Hasegawa Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution III: A Comprehensive Guide

Hey car enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into the Hasegawa Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution III, a model that holds a special place in the hearts of model builders and JDM fans alike. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this iconic kit, from its history and significance to building tips and potential modifications. So, buckle up, grab your tools, and let's get started!

The Legend of the Lancer Evolution III

Before we jump into the Hasegawa Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution III kit, let's take a moment to appreciate the real-life car. The Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution III, often called the Evo III, was a rally-bred beast that dominated the Group A rally scene in the mid-1990s. This car was a significant evolution over its predecessors, featuring improved aerodynamics, a more powerful engine, and enhanced handling. Its success on the rally tracks translated into a cult following among car enthusiasts worldwide, making it a sought-after model even today.

The Evo III's success was largely due to its aerodynamic improvements. The car's front spoiler, rear wing, and side skirts were all redesigned to generate more downforce. These changes, coupled with a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, made the Evo III a formidable competitor. The Evo III was a true performance car, and its legacy continues to inspire car enthusiasts.

Now, about the Hasegawa Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution III model kit itself. Hasegawa is renowned for producing highly detailed and accurate model kits, and the Evo III is no exception. The kit typically comes with a wide array of parts, including a detailed engine, interior, and suspension components. This allows model builders to create a truly realistic representation of the iconic rally car. The kit includes detailed instructions and decals to accurately replicate the car's exterior, including sponsor logos and the car's distinctive livery. Moreover, the kit offers various customization options, allowing builders to choose specific rally versions or street versions of the car, with options to add aftermarket parts for a truly personalized build.

Building the Hasegawa Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution III model kit can be a rewarding experience. It provides an opportunity to appreciate the car's design and engineering while honing your modeling skills. The kit allows model builders to create a miniature masterpiece of a rally car legend. The intricate details and realistic features of the kit capture the essence of the real-life car, making it a perfect addition to any car enthusiast's collection.

Unboxing and Initial Inspection of the Hasegawa Kit

Alright, guys, let's talk about what you'll find when you crack open the box of the Hasegawa Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution III model kit. First impressions are key, right? Generally, you'll be greeted by a well-packaged kit, with sprues (the plastic frames holding the parts) neatly sealed in bags. This helps prevent parts from getting scratched or damaged during transit. You'll also find the instruction manual, which is your bible throughout the build. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the manual – it's crucial for a smooth build. Also included are decal sheets and sometimes photo-etched parts, depending on the specific edition of the kit.

Carefully inspect the parts on the sprues. Look for any imperfections like flash (excess plastic) or sink marks. These can be easily addressed with a hobby knife or fine-grit sandpaper. Now's also a good time to decide on your build plan. Do you want to build a stock version, or are you planning to modify it? If you're going for modifications, you might want to consider aftermarket parts, which can enhance the level of detail and realism. There are aftermarket upgrades available, from engine bays, and interiors, to decals, and tires. You will be able to customize this kit to match a specific real-life car.

When it comes to the instruction manual, read through it completely before you start gluing anything together. Hasegawa's manuals are usually well-illustrated and easy to follow, but it's always a good idea to understand the entire process before you begin. Pay close attention to the order of assembly and the recommended colors. You'll find color callouts in the manual. This will help you select the correct paints for the various parts. Also, check the decal sheet carefully. It contains the stickers you need to add details like logos, racing stripes, and other finishing touches. Proper handling of the decals is essential to prevent damage or misplacement. Finally, make sure you have all the necessary tools and supplies before you start. This includes a hobby knife, glue, paints, brushes, and sandpaper. Having everything ready to go will make the building process much more enjoyable.

Building Tips and Tricks

Building the Hasegawa Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution III is a rewarding experience, but it can also be challenging. Here are some tips and tricks to help you along the way:

• Preparation is Key: Before you start gluing, carefully remove each part from the sprues using a sharp hobby knife or sprue cutters. Clean up any flash and imperfections with a hobby knife or fine-grit sandpaper. Dry-fit all parts before applying glue to ensure a good fit.
• Painting the Body: Painting the car body is one of the most crucial steps. Start by priming the body to provide a good surface for the paint to adhere to. Choose high-quality paints designed for plastic models. Apply multiple thin coats of paint instead of one thick coat to avoid runs and drips. For the iconic Evo III look, consider using the classic rally colors, such as white, red, or blue. For a more unique look, research the various rally liveries and choose one that you like. Also, the paint must be cured correctly before moving on to the decals.
• Interior Detailing: The interior is where you can add significant detail. Paint the seats, dashboard, and other interior components. You can also add details like seatbelts, gauges, and other small details to enhance realism. Consider using washes to bring out the details and add depth.
• Decaling: Decals can make or break the look of your model. Cut out each decal carefully and apply it to a smooth surface. Use decal setting solutions to help the decals conform to the contours of the body. After the decals are dry, apply a clear coat to protect them.
• Gluing and Assembly: Use the appropriate glue for plastic models. Apply glue sparingly to avoid excess glue oozing out. Always follow the instructions in the manual for the assembly sequence.
• Modifications and Customization: One of the best parts of model building is customizing your car. You can add aftermarket parts, such as improved wheels, engines, or spoilers. Be creative and let your imagination run wild. Adding accessories, such as a roll cage, racing seats, and a custom dashboard can significantly enhance the car's interior. You can also add weathering effects to make your model look more realistic. Consider techniques such as dry brushing, panel lining, and washes.

