89AKurt

Major work today, backdated the body to 1960. So glad superglue exists, using model glue would have been a PITA. Seems like I did a bunch of work that made little difference, but the rivet counter in me is happy. First step was grinding the openings to a very rough shape, leaving 1-2 MM to remove later. Then I used the new sanding stick to get the new plastic flush. Thought I better put masking tape below so I wouldn't make more work for myself. I also saw something needed revision. First stage is done. Nice thing about flat glass designs, easy to create the molding. I made thick paper patterns first, then cut out the .02" plastic a bit bigger all around, then did a lot of trial fitting and sanding to get as perfect a fit a possible. I got each panel to friction fit, then dabbed superglue on the inside, starting at the corners, then gooping it all along the seam, then I dumped on baking soda, very lightly spreading with my finger. Paper patterns will be used for the new "glass". Used the Dremel to cut into the center, then went around within 1 MM of the finish profile. If I have any good advice, that spiral bit is the most useful one you can use on plastic, the more common ones melt the plastic and gum up. Then I used the sanding stick if it fit, and files, and little sandpaper. The '60 vent window divider is different than the '66 too, so that was carefully cut around. You can see the first plunge into the windshield. Mostly done sanding, then I washed the body so any baking soda that is exposed, dissolves. Added putty to finish up. Final touches, and I thought this was all I needed to do when I started this project. It also tested my dexterity with holding onto tiny round parts, and when I dropped them to find them. The taillights only needed to be profile sanded to remove the lens/housing line, and the face of the lens to remove screw and divider line. Made the turn signals from the clear sprue (why didn't Tamiya make them also clear?), they are smaller than the '66. I polished the lens surfaces by burnishing on a paper towel.

There was an aftermarket gasoline fired heater that could be retrofitted.

into dead ends

I'm confident that car was brand new. They seemed to have had the first one several years, but not many pictures of this one. My mom hit black ice and rolled it. About 30 years ago, I went with someone to going skiing at Snow Bowl in Flagstaff. He had a VW Squareback. All I can remember was freezing the whole time, especially on the return home, I sat crunched up in the back, he was flipping the lever to get mouse's breath front or back, couldn't do both.

rocket launch control

Couldn't go to bed until I knew the ski idea works! Had to keep the wood clamped for about half the day. Looks like a toboggan. LOL Divided into quarters, made several passes with the knife. Sanded to shape with nail sanding sticks. Taped together to double check the profiles. Think this is close, but am going to make them narrower now that I see how it looks.

and Elmers glue

made with Saran

A little voice is saying, "finish me!" I made important progress last time, and if I do anything, might go for the most start/stops of this special group build. I'm obsessed with the '60 Bug at the moment, and still have the Porsche 959 Paris-Dakar to finish, but here goes.... GITTER DONE! 1948 Canopy Express (not 1950 as I started with before).

Started on the accessory parts. I love to use Corian (kitchen countertop). Cut to size with the table saw and cross cut saw, and got to basic shape with the bench disk sander. I used this wine bottle foil because it's like lead foil, to make the edges. I still have the Samsonite suitcase my parents had, used for reference. I wanted to use real wood for the skis, think this is Cherry from my stash which has no obvious grain. Again, Corian is used for the form. Usually wood is steamed, I boiled it. Then clamped. At this time, I'm not thrilled with the result, so who knows. Pet peeve of mine, the giant lip on the back of the wheels, *had to* grind/file/sand off to a realistic width. I do this on every Tamiya, Fujimi, Hasegawa, and Aoshima model. These are resin from Best Model Car Parts, think they are copies of the Hasegawa '57 kit. Have begun the ruin-a-pefectly-good-model stage, by backdating the windows as discussed prior. I use super glue because the edges are so thin, didn't want model glue to melt the plastic, and shrink over time. I also use baking soda to quicken curing, and basically do for filler, but I know the risk is when the body is washed, little chunks of baking soda dissolve and leave tiny voids, just need to really look and putty before painting. My plan is to file/sand to contour of the body, then make the opening size, then add moulding strips by making a solid blank and glue in, then cut the opening. I think.....

Thanks for that advice. Since I never tried Future, don't care to learn the hard way. I haven't sprayed Tamiya except one time to try the 'smoke' which was a joke, but will consider this. Thank you! Got the Hasegawa 250TR kit last year, just because. Thank you too! You were lucky nobody rear-ended it.

named Snownado. Instead

A tufo enema is ready [maintaining 3 word average]

, but throwing up

that has fermented

Taking baby steps so far. Still amazed at how well it's engineered, fit is perfect. My very first use of Splash paint! I sprayed Testors primer first. Going to need advice on gloss coat, *might* try Future. Last of the engine parts painted. I started with semi-gloss black, then mixed in flat white to get the dark & light grey. Can you tell I hate brush painting? Long block engine installed. Figuring out the exhaust was tricky, the drawing was misleading. First detail part added, so now it's not Box Stock. LOL First part to be modified, to backdate to 1960, the steering wheel was not "deep dish". Used a Tamiya photo-etch saw. Glued back together after careful cutting. Obviously will need file/sanding.

Thank you! It's tame crazy, at least up to this point. Thank you! My dad took many pictures, this is just a few.

to jump off

Speedway pits, directions

of compliance date

truck overturned on

humming a tuneup

I usually get models to build, not for collector speculation. In this case, I missed getting it from Hobby Search when it was available, and have seen ridiculous asking prices on eVilbay. I suspect the Ferrari license was not fully approved, no hologram sticker on the box. Seller shipped in a bubble pack bag! So of course the Post Office damaged it. It looks nasty, parts rattling around when I shake the box. I just messaged the seller. So I could open it, to see if the glass got broke, which would make it junk. If it's just a few small solid color parts, I could live with it. Will see what the seller offers, such as a partial refund. Doubt they have another one. This a sign that I should stop buying more models?

of Rosa's shoe

My project is back in storage, so will resurrect next round. LOL