wardsmodelbuilder

Here are a few photos of the 1/12 Revell F2002 commission build that I have recently finished, there is a thread to the build in the WIP section also. I thought these photos came out pretty well so I thought Id share them on here. They were sent to me by the customer. Thanks Chris http://www.wardsmodelbuilder.com wardsmodelbuilder@outlook.com

Hi all, here are a few more photos on the Lotus 79 project. I have now finished off the rear suspension. Went together pretty well, although as with all these kits there was a little adjusting required. I've been playing with the cockpit for a while now and have all the pieces fitting well. So next step will be to finish off the dash and seat, and take the plunge by fixing the engine and gearbox permanently to the chassis. Back to the bench.... Chris http://www.wardsmodelbuilder.com wardsmodelbuilder@outlook.com

Hi all, the F2002 was finished a few weeks ago, here are some photos of the finished model. Everything went together well in the final part of the build. The decals are probably the best part of the kit!!! All in all turned out pretty well considering the poor quality of the standard kit. Thanks Chris www.wardsmodelbuilder.com wardsmodelbuilder@outlook.com

Hello all, its been a little while since I last updated this post of the Lotus 79 so here is a progress report on what I've done to this point. There was a delay in finishing up the cockpit as there isn't enough rivets included in the kit so we had to purchase more which took a little time to arrive. Having said that the cockpit panels are now finished, all riveted and ready for the dash and seat to be added. I have also added the front brake cylinders, and added some pipes from those to the front callipers. The battery is also in place and the wiring that leads up to the dash which is currently wip and will be added next. The gearbox has been added to the engine ready for the rear suspension to be built up. I have most of the bodywork painted which I was working on while I waited for the rivets to arrive so I am hoping I will be able to move this project on pretty quickly in the coming weeks. Thanks Chris http://www.wardsmodelbuilder.com wardsmodelbuilder@outlook.com

Hi John, well it just wasn't up to a very good standard, plus with all the modifications I have made to the engine cover it was really the only option.

Hello all, something a little different from me here, I have been commissioned to build the five figures from the silly surfers range. This is the first in the installment, Hodad, making a scene with a six pack. Having not had any previous experience with these kits I was pleasantly surprised, they are quite simple to put together, it did need a little filler here and there but nothing too dramatic. Painting is left to the modeler's choice, my customer just requested bright, loud colours. The logos on the shirt and the bud light logos were sourced on google and printed on a inkjet printer. Thanks Chris www.wardsmodelbuilder.com wardsmodelbuilder@outlook.com

Here is an update on the troublesome Revell Ferrari F2002. I have now hopefully got most of the fitment issues with this kit sorted and have been able to move forward, painting the front chassis in zero paints F2002 red and joining that to the floor section and at the same time positioning the fuel tank and engine. The seat fits without any issues and the wheel and decals provided are of a good standard and level of detail. I also added a water pipe and electrical cable. The front suspension also went together without any major issues, with the detail set parts easily replacing the standard brake ducts, hubs and discs. I have now been able to start adding a little extra detailing, the air intakes have had carbon fiber decals added. The radiators are ok, but not the best. I believe the photo etched set that is available would be a nice addition to include grills on them, but we are not using it for this build. To conclude I'm happy with how it is taking shape, as I've previously mentioned its a very troublesome kit and I wouldn't take it on unless you are prepared for a lot of work and a fair bit of frustration. Next step is to get the rear suspension fitting, There is a small piece of bodywork which sits on the top of the gearbox so no doubt that will have some fitment issues getting it to line up correctly with the engine cover. Fingers crossed I can get this finished quickly. Thanks Chris www.wardsmodelbuilder.com www.wardsmodelbuilder@outlook.com

This is my current commission build of the Ferrari F2002 with the Brian Fawcett detail set. The model will have some additional detailing such as electrical wiring and carbon fibre decal work. Anybody that has attempted this kit will know that the model has a lot of fitment issues, I didn't realize how bad it was going to be until I got into the build. I started by removing the paint from the pre painted red body parts. The front end of the chassis does fit rather well, a little tweaking needed, the main issue was getting the engine cover to line up with the floor and front section. I have had to split the engine cover in two down the top line to change the angle and cut the side pods so they could be realigned to match correctly. After many days of filling, sanding, filling, etc I feel as if I have got the fit to a respectable level. Now the main body work changes have been completed I have been able to work on the engine, gearbox and fuel tank ready for fitting. And also the seat, the customer has supplied a set of MFH seatbelts to replace the very poor kit parts. I have also flocked the seat and arm pads, and added carbon decals to the cockpit sides. I should now be able to move this build on pretty quickly, next step is the suspension, I will add some more photos when I have that completed. Thanks, and if anyone has build this model before, please let me know as I would like to know if the same issues were apparent with fitment that I have had with this one. Chris http://www.wardsmodelbuilder.com wardsmodelbuilder@outlook.com

