1931 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 Gran Sport Zagato - Heller's classic 1/24 kit after some extra work

[Plastheniker]

Hi,

 

most of Heller's 1/24 car kits were released during the seventies. Nevertheless they can make really beautiful models but not in the fast and easy way of modern kits.

 

Besides the general issue of Heller kits that assembly instructions often give only a vague idea of the correct parts location, this particular kit requires some attention especially here:

 

• Heller's rims are often the poorest parts of their kits, but here the kit rims are completely unusable. Even if you tend to accept plastic spoke wheels the wires of this kit look really terrible. Making new wires is indispensable.

• The 1:1 vehicle has a lot of delicate chrome mouldings. A nice BMF work makes or breaks the model. If you haven't yet aquired BMF routine you will not be satisfied.

• The kit dashboard is a completely plane piece of plasic without any detail. Moreover the dial decals of the kit are too crude to be realistic.

• The moulded bonnet catches and handles don't look convincing. I removed them and made new parts from stainless steel wire and hypodermic needles.

• The original vehicle has adjustable friction shock absorbers. The kit has simple one-piece parts without any details. Since the open front fenders reveal them very clearly they should be detailed or replaced.

• The headlamp supports and the connecting bracket between the front fenders are poorly moulded and should be replaced.

 

 

With these reservations Heller's kit can make a convincing replica that can sustain comparison with modern models. It requires, however, more time, resilience and skills than modern kits.

And don't forget: the characteristic paintwork on pre-war Alfas was a very dark burgundy even if nowadays restorers seem to prefer black or bright red.

 

 

 

[Hard_2_Handle_454]

Beautiful

[bbowser]

Fantastic work!  Heller kits are not easy but you've taken it to a new level.

 

[89AKurt]

Just the tire weathering alone, that pulls it into a fantastic build.

[bondo bill]

she's a beauty

[PappyD340]

Outstanding build!

[ncbuckeye67]

Excellent work! That is beautiful.

[TonyW]

Unrecognizable as a Heller kit, those wire wheels make all the difference. The front shocks look beautiful as well.

[Rich Chernosky]

A fine example of excellent craftsmanship on what many consider a mediocre kit.  A great post too with lots of good info. 

[Hi-Po]

An outstanding build!  Excellent workmanship.

[Matt Bacon]

Absolutely splendid -- great work indeed, Jurgen. What a lovely little masterpiece to have in your display cabinet. Is the paint a mix? (I ask because I just used Tamiya TS-11 Maroon on my 1/32 Airfix one, and it looks very similar!)

best,

M.

[Roger U]

A beautiful build. Great paint, weathering, and detail.

[ZIL 111V]

Stunning! superb replica, indeed Heller car kits demand a lots of work & patience, a real miniature museum piece. 

[espo]

Beautiful looking paint and trim finishes. Your mention of the kit's short falls and how you overcame them helps to fully understand what all you had to do on this build. 

[Jim B]

Beautiful Alfa Romeo.  Very well done.

[Phildaupho]

Extremely well built Congratulations on a beautiful model 

[ChrisR]

Looks great!!

[Tommy124]

Hi Jürgen,

what a beauty! Your work really stands out in all departments, but especially the wire wheels. 

I'm still in awe of your process of handling those wires to make beautiful wheels, which I once saw in a tutorial of yours (on another forum, IIRC?).

[Plastheniker]

 

Thanks for the response!

 

On 11/26/2024 at 6:50 PM, Matt Bacon said:

Absolutely splendid -- great work indeed, Jurgen. What a lovely little masterpiece to have in your display cabinet. Is the paint a mix? (I ask because I just used Tamiya TS-11 Maroon on my 1/32 Airfix one, and it looks very similar!)

best,

M.

Matt, you are right, it is my own mix. Who ever tried to achieve a very dark red knows that this can be frustrating, The simple secret is not to use a very bright red (f.e. Revell's #32131 = RAL 3000) because the result after mixing it with black will always be rather brown than red. A more purple red (f. e. Humbrol's #19) mixed with black gives the right shade.

[Gustavo Reis]

Very nice model. 

[Ulbo]

Amazing build👍

[XYHARRY]

Incredibly well finished Alfa Romeo there Jurgen. Those wheels are amazing, really well done. 

Cheers, 

David. 😎👍

[dino246gt]

What a beauty! Wow, awesome build!!

 

[1959scudetto]

After a long break you finally come back to the board and present us again a marvellous model, Jürgen ! You have outdone yourself with this superb Alfa Romeo!

[Chuckyg1]

Just beautiful, a museum quality build in my opinion. Having tried my hand at a Heller kit, (1915 Citroen), and not being successful, l have some idea of the patience, skill and dedication you must of put Into this kit. Truly outstanding.