1:20 Honda Life Step Van (1974) with tuning parts

Dizzyfugu · November 17, 2020, 01:12:32 AM

Well, a semi-whiffy model, and actually new pics from a fairly old model... Being a huge fan of Japanese kei cars (even driving one), I did some models of them. through the years. This Aoshima 1:20 Honda Life was a lucky find at a local model kit shop - and looking back I think it was an unusual boxing. The Aoshima kit not only offered the basic micro van, but also tuning parts like Austin Mini rims, fender extensions, a front lip, the bull's eye rear window covers and the roof rack. There is a standard kit that comes with these and, in an new boxing, with even more parts (including a surf board, a mini bike and aven roller skates), but the rear window covers are AFAIK unique.

The model was built more or less out of the box with these extra parts, but I added some personal touch. The luggage racks on the rooof called for a surf board, so I made one from laminated balsa wood. Inside, I added details like a map on the dashboard, the dangling dice at the rear view mirror and some stereo speaker boxes in the back. The back windows were tited with acryllic window colors in a deep purple, which was also used on the tail lights.

1:20 Aoshima "Honda Life Step van '74" with individual tuning parts (and with an 1:20 Brick Works figure for real life size reference ^^) by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:20 Aoshima "Honda Life Step van '74" with individual tuning parts by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

1:20 Aoshima "Honda Life Step van '74" with individual tuning parts by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

These days the model has collected some dust (which is visible in some pictures), but I really like the vehicle. The world needs more of its kind, not 2.5 ton SUVs!

zenrat · November 17, 2020, 01:52:58 AM

Groovy.

You've done a good job. We need more car whiffs here.

Dizzyfugu · November 17, 2020, 01:53:48 AM

Thank you!

Rheged · November 17, 2020, 03:18:47 AM

I have always been impressed by the settings in which you photograph your finished models. The van itself is excellent, but the setting makes it look even better.

Added later: Looking at these pictures again, some of them look more like Honda publicity brochure photos than pix of a 1/20th model....Madame R and I are even more impressed on second viewing.

PR19_Kit · November 17, 2020, 04:09:36 AM

That looks a total HOOT!

I have to remind myself that it's actually the size of a shoe box, and not the size of a Transit.

Go on then Thomas, post us a pic of your RW car, pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease!

Dizzyfugu · November 17, 2020, 04:23:08 AM

I already did so, IIRC. But here it is, a 2004 Daihatsu Copen (one of the first cars from the initail export production, RH, and with the original 660 ccm turbocharged engine) which I feverishly keep on the road:

1:1 Daihatsu Copen ^^ by dizzyfugu, on Flickr

I even have an 1:24 kit of it in the Stash™, but could not move myself to build it yet.

PR19_Kit · November 17, 2020, 04:30:08 AM

Oh yes, I remember now, sorry.

That's a very neat looking car, and I love the idea of a turbo 660 cc engine too. Is it a three or a four cylinder engine?

And I note it's right hand drive as well, that must be odd for you, isn't it?

Dizzyfugu · November 17, 2020, 04:50:15 AM

James May called it at Top Gear "A glorious car", and it really is. It's small, but light and nimble. It has a four cylinder engine, with a turbocharger and even an intercooler. The export version has 68 hp (instead of the Japanese 64) and is "allowed" to run free instead of being limited to ~80mph in Japan. When I ordered it in 2003 only RHD was available, and these first cars were only minimally adapted to local standards (lights and winker instrumentation in the cockpit). Later they replaced everything with a LH version that had a nominally more powerful 1.3l 87hp 16V engine from a Daihatsu YRV, externally recognizable through an ugly rear spoiler (added after initial Copens ended inded in the ditch because of a light tail, much like the early Audi TTs). However, I was able to drive one of those later Copens, and you do not feel that much power - it's a classic 16V engine that needs RPM to shine, while the "Turbo Copen" has a classic turbo lag and good punch after that.

Driving RH was only an initial problem - the car is so small and narrow that the difference is not much, even though the field of sight (e. g. when turning left or you try to overtake somebody) is a bit hampered. You get quickly used to it. My biggest concerns was to shift with my left hand, but this works well, too. Switching between LH and RH drive is easy, at least for me, even though it happened that I hit the drivers' door with my left hand when I changed for a LH car after a long while...

I really love it, it's a thing from another universe and a bold car concept that is more up-to-date than ever.

PR19_Kit · November 17, 2020, 05:16:05 AM

Quote from: Dizzyfugu on November 17, 2020, 04:50:15 AM

Switching between LH and RH drive is easy, at least for me, even though it happened that I hit the drivers' door with my left hand when I changed for a LH car after a long while...

Hehehe, I do exactly the same when I'm driving in the USA, going for a swift downshift and WHACK! My hand hits the door card a mighty blow!

One reason why I preferred to take my own car with me when travelling to Europe, at least everything was where I expected it to be.

NARSES2 · November 17, 2020, 06:28:01 AM

That's a really neat build Thomas

Dizzyfugu · November 17, 2020, 06:54:31 AM

Thank you. Turned out better than hoped for - I have never been an avid car builder. But it still looks nice.

su27rules · November 18, 2020, 09:13:05 AM