Bugatti Fan

LOST CAUSE Trying to convince mice that black cats are lucky!

Forgot about the E Type. Had the rest sort of right from memory!

I often wonder what happened to those Frog car kit moulds. Did they go to Novo along with some of the other Frog kits? Apart from the Cortina, there were a few other 1/16th scale kits in the range. I seem to remember a BMC 1100 (not sure if Austin Morris of MG version, a Vauxhall saloon possibly a VX490 and a Dennis Ambulance that I once had and sold on. Cannot remember if there were any more in that particular range. Did Novo ever repop them if they got the moulds?

This model is really coming together well. Actually, it is very nice to see a vintage kit like this actually being built rather than hoarded by a collector. Incidentally, talking of collectors, there is I think I a market for those old kit boxes on their own, so don't throw the box away after it is built as it may be worth a bit on Ebay!

Interesting further developments on the brakes.

Mentioned earlier was the Spirit of Ecstasy mascot being way overscale. I have heard of ship modellers making diminutive crew figures by twisting very thin wires together and using acrylic artists paint straight from the tube to sculpt around the wire. I would imagine that a very fine filler like Magisculpt, much loved by figure modellers could be used similarly. Or maybe even some of the acrylic based decorating paint from a match pot could be used on something so small as it can be built up and shaped by brushing around the wire frame and left to harden off before finishing off with a touch of silver.

Looking good so far!

Such a data base is a nice thought Mike, and agreed it would be very handy. But, the logistics of setting it up with potentially thousands of items to list for comparison in the first place, and also who would be prepared and have the time to do this, plus maintain and update it regularly? Cannot see many volunteers stepping forward unfortunately due to the sheer commitment it would entail.

Well guys, I looks like my masking tape tip took a bit of a hammering! I tried it way back when vinyl roofs were in vogue on real cars at the time and was happy with it back then. The model was disposed of shortly after I built it so it did not hang around long enough for me to observe any lifting after a period of time as shown in a previous post. So in light of the other better techniques to simulate vinyl described on here, I have to concur that the masking tape is probably best left alone.

Masking tape does have the scale texture of a vinyl roof. Where the seams run the length of the roof, a very slight overlap of the masking tape will simulate them. My experience with masking tape is that it becomes more difficult to remove the longer it is left in place. More so if painted and left.

Kit bashing info is a bit like asking 'How long is a piece of string?' So many kits. So many subjects. So many variables. It really depends on what you want to make. In most cases it will be a case of what you have at any given time, what is available and what level of expertise it will take to do the conversion.

Thanks Gary and JC for your combined feedback. I have an old Frog kit that I think is the same AMT one made under licence in the UK from way back when. The Heller 328 as a source for the engine is one that I would never have thought of.

Having been disappointed with the spray on chromes in the past I try wherever to use the kit chrome. The rub is getting it off the runners with a minimal amount left to touch in when detached. I have found that using Tamiya Translucent Smoke really good for not only protecting the chrome from handling, but also toning it down to a more realistic appearance on the model. Not only that, but it also highlights the detail and is the most inexpensive way of getting a real scale chrome finish I have found so far. Given a good stir it levels off well even when brush painted on. Brilliant stuff!

Nice Cobra model. Quite a nice looking earlier car without the flared out wheel arches. I wonder if anyone does a transkit to convert it back to the AC Ace that it was derived from?

This brings back memories of when I built one when it was released way back when. Nice model Philip.

Coming on well! Nice subject.

Upper end die cast models like CMC are very well detailed and expensive! Lower end like Burago are reasonably priced but lack detail. However they can be reworked to improve their overall appearance quite a bit.

The spring upgrades look really good Francois. Detailing the Ubolts and wrapping proper binding on the springs makes all the difference. I saw on Nick's Britmodeller threads that you are now together sharing cad information on projects that can only be good. On there you describe yourself as the 'Guy from Quebec.' A few years back I was on a cruise along the Eastern seaboard from Boston that eventually went upriver to Quebec City. It was very impressive from what I could see in the short time I visited it.

The Minicraft kit was originally issued by Hubley way back in the 60's. Crude and simple by modern standards, and the fit of parts left a lot to be desired. The body shape looks right though and with a bit of work can make a nice model. There is another David in the UK who kit bashes these with Franklin Mint Silver Clouds he gets on Ebay.

Further to.my last post I think that Agora and DeAgostini are missing a trick here.. There would.be a market for their wire wheels and tyres I think sold as separate kits in their own right. I should have mentioned Bruce what a nice job you did on the Miura. It is one of the nicest cars that Lamborghini ever made.

Passed a TR4 coming the opposite way recently. Reminded me of what a nice looking sports car it is. Perhaps I will look out one of these to build with Motobitz 3D printed wire wheels to set it off.

Cannot argue about what you say about MFH kits Bruce. But like Ferraris and Bugattis they are limited run items with their target market being very highly experienced enthusiast car modellers. The ostensibly screw together market of Agora, DeAgostini and the late Eaglemoss is a bit different. From where I see it the idea behind them with pre painted bodies and so forth is to appeal generally to auto enthusiasts looking for a nice big representation to build with minimum tools or fuss, and end up with a very acceptable big model. Naturally in the hands of an experienced modeller the level of detailing can be improved no end however.

Experienced modellers tend to look at any kit as basic material to build a very accurate miniature. I agree that manufacturers of kits and real cars have to make design compromises along the way. But full size car makers absolutely have to ensure that design compromises do not lead to fit up problems on the production line when things get screwed of bolted together.

Hi David Quite a few other responses since my last one. Forgot to mention that most automotive aerosols these days are acrylic so should be alright for plastic. Telford is well worth a visit if you can get to it. It is now the biggest scale model show in the world.

David, I note that you live in Derbyshire here in the UK. There may be a Hobbycraft in Derby or Chesterfield who I know carry Tamiya Paints and the Revell Enamels and Aquacolor Acrylics that may not be too far away. Mr Colours are available in the UK from many different model traders. You just need to look. Zero paints from Hiroboy has been mentioned. They are airbrush ready colours that go on flat. If the colour you want can be mixed by them it will be a good bet. I have used them successfully following on with an automotive acrylic clear gloss from an aerosol. If you are seriously worried about your vintage Cortina kit then stick with paints designed for models. I don't know how mobile you are but it I were you it might be well worth looking to see where some model shows are taking place at weekends. They are the best place to see various manufacturers paints directly on the trade stands apart from the on line option. Definitely if you are not in a rush to build your model, then hang on until November and get yourself to the IPMS Scale Modelworld Show at Telford. There are shed loads of traders selling all different brands of modelling paints at the show. You will see fantastic model car builds there and get to talk to like minded model makers on the Special Interest Group Stands. Look up the IPMS website and seek out the contact details Richard Middleton the show organiser. He is a friend of mine and fellow car modeller. He used to run the IPMS UK Car and Motorcycle Special Interest Group before taking on the responsibility of Show Manager. He will be able to put you in touch with automotive special interest groups in IPMS. There may even be contact details for those groups on the IPMS UK website.