Nacho Z

Next up on my hobby bench is Fujimi's Ferrari F355 Berlinetta. I picked this kit up at a model contest a year or so ago. The kit does not get rave reviews. I am no expert on these cars but from what I have read Fujimi used many parts from their prior kit, the Ferrari 348. Indeed, several of the sprues are labeled "Ferrari 348"...lol. As I understand it the interior in this F355 kit is really the 348's interior. The chassis may be shared as well. Don't put any of this in stone but I believe I am pretty close with my statements. All of this is quite OK with me as I am really just wanting a nice shelf model. Let's start with some of the basic information regarding the build. I wanted this F355 to be done in a dark blue and I wanted to paint it with some fingernail polish that I had on hand, (no pun intended). I was going to build it box stock but when I looked over the kit I found that the decals were shot. Also, you cannot beat PE scripts and badges for realism. I had a buddy who was willing to part with an Acu-Stion PE set and some rare T2M badges. The only problem is that both sets are designed for the Challenge car so some of the items will not work on the Berlinetta. Let's look at what I have to work with. This is the color that I aim shooting for. I know that I can probably buy an exact match but I really wanted to paint it with the OPI fingernail polish that I have. I started with the body work. I highlight seam lines with a Sharpie. I also rescribed all panel lines. The side scoops are separate pieces and a real PITA to install and make look good. Honestly, I got them to about 90-95% and finally gave up. Big seams in a tiny space. Filling and sanding were a nightmare. I seriously doubt that anyone will even notice the less than 100% perfect finish on them. Along with the side scoops, the rear spoiler piece did not fit even remotely properly. More big gaps. I really questioned whether or not I wanted to build this thing. Next update will be covering the thinning and shooting the beautiful OPI fingernail polish.

That is just flat out beautiful, Hanjo!

You consistently knock out these fantastic models! I love this one, have it in the stash. Thanks for sharing yours.

That is a gorgeous Dino, Justin! You did a fantastic job with it.

Wow! Great looking model! You must have a large space to display all of your 1:8 scale models. I love these kits but I just don’t have the room for them. I will have to live vicariously through you! Thanks for sharing.

That is a great looking old Chevy pick-em-up! I built one of these a long time ago for a friend. I have the new Coca-Cola repop. Like you said, it displays nicely.

I've used the black BMF before on a Corvette windshield frame. It has been a long time ago but if memory serves me, I didn't like it. It was a little thicker and didn't adhere very well. I think the black may have even worn off a little when I burnished it. I would hate to give you bad information but that is how I remember it. I will tell you that I have never used it again. As someone else pointed out, it has the wrong sheen to it for window trim or any rubber trim.

Great looking warbird!

Very nice, Craig!

What a nicely built Mustang! Great job!

You did a great job on this one, Ben! She is a good looking model for sure.

That is a very, very, very sketchy obituary. Just read it for goodness sakes. I hope that whoever did this gets what is so deservedly coming to them.

This is amazingly eye catching! I would have never thought of this but it works! You really did a nice job on all of the conversion and scratch built items. Bravo!

Fantastic! What a great color combo!

Now that is pretty darn cool!

Great looking Road Runner! I would hope your friend still has it.

Very nice, Rich! I’m not sure that I have ever seen this model before. Interesting subject and you’ve modeled it well.

She is coming along nicely. That engine is sweet!

You are doing some very nice work here. I admire you guys who do this much modification and kit bashing. Bonus points for doing it well!!

She’s a beauty, Tom!

Fantastic! Such a clean build!

Very nice, Andrew!

I've seen the most innocent of questions start the proverbial firestorm. There is no rhyme or reason to it. ?. I think you asked a legitimate question and are getting some good responses. As far as the Matra, yes, she'll be finished. There are several reasons it was put on hold, burnout on the project itself being the biggest issue. I have built several kits in the meantime and have enjoyed doing so.

It is funny, to me, that is topic came up. Again, as the guy who can't stand not finishing something, I have a build thread for a Matra MS11 Formula 1 model that is over a year old now. I put the model to the side and haven't touched it in almost 6 months....and it bothers me ?. Interesting topic, I'm glad you brought it up!

I’m that “checklist” guy. At work and at home I will make a list of things that I need to get done or want to accomplish and I will just about kill myself to get that list completed. When I was a kid my father called me, (among other things), One Track as once I got something in my head I wouldn’t stop thinking about it, asking for it, etc. Honestly, I’m still that way today. So when I start a model I almost always finish it. There have been a few exceptions but not many. If I run into major issues with a model I will admit that I lost the battle but not the war and keep moving forward. I have a few models that I have not shared on the internet nor put out for display but I finished them. I know from my years of doing this that not every one of my models is going to be contest quality, either due to my abilities or the kits shortcomings. I try to remember that it is just a hobby. No one’s lives depend on me building a contest killer or even finishing a model.