For automotive model enthusiasts, the Ferrari 250 GTO stands as an icon of design and performance. Building a replica of this legendary car is a dream for many, and Gary Arnette, a seasoned model builder, recently undertook this challenge using the Model Factory Hiro (MFH) Ferrari 250 GTO kit. His journey, initially envisioned as a simpler project compared to his ongoing Pocher Bugatti build, turned into an eighteen-month deep dive into detail and precision, ultimately yielding a stunning tribute to the Ferrari Gto.
Arnette, with prior experience in constructing several Pocher models, approached the MFH Ferrari GTO kit seeking a less demanding build. However, he soon discovered the intricate nature of this model. Despite the challenges, Arnette’s experience underscores the exceptional quality of the MFH kit. He enthusiastically praises its amazing engineering, noting the excellent parts fit that allows for construction largely straight out of the box. While not requiring extensive scratch building, the kit presents its own set of complexities.
One notable aspect of the MFH Ferrari 250 GTO kit is its wealth of white metal cast parts. These components demand meticulous preparation, including cleaning, removing mold lines, and polishing – especially if the builder aims for an unpainted, bare metal finish. Adding to the initial workload, the parts arrive in unmarked bags, necessitating a significant sorting effort. Arnette cleverly addressed this by categorizing parts by visual identification for each build step and organizing them into labeled bags. This pre-assembly phase, though time-consuming, proved invaluable as the construction process unfolded, highlighting the rewarding nature of a meticulously crafted model.
The true satisfaction of the MFH Ferrari 250 GTO kit, as Arnette describes, emerges during assembly. He highlights the unparalleled joy of constructing the engine, where turning the flywheel brings the pistons, timing gears, and rocker arms to life. This functional engine assembly, though destined to be hidden from view in the completed model, was a deeply rewarding experience for Arnette, justifying the hours of intricate work. This focus on internal detail extends throughout the kit, encompassing even the gas pedal linkage to the carburetors, demonstrating the comprehensive nature of the MFH Ferrari GTO model.
While acknowledging his continued appreciation for Pocher kits and his current work on a special Pocher Mercedes, Arnette concludes that his detour into the world of the Model Factory Hiro Ferrari 250 GTO was exceptionally worthwhile. The result is not just a model, but a testament to the builder’s skill and the kit’s quality, delivering a profoundly satisfying modeling experience and a stunning replica of the Ferrari GTO.
