Newbie Here with first project

[customcreator]

Hello all, I hope I am welcomed here with kindness. I have been lurking on the boards for a bit, and finally decided to post. Some great builders here and I really enjoy watching projects. I started customizing action figures originally, building superheros and such. While still doing those I started building dioramas for photo shoots(my own). I then decided to start picking up some 1:18 scale die cast cars for kicks. I planned on "tuning them up" with new rims, paint jobs, etc.

So here is my first line of work. Hope I am not shunned for actually not building these, but here goes:

Picked this up from MotorMax and decided I wanted to customize it a bit

Original vehicle:

Primed:

Base color:

Sorry for the blurry last pic, I was in a hurry. There is some gray showing through which I can cover with camo scheme, or just touch up with the tan color. I will be weathering this piece and adding working headlights and tail lights. Also want to add some do-dads to it.

Anyone have a spare whip antenna???

Let me know what you think, comments, suggestions, tips, tricks, ideas, I am an open book!

[RJWood]

Hello customcreator, welcome to the MCM Forum. Your project is looking good with desert paint scheme. Did you use etching primer for your die cast? also you can make a whip antenna from wire. and one more thing, please put your real name in the signature area in your profile, because to me you are still lurking

[customcreator]

Etching primer? No, I used Testors primer in a rattle can, why, is that bad??

What type of wire would be good for making the antenna? I can't see much wire holding shape that didn't look too thick.

[MrObsessive]

  customcreator said:

Etching primer? No, I used Testors primer in a rattle can, why, is that bad??

What type of wire would be good for making the antenna? I can't see much wire holding shape that didn't look too thick.

Welcome to the board Jamie!

I have to say that taking apart a diecast and repainting them and then reassembling them is just as much work (if not more) than building a standard kit! So no need to feel put down!

As Ron mentioned............using an etching primer would be a good idea as you don't want the primer, thus the paint to pull away from the metal surface. You can probably get away with using Testors, just be careful that there's not a lot of handling..............and make sure the paint is thoroughly dry! Testors can be notorious for their long drying times!

Take a trip your local music shop and ask if they have #11 guitar string.........that's what I use for antennae on my cars.

[Dave McFly]

I too am a member of the "take apart die cast models super detailing them and putting them back together" club

I took a 1/18 scale 70 1/2 trans am from AMT that i took apart. I changed the interior from blue to black, added more detailing to the dash and stuff. took the engine apart and painted it in CORRECT Pontiac Engine Blue and wired it. i put the model back together and finished it off with bare metal foil. I did not change the color as the car was already painted in Lucerine blue with a white stripe that looked great (plus where would i ever get the stripe and TRANS AM markings in 1/18 scale in decal form ).

[ismaelg]

Welcome to thew forum Jamie!

You'll find a bit of everything and for everybody!

That Hummer is looking good!

I have done some work in diecast. My biggest concern has always been the big gaps in the doors hood etc. I add material to make them fit better. This is a diecast Ferrari 550. I stopped working on this when Fujimi released the plastic kit.

Thanks,

[doverrules]

customcreator,

When I used to model armored vehicles I would make the antennas by heating and stretching the flexible track sprue. Use a small flame (like from a birthday candle). Hold the sprue horizontally a few inches above the flame with both hands and twirl it slowly. As it begins to soften you'll be able to stretch it by gently pulling the two ends. With practice you can achieve very uniform, thin flexible rubbery rods. Cut to length they make great antennas that won't put your eye out (or the eyes of anyone else closing in for a detailed inspection of your model). Since the material is flexible, you can tie the tip down and get a realistic, graceful arc.

Regards,

Don