WIP - Fujimi GT40 MKII - Ken Miles

[IbuildScaleModels]

So after many years of not building a scale car, and having this kit in storage since 2010, I decided to take a break from building Gundam robots (as I normally do) and build up this GT40. This is also because of the COVID-19 quarantine that I have a lot of time to work on this.

I decided to super detail this build, working doors, bonnet, trunk, working on scratch-building an engine..., rebuilding the front and rear suspension, putting in a working trunk hinge with cables, bonnet hinge, tire compartment, etc., etc..

I know some of these details can be done with the KA-parts super detail kit, or by using the IMC/Union kit as a base... but I had this in storage and lack of money pushes me to further my skills. Just wanted to share.

Huge thanks to all of you guys out there who are helping me build this era correct! Hopefully you all know who you are!

 

Edited April 5, 2020 by IbuildScaleModels

[vamach1]

Looks fantastic.  I hope you finish before life gets back to normal.  I have too many projects I started and the more I went beyond the standard build it tooks years of off an on again working on them to complete.  Stick with it and you will be frustrated at times but the end result will be impressive.  So, Carrol's hat if off to you and Miles approves.  I still need to paint the driving suit and seat belts - the other figures as you may know were prepainted and came in the special 427 Cobra kit.

[IbuildScaleModels]

No I didn't know about those figures... I was maybe thinking of using a tamiya 1/24 driver and sculpting the head to be like Ken Miles.

[vamach1]

3 minutes ago, IbuildScaleModels said:

No I didn't know about those figures... I was maybe thinking of using a tamiya 1/24 driver and sculpting the head to be like Ken Miles.

You can ask Classic Racing Resins if he sells the figure separate.  I have not "test fit" it yet in a Fujumi kit but it looks small enough and should work if you put him in the drivers seat before installing the dashboard.

[djflyer]

Will look forward to seeing this build - love a good GT40!  If I was going to spend money on one aftermarket item then Mad Mike's GT40 Mk2 engine set would be it.

 

[IbuildScaleModels]

41 minutes ago, djflyer said:

Will look forward to seeing this build - love a good GT40!  If I was going to spend money on one aftermarket item then Mad Mike's GT40 Mk2 engine set would be it.

 

I agree totally. Unfortunately I don't have the money to drop on an engine set that costs as much as a kit. Not hating on mad mike, just going to make use of my skills and scratch build.

[cobraman]

You have my attention !

[Gramps46]

Looking good.  Please keep us posted on your progress.

[Len Woodruff]

Love those GT40 427's.

[IbuildScaleModels]

Wow guys! Thank you so much for your encouragement! Seeing you all respond on this pushes me to build further!

[Phildaupho]

Fantastic project. Keep up the great work

[IbuildScaleModels]

1 hour ago, Phildaupho said:

Fantastic project. Keep up the great work

Thanks Phil!

 

Decided to work on the engine cover today. Had to clip off the vent ports that were in the wrong position and fill them up. Also cut out the fake carburetor molded in the engine cover under the rear bonnet. Doesn't look like much, but i had to split the middle section first to get a better angle to cut through the carb, remove the carb, glue the middle piece back in place, use some putty to fill the gaps from sawing, sand, cut little 2mm triangle pieces to fill the vent ports. Tested in place and it actually looks good and fits great!

 

I am now in the process of removing the dual 4 port exhaust from the rear suspension piece.  

 

[IbuildScaleModels]

Ok... So I detached the trans box from the rear strut... Drilled the rear coil over connections into the strut... Detached the coil overs. Need to put the rear strut back together... Scratch build the coil overs... Make engine... 

Edited April 7, 2020 by IbuildScaleModels

[IbuildScaleModels]

23 hours ago, Phildaupho said:

Fantastic project. Keep up the great work

Let me know if the images help! 

[Phildaupho]

6 minutes ago, IbuildScaleModels said:

Let me know if the images help! 

The images are very effective. I have a GT40 on the to do list. I have everything I need to build a version of one of the Canadian Comstock Team cars. Have not decided to do it as a Sebring 66 version or as I saw it race a number of times driven by Eppie Weitz. I bought the Thunder Valley kit over 20 years ago with the intension of building a GT40 MK-I but have yet to do so. 

[IbuildScaleModels]

45 minutes ago, Phildaupho said:

The images are very effective. I have a GT40 on the to do list. I have everything I need to build a version of one of the Canadian Comstock Team cars. Have not decided to do it as a Sebring 66 version or as I saw it race a number of times driven by Eppie Weitz. I bought the Thunder Valley kit over 20 years ago with the intension of building a GT40 MK-I but have yet to do so. 

