Tamiya Mercedes 500 SL (R129)

[Greasefinger]

The Mercedes-Benz model range R129 SL was produced from 1988 until 2001. The 500 SL was produced from 1988 to 1995, after which the model name changed to SL 500. R129 generation was followed by R230 in 2001.

This kit is no. 99 of Tamiya´s Sports Car Series and was released in 1990. The Mercedes 500 SEC I posted earlier was no. 29 of that series.

I finished buiding this kit just last month. The kit was quite good quality, but not perfect. Fit of the hard-top was not accurate, and for some reason Tamiya had decided to use clear plastic for the whole hardtop (instead of just the windows). That meant leaks from masking tape woud be catastrophic..fortunatelu they didn´t happen.

Paint is Mercedes Almandine Red Metallic + Tamiya gloss clear. Lower part of the body is the same paint but without clear. Interior is Ammo´s Cobra Motor Paint. Embossing powder was used for the carpets. Wheels are Tamiya TS-17.

 

Edited June 2 by Greasefinger

[SpikeSchumacher]

Very nice!

[espo]

Beautiful smooth looking paint finish and like the color as well. The interior compliments the body color well. You mention the top being done in clear plastic and I had much the same issue on a model I did last year. While a little intimidating at first and a masking nightmare I got lucky and now, I would prefer it since the rear window looks better when done in this way. 

[karbuildr]

Beautiful Mercedes. I really like the color combo, that red is very nice.

[Rattlecan Dan]

Did a really nice job on it. Great paint and detailing.

[Dragonhawk1066]

Well done!

[Jim B]

Beautiful Mercedes.  Well done.

[beeRS]

Very nicely done. Colour choices for the body and interior are perfect and beautifully applied. 
I have this kit in my stash, ready to build someday. I thought the idea of having the top all in clear would be a good one and result in the rear screen looking like a flash fit. I had not comprehended the challenge of masking it though. That is going to be a headache!
Yours came out perfectly 👍🏼.

[rrb124@sbcglobal.net]

All of the details captured. Great build of on of my favorite series MB. When they came out, our local dealership had an evening event complete with piano and cocktails. 

[Brudda]

Perfect color! Great work 

[Greasefinger]

15 hours ago, beeRS said:

I thought the idea of having the top all in clear would be a good one and result in the rear screen looking like a flash fit. I had not comprehended the challenge of masking it though. That is going to be a headache!
Yours came out perfectly 👍🏼.

Thanks, I was surprised of the successful masking myself (just noticed I didn´t take rear view pictures with the hard top on). Does not happen every time..Yes it was also a good choice from Tamiya to have a one piece hard top, just like on real car would be. And the SL was also available with a panorama roof. Looks quite nice!

https://www.pcarmarket.com/auction/1997-mercedes-benz-500sl/

 

Edited June 3 by Greasefinger

[Dragline]

I'ma lika de 129.. good color choice too.

[slusher]

Great looking Mercedes!

[cifenet]

Excellent SL!  The color works so well on this car also!

[titino]

Beautiful paint and color work. This was one of the first models I built, very good. Congratulations Kari.

[Ken Car-Fanatic]

Very nicely done.  I also really like the color choices & the way you got the satin finish on the lower body the way the real cars where in the first years of this body style.  Beautiful car & beautiful build.