Triumph TR3A made by Kyosho

The model being featured this month is the TR3A manufactured by Kyosho and is a marvelous model that does credit to their reputation. The TR3A is a classic old-style down & dirty roadster, and this model does a great job of capturing that.

The model is very well manufactured and a check of the principal dimensions would show that the scale at 1:18 is fairly accurate. The white paint is generally smooth and shiny, with some minor imperfections, and chrome accent tape fitting nicely along the contours. The boot, doors, and bonnet all open. Opening the bonnet reveals an engine compartment featuring plenty of realistic detail including wiring, water bottle, regulator, twin carbs and slave cylinders, to mention but a few. They have even provided a stay to hold up the bonnet. The bonnet stay is a mixed blessing, sometimes the model needs to be turned upside down to close the bonnet, this is to prevent the bonnet stay flopping out of place. The model also has several additional nice accents such as the petrol cap, door and boot handles. Opening the boot, on the other hand, looks nice inside, but has no mat and lacks detail.



The door hinges are the die cast dogleg style, but are hidden under the dash. The interior features lots of detail including chrome grab rail on the passenger side dash and chrome trim rings around the gauges. The dash looks great - dials and buttons are realistic, as are the door interiors. The interior is fitted in red. The red interior isn't as traditional for British sports cars as BRG; however, it does display better. Interior cockpit is carpeted, with the seats and the convertible top cover manufactured of a soft vinyl, making them look very realistic. Unlike the full scale TR3A, there is a large open cavity behind the seats of this model. I suspect that the dimensions of the soft top were not calculated correctly.

The model is fitted with very detailed wire wheels that look great and add a bit of character. The model features a working steering attached to a three spoke steering wheel with a realistic flicker switch mounted on the inner hub of the steering wheel. The front and rear lights are manufactured of plastic, as is the chromed grill, these items just add to the models perfect looks.

The bottom of the model also features various realistic looking items such as diff, rear springs, exhaust and detailed chassis. Overall a great model of a great car.

The model featured is available in various other colours, including yellow, red, black and BRG.



A little history behind the TR3

The TR3
The only visible way to tell early TR3's from TR2's was the grille. The engine used was virtually the same 1991cc unit. Internally larger SU carbs bumped horsepower to 95bhp and a sturdier rear axle rectified that nasty habit of leaking grease onto the brake drums. (Yeah, but they didn't rust !!). By offering the hardtop and a rear seat (shelf... it's a shelf...) the TR2 GT allowed it to compete in the GT class. Throughout the life of the TR3, promotion of the roadster and GT were done separately.
The TR3 had the same heater but sliding plastic windows were added. The seats had better padding and a cowl air intake to increase ventilation. At some point during the TR3's life the speedometer was moved from the left to the right and the rev counter from the right to the left.

The TR3A
The 1958 TR3 (the TR3A), had a new front panel and a new grille. The headlights were moved back and the bumpers became sturdier and more stylish. The rear license plate light was changed from a plastic to a chrome housing. The TR3A had exterior lockable door and boot handles. The T key was still used for the spare tyre and to attach the side curtains to the new elbow protecting brackets. No bolts were equipped for the racing screen. No changes were made through 1961 except in 1959 with the addition of an ashtray.
In 1961 the TR3's styling was beginning to look dated. The rumour of the TR4 was verified with the announcement, in autumn of 1961, of the TR4 beginning production in 1962.

The TR3B
In 1962 the TR3B was also produced. It was brought out for those who thought the TR4 -- was too modern looking. It was essentially a TR3A with the 2138cc engine of the TR4.


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