Austin Mini

[W-409]

This was finished on Friday, and it's built as a Birthday present, just like the VW 1300. Tamiya kit, very good quality. I started by preparing the body ready for paint, which is straight from Maston spray can. Engine paint was pretty hard to find, but I found good color from Hobby Shop in Paris. Only extras for the engine are spark plug wires.

Interior was done almost box stock. I only turned the steering wheel on left hand side, as it is here in Finland. Because of that I had to cut and turn windshield wipers too.

Nah, here are the pictures, feel free to ask questions, I'll answer as best as I can.

[Erik Smith]

That turned out pretty nice. It is tight in that engine bay to add much detail - even spark plug wires. Nice job.

Window trim is very tough to paint by hand. On those Tamiya kits, one thing I have found to make it easier is to tape over the trim, cut away the tape like BMF, remove the tape on the trim (instead of the body) and paint - by hand or spraying. There is a nice deep groove on the trim of the Mini kits that make it pretty easy, if what I said makes any sense. Or use thinned paint and flow it carefully into the groove. Let that dry them paint the main trim.

Edited April 1, 2012 by Erik Smith

[GeeBee]

Another fine model you've built there, I love the Tamiya Mini kits ....

[sports850]

You've done a very nice job of it , these look best with the steel Cooper S wheels on them like this , unfortunately the Austin kit is the only one that comes with them . What's the green thing on the rear parcel shelf (there's a story behind it isn't there ??? ) ? The only thing I could suggest with this build is you move the brake and clutch master cylinders across to the left side of the engine bay as well . You did well wiring the engine , I know how fiddly it is to do and get to look right

[Dr. Cranky]

Wonderful build, great kit.

[Brizio]

Very nice! Nice kit too, I build one kind of "The Italian Job"... I will post it one day.

[Dave Ambrose]

A "real" mini. I like it. I didn't realize they came with dual SU carbs. You did a nice job. The engine looks quite real -- and I was working on one this afternoon.

[TheCat]

I always wanted to build one of these Minis. You've done a great job on this one. I like the interior and engine detail you've done to it.

[W-409]

Thanks Fellas!

Erik: Thanks for the tip, it sure is worth trying. I've been thinking about how to get those painted nicely, but using masking tape is so tricky and takes long time before tapes are installed correctly. But that would solve the problem, thanks.

Geoff: This was really great kit, parts are sharp and they fit nicely in place. Only tires and that top were tricky to install right, but otherwise it was great kit.

Ian: The green thing presents a pillow, which was there in 1:1 car too. Actually it doesn't look as good as I wanted, but it gives a little special touch for this car. Those Brake and Clutch Master Cylinders had to be on that side too, but I didn't think about it good enough. Well, next time then.

Thanks everyone again, I really appreciate those kind comments.

[HotRodaSaurus]

Nice to see a proper Mini instead of the BMW version. Lovely finished(no pun intended) model.

J

[W-409]

Thanks John!

[surfjunke]

Very nice, clean build. You did a fine build of a classic kit. Looks great in white with the 2 tone interior.

I do have the racing version in the kit stash with Jagermeiter decals.

[W-409]

Thanks Scott! This kit is great, and it would be nice to have that Racing version too. White & Red is great color combo, and it fits on almost everything, in Mini too. Thanks.