Vodaphone Mclaren Mercedes MP4-27

[Rich Chernosky]

This one has got to be the most delicate, fussy and time consuming project ever. I was so glad to get it done and in the case. Complicating the build process was the finish...AK  Super Chrome.  It sprayed and looked nice but after much handling it started to rub off. Had to respray several areas and then clear coat with Tamiya X-22 clear (which takes about a month to cure) Decals and finicky parts completed the process. I will say the body fit nicely and the overall look when finished was pleasing. More details in the picture captions.  Thanks for looking and comment welcome.

Thgis project sat until thwe rtight finish showed up...that was AK Super Chrome. Got a few wrinkles under the side pod  but they are barely noticable.  Kit included decals to be able to spray the flourescent red but with the delicate nature of the finish I opted for the full decal.

Rear wing was kinda fussy to assemble but attached to the chassis OK.

Suspension fit OK but I still ended up with a little bit of a three wheeler.  This is a common problem with larger scale F-1 kits and you are often just lucky to get it right. 

Front wing was the biggest pain and consisted of 21 very delicate pieces.  It took several days of letting the glue dry before it was all assembled.  And I still knocked a few pieces off any way.  That decal on the nose went down OK but was no walk in the park by any means. 

[1959scudetto]

Seems like you had to struggle a long time until you came to the final steps, Rich - but the result is a very good representation of this F1 car.

Assembling that front wing and suspension parts would be a nightmare for me, that is why I prefer sports racers and older F1 cars.

(Only the builder himself knows the weak points and issues that his model might have, the onlookers would not notice them unless they are pointed out !)

[TonyK]

Too bad you couldn't enjoy your build more but I enjoy looking at your pictures. Looks real good!

I have many F1 models yet to build because I dread the paint schemes and decals. Don't know if I have the determination like you had to keep going once I start getting frustrated.

[Funkychiken]

Looks great, we'll worth the pain I'd say!

[cobraman]

I think it turned out great !

[Gramps46]

I am very impressed with what you accomplished.  You must have a boatload of patience to see it through to completion. Watching paint dry is not one of my strong points.

[PappyD340]

Looks great!

[bbowser]

Beautiful work!  That front wing sure looks intimidating but you made it through.  Nice job on the chrome finish.

[ChrisR]

Looks great!!

[Rich Chernosky]

On 2/17/2023 at 2:49 PM, 1959scudetto said:

Seems like you had to struggle a long time until you came to the final steps, Rich - but the result is a very good representation of this F1 car.

Assembling that front wing and suspension parts would be a nightmare for me, that is why I prefer sports racers and older F1 cars.

(Only the builder himself knows the weak points and issues that his model might have, the onlookers would not notice them unless they are pointed out !)

Thank you very much Helmut....we all know our limits but it seems I am always trying to push mine. 

 

On 2/17/2023 at 3:06 PM, TonyK said:

Too bad you couldn't enjoy your build more but I enjoy looking at your pictures. Looks real good!

I have many F1 models yet to build because I dread the paint schemes and decals. Don't know if I have the determination like you had to keep going once I start getting frustrated.

Thanks Tony...I enjoy putting them up.  Best I can tell you is start with one of the simple ones (F-1 from the 60's come to mind)  and work your way up from there. The more you do the more your confidence will build.

 

On 2/17/2023 at 5:08 PM, Funkychiken said:

Looks great, we'll worth the pain I'd say!

Thanks  Atin....It definetly was a struggle.

 

On 2/17/2023 at 5:22 PM, cobraman said:

I think it turned out great !

Thank you Ray

 

On 2/17/2023 at 6:09 PM, Gramps46 said:

I am very impressed with what you accomplished.  You must have a boatload of patience to see it through to completion. Watching paint dry is not one of my strong points.

As always Gary, thank you.  I have so many projects that are sitting in the boxes waiting for paint to dry that it doesn't bother me. Some wait for years.

 

On 2/18/2023 at 3:32 AM, PappyD340 said:

Looks great!

Thanks

 

23 hours ago, bbowser said:

Beautiful work!  That front wing sure looks intimidating but you made it through.  Nice job on the chrome finish.

Thank you Bruce.  Chrome paint was a learning experience for me.

 

23 hours ago, ChrisR said:

Looks great!!

Thanks

 

[Jim B]

Really great job on you F1 car.  Very well done.

[Pierre Rivard]

You are a brave man Rich. Painting chrome, nearly impossible. Clear over chrome paint, even more risky yet unavoidable. Somehow you pulled it off. I very much enjoy watching this build knowing it is one I will never dare to try.

I salute you sir!

[Rich Chernosky]

On 2/19/2023 at 10:08 AM, Jim B said:

Really great job on you F1 car.  Very well done.

Thank you Jim...another one to the growing 1/20 collection

 

On 2/19/2023 at 10:42 AM, Pierre Rivard said:

You are a brave man Rich. Painting chrome, nearly impossible. Clear over chrome paint, even more risky yet unavoidable. Somehow you pulled it off. I very much enjoy watching this build knowing it is one I will never dare to try.

I salute you sir!

Thank you Pierre.  I have done some small touch-up with the chrome paint but nothing like what you do.  Might try some small stuff and let you know how it turns out. Got a big bottle of it and the special thinner too. 

 

[Mike C]

Looks like you conquered it. It came out great.

[slusher]

Beautifully done!

[Mattilacken]

sweet build!