Do you plan on doing another collection video like you did a while ago?
I am really curious to know what your collection currently looks like 😁
Thanks!
To answer your question, no. BUT.... there is something even better coming up! Also I don't feel like a lot has changed in my collection since the last tour video, so it would be too much of the same otherwise.
@@rpsmodelcarreviews ok, fair enough!
Thanks for another detailed review and comparison! I would go for the Spark without hesitating. I hope they can fix their decal issues on matte paint and get the tyres on Minichamps's level too.
You're welcome! If Spark would solve the decal issues and do these tyre sidewalls with extra details and markings, then there is no reason to even look at the Minichamps model. I have the feeling they do listen to their customers more and react faster too, so I guess that's good news for next year's models!
Great videos! I always prefer spark than minichamps for it's details. However, I also like those mini figures. So I bought the MV shop version of RB18 suzuka as well as RB16B Abu Dhabi.
Besides, I heard that there are going to be both RB18 and RB16B with mini figure in 1/18 from spark ordered by model dealers from Japan. So I think that would be the best choice for me to have both details and mini figures(like RB16B monaco from the stone model car).
How do you add the tyre decal and rear wing dots. It would be great if you could do a video to show how to do this as it does improve the model immensely and adds a further level of realism. Thanks.....
Tyre decals are done by hand. I've done a brief explenation on how I add these markings in some earlier reviews of the Red Bull RB1 or the Mclaren MP4/5b.
The rear wing dots are done in the same way.
I think the RB18 looked great in soft tire compound during qualifying., The red stripes and lettering on the tires combined with the shiny tire compounds of todays Pirelli''s looks great on the actual car. I bought a Spark RB18 with soft (red tires) and it's always kind of bothered me when I look at it because of the thick stripes. I think Minichamps got tire sidewall and lettering right, so when it came to purchasing a model of the RB19, I chose Minichamps. I think their foil visors are such and improvement from those ugly brown visors tipped the decision for me.
The Spark Pirelli branding is not the best indeed, especially on the 1/43 scales.
Beautiful model 🔥 will have to buy one once the models get to Australia
Are you going to review the 1:12 scale model from Spark for the RB18? I have the RB16B in 1:12 scale for Abu Dhabi and Turkishand they look freaking fantastic!
Unfortunately, no. Unless someone sends me one to review like last year!
Otherwise I'll need to buy one, and to be fair, I'm not really interested in that. The RB16b model was pretty good indeed, and for sure the RB18 will be even better, but I'm not really a Max, Checo or Red Bull Racing fan, so I won't be getting one normally.
How did you add the missing dots on the rear wing, if I may ask?
With a paint marker and a toothpick. I'm sure someone can make small dot decals too though?
How did you add the details to the tires? You should make a video next time you add the details.
I've explained this in some of my other videos, like the Senna 1990 1/12 Mclaren or the Red Bull RB1 Star Wars model. Maybe I'll do another shorts explaining how I do these markings, but in the meantime you can check it out in those videos I mentioned.
Hi, Mark with "its all about racing". I primarily collect and review 1/43 scale IMSA and F1 race cars. I did however bid and win a Spark 1/18 World Champion 1st Victory Monaco GP. The seller shipped from Mexico to the state of Virginia. The box was wrapped like a 100000 year old Mummy. Took me 10 careful minutes to unrap it. Alas a found the right rear wheel detached and the Pitot tube broken. I did find the pitot tube and repair it. I repaired the rear as well. Figured it was easier than shipping back to México and only paid 150.00 USD. Here's my thoughts on this: Does shipping a model on a wooden base make it more subjectable to impact damage during shipping? I have never received a damaged 1/43 scale Spark model, and I have over 300. This is one of only 3 1/18 scale models and the first Spark. The 2 other were IXO and Auto Art. Both came with cheap cheesy packaging and no base or acrylic jewel cover but, were in excellent condition. What are your thoughts, this is the only 1/18 scale model I own and therfor cannot form an opinion.
Hi Mark! I've checked out your channel and some of your reviews, nice work, keep it up.
I think some models, especially the 1/18 with heavy bases are susceptible to getting damaged during shipping, yes. Most of them are also screwed on way too tight, so the model itself takes the brunt ot the impact.
Nice job on fixing it though! I actually sometimes enjoy the challenge of fixing or rebuilding a damaged model.
I have a question: do the wheels spin on this model?
They don't.
Minichamps in the 90s were far better compared today considering the price aspect you expect perfection in the 90s the cars cost £10/15. Today on ebay 1/43 scale of lewis 2020 sells over a £100 thats far too expensive
Yes, the good old days. I remember buing my first 1/18 F1 model for only €20
Spark's version is much better than the minichamps model. And is less expensive, Spark model is £170 whereas minichamps is £200+, add to that the display case gives it good protection and my opinion more kudos, though I do agree that the extra parc fermé and pitboard are a tad unnecessary
Minichamps more expensive how? The official Verstappen Fanshop edition is €179,95 and the regular Minichamps release €169,95 RRP?
@@rpsmodelcarreviews check UK retalers
Are the red decals actual fluorescent red colour? Rocket red is something Minichamps always fuck up on these Red Bulls and I haven't seen a Spark one IRL to see if they actually have the real colour or not.
It doesn't look too off to me.
@@rpsmodelcarreviews Good to know!
You Buy the wrong car is RB19 not RB18
This clearly is the RB18. It even says so on the box??
Great videos! I always prefer spark than minichamps for it's details. However, I also like those mini figures. So I bought the MV shop version of RB18 suzuka as well as RB16B Abu Dhabi.
Besides, I heard that there are going to be both RB18 and RB16B with mini figure in 1/18 from spark ordered by model dealers from Japan. So I think that would be the best choice for me to have both details and mini figures(like RB16B monaco from the stone model car).