Mark W

Thank you Pierre. The Aston is an Airfix kit. I have a couple and this one will be a Bond car. Later maybe a race version. I think this is the best body overall, the others have too vertical body sides. The Airfix tucks under nicely. Your thoughts on this one? Also, you put the thought in my head about a Cobra club racer, don’t be surprised if down the road there will be one here.

Thank you, I was glad to get a set of these wheels, I think the tires that they came with look really good also.They’re Pirelli Cinturato’s. btw, the dust will be cleaned off before installation,

Extraordinary! This is such a beautiful subject from a unique time in auto racing. You’ve done a masterful job Pierre, the weathering couldn’t be better. I will use your model as a pattern when I get to my 2000gt.

Final body work done and some primer was put on. As you can guess, with the pink Tamiya primer, the final color will be red. I almost did this in a tan/creme color like one I saw at the Vintage Grand Prix in Pittsburgh, but just wanted something a bit brighter on the shelf since the Cobra is a bit small.

I believe you are on the right track. I use Vallejo pigment mixed with either their binder or thinner in a paste. The thinner makes it go on a little less. Start with a lighter color, when dry, wipe the tread as suggested, then very lightly use a bit darker color to give it some texture. As always, weathering can be hit or miss, but I’ve had it work.

Looks great. One could make detailing these little gems a complete hobby in itself. When possible, I acquire a miniature of larger scale build I completed.

Getting the hood to lay properly can be a problem, as it was here. The hood hinges at the front and the back was popping up above the cowl. I attached a small piece of steel to the underside of the hood, then a tiny round magnet just under the cowl. Even though it has to attract the metal through the plastic, magnets now are so powerful, there's not a problem.

Here's some work done on the chassis. One of the most important items in a build is to get the position of wheels/tires looking good. Although I consider this a very decent kit, there is still a need for some tweaking. The top of the rear leaf spring was filed down and the front A-arms and spring had to be moved a bit from their natural position. I don't mind if the wheels don't turn, so there's always a bit of adjustment in the final assembly. I get all the Vroom Vroom I need with the grand kids. Not wanting to to extend the build time, I went with the AMT metal axles, which by the way, go right through the front shocks, you'll see later.

30 years eh? But in what direction? Given the wire wheels.....this requires some thought!

Very good choice of roof for the car. The lines look good and it makes the fins look taller. (a goo thing I think)

1928 Porter I love this kind of stuff, I hope the wheels work out because you really need to continue this project.

Beautiful metalwork Mike. Perfect subject for this type of material.

Welcome Kelly. Looks like you’re off to a good start, fine model. You’ve picked a good forum to join, lots of nice people here. I’ll throw in my 2cents advice, just have patience and try a technique more than once, you’ll improve each time.

Strictly stock, as I want this to be a quick build. The wire wheels are,I believe what was on my Austin Healey. There was a lot of interchangeability back then among British marks. I found that the gauges, exhaust parts, carburetors, wheels etc were the same among AH, Jaguar and others. The other reason it will be the stock 260 is that hopefully it will be displayed next to a HRM FIA Cobra. (a future build) Here's a little work on the body, note the holes added for the toneau cover.

Nice, a very interesting subject. Will follow with interest.