1/12 Tamiya Mclaren M23

[wardsmodelbuilder]

Hi all, this is going to be the build thread for my new commission project. A Tamiya 1/12 Mclaren M23 

The build is going to include quite extensive detailing, especially around the engine with all the rubber hoses included in the kit replaced with braided hoses and aftermarket connections. 

I have made an initial start on the project, putting together the tub which was painted in Alclad II polished Aluminum. Regular aluminum for the gear lever. I have also added some thin modeling tin on the floor of the tub for a little contrast.

The seatbelts are standard from the kit as are the PH fitting. 

Very early stages of this one but I hope to have some further updates very soon.

Thanks
Chris
www.wardsmodelbuilder.com
wardsmodelbuilder@outlook.com

[Nacho Z]

She looks good so far!  I will be following this one as I like these Tamiya 1:12 kits.  Looking forward to seeing your next update.

[Chris Smith]

Looking forward to seeing more on this.

 I have one of these in my collection 

[wardsmodelbuilder]

Little update for you on the progress of the M23. I got the lower half of the body work cleared, wet sanded and polished which then allowed me to start the front end suspension, which is going together well. Next step is to build  the bottom wishbones and hubs. Going to run a brake line along the bottom wishbone attached with some zip straps for extra detailing. 

I have added some lines from the cylinders for a little extra detailing.

Also I have made a start on the upper half of the body. Primed and painted, still to be clear coated.

Thanks
Chris
http://www.wardsmodelbuilder.com
wardsmodelbuilder@outlook.com

[wardsmodelbuilder]

Hello everyone, hope you are all well and staying safe.  Here is a progress report on the Tamiya Mclaren M23 build. 

The front end chassis/suspension is just about finished now. I added two brake lines running on the lower wishbones attached with a couple of MFH zip clips. The nose frame is attached and I've added some further detailed wiring to the battery. I've gone with kit instructions for positioning of the battery, rather than what I believe was the historically correct position as I just prefer it this way.  

Now the front end is complete I've started to work on the engine and gearbox, painting them and using line paint to highlight the lower areas.  These will go together next then the rear suspension will be built off those. I've repainted the engine trumpet stacks and roll hoop in alclad chrome and polished aluminum as the pre chromed kit pieces just didn't look very good. The plug wiring and clear tubes are both from the kit, these will be the only kit parts used around the engine for plumbing/detailing. 

That's all the works up to date, hopefully in the next batch of photos I will have the rear end finished. 

Thanks
Chris
http://www.wardsmodelbuilder.com
wardsmodelbuilder@outlook.com

[Chris Smith]

Looking really good, I was curious I have some of those mfh zip clips and the seem to be super fragile. After playing around with them I noticed that they are a lot more playable when super wet. What are your feelings about theese?

[Belugawrx]

Nice start on this one Chris!

I'll be watching this beauty come together.

Cheers

[wardsmodelbuilder]

On 5/9/2020 at 12:09 AM, Chris Smith said:

Looking really good, I was curious I have some of those mfh zip clips and the seem to be super fragile. After playing around with them I noticed that they are a lot more playable when super wet. What are your feelings about theese?

You are absolutely correct, I figured out that soaking them make them much easier to use. I lost a few first out of the package as they break so easily. 

[carmad1957]

You know, after seeing these big scale F1 legends I'm watching you and a couple others working on, think I've decided it's time to spring for one!!

Man, the crisp detail possible compared to these 20th, 24th scale cars I've been building is amazing. This build of yours so far?? Awesome! Looking forward to the finished masterpiece.

[wardsmodelbuilder]

Here are some further progress photos on the commission M23 build. 

Gearbox, engine and chassis all together now, with some detailing started. 

Further detailing to be done, and general tidying up, still WIP but getting there. 

Chris
www.wardsmodelbuilder.com
wardsmodelbuilder@outlook.com

[wardsmodelbuilder]

Here are some photos of the commissioned M23 now fully completed and ready to send out. 

Everything went together pretty well in the final part of the build, I added some extra wiring behind the dash. 

The seat, steering wheel and gear level have been left loose as per customer request, i'm assuming he will be added a driver figure.

Thanks
Chris
www.wardsmodelbuilder.com
wardsmodelbuilder@outlook.com

[kpnuts]

Amazing build.