Tamiya BMW Z3

[DiscoRover007]

Hi all. I picked up a Tamiya BMW z3 kit. I primarily bought this to keep my skills fresh. I also wanted an opportunity to master Tamiya’s TS-17 gloss aluminum. And if it turned out alright I figure I would always have example to reference from for future builds.

I have always had problems using the paint in the past. However I feel like I have finally figured it out. I started using the same techniques I use on color coats and TS mica paints and it seems to have done the trick.

I prepped the body with Tamiya white primer. I used several coats and wet sanded the primer many times with micro mesh polishing cloths. All the way up to 4000-6000. 

When I started laying down the TS-17 I only used mist coats from the spray can that I let sit in warm water for several minutes beforehand. I made sure to achieve full coverage in mists coats only first. Then I laid down one medium wet coat. I let this dry for about 2-3 days and I then color sanded the body with micro mesh cloths. Making sure even out areas where the silver did not appear as fine as others.

I then used a tack cloth and then Tamiya’s static dust removal brush before laying down 1-2 heavy wet coats. Once I could confirm there was no noticeable debris in the paint I laid down a few light coats of TS-13 clear to seal the paint. I then laid down a final clear coat a few days later.

 

 

 

 

 

I hated the wheels that came with the kit. Luckily I had a set of 18 inch fujimi bbs wheels that I have been waiting to use for a while. I painted them MM Aluminum metalizer and then used the metalizer sealer.

 To make them fit i grinded out the female fittings inside the wheel with a dremel  tool. I then cut some plastic tubing to fit. It was slightly thinner than the Tamiya male fittings on the stock wheels. So I used Tamiya tape and gradually added enough width until they would fit snug in the brake. I then sealed the tape with CA glue before installing.Tires are from a first gen Tamiya NSX.

 

 

Underside was painted TS-17 and lightly cleared. Since there was no motor in this kit I figured it would be worth detailing this portion as much as I could. I used a combination of Vallejo paints, black, metal gold, gunmetal, air gunmetal, air silver and Tamiya weathering powders. I also used oil paints as a wash.

Overall I am quite pleased with the progress so far. I am also growing quite fond of this car the more I look at it. It’s a very timeless and beautiful design. I wouldn’t mind owning one of these someday. The interior will be black. I need to replace the driver seat as it is ruined. 

Given how the paint has come out I will probably use TS-17 for my silver paint from now on. Considering the ease of use from a spray can it is quite hard to beat the results. 

Comments welcome thanks for looking! Oh and the tape is in preparation to paint the window rubbers.

 

 

 

 

 

Edited February 17, 2018 by DiscoRover007

[kelson]

Good work so far,don't see these kits built to often,i bought a predecorated one years ago I think it was a fujimi kit,i'm looking forward to more.

[Gt fan]

Off to a great start. Well done.