Audi R8

[njcarguy]

PLEASE...Be BRUTALLY honest. I need critiques so I can get better! Don't hold back and perhaps leave some helpful hints on how to build better cars...

[Deathgoblin]

Overall, I'd say pretty good!    Only recommendations I could make would be to mask larger areas, like the panels behind the doors, so that the edges come out cleaner.  Sometimes I'll even take a fine Micron pen around edges like that and touch them up.  The engine compartment looks good.  I'd also recommend getting some polishing pads for the paint.  It's hard to get a good, shiny paint job without them.  

[MGL]

Not too bad, just a couple of observations. Drilling out the exhuast and using a wash in the holes would make it look more realistic. On the clear parts try either some white glue (Elmers or similer) or some canapy cement, that will mostly eleminate the visable glue at the edges of parts like the tail lights. And build more models, like anything else the more you do the better you get. Good luck, we are looking forward to watching your progress.

[maltsr]

I think it looks pretty good too .  You should also add the registration plates - don't apply them as decals, but simply cut them from the decal sheet and glue to the kit with a dab of the aforementioned white glue.

[jefropas]

Looks pretty good, I'd go over the body first with varying levels of sandpaper to smooth it all out before paint, maybe drill out the exhaust tips, its a solid start!

 

Jeff

[mike 51]

Also....don't use plain red paint for tailights...use a clear red from Testor's or Tamiya as it looks far better.

[Jonathan]

Hey Man, keep it up!  Practice makes perfect, or at least better!  Like others mention - use Elmer's or other water-based, white/clear glue for the clear parts.  If you're using rattle cans to paint (Hobby types, at least until you really get the hang of it) - put on LIGHT mist coats.  Don't build up the paint too fast, or it'll run, puddle, and as strange as it is, pull away from the panel lines.  I think you're off to a good start.  Even having been in this hobby for years (and years!), I still build some that are good; and some that are real stink bombs!  

[njcarguy]

Thanks for the help! I appreciate the comments. 

As for painting the tail lights.... Is the testors paint translucent? And I already bought the testors glue that dries clear. Is there any special way to glue the headlights and tail lights? 

[mike 51]

Yes the clear red paints make them look just like real lenses...makes a huge difference.

[rsxse240]

Let's be brutally honest here, like you said.

 

Did YOU enjoy building this model?  Do YOU like the way it turned out?  If you answers are both yes, then you've done a great job.  Just look at how your build turned out and observe the points you want to improve and ask how to do those.  You are asking a very vague question by asking "How can I improve my build?".   

 

See if you can find a model club near you and attend regularly,  that in itself will vastly and rapidly improve your skills.  I have even gone as far as hanging a flyer up at Hobby Lobby for recruiting modelers.  

 

Give praise to God for everything and you'll be just fine.

[XJ6]

This looks like the revell Audi R8 Kit I built this kit yrs ago and yours turned out better than mine ?

Edited November 27, 2015 by XJ6

[kilrathy10]

Let's be brutally honest here, like you said.

 

Did YOU enjoy building this model?  Do YOU like the way it turned out?  If you answers are both yes, then you've done a great job.  Just look at how your build turned out and observe the points you want to improve and ask how to do those.  You are asking a very vague question by asking "How can I improve my build?".   

 

See if you can find a model club near you and attend regularly,  that in itself will vastly and rapidly improve your skills.  I have even gone as far as hanging a flyer up at Hobby Lobby for recruiting modelers.  

 

Give praise to God for everything and you'll be just fine.

This is good, sound advice, Man.....Especially the Very last line.....

You've got a good model....And trial and error helps quite a bit, too.....If you model long enough, you're bound to improve.....You'll even find yourself going back to past builds and applying your advanced skills to those as you acquire them......Stripping the paint and such and rebuilding it with your honed skills....

This is an awesome hobby, Man.....You'll have ups and downs....Some models will be great, and others not so great; but this forum can really help.....You can always find inspiration to try something new or apply a trick or method you would have never thought of.....I know I have.....Primarily a truck modeler, I find great ideas here in the car section that I can apply to my trucks.....Lots of great modelers, here......

Biggest thing.....Keep building.....And you'll get better......

[Deathgoblin]

I think it looks pretty good too .  You should also add the registration plates - don't apply them as decals, but simply cut them from the decal sheet and glue to the kit with a dab of the aforementioned white glue.

My favorite thing to do with the plates now is apply them as decals to a couple of pieces of scrap sheet plastic, then give them a good coat of clear and trim them out.  They withstand bumps a bit better than the paper does.

[Deathgoblin]

Thanks for the help! I appreciate the comments. 

As for painting the tail lights.... Is the testors paint translucent? And I already bought the testors glue that dries clear. Is there any special way to glue the headlights and tail lights? 

Colored Sharpie markers also work really well on tail lights and marker lights.