Pete75

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 ?

Super mean looking - excellent!

Thanks Jonelle! I had to do quite a bit of research & found out that F1 cars are definitely a lot of work! ?

I might have to take some impractical detours to find enough water, though! Real cheating would be the Back to the Future Delorean: you could finish before you started! ?

I'd like to join in with the Lotus Esprit S1 from The Spy Who Loved Me. It'll be the Fujimi kit (currently on it's way from Japan). No "twist" plans as yet, but it'll be fun to take part & it's gonna look good on my shelf! ?

Ecshellent work, Mishter Tier: Dann Tier... Love this solder-piping technique - looks cool even before the paint!

I'm by no means an expert, but I found this, just today... I use Vallejo gloss varnish to set light lenses into vehicles. (I hold the lens in place then brush around the perimeter & let capillary action suck the varnish in - it works really well as it's invisible & can be tidied up with water & a cotton bud). Today I wanted to take some lenses out that had been set a few days - I wasn't sure it was wise, but I was pleased to find they popped out fine using a thumbnail and, most importantly, there was no damage - not even to the chrome marker I'd painted in the recesses! In your case, I guess any residue (if there is any) could easily be cleaned with thinners ?

Excellent. This is the Charger kit I have had an eye on. (Also a Dukes fan of old, but not really interested in going full General.) Will be interested to watch - provided you stick to your New Year's resolution! ?

Loving it! I'm planning on using that body colour later this year - pleased to see it looking great. Keep up the good work!

Wow David!? Just discovered your thread. It'll take some time to go through your pages & I'm looking forward to it - brilliant stuff. It's not geographically correct, but the Wallace & Gromit music suddenly turned on in my head...

Ils sont magnifique, Claude! (That's about as far as my French goes!) Great work - really impressive.

Nice work Spence - looks great ? You definitely win the award for most original residence, BTW; only allowed to leave once a year, though?!! Important job - keep up the good work

John, Bruce & Joe go straight on to my list of favourite people! ? Cheers guys ?

Thanks guys ? All plaudits are very welcome, especially after a battle like this one!

Thanks JC & Gary ? Cheers for the tip Rich - appreciate it ? Believe it or not the "lid" is actually being pulled down by magnets already - and this was after surgery as well... The thing just didn't really want to respect my wishes!

Thanks Atin ? I think I had a Countach poster and one of a "Vector W8". I just had to Google it to check it existed - not something I've encountered since, but pretty cool looking!