Pete75

Cheers Anders - very kind ?

Thanks guys - appreciate it ?

Very interesting. Will keep an eye out for your report ?

This thing is gonna be perfect!

Thanks Jacob! ? Yeah, I totally agree - the 996 is right up there for me too ?

Thanks Scott ? If you do get around to doing this one, I'll be first in line to see it: the Nissan you've just done is really something! Good to hear from with someone who knows the ordeal/stench of brake fluid stripping ?

I like trying to figure out how you do it. Not quite there yet!

Apologies - but gurus both, nevertheless!!

Cheers Bruce! (Love your dog, btw!) ?

Appreciate it Dann - especially coming from the Porsche guru!! ?

Kind of you both, Rich & JC - thanks ?

Cheers Chris & Ben - appreciate it ?

Thanks very much, Christopher!

Cheers Ray & David! ?

Thanks Bruce - appreciate it ?

Here's my third scale model, which I've just finished. I was lucky enough to drive a few laps in a 996 Turbo at a track day many years ago - 420 bhp, 4WD, still grinning ?? - and the GT3 is visually close enough to keep the embers of my memory burning! It’s painted with Tamiya rattle cans: the body colour is TS-17 with TS-13 clear lacquer. Whilst it’s a fun kit to do, I didn’t enjoy having to fully strip & restart the bodywork near the end of the build! (For anyone interested, the saga is on my WIP thread.) Thanks for looking ?

Hi Jonelle ? Doesn't come off the top of my head, but revealed by a rapid search: the answer to your first question is that McLaren were the first F1 team to use a carbon fibre monocoque in the 1981 season. On the issue of older F1 cars, then I would say that virtually all are preserved and cherished (at great expense!) in private ownership somewhere or another. Although it's pretty rare to see the cars (of any age) in the flesh, there are lots of detailed photos are out there. The simplest place to start looking for reference pics is Google Images or ask MCM members - in my short time here, it seems the terrific members are only too pleased to share their expertise! ?

Cheers Sonny - appreciate it ? Glad you noticed the paint. It's Tamiya TS-17 Gloss Aluminium. Doesn't sound glamorous but it really does look convincing at this scale - useful stuff for lots of things. Thanks Tom! That's one sweet Corvette - love the colours & those wheels! Doesn't look like the rears are far off, then she'll be perfect ?

Cool! I admire your bravery to chop up such a pretty body ?

Ditto. Very interesting project, Misha ?

Thanks Anton ? Yeah, those wheels were hard work with not much reward... other than "experience"!

Thanks Atin - it's good to get it all out! ?

It’s wrap time! ? For the body paintjob (mark 2) I flatted back the colour coat as well as the clear coat, which is something I haven’t done before. I don’t know how soon you can sand the colour coat, but I left it for the same five days that Scalemodler recommends before flatting the lacquer. My process is to wet sand with 1200 then 2000 grit, followed by the Tamiya polishing compounds. Next, I sprayed the window rubbers with TS-29 semi-gloss black, before brushing on the black trim under the rear spoiler – I masked it with AIZU Micron 1mm masking tape, which I found to be awesome! The light recesses were coloured with Molotow chrome markers, something which definitely gives the finished article more realism. Then it was on to sticking everything together. I’m still learning which glues are best for each task, but I’m of the view that (with much care) the rapid grabbing quality of super glue works best for windows and mirrors. I also picked up the tip of using clear varnish to fix light lenses in place by holding them in position and brushing around the edges - it’s safe & easy to clean up with a cotton bud and some water or thinners. A small custom feature I added was some mesh inside the radiator inlets. I got a sample of #50 mesh from themeshcompany.com (0.32 aperture 0.19 diameter) which is perfect and will last for many models. I sprayed it black with the Chaos primer and discovered it’s necessary to spray very lightly in several coats or else the holes become saturated. The panel lines were accented with Vallejo dark grey wash. I’ll wait for the decals to dry then I’ll do a vanity gallery for her after she gets a last polish & some wax. And that’s another one in the garage! Thanks for looking ?