1:18th KK '74 BMW 2002 tii/Lux limited overhaul restricted largely to interior work...

[swede70]

Greetings...

Just a small interior overall performed on the new 1:18th KK 1974 BMW 2002 tii/Lux, presumably finished in Granatrot Metallic even as I'd hoped for Malaga given I'd owned an example so-painted many years ago.  Some diecast vendor web images suggested a hue that could be mistaken for Malaga here (think a period solid burgundy), but when the model finally washed ashore no longer could I cling to this hope.  Further, KK didn't do a full Lux interior, something denoted by the inclusion of applique wood trim on the door cards as well as the center console, while given my 1:1 example was outfitted with a fairly rare light gray interior, I decided to disassemble this KK release consistent with redoing things to reflect a stand spec. interior in this less common scheme.  As AUTOart 1:18th releases of old continue to appreciate well beyond my capacity to collect such, the KK option becomes increasingly attractive do understand. 

On with the limited show and tell then.  Seen just below is a '74 and on light gray vinyl interior, unusual given these cars are usually outfitted with black, tan/buckskin or navy blue vinyl interiors with the typical deteriorating horse hair (i.e. gummihaar) seat padding and peculiar smell to match!  Combined with wonderful mechanical noises and the faint smell or oil and gasoline, there exists a definite and visceral aesthetic with regards to owning and driving an old BMW...

Back to my scale example, Tamiya AS-2 (IJN) Light Gray was employed where seen (all is largely unfinished black plastic as-delivered but for some chrome painted trim), with the raised and chrome applique trim on the door cards carefully masked and repainted, while an AUTOart E21 BMW 323i steering wheel picked up via AUTOart Spares was switched in given the model came through with something specific to an earlier iteration of the E10 platform.  Low-pile salt & pepper carpeting was just simulated with a dusting of white paint sprayed at a distance atop a matt black basecoat, while the sides of the interior fall away to facilitate whatever work one would want to perform upon them.  The means by which the dash and the side panels attach to each other is simple and easily serviced without risking damage to the model, while the whole chassis detaches from the body for the removal of only four easily accessed screws; i.e. this is a benign scale platform as such things go.  

I might still fabricate an overlay for the instrument cluster given it too reflects an earlier spec. '02 for not featuring a wood grain finish, while an AUTOart E10 chrome exhaust tip might further be added.  The tii-specific clock installation usually seen on the dashboard/pad is also missing...

Really not awful though, with the Tamiya paint really capturing the look of period vinyl well.  From experience and review of online photos, the 1:1 light gray interior often discolored, the seat piping turning both brown and hard, etc.  Some Granatrot and Malaga-painted examples came through to the United States outfitted with such (other exterior colors too - albeit very few), but in the main it wasn't a common choice...

I might make an effort to clean and respray select aluminum perimeter beltline trim given it appears incomplete here.  Thanks for your review of this post...

Mike K./Swede70

Edited August 6, 2024 by swede70

[mrm]

KK Scale make some great models and they have been getting better. Their "weak spot", so to speak, have always been their interiors. And the wheels of their Ferraris when they first started. 

With some love and care they can be brought to be great models and think that's exactly what you have achieved here. 

[swede70]

Greetings...

A small update this, scarcely rating a post.  The KK model seen above has a tampo print on the tail panel which denotes the example as a 2002 tii Lux, whereas given the interior suggests a lesser 2002, I took some Tamiya tape and acetone solution dipped cotton swabs and scrubbed off what I could until only the 2002 badge as it were remained.  Tedious in total, the markings could have been ruined entire, but mostly looking good now.  Thanks...

...as delivered then.  This must be a prototype given the exhaust doesn't look quite a bad on the actual model as it does here.  

...and the results with some Interdecal EU license plate decals set/overlaid onto what KK provides even as the images used seem a bit narrow relative to the width KK rendered just beneath.  Thanks for your review of this post.

Mike K./Swede70

Edited August 17, 2024 by swede70