Here is an update on the progress on the Lotus 79. This thread is a little behind actually progress of the build so I will try and update it in the coming days. I have now completed all the rivet work on the main chassis section, which has also been painted and lacquered half in black body colour. If you build this kit it is good to keep in mind that not enough rivets are supplied so more will need to be purchased. In the photo you can also see the inner parts of the front chassis have been added as well as the pedals. And, finally the front suspension, wheel hubs, brakes and steering arms have started to go together. A little more detailing is required around this area but I should now be able to more forward and towards getting the cockpit, dash and seat in place. Thanks Chris www.wardsmodelbuilder.com wardsmodelbuilder@outlook.com

Here are some photos of a recent commission build of a Spitfire by Revell in 1:32 scale. Its a straight out of the box build using Tamiya paints. Very nice kit, well detailed and relatively simple to build. Thanks Chris www.wardsmodelbuilder.com wardsmodelbuilder@outlook.com

Been a little while since I updated this thread so here is a progress report on the Lotus 79. More engine work now completed, wiring starting to go together, Lots of very small pieces that take a lot of time to both get prepared and then applied. Well worth the effort though as its turning into a very well detailed piece. Also I have just about done all the rivets in the three main chassis pieces. All of which need to be drilled and placed individually. These pieces are all to be rubbed down and polished except for the side section on the front area of the chassis that needs to be painted black. This is the next step and then the front suspension and inner chassis details can start to be added. Thanks Chris http://www.wardsmodelbuilder.com wardsmodelbuilder@outlook.com

Here are some photos of the commissioned M23 now fully completed and ready to send out. Everything went together pretty well in the final part of the build, I added some extra wiring behind the dash. The seat, steering wheel and gear level have been left loose as per customer request, i'm assuming he will be added a driver figure. Thanks Chris www.wardsmodelbuilder.com wardsmodelbuilder@outlook.com

Here are some photos of a commission build I have just finished. It is a 1/8 DeAgostini (model-space) Porsche 911 converted to a RSR with aftermarket parts such as the wheel arches, wheels and mirrors. Its is painted in Kawasaki racing green. Original kit. Reworked model. Thanks Chris www.wardsmodelbuilder.com wardsmodelbuilder@outlook.com

Hello all, something a little different, well for me anyway. Not something I would normally do but I was commission and turned out to be a nice change of pace. Indycar road version converted to a speedway version, modified front and rear wings, and body work changes around the side intakes. Decals made from images I was able to find online. Started life as, Finished as, This second one was much simpler, no body work changes just a strip and repaint, again making the decals from logos I was able to find online. On to the next project, Chris http://www.wardsmodelbuilder.com wardsmodelbuilder@outlook.com

Here are some further progress photos on the commission M23 build. Gearbox, engine and chassis all together now, with some detailing started. Further detailing to be done, and general tidying up, still WIP but getting there. Chris www.wardsmodelbuilder.com wardsmodelbuilder@outlook.com

Hello all, this is my new topic which is going to be for one of my all time favourite kit builds. I was delighted to accept this commission build and thought it was definitely one to share, I will try and keep this as up to date as possible given that Im very busy at the moment with several builds on the go. The model is going to represent Ronnie Peterson's final drive to victory at the 1978 Austrian GP. After spending a good long while organizing all the parts, I made a start on the engine block. Very early stages but the engine is coming together nicely, still a lot of detailing to be done. Thats all for now, back to the bench to start on the chassis, and the thousand of rivets that need to be added!!! Thanks Chris www.wardsmodelbuilder.com wardsmodelbuilder@outlook.com

You are absolutely correct, I figured out that soaking them make them much easier to use. I lost a few first out of the package as they break so easily.

