A pair of vintage racers; 289 Cobra and Porsche RS60 UPDATE

[Zoom Zoom]

I got the itch to fix a few things on these two previously-built models.

I built the Cobra 289 nearly 20 years ago. It's painted w/Testors enamels, including the painted (and now yellowed) stripes. The paint just needed cleaning and polishing. I narrowed the track, getting the tires better planted inside the fenders, replaced my cheesy homemade sticker roundels w/homemade decals, repainted the roll bar, and had great luck freshening the chrome pieces-the worn areas were white plastic, I dabbed Spazstix mirror chrome on the worn areas w/a brush and amazingly it leveled out and the repaired areas are nearly invisible and look like the chrome around them. I'll have to remember that! This old AMT kit is still a good 'un, and probably will continue to be the only 289 kit out there since Accurate Miniatures seems to be unable to bring theirs out. When I build another I'll make sure to reduce the thickness of the headlight bezels by about 70%.

The RS60 was built in the past 10 years and was at our NNL last year, but when I built it I used the sticker roundels that came w/the original Revell slot car body which this model is derived from. I wanted to upgrade it in anticipation of the Rennsport Reunion III model contest/show that we'll be helping to run at Daytona. I replaced the stickers w/decals. I also upgraded the headlights and revised my finishing of the headlight cover edges. I'm still going to find more accurate wheels, the chassis/interior on this model was donated from a Maisto 356 w/a lengthened wheelbase. Even though it's amazingly simple it remains one of my favorite models.

[mikelo]

Wow, those are both very clean builds. I really love that Porsche, evn with those wheels. (I don't see anything wrong with them)

Thanks for sharing.

[ismaelg]

Bob,

As I've said before, I admire your ability and eye for visual impact. They both look GREAT!!!

Thanks,

[Luis Ayala]

Those are both incredibly nice ... proof positive that models don't have to have a bazillion parts or be detailed to the Nth degree to look great!

I totally agree with ken, is nice to see a model with lots of details, but the kind of model that really makes you "stop and stare" is the one with just the right details. Both of your builds are OUTSTANDING.

Taking the most out of kit without investing $$$$ is what really makes a modeler stand from the crowd. Man, the cobra looks like you can still smell the paint!!!!! I would never guess it is 20 years old... :shock: :shock:

Congratulations, your work is absolutely fantastic...

[Harry P.]

Not only are the models incredible, the photos are spectacular! They could be magazine cover shots!

[Zoom Zoom]

Not only are the models incredible, the photos are spectacular! They could be magazine cover shots!

Thanks for the comments 8)

I'm using the same "old" photo lightbox that I bought from another modeler a number of years ago, but my pictures have improved dramatically w/my new Canon S3 IS that I got for Christmas. Much better image quality than my old Nikon Coolpix 950. I couldn't be happier w/the new camera, it's pretty easy to use and not as persnickety as a digital SLR.

[simonr]

Bob: I think this is the first time I tell this, but, It's that I'm always like a lot your unique ability of take the most of a simple model like these two models and make something unique, specially the Porsche, which is my favorite make and model car subject. It's not the way you models are built if not because of the great look they have at the end. Like I told you, my respects to you!

Nice shots though!

Simon Rivera

[bsoder]

Can't really add to whats been said!! those are both beautys..B

[MonoPed]

wow...and I mean WOW!!

Having reworked one of those Cobras as much as I did, I am lovin the way yours looks, especially since it is box stock!! The Porsche, well, that is just too cool in every respect - nice work Bob!!

[cruz]

Like the saying goes,less is more and these models capture that, nice and clean..................

[Zoom Zoom]

Thanks for all the comments!

They say the third time's the charm. I've made another pass at finishing the RS60. Thanks to a trade I made w/Darin Bastedo, my RS60 is now rolling on proper wheels, tires, and brakes. It's no longer a glorified kit car :wink: Just a few more visual tweaks (a light wash on the wheels, some sort of lap belt arrangement) and it'll be ready for competition in the model contest at Rennsport Reunion III at Daytona in November :sunglasse

The wheels/tires/brakes are from a Fujimi Porsche 356A cabriolet. The wheels/tires/hubcaps that were on the RS60 will look just fine on the 356A, so that kit can still be built and not just for parts.

[simonr]

Now this perfect model has the historic look. These set of wheel really complete the correct look of the RS Spyder.

Simon Rivera

[MonoPed]

it looked great before, but the new wheels puts it right where it needs to be - very cool!!

[IMSANUT]

They are both beautiful replicas. Fujimi 356 wheels would be perfect. Makes me want to get my ebay bought body done up right!