Alpha Model AM02-0071 · Build by Break Wong

The most track-focused, driver-machine-integrated Civic Type R ever built — and now it arrives in 1/24 scale as a full-detail resin kit, wearing the legendary blue-and-yellow Spoon Sports livery.

The Real Car: Honda Civic Type R (FL5)

The sixth-generation Honda Civic Type R, chassis code FL5, was unveiled on 20 July 2022. Based on the eleventh-generation Civic hatchback, it was developed under the concept of being the "ultimate sports model" — a car that delivers absolute confidence and an intuitive feel on the road, on the track, and in every driving condition.

Unlike the previous generation, the FL5 uses a liftback (five-door hatchback) body shared with the standard Civic. What makes it unique is how Honda achieved its muscular stance: rather than bolting on plastic over-fenders, the engineers actually widened the rear doors themselves and the rear quarter panels. Every body panel forward of the A-pillars is also unique to the Type R — the wider front fenders, the vented aluminum hood, and the aggressive front bumper are all purpose-built, not add-on parts.

The FL5 is not a dressed-up Civic. The wide body is pressed into the steel itself — wider rear doors, wider rear quarters — which gives the car its cohesive, purposeful silhouette.

Power: The K20C1

Power comes from an evolution of the 2.0-liter K20C1 direct-injected turbocharged four-cylinder. For the FL5 it received a revised turbocharger, an upgraded exhaust system, and improved cooling, producing 330 PS (243 kW; 325 hp) — the most powerful Honda ever offered in many markets. Power goes to the front wheels through a precise six-speed manual transmission with a rev-matching function.

Under the skin you will find widened tracks front and rear, dual-axis front suspension to tame torque steer, adaptive dampers, massive Brembo brakes, and that signature triple-exit exhaust layout with the center outlet tuned for sound rather than flow.

The Eleventh-Generation Civic

The eleventh-generation Civic (sedan chassis FE, hatchback FL) went on sale in North America in June 2021 as a 2022 model. The hatchback variant — the body style the Type R is based on — was revealed on 23 June 2021. Notably, this is the first Civic since the second generation to be offered without a two-door coupe version, making the five-door liftback the sporty body style of choice. The "FL" hatchback is built in Japan (and elsewhere) and serves as the foundation for both the road-going Type R and its racing derivatives.

The Spoon Sports Connection

This kit does not replicate the stock road car. It recreates the Spoon Sports-tuned FL5 race car — wearing Spoon's iconic blue front / yellow rear competition livery with the number #95, the "SPOON SPORTS" side graphics, MOTUL and Rigid Collar sponsor decals, and a dry-carbon rear wing. Spoon Sports is one of the most famous Honda tuners in the world, and their Type R builds are a familiar sight at circuits and in time-attack events. The windscreen banner and rear window also carry the livery's supporting partners — ENEOS, HRC, Polyphony Digital, and the driver name list — making this a busy, authentic racing look that is a joy to reproduce in scale.

In this build series, Break Wong takes the Alpha Model AM02-0071 1/24 resin kit from unboxing to a fully finished display piece — covering body prep, panel-line scribing, the chrome-yellow paint job, decals and clear coat, the TAKATA-harness interior, photo-etched brakes and wipers, and the final assembly.

Next article: Unboxing & Preparation

Alpha Model AM02-0070 · Build by BreakWong

Introduction

The Honda Integra DC5 Type-R — a fourth-generation Japanese performance icon, known as the Acura RSX in North America.

The Honda Integra DC5 Type-R is a fourth-generation Japanese performance sports car produced from 2001 to 2006. It features a high-revving 2.0L K20A DOHC i-VTEC engine, a 6-speed manual transmission, and a focus on track performance and reliability. While praised for its driving dynamics, it featured MacPherson strut front suspension, which changed its character from the previous DC2 model, making it more track-oriented but potentially less suited for street enjoyment, according to some reports.

