Misha

I would welcome a repop of the Indy 500 Combo, even as separate kits by themselves. The roadster is of particular interest being the last of its kind. In addition, what happened to the molds for the IMC versions of the Lotus. Most of the IMC kits have resurfaced in one form or another, yet these two are absent and rarely show up on the vintage market. These are historically significant race cars and ought to enjoy a fair amount of support from the modelling community. To add to its sales potential they could offer a Coca-Cola version! ? Cheers Misha

Hi everyone, here’s an update on my Porsche 934 RSR The black trim continues to be a problem for me, with a lot of touch ups required. I decided to mask the front filler strip between the leading edge of the front hood and the bumper. Rather than masking the entire body I chose to brush on the TS 29. A bit rougher texture than air brushing as a result. Going to use some Windex for cleaning up the black, followed by some body colour touchups. I still have an old sheet of BMF in black that I’ll give a try for the remaining bumper strips and lower body side trim. Also installed the headlight shells and front grills for the oil cooler and brake ducts. A few steps closer. At the rear the full width light panel was installed.There are still a lot of little detail items and decals to be applied, hopefully the pace will pick up. Be glad to see it in the cabinets; looking at it from three feet away! Cheers Misha

Whatcha Get? Over the weekend I visited our local hobby shop in the Valley and my kit stash at a our storage locker. Been visiting the stash a bit more often, as new tools are somewhat scarce these days. Speaking of somewhat new and improved, I picked up the 63 Chevy II that is causing excitement amongst us. Overall a decent kit that is welcome. It does have some drawbacks, firstly being a curbside, yet lately, perhaps of age, I have built a few of the recent curbsides such as the 57 Belair, and the Ford Raptor that provided a decent challenge to my paint and weathering skills on the chassis plates. To the kit’s merits the body is separate from the hood allowing for easier kitbashing, notwithstanding the molded in engine bay interfering with the 66 Nova kit. Another welcome feature is a separate bottom end engine plate, making painting much easier. The major drawback is the interior tub that lacks decent door detail and a molded-in-place front bench seat while the rear seat is separate. The visit to the stash produced a few finds for now to keep things flowing. The 55 will be built to then current Jr. Stock specs. I had forgotten that this is based upon the Nomad kit for its underpinnings... maybe later on a Gasser version? The 57 is a much detailed kit by comparison to the early 60s Trophy Series. Three versions of induction are offered, with great detail to all the small bits. The 40 Ford ragtop is another well detailed kit with modern running gear powered by a current Flathead V8. The raised top is another hook for me, as it offers such a “Cruiser” style to the body. The odd choice was the Scout, a kit that may be described as a “dog-of-a-kit” yet still has some appeal, after all I did buy it! This one will require some thought, likely along the lines of a competitive vehicle... Baja 1000! The two Fujimi figure kits I chose just for interest, we’ll see where that leads diorama wise. Cheers Misha

Not sure if anyone has mentioned the following kit as some photos have disappeared in the thread. As a very young kid this Aurora kit of the 34 Ford was one of my first models. The hot rod version was molded in green and I still have a couple of small bits in a parts pile from nearly 60 years ago!

Congrats Kurt, your build is really ”Imprezzive”! Looking at your Thule pod, with its front beam and sprouting antennas reminded me of an avionics or jamming pod slung under the wing of an F-16. It’s a great way to disguise any electronics package that may be inside, such as an active radar detector that frys radar guns perhaps? Great build with the engine detail and overall weathering, great motivation for the rest of us, Cheers Misha

A few more steps today, the interior mock up just needs to be fixed inplace. Also epoxied the renegade front wheel assembly and using the posable steering the Porsche is heading port side, matching the steering wheel’s yellow stripe. The body is now masked for completing the black trim around the windscreen. Will also do the back black trim with a brush as well. We’ll see what tomorrow brings... thanks for checking. Cheers Misha

