Twokidsnosleep Posted February 19, 2019 Posted February 19, 2019 New project, striking while the iron is hot so to speak Talbot Lago GP by Heller in 1/24 scale. It is an early open wheel Grand Prix racer that I am a sucker for. Some research pics
Twokidsnosleep Posted February 19, 2019 Author Posted February 19, 2019 So the kit is a bit basic. The wire wheels are passable and I did think or re-lacing the spokes but will invest time in other areas. Sorry the photos are a bit dark/off...winter light is killing my photography. So the mods so far: Wiring the motor: Valve stems into the wheel rims Opened ALL the vents on the body and rivet sites drilled out I found a little Jimmy Flintstone driver who may just fit in there perfectly I am having some fun with this little French Babe so far. Lots more mods to go Thanks for looking Scott
Gramps46 Posted February 19, 2019 Posted February 19, 2019 Oh yes, loving it. Please keep us posted as you go.
Miatatom Posted February 19, 2019 Posted February 19, 2019 I'll be interested to see how you solve the issue of the seam down the middle and still make the louvers on top look right.
Twokidsnosleep Posted February 19, 2019 Author Posted February 19, 2019 1 hour ago, Miatatom said: I'll be interested to see how you solve the issue of the seam down the middle and still make the louvers on top look right. Yes good eye there. There is space between those central louvres so I think I can fill and sand that....taping over the louvres while finishing will help. I will approach this like making an aircraft model where the cockpit is fully made and cemented into the fuselage which is subsequently finished.
Foxer Posted February 19, 2019 Posted February 19, 2019 I'll be watching this beautiful car build. ))
afx Posted February 19, 2019 Posted February 19, 2019 I finally picked up one these kits and am quite impressed with it so I'll be taking notes Scott.
FabbricaP Posted February 19, 2019 Posted February 19, 2019 Always wanted to see a build up of this kit, will be following along . Kit looks really nice and you’re right about those wire wheels - they aren’t bad at all!
Twokidsnosleep Posted February 19, 2019 Author Posted February 19, 2019 Ya thanks guys for posting comments and interest....it is really motivating I am a solid sucker for Heller's box art...I have a Porsche 917K and a Bugatti T50 solely b/c of the gorgeous box art...despite knowing the kits are ummm, not great?? This TL GP kit, it isn't horrible, but it has some soft detail and questionable engineering. Certainly not a shake and bake kit, but I rarely build like that anyways. The instructions are laughably simple and poorly done. A kit like this, on subjects I love, are just jump points; a start to make them something better. I will try to show as much as I can so others can avoid the tiger traps. Body seams are the biggest hurdle evident so far. S
Dann Tier Posted February 20, 2019 Posted February 20, 2019 Don't know how I missed this one, bud!!, but like everybody says; I cant believe how nice this kit really is!!!...and those spokes ARE very nice!!...I woulda used them too!! Just opening those vents alone is a daunting task by itself!! I agree with how you plan to deal with the body seam, and I too use tape to protect surrounding details as well....just did it for my Reventon recently. Keep up the outstanding work, bud!!!
Miatatom Posted February 20, 2019 Posted February 20, 2019 22 hours ago, Twokidsnosleep said: Yes good eye there. There is space between those central louvres so I think I can fill and sand that....taping over the louvres while finishing will help. I will approach this like making an aircraft model where the cockpit is fully made and cemented into the fuselage which is subsequently finished. Not a good eye, just talking from experience. I started one of these and wasn't satisfied with the results. Biggest problem was the louvers. To get the seam right, most of the detail of the louvers was gone. I might make my own louvers, just sand it smooth and apply them.
ismaelg Posted February 21, 2019 Posted February 21, 2019 Looking great! I've been thinking about picking this one up. Will follow up closely. Agree the boxart is gorgeous on these kits.
Twokidsnosleep Posted February 21, 2019 Author Posted February 21, 2019 (edited) Thanks guys I jumped off into the deep end last night and have started modifying the body Razor sawed the mid cockpit section away from the rest. I may have to do some framework mods for the rear suspension..we shall see. My though is that this gives me access to install the cockpit, sand and seal the seams better and paint things easier. Edited February 21, 2019 by Twokidsnosleep
Bainford Posted February 21, 2019 Posted February 21, 2019 Very interesting subject and kit. I'll be watching along on this one.
Dann Tier Posted February 21, 2019 Posted February 21, 2019 1 hour ago, Twokidsnosleep said: Thanks guys I jumped off into the deep end last night and have started modifying the body Razor sawed the mid cockpit section away from the rest. I may have to do some framework mods for the rear suspension..we shall see. My though is that this gives me access to install the cockpit, sand and seal the seams better and paint things easier. Sounds good...that's exactly what i'd do, and have done before on my two D-Type Jags.
Twokidsnosleep Posted February 21, 2019 Author Posted February 21, 2019 9 minutes ago, Dann Tier said: Sounds good...that's exactly what i'd do, and have done before on my two D-Type Jags. Ok sweet, good to have a vote of confidence
Ensis Ferrae Posted February 23, 2019 Posted February 23, 2019 After having built another Heller kit, I've been right put off them permanently. . . I'm glad you're taking even more steps on this kit to make it look good than I did on my own project (I started a WIP thread here, but largely abandoned it as I finished the kit. . . 3/4ths of the car are in weathering pigment now ) This is looking quite good with all the extra work you're putting into it.
Pico Posted February 23, 2019 Posted February 23, 2019 Heller kits are very "fiddly" , but worth the effort.
Dann Tier Posted February 23, 2019 Posted February 23, 2019 4 hours ago, Pico said: Heller kits are very "fiddly" , but worth the effort. ….except their Lamborghini Countach kits -HORRIBLE.
Dann Tier Posted February 23, 2019 Posted February 23, 2019 On 2/21/2019 at 2:08 PM, Twokidsnosleep said: Ok sweet, good to have a vote of confidence I got your back, bud!!…..have you given any thought on how you're gonna "deal" with the front grill?
Twokidsnosleep Posted February 23, 2019 Author Posted February 23, 2019 You guys are hilarious thanks for all the comments ya Heller has that reputation and I knew going into it there will be some extra work
Twokidsnosleep Posted February 23, 2019 Author Posted February 23, 2019 24 minutes ago, Dann Tier said: I got your back, bud!!…..have you given any thought on how you're gonna "deal" with the front grill? Well funny you should ask.Quiet snowy friday night, some rum and coke and a couple razor saws voila, la nez is removed and some brass mesh tested. Some refining to do but not bad
Dann Tier Posted February 23, 2019 Posted February 23, 2019 That's too funny!!!!!......its looking KILLER too!!!!!!
Twokidsnosleep Posted February 24, 2019 Author Posted February 24, 2019 (edited) Thanks guys, not bad indeed. I managed to get the round center piece added as well Then I started in on the air intake grills for the carbs..tried the plastic but they broke so made them from aluminum with the same mesh You can see them here on this car. Mine are a bit wider gauge, but it will be ok Edited February 24, 2019 by Twokidsnosleep
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