Hello everyone, hope you are all well and staying safe. Here is a progress report on the Tamiya Mclaren M23 build. The front end chassis/suspension is just about finished now. I added two brake lines running on the lower wishbones attached with a couple of MFH zip clips. The nose frame is attached and I've added some further detailed wiring to the battery. I've gone with kit instructions for positioning of the battery, rather than what I believe was the historically correct position as I just prefer it this way. Now the front end is complete I've started to work on the engine and gearbox, painting them and using line paint to highlight the lower areas. These will go together next then the rear suspension will be built off those. I've repainted the engine trumpet stacks and roll hoop in alclad chrome and polished aluminum as the pre chromed kit pieces just didn't look very good. The plug wiring and clear tubes are both from the kit, these will be the only kit parts used around the engine for plumbing/detailing. That's all the works up to date, hopefully in the next batch of photos I will have the rear end finished. Thanks Chris http://www.wardsmodelbuilder.com wardsmodelbuilder@outlook.com

Hi everyone, hope your all well and staying safe. Here are the photos of the three finished different versions of the E-type diecasts. Since my last update the models were clear coated, wet sanded and polished. Then put back together in there various specs. The customer also asked if I would make a roll cage for the #7 as when it was raced at Goodwood this was a requirement. I'm pretty happy with the out come given the limitations of working from a low end diecast base model, and I think they represent the real car well. Onto the next one. Thanks Chris www.wardsmodelbuilder.com wardsmodelbuilder@outlook.com

Hello everyone, hope everybody is staying safe and healthy. Here are a few photos of my latest commission build. Two Studio 27 Jaguar XJR-14. Suntec Version. Bud Light Version and together , These were pretty standard builds, a little carbon fibre decals added to the rear wings and in the cockpit. Also replaced the standard seat belts with fabric. Thanks Chris http://www.wardsmodelbuilder.com wardsmodelbuilder@outlook.com

Little update for you on the progress of the M23. I got the lower half of the body work cleared, wet sanded and polished which then allowed me to start the front end suspension, which is going together well. Next step is to build the bottom wishbones and hubs. Going to run a brake line along the bottom wishbone attached with some zip straps for extra detailing. I have added some lines from the cylinders for a little extra detailing. Also I have made a start on the upper half of the body. Primed and painted, still to be clear coated. Thanks Chris http://www.wardsmodelbuilder.com wardsmodelbuilder@outlook.com

Hello everyone, didn't have the time to update this thread during the build process, my apologies for that. But I will show you some photos of the completed model. Turned out pretty well.... Thanks Chris wardsmodelbuilder@outlook.com www.wardsmodelbuilder.com

Hi all, this is going to be the build thread for my new commission project. A Tamiya 1/12 Mclaren M23 The build is going to include quite extensive detailing, especially around the engine with all the rubber hoses included in the kit replaced with braided hoses and aftermarket connections. I have made an initial start on the project, putting together the tub which was painted in Alclad II polished Aluminum. Regular aluminum for the gear lever. I have also added some thin modeling tin on the floor of the tub for a little contrast. The seatbelts are standard from the kit as are the PH fitting. Very early stages of this one but I hope to have some further updates very soon. Thanks Chris www.wardsmodelbuilder.com wardsmodelbuilder@outlook.com

Hi all, I now have some progress to share on the diecast build I am working on. I was finally happy with the filling, sanding and priming of the body parts to apply to main base coat. This is the actual paint the car was raced in and supplied by the customer. I have also now started to place the race specific decals. The interior, which has been painted in green and the steering wheel which I was asked to give a silver centre and a wooden wheel. The first car of the 3 car collection raced on white walled tyres, which I have also painted. The standard Bburago model does not have a roof, and even though the first white walled version raced without a roof the other two did. So I have made a silicone mould and with a resin mix I have been able to make roofs for the other two. These will definitely need some fiddling to make fit but I'll cross that bridge when I get to it!!!! The body parts will now be cleared and interiors all put back together, I hope to have some photos of the finished models in a week or so. Thanks Chris http://www.wardsmodelbuilder.com wardsmodelbuilder@outlook.com

This was intended to be a complete build thread but unfortunately I just havent had the time to keep it updated. But I do have the project finished for the customer, so here are some photos.... Happy to hear your thoughts, it is a little of an unusual proeject but one I have very much enjoyed. Chris http://www.wardsmodelbuilder.com wardsmodelbuilder@outlook.com