Tamiya 1/24 1999 Ford Focus WRC car

[Exotics_Builder]

Calling this one done.  Basic Tamiya quality on plastic components and similar terrible decals from the time the model was issued.  This is the second Tamiya racing car I have done where the decals were not up to par.  They apply fine (although one broke) but several wrinkled as they dried. 

Biggest challenge was trying to find reference detail photos of the actual car raced in 1999.  I found some photos, but mainly exterior.  Interior detail was not readily available for 1999 version.  So, I used later model photos and adapted to the model.

Besides the Tamiya kit, I used the Scale Motorsport CF decals, Decalcas Valve Stems, Spot Model decals, and Eduard seat belts.  You can see some of the interior detail in the assembly photos as sadly, most of it is obscured by the window “glass”.   The model is obviously pristine, that is pre racing.  I may decide to later weather it or just leave it as is.

[PappyD340]

Very nice!

[afx]

Nice work.

[cobraman]

Looks good to me.

[Rich Chernosky]

This is a very cool car. And you did an outstaning job.  I have one of these in my Martini section. Did you paint the red on. Decal work looks super smooth ot me. 

[Exotics_Builder]

4 hours ago, Rich Chernosky said:

This is a very cool car. And you did an outstaning job.  I have one of these in my Martini section. Did you paint the red on. Decal work looks super smooth ot me. 

Red is Tamiya Lacquer decanted from Rattle Can and airbrushed.  White is Tamiya Rattle Can.  Made a copy of the body decals and used as a template for masking.  First try was off, so I sanded the blend line, remasked and did another shot.  The decals are somewhat translucent, so was trying to not run over into the lighter blue. 

The other perplexing thing is that (not being overly familiar with WRC cars) is that I cannot figure out how they can get the spare tire out given its location and the roll cage design.  I could not find any 1999 interior photos except the dash.  The 2000 and 2001 real cars have a different roll cage than depicted in the model

Edited August 10, 2021 by Exotics_Builder

[Silver Foxx]

A great looking build , lots of nice detail , well done .