Oh man. Can't wait to see it! Now is the perfect time to build. You know... Home confinement and everything... Haha

[vamach1]

6 hours ago, Phildaupho said:

The images are very effective. I have a GT40 on the to do list. I have everything I need to build a version of one of the Canadian Comstock Team cars. Have not decided to do it as a Sebring 66 version or as I saw it race a number of times driven by Eppie Weitz. I bought the Thunder Valley kit over 20 years ago with the intension of building a GT40 MK-I but have yet to do so. 

I like the TV trans kit but I had to add some extra parts from the Fujumi MKI and HRM engine kit.  I need to add some lines to the fluid coolers.

[IbuildScaleModels]

13 hours ago, vamach1 said:

I like the TV trans kit but I had to add some extra parts from the Fujumi MKI and HRM engine kit.  I need to add some lines to the fluid coolers.

That engine detail is so nice! Love it.

[IbuildScaleModels]

Here I am cutting off the exhaust. Recording this was easier said than done. Because I don't have a stand/tri-pod to record I had to fashion a camera stand out of a coat hanger. I was actually surprised to see how well it worked.

[IbuildScaleModels]

On 4/7/2020 at 8:27 PM, vamach1 said:

I like the TV trans kit but I had to add some extra parts from the Fujumi MKI and HRM engine kit.  I need to add some lines to the fluid coolers.

 

Rex, Gary, you guys keep talking about "trans kits" (transplantation kits). In the Gundam robot scale model world we would call these "mod" or "upgrade" kits. I understand why you call them transplant kits, because that part is obvious. To me the not so obvious part is things like reconnecting the parts as these trans kits are typically resin. So does the engine just float in the back of that? or is it held in place by a support/screws/glue? The issue to me is not seeing the parts that are hidden.

Justin

[vamach1]

4 hours ago, IbuildScaleModels said:

Rex, Gary, you guys keep talking about "trans kits" (transplantation kits). In the Gundam robot scale model world we would call these "mod" or "upgrade" kits. I understand why you call them transplant kits, because that part is obvious. To me the not so obvious part is things like reconnecting the parts as these trans kits are typically resin. So does the engine just float in the back of that? or is it held in place by a support/screws/glue? The issue to me is not seeing the parts that are hidden.

Justin

I guess the correct term should be conversion kit as you are "converting" part of one model into another.  Sometimes I start with a "complete" resin kit and add other resin or plastic parts.  I'm not sure who started the "trans" kit trend but CMA and many others use that term.  Anyway,  keep us updated on your enhanced, semi scratch built and modified MK II.  As for what holds the engine in, a lot of expoxy and super glue using the Fujumi or HRM part that the gearbox goes through.  Adding the engine adds a lot of weight so it was hard to get it to stay in one place.  Remember - the CMA transkits do not come with any engine - just a simplified gearbox using the Fujumi kit parts.  No doubt I will encounter the same problem you are anticipating with my modified MK II I started on long ago that is similar to what you are doing now.  I will be watching to see how you make hinges for the doors and rear deck.  I added some photos on the yet to be determined MKII build and a diecast to give an idea of what I would like the engine compartment to resemble.

Edited April 11, 2020 by vamach1
Pictures

[IbuildScaleModels]

HAHAHA. Yah, I guess in reality it doesn't matter about the term used. The result is the goal. And I will. I am waiting on some Albion Alloy tubes to come in the mail. The 4 week possible lead time is killing me! I am planning out what I will be working on next!

[bytownshaker]

Justin love your progress on the GT40.

Edgar

[IbuildScaleModels]

 

15 minutes ago, bytownshaker said:

Justin love your progress on the GT40.

Edgar

Thanks Edgar! I think later today I will start making the prototypes for the hinges in plastic to be later transferred to brass.

[Gramps46]

3 hours ago, IbuildScaleModels said:

Rex, Gary, you guys keep talking about "trans kits" (transplantation kits). In the Gundam robot scale model world we would call these "mod" or "upgrade" kits. I understand why you call them transplant kits, because that part is obvious. To me the not so obvious part is things like reconnecting the parts as these trans kits are typically resin. So does the engine just float in the back of that? or is it held in place by a support/screws/glue? The issue to me is not seeing the parts that are hidden.

Justin

I had always assumed "trans" referred to transformation.  You are transforming one body style into another using parts, usually chassis and interior from the original kit, into a different body version.

Stay safe ya'll.