Monogram "Ultimates" 1/43 289 Cobra

[Mark IV]

So being laid up with a new knee (thanks Mr. Arthur Ritis) I actually have some bench time to spend. Now that my GT40 is roaming the great outdoors in Montana, I have a Superformance MK II 289 ("Cobra slabside") and decided to replicate it. I have a stash of Monogram 1/43 289 Cobras from their "Ultimates" series that never progressed beyond the Cobra and a C2 Corvette. So I grabbed one of the 5 unbuilt I have in stock (can't resist every time I see one cheap on eBay)

So having done a couple of these in the past, I have learned a few tricks and also wanted to improve a few details. The thick posts that mount the bumpers and overiders are gone to be replaced by two wires to replicate the bumper mounts. Other than that just some detailing, etc. I am adding the door pockets on the inside of the body  and some other details such as the tubes that run from the footboxes to the front spring tower.

The paint is a dark blue metallic so the Testors Ford Pearl Blue lacquer is a close match. Still working on the reds for the seats and carpets, need to fine tune those colors a little better yet.

Also trying to sus out how to do the whitewalls but if I can't get them right they will be a casualty.

All comments, suggestions, critiques and brickbats are welcome!

 

 

Edited December 13, 2016 by Mark IV
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[geetee66]

Great to see a smaller scale here.

Looks very good so far.

 I'll be checking in for more progress 

[cobraman]

I will be looking in. I also have some stashed and have built a few. Nice little kit. Wish they would have continued with the series but I guess they didn't sell that well.

[randyc]

Cool.  I loved these cars.  I finished the Vette, but never finished the Cobra.  I know where most of it is.  therein lies the problem.  Those were so nice - shame they never pursued the series.  

Randy

[Randy D]

Hi Rick,

  These are really cool models !!  Good progress so far. Those wire wheels look terrific.

Growing up on a ranch in Montana with no daytime speed limit and vast empty stretches of highway I kinda wish I had a GT40 back then 

Randy

 

[afx]

Great projects Rick.  The 260/289s are my favorite Cobras.

[Mark IV]

Got  little more done. Primed and blocked the body and got some color on it. I have five touch ups so far, sanded through in spots, got a "glob" on a spot, etc. Getting close to clear. I did clear the hood with one coat so far and it looks promising.

Working on the interior. Made up the behind seat storage flap where the side curtains are stored and tweaked the red colors a couple of times. Still not where I want them. Fabbed up the green plexi sun visors as well.

Working on the footboxes, chassis, etc.

I just realized this will be the first model I have actually finished (if I do finish) in over 8 years! I have started, restarted and worked on a lot, but no completions. I have finally overcome my "painting thing" and have the airbrush working well as I have developed a proper cleaning process and also am using a tank of nitrogen to eliminate the compressor variance and noise.

[Davewilly]

Its coming along very nice!  Paint looks great!

[cobraman]

Looks great, keep it going.

[Mark IV]

A little more progress. Three "touch-ups" of the base coat color and I finally got clear on the body. A rough polish out with some Meguirs and it doesn't look too bad. The blue color looks lighter here than it really is, it really is a good match for my actual car.

My failing eyesight (have an exam coming up shortly, new glasses will be in order) and tweezers resulted in several of the photo etched parts flying off into the great unknown forcing me to steal another one from my stash.

Working on interior details, etc. Back to work so only a few spare minutes here and there.

Edited January 5, 2017 by Mark IV
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[afx]

This look like such a great kit.  Curious why Monogram never scaled this up to 1/25.