Moving to an airbrush will significantly improve your future builds although there is a learning curve involved. Perhaps the first decision to make is whether to get a single action or dual action airbrush. The difference is in the trigger operation, the single action allows the paint and air to come out in a consistent spray while the dual action allows you separate controls over air delivery and paint resulting in greater control. Even for beginners I suggest obtaining a dual action, it may be a bit more tricky in the beginning, yet it will provide greater satisfaction in the end. I find the that the Paasche VL to be a good starting point with ease of cleaning and operation. Perhaps the key is to practice on file cards to obtain control and familiarity with paint to thinner ratios in mixing, aiming for a consistency of 2% milk. The other ingredient is a decent compressor that allows you to regulate air preassure, as that is the other variable in achieving a good finish. Look for a compressor with a storage tank, as that eliminates the pulsing action of typical diaphragm compressor. There are many tutorials available on youtube to help you along. Wishing you success, as this will improve your work by applying paint finishes that are in scale with the model. Cheers Misha

Hi Mark, Well, this was a build that sitting somewhat on the back burner for me, yet with all the current interest in split-window builds on the Forum, I ought to start a thread. Hope you won’t mind a couple of shots of where I’m at in mock up stage. Are you going to use the kit chassis or swap it out? Cheers Misha

Update on the 934 RSR Porsche: Spent some time getting the interior tub prepped for assembly. Applied gentle weathering through the use of dry brushing with metallics to indica wear especially the driver’s footwell, followed by a wash over certain areas to create depth. Also applied a wash to the orange leather on the seat before applying the decal seat belts. (Note that in the photo showing the great P/E pedals, the floor hasn’t been treated to a wash yet; compare the pan in the other two snapshots.) There is still the roll bar assembly to go in. It’s already built and treated to a chrome finish. That will complete the interior tub. There is still a lot of detailing and construction on the body. To be followed by more decals on the body. The window trim done with the Micron pens turned out to be a disaster. After two days of drying, all the worked was easily wiped clean with a q-tip! Went back to the tried and true bottle and paint brush. Using a small chisel point brush I completed both side, including the interior trim. The remainder of the black body trim I’m going to mask and use the air brush, with the expectation of better results with these shakey ole hands. All of that ought to bring me close to gettin’ her done! Thanks for looking and commenting, cheers Misha

Both you and Tom are doing ? great, it’s neat to see your progress. Great subject as well, will look sharp! Cheers Misha

That’s great progress Tom, I’ll be following.... Cheers Misha

Porsche 934 RSR This finally made its way to the bench, hard to believe the last time I touched it was back in 2007. Getting back to this project has also reignited my Stuttgart focus, pulling out other 911s in the stash and reading two excellent books. Today I finally faced my block in beginning to complete the 934. While I don’t mind working with BMF, black semi-gloss trim is panic time for me. So began blackening the side frames with mixed results using the Micron markers. Still have the passenger side to do and then plenty of touch ups... takes quite awhile to dry, challenging my patience. The rest I now plan to mask and hit with X-18! Had a look at other bits to complete and re-familiarize myself with the build. The kit provides an excellent P/E fret with a multitude of screens, pedals, mirror faces, hood pins and other bits. I added the black rubber lines around the rear tail lights. Previously clear red and orange with silver for the back ups was used to colour the transparent kit piece. Afterwards BMF was applied to the back to provide a reflective surface. The chassis is a detailed curbside pan which benefits from paint detailing. I need to repair the front tire and install the plug wires to complete it. Thanks for looking in, Onwards..... Cheers Misha

Congrats Lee on a really clean build with a great finish! Also like the colour combo of tan and gold. Perhaps the split window being the most iconic of all the Vettes. Cheers Misha

Hi Mark, I’ve been following your build with interest. You are doing great modifications and scratchbuilding with this kit. Your trunk treatment really moves the Vette of a stocker version, really nice job! There is a lot to be said for building “in the spirit of” or a “what if” model where fidelity to the prototype is secondary to recreating a vision. I have one on the go, same kit that I’m modifying into one of the tanker versions having increased fuel and being built to my vision. Cheers Misha

