42143 Ferrari F40 - 1:8 - alternate build

[Timorzelorzworz]

Hi folks,

I'm happy to share my latest creation to complete my 2022-lineup. With this model, the craziest journey is now over that I've ever had for an alternate build.

This replica of a Ferrari F40 is purely built from Lego set 42143 Ferrari Daytona SP3 as an alternate model (B-model). Having the set 42143, all required parts will be donated and no additional parts are needed to build this F40. The model uses 23 spare parts from Daytona's large spares inventory, resulting in 3603 total parts for this MoC with 95% Daytona parts used.

More info and instructions can be found here

Functions & Features

 

• independent suspension in front and back
• manual steering with working steering wheel
• openable doors with locking system
• openable hood
• openable rear section
• working popup-headlights with linkage system
• 5+R speed transmission gearbox
• F40-V8-engine with moving pistons
• open window in bottom to view gearbox
• detailed interior and engine-bay
• modular building with separate premium PDF-files
• detailed design with printed parts
• fits all Supercars in 1:8 scale
• measures (all parts closed) 57cm x 26cm x 14cm

 

Impressions

Engine

 

The V8-engine with moving pistons is directly connected through the gearbox to the rear differential. By opening and stabilizing the rear section, the engine and engine-bay can be revealed to watch inside this F40. The engine-bay is one of the most detailed part for an alternate model, with exhaust pipes completely made from the engine to the rear end. Even the crossbar from the back to the roof, that gives the real F40 more structure, has found a way into this model.

 

 

 

The stabilizer-bar that keeps the rear section open can be stored safely under the rear without loosing them.

 

 

Gearbox

 

Welcome to my most realistic gearbox so far - the 5+R speed transmission gearbox inside the middle console of the car with a shifter layout very next to the original.

 

 

For a full wheel spin, the engine fires 1.841 times in the first gear and only 0.663 times in the fifth gear. A higher selected gear results in less friction on the drivetrain and in lower moving pistons of the engine. Following is a summary of all gear ratios, measured from wheel (input) to engine shaft (output):

Reverse - 1:1.767R

1. Gear - 1:1.841

2. Gear - 1:1.479

3. Gear - 1:1.104

4. Gear - 1:0.884

5. Gear - 1:0.663

 

Popup-headlights

 

The model features iconic popup-headlights like the real F40 does, triggered by hand. Once the hood is open, the mechanism can be triggered to open and close the lights. This linkage mechanism is secured with a rubber band, holding the lights strong and in place.

 

 

The following animation shows exactly how the popup-headlights works.

 

 

Details

 

The model uses most of the printed parts from its 42143 donor set, giving it the final touch and the instantly recognizable Ferrari brand.

Doors of this F40 are implemented with a locking-mechanism. The doors snaps in automatically and stays in closed position.

 

More features to mention are the iconic black stripes around the car, the air-intakes, the slightly angled shapes, the detailed interior with printed dashboard and the front lights, that are very detailed under the trans-clear parts.

Instructions & building process

 

The premium instructions for this model comes in 5 separate PDF-files with high quality images and building steps that are very close to the original Technic-instructions. The build can be quite challenging for inexperienced builders, but is for a 18+ set of course a satisfying experience for more practiced adults. 

Building this F40 starts on the 368 pages long main PDF with the ingenious 5+R speed transmission gearbox and the front axle to complete the front section of the chassis.

 

The build continues with the second PDF and 136 pages later, the rear section is added to the front.

 

 

After the marriage process with rear and front section, more parts are added to the chassis to make a solid structure, where every function works perfect at this point of the build. Iconic lines are more and more represented to give this model a real F40 experience.

 

The third PDF takes over to complete the openable rear on 170 pages and added to the build.

 

 

Some more details are added and the roof and windshield will be finished, getting closer to a real looking F40. On the fourth PDF, both doors are built and attached to the car 78 pages later.

 

 

The F40 continues with the fifth and last PDF to build the hood on 185 pages with the triggering mechanism for the popup-headlights and then attached to the model. After 937 pages in total, the F40 alternate build is finished in all its glory.

