Has Anyone Built the Tamiya Ford GT (kit 346)?

[Bill Anderson]

Hi,

I just completed the Revell Ford 427 Cobra kit (pics are in the works) and it looks like next in line is the Tamiya Ford GT (#346).   

In reviewing the instructions and parts packages, it is obvious I've never built a car/kit like this before.  Since my first car models in the early '60s, they have all been front engine, rear drive, typical American vehicles (thru the '90s or so).   So to be really honest, this kit looks pretty difficult and I'm questioning whether I can do it justice.

I've seen the "real car" at Planet Ford, and it is one of the most beautiful vehicles I have ever seen.  So obviously I wanted the kit, and it looks like it is my next project.

Of course my question is, has anyone built this kit, and what was your experience and do you have any advice.

Thank you all !!!

 

 

[stavanzer]

Bill, I have not seen the kit.

Here is a link to the directions.

https://www.scalemates.com/products/img/9/0/5/1181905-74-instructions.pdf

It looks like a typical 21st century Supercar Kit. Very Well detailed, with an intimidating parts count and assembly sequence.

My Advice, take it very slowly, test-fit, test-fit, test-fit. It might not be a quick build, but sticking to the instructions should really help.

Don't be discouraged if it takes a some errors happen. I'd even recommend gluing parts with white glue and testing the fit of sections with each other before blowing it apart and re-gluing with styrene glue.

I found some online videos of building the kit. I have not watched them, so I cannot vouch for how useful they might be to you. BUt, It should help you to at least become familiar with the parts and how they relate to each other.

After seeing your excellent Cobra, I know you can do this GT40 justice.

 

 

 

 

Good Luck!

[Dr Cobra]

It's a very nice kit and goes together well. I always attach the front and rear bumpers, but not the rear fenders before painting. That makes it easier to paint inside  the rear coves.

[fiatboy]

What kind of paint, Dr.?

[Dr Cobra]

Createx Pearl Magenta over grey primer

[Bugatti Fan]

Nice kit to build by the looks of it.

Talking of Tamiya, they did a 1/12th scale Lola many years ago that was a very nice kit. A bit surprised that they never did the GT40 in 1/12th scale way back. As far as I know only Trumpeter and whoever used their moulds under licence have done a plastic 1/12th scale kit of this car that seem to have had their critics.

CMA (Creative Model Associates) has been developing a highly accurate 1/12th scale multi medium kit of this car that seems to be taking forever to realise. Certainly a mega money kit when it finally does become available.

Not sure if MFH might ever do one.  We will have to see !

[Bill Anderson]

Thanks all for the input.  Yes, I've done the YouTube videos and gotten some insight.  But I confess I'm just not sure I can do it justice. 

I think not having a one piece body is a big part of my concern, but the instructions (at this point anyway) seem a bit intimidating. 

Funny, the only other model kit that I've had (since the late '50s) that "scared" me was a large wooden Constitution ship model.  As I recall, it frustrated the heck out of me and I scrapped it.

 

 

[Bill Anderson]

Ok, I put the Ford GT back on the shelf and started the Revell '67 Corvette 427 Roadster.  It's a pretty nice kit and "normal" as model car kits go.  The color will be metallic red.