Pierre Rivard

Most interesting topic for me as I brush paint absolutely everything. I'm keeping it simple, water based paints for everything, synthetic bristle brushes that I clean with dishwasher soap and water after every use. 1/2 inch Privateer Press P3 for large surfaces (body) and a small assortment of AK Interactive brushes for all the other components. A lot can be said about brushes but my experience is that properly thinned paint and brushing technique play a larger role in the equation. This car has been 100% finished with brushes and acrylic paint materials.

Such a wonderful build Jason, and the WIP journey provided so much learning, thanks to you sharing all your techniques and materials. The end result is an amazing barn find with extremely realistic exterior and mind boggling weathered interior. Incredible achievement sir!

I can't wait to see the rest of this WIP and posting under glass. There were a few R8's running around my neighborhood in the day so this build brings back nice memories.

Formidable work Rich. I think it's the first time I see a WIP from your bench and definitely lots to learn. What a mix of detailing and productivity. I started at 60, build about 5 a year, so I ll reach 1000 by the age of....

Speaking of realism, check out the difference between the kit wheels & tires and the upgraded units I put together. Wheels & tires can make a huge difference between a build that looks like a toy and the same build having a purposeful look to it. Pictures below tell the story.

Work begins on the Otaki body. The body has good proportions but some elements need to be improved to provide a better sense of realism.

Yup, pink primer really helps bring out the red. I tried it on my last red car and it makes painting red easier. Nice to see this build on the bench again.

Wonderful build Matt. I love what you have done to add a serious dose of realism to this very basic kit.

What an incredible build Jason, and a tutorial on weathering techniques.

So now that I have licked my wounds (all self inflicted), I am ready to go.

I do man... back to square one and the fight will go on I did everything I could to make the Airfix body presentable, but now I just can't look at it. Focusing on the Otaki going forward. I have one donor chassis, one set of very scary decals, one PE detail set and one set of properly sized replacement wheels and tires, so one build it will be and it will be with the better Otaki body shell. Still tons of issues to resolve. Stay tuned. Box says 1/24, molding on trees says 1/24... but it's not. I should have checked when I first opened the box and saw the small body shell. My bad.

Best weathered interior I have ever, ever seen, period!

The last changes to the body. Yup, body is done... or not?

Looking good Helmut. These types of build test our patience but can be so rewarding when we conquer the obstacles. Sort of like a styrene/putty Everest!

Tony looks very very good. I love how you have achieved realistic finishes for the clothes and helmet. Wonderful.

Absolutely gorgeous work. The dash and gauges are amazing. On a side note I see you are using a little bit of putty on the fenders. Now that's something I can relate to! ?

Yeah, so boring when they come out of the box and the shape & dimensions are spot on. Aahhh... the smell of freshly cut resin, putty and epoxy, nothing beats it!

Revell chrome spray looks mighty impressive Mark. Curious to see if the parts can be handled after the paint has fully cured.

That's a good find Dave. I think the Otaki is a better kit to model this historically important race car. The kit I'm working from involves more work but it's an enjoyable journey.

More body modifications

Thanks Mark, as always you are so kind in review of my efforts. I like this type of work but this one will have lots more issues to deal with. Thanks Dave. This operation is as old fashioned as it gets. Old styrene kits, putty and paint brushes. Perhaps I should get a vacform some day... Thank you sir. Nose surgery done, now moving on to butt surgery. ?

Wheels and tires are so important when striving for realism and these upgraded parts shown next to the original kit wheels & tires provide compelling evidence. Ok Mr Tanaka, time to get down to business. Show us how to make spaghetti exhaust pipes! ?

A bit more tuning of the side glass opening and then moving on to the front end.

That one would definitely be out of my comfort zone...

I agree, it's beautiful and certainly a bit more restrained compared to the group 5 spec car I am attempting to replicate