sjordan2

Those instructions show staggering detail (a multi-piece rearview mirror!?) I'd make sure to add a radio if you put in the speakers, though. Thanks.

Both the Gullwing and roadster could be ordered without bumpers. Overriders were available options for cars with bumpers.

Thank you.

Austin, can you provide a link? I can't find it.

Thanks for the video. That's as good an overview as you'll find in any medium. All major points covered.

While you're at it, could you burn a copy of the reference CD for Harry?

The link I posted to a real SS 100 is for the 2.5 litre version, whereas I believe the kit is for the 3.5 litre car. Not much difference, but you can find a ton of choices at Google if you search images at "fantasyjunction Jaguar ss 100". I think the biggest difference between the kit and the real car is the up top. The real car top has a more antiquey look, like a Model T, that bows out more extremely in the upper portion, and the kit needs visible top hardware on the sides.

The usual suspects. Entex, Anmark, Gakken, Minicraft. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Jaguar-SS100-1-16-modelkit-by-MINICRAFT-complete-and-MIB-/291416753221?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43d9cac445 http://www.fantasyjunction.com/cars/663-Jaguar-SS100-2.5

Killer, as usual. Next, you should try its soul brother, the 1/16 Jaguar SS 100. I can provide tons of reference.

For those wondering about the strawberry red metallic discussion, here's a roadster with that paint. This exposure makes it look a tad lighter than the actual shade, but close enough. The Gullwing with this paint is featured prominently in the Adler book mentioned above (only 19 of 1400 Gullwings had this color). I think the paint was closer to a pearl than a metallic. Perhaps something close for modeling could be found in nail polish.

Where do I order the strawberry?

The next step up from that is a Engelen's "Faszination SL -300 SL (W 198 1)" which fills in a few more blanks for detailers. This has been published by Mercedes as one of a series they devoted to the 50th anniversary of the 300 SL. Hard to find and expensive. http://www.amazon.com/Faszination-SL-300-198/dp/3613305143/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1427311370&sr=8-2-fkmr2&keywords=engelen+faszination+sl

In the General section here, midnightprowler has posted a link to a Charlotte dealership that is loaded with excellent, detailed photography of mostly muscle cars. http://www.rkmotorscharlotte.com/sales/inventory/active#%21/ The Private Collection shown there includes an early Gullwing (identifiable by bolt-on "eyebrows" above the wheel openings instead of stamped on the body) with 90% of what a modeler needs to know about a factory-correct Gullwing with factory options including fog lights, Nardi steering wheel, Talbot-style outside mirror, leather upholstery. The only details missing are chassis shots since the bellypan is in place. Bookmark this one. http://www.rkmotorscharlotte.com/sales/inventory/active/1954-Mercedes-Benz-300-SL-Gullwing/134758#!/

Here's another good subject -- the Gullwing used by the late, legendary John Fitch to recreate his original attempt at a speed record at Bonneville. This was the subject of a wonderful documentary called "A Gullwing at Twilight." This link mistakenly refers to the car in the recreation attempt as a W194, but has some nice shots. http://southsiders-mc.blogspot.com/2011/07/mercedes-300-sl-gullwing.html The documentary is available here when you click on Products. May be available at Amazon. http://www.szwedo.com/gullwing.html

Yup, I've seen those before and they look impressive. The top one is a commemorative Carrera Panamericana edition fitted with a special V-8 engine, designed as a show car for a world tour. http://www.topspeed.com/cars/mercedes/1952-mercedes-300sl-r-by-gullwing-america-ar139367.html The second one is a total fiberglass custom... "One of the most eye-catching vehicles to go on display at this week's 2009 Essen Motor Show is the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing 'Dragstar'. Inspired from the classic 1956 Mercedes sports car, the dragster was built in Switzerland and is driven by Stefan Winter. It features a fibreglass body and a 6.9-liter engine that produces 1,050bhp with power transferred to the rear wheels through a three-speed automatic gearbox." These would be cool options for modelers who are so inclined.

For some reason I don't understand, I have been criticized on this thread for being a wild-eyed fanatic saying you MUST observe all the detail I have provided. That BS aside, I'm just trying to provide information that will help Gullwing builders, who may not be familiar with the car, decide the amount of detail they want to include. Here's something that rarely shows up on Gullwing builds, and is a signature element of the car -- there is an additional layer of upholstery on the inside of the door sill, attached with round-head countersunk screws.At the bottom right you'll see a storage pouch. Go there or don't. In short, I've done your research for you, and I'm happy to share all of it at request.

What's great about that is that you can check out kit assembly detail before you buy.

It would very beneficial if kit instructions were posted online, in addition to hard copy in the kit. Doesn't Revell offer that on a limited basis?

Agreed.

This builder is terrific. Excellent detail work that shows what can be done with this kit. Dash and engine are great, though I think the seats and other leather/vinyl surfaces could look a bit more lustrous. However, I wonder why he painted the space frame red (always gloss black from the factory, except for publicity photos that showed it light gray or white for clearer definition in black-and-white publications.

Very nice. What brand and scale?

Unbelievably good. Museum quality. How did you get such a nice chrome finish on the rings on the spare tire covers?

"Those who can't do it teach it."

As a former ad agency creative director in charge of artists, writers and production professionals, I am better at telling people who are far more talented and skilled than I am how to do their job.