Technical Specifications

Unboxing & Parts Inspection

After unpacking the product, take out all the parts bags and the car body. Since there is a risk of damage during transportation by the logistics company, you must first check whether the parts are damaged. The A-pillars, brake calipers, rims and other small parts are more easily damaged. After confirming that the parts are not damaged, please check whether the photo-etched sheet has any bending or damage and whether the water-slide decals have stains. After confirming that all standard items are in good condition, you can start preparations for production.

Kit Quality

AlphaModel's products feature precise mold making, and their production technology is particularly sophisticated in vehicle shell production. The resulting shells are precisely contoured, with smooth surfaces free of burrs and shrinkage, deep engravings, and sharp edges. These features significantly reduce the difficulty of production, making them ideal for beginners.

Each vehicle has its own unique color scheme and design. Before production, refer to the actual vehicle photos. The product manual will indicate the color of each component for easy reference during painting.

Required Tools: Liner pen, sandpaper, sponge sandpaper, instant glue (CA glue), tweezers, scriber, pen knife, and photo-etched bending pliers. Having the right tools will enhance the crafting experience and make it easier to create high-quality static models.

Cleaning

Clean all parts thoroughly with dishwashing liquid or another degreasing agent suitable for resin materials. Because the surface of the workpiece is coated with a layer of grease and mold release agent, painting without cleaning it directly will result in fish-eyes, poor paint adhesion, and discoloration. After cleaning, simply allow to air dry.

AlphaModel includes a nameplate corresponding to the car model in the photo-etched sheet of each kit. Builders can paint the nameplate and place it in the display box together with the finished car — a very premium touch.

Next article: Vehicle body preparation

Alpha Model AM02-0065 · Build by joey_in_scale

Step 1: Preparation

I have to admit, as someone who's always had a soft spot for the legendary Honda Civic Mugen RR, opening this Alpha Model kit was like Christmas morning all over again. The sheer quality of what's packed into this box is mind-blowing — from the beautifully molded resin parts that capture every aggressive line of this iconic hot hatch, to the precision-cut PE sheets that will bring those fine details to life.

The transparent resin pieces for the optical elements are crystal clear, and I'm already envisioning how stunning those carbon fiber components will look along the spoiler and seats. This is exactly the kind of kit that reminds me why I fell in love with this hobby in the first place.

Lots of decal options to choose from, and I found myself just marvelling at the amazing detail throughout.

PRE BUILD CHECKLIST

✓ Check all parts are present and accounted for

✓ Look carefully at the detail and remove all the drool that follows

Adjustments

Alpha Model AM02-0045 · Build by Marcin Pyziak

Welcome to the Build

Welcome to the complete build guide for the Alpha Model AM02-0045 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX Wongen resin model kit. This guide documents every step of the build process — from initial part cleaning through final assembly — with tips, tricks, and lessons learned from an experienced modeler.

This is a high-end resin model kit designed for builders who want museum-quality results. The kit includes detailed resin body panels, interior components, wheels, and decals. Throughout this series, we will cover all the essential techniques needed to bring this iconic rally legend to life.

Official website: www.alphamodelkit.com

Tutorial: Cleaning Resin Parts with an Ultrasonic Cleaner

Before any painting or assembly begins, resin parts must be thoroughly cleaned. Resin kits come with release agents and residue from the molding process that will interfere with paint adhesion if not removed.

Preparation Tools

• Ultrasonic cleaner
• Resin-specific cleaning fluid (e.g. isopropyl alcohol)
• Clean water
• Tweezers
• Lint-free cloth
• Protective gloves (optional)

Operating Steps

1. Brush off loose debris: Use a soft brush to remove large impurities from the surface of the parts.
2. Fill the tank: Pour the cleaning fluid into the ultrasonic cleaner's tank until it can fully submerge the parts.
3. Place the parts: Gently place the resin parts into the tank, avoiding collision between parts.
4. Start the machine: Set to 300–500W power and run for 5–10 minutes.
5. Rinse: Take out the parts and rinse with clean water 2–3 times to remove all cleaning fluid residue.
6. Dry: Blot dry with a lint-free cloth or air-dry in a well-ventilated area.

