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TTS K039 - March 782 Formula 2 - 1:24 scale white kit.

Various rumours have been circulating from the BRM / TTS / Revoslot universe, but this 1:24 scale single-seater came as a bit of a surprise. Expected "very soon" the first release is a white kit of the legendary March 782. These BMW-powered cars dominated the 1978 2-litre European F2 season and are a common sight in historic F2 and single-seater racing today. The Robin Herd-designed 782 debuted in 1978, with driver and engineer Bruno Giacomelli helping develop the car into a championship-winner.

       

The 782 was on pole at 11 of the 12 races in 1978 (Giacomelli 8, Brian Henton 2 and Marc Surer 1) and at least one March driver was on the podium at every race. It was Giacomelli who bagged the championship - his eight poles accompanied by eight wins, six fastest laps and ten podiums. The Italian finished 30 points ahead of team mate Surer. Only the Chevron-Harts of Derek Daly and Keke Rosberg prevented a clean-sweep of victories.



This is what that 2-litre BMW sounds like in a March 782 today...



Twenty-nine chassis were built and the 782 appeared in dozens of liveries, a rich seam that TTS can mine for future releases. As well as the classic BMW Junior Team works colours, Toleman ran a BMW-powered March in '78, before taking over the Ralt team in 1979...

       

Derek Warwick raced this red March 782 in the 1978 Japanese F2 series and Jo Gartner ran an updated 782 with skirts in the 1980 European F2 Championship...

       

Another memorable livery is the red 'Jesus Saves' car that Brazilian Alex Ribeiro drove to victory at the 1978 Nürburgring race. But there are plenty more for TTS to choose from - or for enthusiasts to create with the white kit. That's what RC racers did with the 1:10 scale Tamiya March 782 model back in the 80s, when it was a staple of RC circuit racing.

Underneath the body is customary TTS metal chassis and BRM components. There's steering and suspension on the front wheels, plus a new 20k rpm TTS long-can motor. Sponge rear tyres will be offered as a spare part...

   

This is definitely a treat for 1:24 scale fans - although the F2 car won't have the same options of running on 1:32 track as the Group 2 saloons. Crunching the numbers from the 1978 car, these are some expected 1:24 scale measurements...

• Wheelbase: 104mm
  
• Rear track: 80mm
  

That's pretty much on the money of the BRM Porsche sports prototypes.

I reckon the TTS March 782 is certainly going to give some slot car clubs and racing groups a new option to ponder. And will it transfer one day to Revoslot's 1:32 scale roster?