Ferrari F40 IMSA

[1959scudetto]

A few weeks ago I rediscovered an old kit I had started around 1990: Body had been painted and kit decals (1989 version) applied.

When in MRRN  #1 (?) Mike Quarterman wrote an article about  this racer, I got me  a Fred Cady decal sheet (for the 1990 version) and removed the kit’s decals and the paint, then stalled – in this state the kit had been stored away for more than 30 years ! Time to finish it, isn’t it?

 

It will be built mostly box stock except some modifications that are absolutely necessary:

While Italeri got the front panel and spoiler right, they left the rear mesh like the stock version (I have built this one also) which is wrong. It is a mixed bag: the rear wing looks to be correct, whereas the wheels aren’t. They do have the look of the OZ wheels, but the rims and tires have the same dimensions  front and rear which is a NO GO.

So the first is to cut off the rear mesh and fabricating a replacement using the remaining frame. Photoetched mesh from the spares was used and I cut 4 small rings from a aluminum pipe of the right diameter which will serve as light housings. All was glued together with 5-min.-epoxy.

First version did not work - but the second trial went ok:

Now it needs some black paint...

I also fabricated a window net that was necessary in IMSA racing – therefore I had to cut out the driver’s side slide window. I used small strips of fabric tape.

Though the kit supplies 2 different sets of rearview mirrors both are wrong – again something for do-it-yourself.

For the wheels, I am still looking for a solution (several possibilities are there: the real car was run with the OZ wheels, with aero-discs on all 4 wheels or only discs at the rear !)

Edited Sunday at 05:43 PM by 1959scudetto

[oldcarfan]

Looks like a fun project!

[Rich Chernosky]

Helmut....will be  following this  one. I had done this kit many yrs ago and will be interested to see you take on it as you apply your talents. Good luck with it. 

[Gramps46]

Looking forward to this build.  Please keep us posted.

[1959scudetto]

Thanks for the encouragement, folks !

Don't expect too much here, it will be a mostly oob build (apart from some alterations that have to be done).

My main concern as of now is if the decals will be still usable (I have never used Cady decals of this age - must be from 1991 or 92) - but we will see.

[Dave B]

Be fun watching this one Helmut, I'm glad there are other builders out there with kits started at least 30 years ago!!

Dave B 

[1959scudetto]

10 hours ago, Dave B said:

Be fun watching this one Helmut, I'm glad there are other builders out there with kits started at least 30 years ago!!

Dave B 

Dave, I have some more Ferraris laying around since the early 1990's... (started back then)

Edited Tuesday at 08:48 PM by 1959scudetto