F430 Challenge - More of a street version.

[Enzoenvy1]

Ok, this might just be the final update on this Ferrari!!!! I am so happy that this one is almost over. I have become very forgiving in the final assembly and the detail I wanted to use is being missed intentionally. Still though I am building it very well for how much I have despised this thing.

So I tried my first photo-etched harness for this beast. I used SMS's 1/24th harness kit and it was, well,........good and bad. The actual belt material was a really tacky surgical tape looking setup. Their guide was great though as it helped you cut the right size of belt. But they were white and I had to color the belts in with a red felt tipped marker. That was easy, but the whole process took about 4 hours?!

Here are some pics:

Finished and installed:

So, that was finally finished as I was dreading that part of the build. All of the glass was in but the rear needed to have the defroster removed as the Challenges do not have them. So, I very carefully removed the lines and polished out the window to 12,000 grit and some Tamiya fine compound. It looked absolutely great and then on the final rub, it snapped in half!!!! I really hate this Ferrari.

But, I still have that other kit, so I did it again with success.

[Enzoenvy1]

Now that the body is finished completely, and the interior is also, it was time for the engine. So I continued the SMS cf on the intake plenum:

I also added the rest of the CM etch pieces:

Since my airbrush is still not being used I covered the exhaust with BMF:

Then I added the dash with all of the etch:

Next was to weather the exhaust. I used Tamiya's new weathering kit and it worked great:

[Enzoenvy1]

Now there was some much needed wiring, but I didn't go all out. Just enough to make it look realistic:

So, the engine was complete, and all I needed was to add the rear window before installing the engine bay. Well, I guess I really just wanted to break another window cause that is what I did. I guess Fujimi plastic does not bend at all!:

But, I got the second one in fine:

So, everything is almost ready to be final assembled on the F430. I am sure that once I get to that point I will drop it or spill CA all over it. Then it really will become the first flying F430, lol. Hope you all like the progress as it really has been a long time coming. Started this in November of last year?! Wow, time flies.

CC welcome - Jon

[ismaelg]

I'm loving this build Jon. Looking forward to see it finished.

Before final assembly, make sure every bottle of ANYTHING is far away from it :wink:

Thanks,

[Enzoenvy1]

Oh I will indeed. I might even put plastic everywhere and wear a suit also. LOL Soo it shall be finished soon. Thanks for looking.

[Enzoenvy1]

Ok, the final update to this way too long project. I can say now that after the results are in, I did well personally. I am very happy with the finished model.

Here is the finished body:

[Enzoenvy1]

And here is the finished chassis. I added the tank to the interior with my own colors. Looks great I think:

Here is a last pic of the engine before the body goes on:

One last shot of the paint:

So, after nearly 9 months - 3 kits, and too much time, this ###### Ferrari is finally through. I can say that I bit off way more than I could chew as this was my 2nd finished model in 4 years. I think OOB is a better direction but I am to detailed to do that. I hope someone out there has appreciated the build. Cause, it is finally over!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[BKIN10SECS]

Enzo....This without a doubt has been the most enjoyable post of any project coming together. The car and the amount of detail is awesome. Your persistence in seeing your goal through is inspiring. Now I am going over to "UNDER GLASS" to see your amazing photos of the completed project....I for one am truly looking forward to it. GREAT JOB BRO...