Comparison

 

 

Final note

 

With 95% Daytona parts used, this model pushes the limit of what is possible with a given inventory, offering builders a relative easy way to create this F40, where only the 42143 donor set is needed providing all the parts. I'm happy that I've finally managed the biggest brainfuck that I've ever had in my head with this model, resulting in the biggest model I've ever made and in one of the biggest alternate builds in history. Thanks to Uwe Wabra, my favourite designer, who makes this possible just with the Daytona. With several functions and authentic design-features very close to the original one, this model is not only a piece to display.

 

More info and instructions can be found here

 

Have fun with this Ferrari F40 alternate build.

Edited March 10 by Timorzelorzworz

[brunojj1]

Thanks for sharing your build! Overall it seems a nice solid build and one can see how you really love that iconic car, trying to do it justice with many details. Considering it´s a B-model, I don´t mind some areas could not be replicated the best way, it´s an achievement anyway. 

I don´t like the too thick front bumper, also it´s too squarish / missing angles, same for the rear bumper. Putting it next to the pictures of the real car is risky and inavoidable leads to certain comparisons and conclusions.

My major critique point is that you are presenting us nothing more than a digital model here. Sorry for this kind of sarcasm, but I can´t say it otherwise: Are you selling instructions to buy you the real deal for 450 bucks one day ?  I´d recommend to do it the other way round and posting instruction links in the second post or edit .

Edited March 10 by brunojj1

[astyanax]

I for one highly appreciate the honesty and courage of the side-by-side pictures! Keeping in mind it's a B-model, I think they really show you did an amazing job!

[Timorzelorzworz]

I'm unfortunately not that photograph expert, that is the reason why I always promote models digital since three years. The real build is next to me here. Pics of the built one comes the next days as fanmedia, 'cause people making better shots than me. 

Edited March 10 by Timorzelorzworz

[johnnytifosi]

Great job! Considering it's a B model, it does look good, but the A-pillar throws me off a bit. I think it would be an easy fix to make it a bit more slanted.

[schraubedrin]

What an incredible achievement!

The front corner looks really nice, considering how many angles are coming together there.

22 hours ago, Timorzelorzworz said:

 

You're actually making me consider to buy the Ferrari

Do you have a belly shot showing the gearbox?

[Timorzelorzworz]

6 minutes ago, schraubedrin said:

Do you have a belly shot showing the gearbox?

this?

[1gor]

It does look veey nice and I'm not sure if I could make something at this level, but somehow front looks to tall, or not slopy enough...Do you have for comparisson side images?

[RichardGoring]

Really very impressive. Amazing work. Thank you for sharing. Not built my SP3 yet, but may have to do this shortly afterwards.

[emielroumen]

Now I wish I would have grabbed a set for a good price, amazing alternative model with 95% of all the parts and 23 of all spares.

[LvdH]

On 3/10/2023 at 11:42 AM, Timorzelorzworz said:

 

Spoiler

Everything up until here looks perfect to me. Especially for a B model. The brickbuilt details look great and I particularly like the vents in the top portion of the doors.
It's the front end that, to me, does not stick the landing. Great job anyways, it does look very well built. 

Edited March 12 by LvdH

[Timorzelorzworz]

On 3/11/2023 at 7:11 PM, 1gor said:

It does look veey nice and I'm not sure if I could make something at this level, but somehow front looks to tall, or not slopy enough...Do you have for comparisson side images?

Sorry I could not found a proper image of the real one. Do you have for comparison an alternate build without any extra part needed like a universal joint? ;)

[1gor]

Side view image is this one... 

 

No worries, you made better job than i would

[Timorzelorzworz]

You are welcome, since I got 2013 a free copy of 41999 in the top 100 ranking. So in this case YOU did a better job ;)

 

Edited March 13 by Timorzelorzworz

[1gor]

Image that I have posted is a real F40, but I can (after several hundred hours) made proper lines but only with help of English wheel and made of metal. F40 is made from carbon fiber, so I'm not the right person for this...despite my dream car is made completely of steel and aluminum...

41999 was a (expensive) dream for me