Pro tip: Isopropyl alcohol is an excellent choice for resin cleaning — it effectively removes mold release agents without damaging the resin surface. Avoid using water alone, as it may not dissolve all contaminants.

Next: Polishing Resin Car Body

Alpha Model AM02-0034 · Build by breakwong

Car Information — The Third Generation FD3S

The Mazda RX-7 — a front/mid-engine, rear-wheel-drive rotary sports car manufactured from 1978 to 2002 across three generations, all powered by a compact, lightweight Wankel rotary engine.

The third generation of the RX-7 was known as the FD. Its engine, the 13B-REW, was the first-ever mass-produced sequential twin-turbocharger system to be exported from Japan. This groundbreaking powerplant delivered exceptional power density from a remarkably compact package, cementing the RX-7's status as a true driver's car.

Design Characteristics

FD3S adopts slender and smooth body lines, with a low prone posture, outstanding aerodynamic design, and significantly optimized widebody ratio with low drag coefficient. Front and rear wheel arches expand outward with large-size wheels to create a visual impact of a wide stance and a thin waist, enhancing the sense of movement.

Signature Design Elements:

• Fish-gill hood vents: Fish-gill openings on both sides of the front fender serve both heat dissipation and air diversion functions — the classic feature of FD3S.
• Aerodynamic exterior mirrors: Optimized to reduce wind resistance and improve high-speed stability.
• Duck-tailed tail: Some modified versions adopt a duck-tailed design to enhance the aesthetic feeling of sideways lines, while optimizing the color and details under the tail.
• Original factory colors: Common classic colors include white, red, and Lexus titanium alloy gray (a popular choice after modification).
• Type-R exclusive logo: High-performance versions (such as Type-R/RS) are equipped with 17-inch wheels.

Unboxing & Preparation

Opening the Alpha Model kit, inspecting all components, and preparing the essential tools before assembly begins.

Step 1 — Inspect for Shipping Damage

After opening the product packaging, remove all parts bags and the car body. Due to the risk of damage during shipping with logistics companies, first check whether any parts are missing or damaged. Components that are more prone to damage include the A-pillar of the body, brake calipers, rims, and other small parts. After confirming that the parts are intact, inspect the photo-etched parts for any bending or damage and check the water decals for stains. Once all standard items are verified to be in good condition, you may proceed with the preparation for assembly.

Step 2 — Etched Nameplate

Alpha Model includes a dedicated nameplate corresponding to the car model in the photo-etched sheet of each product set. Modelers can paint the nameplate and display it together with the completed car model in a showcase box, which adds a touch of sophistication and premium feel to the presentation.

Step 3 — Mold Precision Assessment

Alpha Model's product molds are highly precise, particularly excelling in car body production technology. The body shell features accurate shaping, a smooth surface free of burrs and shrinkage, deep panel lines, and sharp edges. These characteristics significantly reduce the assembly difficulty, making it highly suitable for beginners.

Each car model comes with its unique color scheme and decals. Before starting, you may refer to real car photos for reference and mark the color for each part on the instruction manual to facilitate painting later.

Step 4 — Tool Preparation

During the assembly process of this product, it is necessary to prepare some essential tools in advance, such as a panel lining pen, sandpaper, foam sanding pad, instant adhesive, tweezers, panel line scriber, hobby knife, and photo-etch bending pliers. Having the right tools at hand not only improves the building experience but also makes it easier for modelers to create high-quality static models.

Step 5 — Cleaning & Degreasing

Wash all parts with dish soap or other degreasers suitable for resin materials. Since the parts' surfaces are coated with a release agent, painting without cleaning may lead to issues like fish eyes, poor paint adhesion, or peeling. Once thoroughly cleaned, allow the parts to air dry completely.

Alpha Model AM02-0024 · Build by Arsen Rostomyan (aRRo)

The Honda Civic Type R — a high-performance icon born from a compact car platform, with a lineage that stretches back to 1997.

The Type R Legacy

The Honda Civic Type R is a high-performance variant of the popular Honda Civic compact car. Known for its aggressive styling, exceptional performance, and track-focused capabilities, the Civic Type R has garnered a dedicated following among driving enthusiasts worldwide.

