Lotus 56B Turbine Indy

[Scale-Master]

While I was doing research on the 1/43^rd scale Lotus 56 I pulled this from my stash.  I decided to build it too.  This is the old MPC kit in 1/25^th scale.  It will essentially be a curbside so that the body will fit better than having the top sections removable, but I'll build all the internal stuff too. 

I built up the insides, engine and suspension and was able to make it a standalone subassembly so the seam on the nose could be filled.  Most of the parts are chrome plated so they were stripped first.

[steveracer]

Im a gonn a watch this one!

[absmiami]

Scale - you know that i like to build your models - if you’re tempted to add some detail - try to fund this stuff - its perfect for the engine inlet screen - just sayin …

[absmiami]

FIND this stuff !!

[Bainford]

I always thought the engine in this kit is weak, and of course, it is, but stripped of chrome it already looks much better.

[Scale-Master]

The wheels are on the simple side, but a little paint does wonders.  The tires on the other hand are not correct but I'll use them anyway.

[RancheroSteve]

Glad to see you filled the nose seam, of course. It's actually not hard to make it removable (and prototypically correct) by making a cut on the underside. 

[Scale-Master]

4 hours ago, RancheroSteve said:

Glad to see you filled the nose seam, of course. It's actually not hard to make it removable (and prototypically correct) by making a cut on the underside. 

There's actually enough flex in the bottom/nose that I didn't need to cut the bottom at all.  But then it only has to go together once. 

[Scale-Master]

Undercoat for the fluorescent red.  Yes, it is pink.

[Scale-Master]

The red is Tamiya TS-36.  This is about an hour after I painted it.  It will now sit in the drying closet for a while.

[Scale-Master]

This little tractor comes in the kit too.  I assembled and painted the main components first starting with the wheels/tires.

The engine…

I added some detail to the muffler.

And the frame with the battery and transmission installed.  I added a little wiring to the engine and battery.

[Scale-Master]

I went with Tamiya Italian Red for the body parts.  Warbird Decals black & brown woodgrain was used for the push board. 

[Scale-Master]

This is as much as I can build up of the chassis & suspension until it is installed into the lower section of the body.

[absmiami]

Always thought it was great that MPC included a detailed push tractor …

[ea0863]

Totally enjoying watching you build this model!

[Scale-Master]

The decals aren't too bad, especially considering when they were printed and the process used, but all of the STP logos lacked the white outlines. 

So I made new ones.

[Scale-Master]

I cleared it a few days ago.  No unexpected negative issues have manifested.

[Scale-Master]

The last photos of the innards before it is sealed up.