Detailing and Painting Your Evo III

Alright, let's talk about making your Hasegawa Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution III model kit really pop! Detailing and painting are where the magic happens, guys. It's where your model transforms from a collection of plastic parts into a stunning miniature replica. Remember, preparation is key, so make sure you've cleaned up all the parts, and have a solid plan. For painting, you'll need a good set of paints and brushes or an airbrush. The airbrush will give you a smoother, more professional finish, but a good brush and some patience will do the trick too. Choose high-quality paints designed for plastic models – acrylics are usually a good bet, as they're easy to work with and clean up.

Body Painting: The body is the most visible part, so it's critical to get the paint right. Start with a primer coat. This will help the paint adhere and hide any imperfections. Apply thin, even coats of your chosen color, letting each coat dry completely before applying the next. Avoid thick coats, as these can cause runs and drips. Once the paint is dry, you can add decals. These add the logos, racing stripes, and other details that make the Evo III recognizable. Use decal setting solutions to help the decals conform to the curves of the body. After the decals are dry, seal everything with a clear coat to protect them and give your model a glossy finish.

Engine and Interior Detailing: Don't forget the engine and interior! These areas offer great opportunities for detail work. Paint the engine parts in different colors to represent the various components. Use washes to bring out the details and add depth. For the interior, paint the seats, dashboard, and other parts in their correct colors. Consider adding details like seatbelts, gauges, and other small details. If you want to make your model really stand out, you can get aftermarket parts, like photo-etched metal details, which are super realistic and take the detailing to the next level. Also, make sure to mask off areas that you don't want to get paint on. This will help you achieve a clean finish and create a professional-looking model.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even seasoned model builders make mistakes, but knowing the common pitfalls can save you a lot of frustration when building your Hasegawa Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution III. Let's talk about some mistakes, and how to avoid them:

• Rushing the Build: The biggest mistake is rushing. Model building is a hobby that requires patience and attention to detail. Don't try to finish the kit in one sitting. Take your time, and enjoy the process. Rushing can lead to poor fit, messy paint, and incomplete details. You will make mistakes if you rush the build.
• Poor Preparation: This includes not cleaning up the parts properly or not dry-fitting parts before gluing. Clean up the parts before you begin assembly. Dry-fitting parts ensures a good fit. Check the alignment and ensure that the parts fit together properly before you apply glue.
• Incorrect Glue Application: Using too much glue can create a mess, while not using enough can cause parts to fall apart. Use the appropriate glue for plastic models. Apply glue sparingly to avoid excess glue oozing out. Avoid getting glue on areas that will be painted. If you use too much glue, it can melt the plastic, so be careful.
• Skipping Steps: The instructions are there for a reason, people! Follow them, and don't skip steps. This can lead to assembly issues and a finished model that doesn't look right. The order of assembly is critical for achieving a good fit and ensuring that all the parts are in the right place. Skipping steps can affect the overall look and accuracy of your model.
• Painting Errors: Runs, drips, and uneven coats can ruin your paint job. Apply multiple thin coats of paint instead of one thick coat to avoid runs and drips. This will help you achieve a smooth finish. Ensure the paint is cured correctly before moving on to the decals. Use proper masking techniques to avoid painting areas you don't want to be painted. If you make a mistake, don't panic. You can often fix it by sanding down the area and repainting it.
• Ignoring the Decals: Applying decals can be tricky, but it's essential for achieving a realistic look. Handle the decals carefully to prevent damage. Apply decal setting solutions to help the decals conform to the contours of the body. Don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques and tools. Practice makes perfect, and with each model you build, you'll improve your skills and avoid making the same mistakes again. There are many online resources and tutorials that can help you along the way.

Upgrades and Modifications for the Hasegawa Kit

So, you've built your Hasegawa Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution III model kit, but you're not entirely satisfied with it. You want to take it to the next level, right? Let's talk about upgrades and modifications. There is a whole world of aftermarket parts and techniques available to really enhance your model.

Aftermarket Parts: A great way to enhance your model is with aftermarket parts. These are parts not included in the original kit, but they are designed to add detail or improve the look of your model. You can get photo-etched metal parts for details like grilles and badges. There are also resin parts, which can provide more detail than plastic parts. Wheels and tires are a great way to customize the look. You can also get different engines or suspension components. Aftermarket parts are available for almost every aspect of the model, allowing you to create a truly unique and customized build.

Scratch-Building: Scratch-building is building parts from scratch using plastic, metal, or other materials. This allows you to add custom details that aren't available in the kit or aftermarket. If you want to create a specific racing version of the car, you can modify the car to match the real-life car. You can also create unique details, such as custom exhaust systems, roll cages, or other modifications. Scratch-building is a more advanced technique, but it can provide some of the most rewarding results.

Weathering: Weathering is the process of adding realistic wear and tear to your model. This can include adding dirt, dust, and rust to make it look like a real car that has been used and seen action. There are various techniques and products for weathering, such as washes, dry brushing, and pigment powders. Weathering can add a lot of realism to your model, but it's important not to overdo it.

Conclusion: Bringing the Evo III to Life

Alright, folks, we've covered a lot of ground today! From the history of the legendary Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution III to the ins and outs of building the Hasegawa Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution III model kit, we hope you've found this guide helpful and inspiring. Remember, the best part of this hobby is the journey. Don't be afraid to experiment, learn, and most importantly, have fun! Whether you're a seasoned modeler or just starting out, the Evo III kit offers a fantastic opportunity to hone your skills and create a beautiful replica of an iconic car. So grab your tools, get building, and enjoy the process. Happy modeling, and we'll see you on the track!