Great job on the overall look! Most impressive is your chrome work, more so since it was all masked and sprayed! What did you use for the chrome, Molotow? Cheers Misha

I’ve had my Pace booth since the summer and it has been great! It is fairly quiet, is very effective in evacuating fumes away from your work and you, and well built. Plus Bob Pace is a great guy to speak with over the phone. Spray booths vary greatly in design and quality... my only complaint is that I didn’t get one years ago. Cheers Misha

All good now...

Not sure if anyone is experiencing frustratingly snail paced downloads, both for topics and then the photos... Cheers Misha

Welcome aboard Bruce! Really like your concept of slipping the NASCAR chassis under a pickup that is 65 some years old. Looking forward to your and everyone’s builds. Cheers Misha

X3

That’s pretty trick looking Peter! Great use of materials, seeing in scale. Cheers Misha

The final finish/scheme will be the key to a successful run, blending in while still, when possible, being able to open it up! Seeing a rather non-descript old Camaro, the secretary model, at first and hopefully final glance will help. To achieve the “look” the plan is to paint the body in champagne gold with a white vinyl top and throwing in some chrome trim. The interior will appear with typical road trip necessities, such as a cooler. Being run in 2021 it won’t not be unusual to have a certain of tech aboard. The finish will appear worn, yet some what maintained. Flares! What stinkin’ flares.... Here are a couple of stance shots... Cheers Misha

1983 Camaro Been progressing on this build with further alterations and improving the fit of the various components. The interior has been fitted with the fuel filler pipe connecting to the fuel tank, two cup holders in the console, and the start of the roll bar installation. While not as robust as a competition cage, the main aim of the roll bar will be to strengthen the chassis. Due to the installation of a larger fuel tank, the spare need to intrude into the interior with the resulting bulge on the rear deck. To add to the “ruse” the rear spoiler will not be used and as a result the two holes in the trunk required filling. I find using stretched sprue the perfect way to solve this. The taper of the sprue allows for a close fit and after applying the glue a gentle tug will seat the sprue into the hole, then trim and sand. A civilian exhaust opening and a tow ring slot were cut into the rear panel. With the trimming of the chassis it may be possible to fix the rear panel in place and have the chassis plate slip in. This would make painting the body an easier task. We shall see... Underneath I did some more clean up and trimming of the wheel wells to accommodate the tires within the flares. In addition the front suspension has been massaged by trimming the mold lines and adding bolt details to the parts. At the rear I added a cross piece between the coil spring hangers to reinforce the chassis at this point. Overall the build is progressing well. The previous builder’s efforts have created some problems with the excessive use of an epoxy to fit the flares. Epoxy has crept into the engine compartment interfering with the fit for the hood and chassis. The gas filler in the rear fender also required a fair amount of carving and filing for the interior, rear window and chassis to fit smoothly. The driveshaft tunnel has been thinned on both the chassis plate and the bottom of the interior tub so that the fit is stable. (Obviously not a Tamiya kit) Ahead is the construction of the roll bar, engine assembly and interior enhancements. Still a long way from applying primer to any parts. Thanks for looking and all comments and hints are welcome. Cheers Misha

Great shots JP! The various schemes appearing on this Mustang are very exciting, especially compared to the debut model in grey at its unveiling. My main obstacle on beginning this kit is the interior detail, especially since the Tamiya instruction don’t call out the parts by name for the interior tub. Find it confusing and in the dark as to the plumbing and wiring of the components. A search on the web only brought past generations of Mustang racers... Any help on the interiors of these great cars would be most beneficial! Thanks & Cheers Misha

That’s a beautiful build of a classic kit Chris! The paint scheme is a real knock out, the chassis shot is a showpiece in itself. Excellent execution creating a piece of eye-candy, thanks for sharing it. Cheers Misha