The Type R lineage began in 1997 when Honda introduced the first-generation Civic Type R, based on the sixth-generation Civic. It was initially released exclusively in the Japanese market but gained significant attention due to its sporty nature and impressive performance for a compact car.

The FK8 Generation

Over the years, subsequent generations of the Civic Type R were developed, each pushing the boundaries of performance and technology. In 2015, Honda unveiled the tenth-generation Honda Civic, which laid the foundation for the most recent iteration of the Civic Type R.

The current model, often referred to as the FK8 Type R, made its debut in 2017 and immediately captured the automotive world's attention.

Unboxing

A Honda Fit Spoon Build — Chapter 1: Background

This opening chapter introduces the Honda Fit Spoon (AM02-0075) — its heritage, design philosophy, and what makes this model kit special.

1/24 scale · AM02-0075 · Pages Page 1-2 · By Break Wong

What We'll Cover in This Chapter:

Topic 1. Third-generation Honda Fit design philosophy

Topic 2. Magic Seat interior concept

Topic 3. Honda Global Small Car Platform (780 MPa steel, 27% of body)

Topic 4. Hybrid monocoque + spaceframe body

Topic 5. Spoon Inc. / Spoon Sports heritage

Topic 6. Spoon's motorsport history: Tsukuba 9 Hours, Super Taikyu, Nürburgring 24 Hours

Topic 7. Spoon tuning philosophy: naturally aspirated, valvetrain upgrades, aero parts

Image References:

⚠️ Important Notes & Warnings

⚠️ 1/24 树脂模型开模精度虽高，但仍是 resin 材料，新手第一次装配建议先做小试。

⚠️ 论坛搜索框型号时，使用完整 AM02-XXXX 编号，避免搜到无关结果。

💡 Builder's Tip

Alpha Model 的车身开模精度极高（AlphaModel 提供极高精度的车壳），适合新手第一次尝试 1/24 树脂模型。

Chapter Summary

This opening chapter introduces the Honda Fit Spoon (AM02-0075) — its heritage, design philosophy, and what makes this model kit special.

Related Build Guides in the Series

📚 Build Guide — AM02-0021 Lamborghini Urus (By Matej Grofelnik)

📚 Build Guide — AM02-0048 Ferrari Monza SP2 (By Break Wong)

Thanks,
Break Wong

A Toyota GR Corolla  Build — Chapter 1: Background

Before we touch a single resin part, let's meet the car that inspired this build — a 1/24 scale full detail kit of the Toyota GR Corolla, reference AM02-0050, produced by Alpha Model.

The Real Car Behind the Kit

The Toyota GR Corolla is a high-performance hot hatchback produced by Japanese automaker Toyota, unveiled in 2022 as part of the GAZOO Racing (GR) performance lineup. Built on the same platform as the standard Corolla hatchback, the GR Corolla is a thoroughly re-engineered machine — designed for rally-inspired performance and sold globally as a homologation special for Toyota's return to top-level rally racing.

Under the hood sits one of the most unique engines in the modern hot hatch world: the G16E-GTS, a 1.6-liter three-cylinder turbocharged powerhouse — yes, three cylinders — that produces up to 304 hp (224 kW; 304 PS) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque in its global spec, channeled through a GR-Four all-wheel-drive system with adjustable torque split.

Development was led by Toyota GAZOO Racing with direct input from rally driver Akio Toyoda (now Toyota's Chairman, known by his racing alias "Morizo"). The car shares the same G16E engine family with the GR Yaris, but features a longer wheelbase, wider track, and sedan-derived body shell for added practicality.

The GR Corolla is built at Toyota's Motomachi plant — the same factory that produces the Lexus LFA and the GR Supra — and is exported from Japan to markets including the US, Europe, Japan, and Australia.

Technical Specs

A three-cylinder, three-exit, all-wheel-drive monster built by the same team that races in the WRC. Now let's see what Alpha Model has prepared for us. Up next: Chapter 2: Unboxing & Kit Overview!

— Build by Break Wong