Mercedes 540K

[The Creative Explorer]

This is a often reissued Italeri kit, it is very simple and is old. The tires come in 2 plastic parts and the model is lacking detail, but on the other hand, all the detail that has been put in the model, is mostly in the visible part. The missing details are under the hood and chassis, therefore it is not a big deal and I wanted to build a good looking model out of a very simple kit. To proof that it doesn't has to be a Tamiya to look nice.

[The Creative Explorer]

[acro 94]

looks great man i have the same kit waiting for some attention what color is that burgundy?

[bbowser]

Very nice, great job. Sometimes the simple kits turn out the best.

[Harry P.]

I like it!

[Del Austin]

Very nice results for an older simple kit. Detailing and a clean build make this model pop.

[Brizio]

Very nice!

[ChrisR]

Looks great!

[sjordan2]

Beautiful job. Looks very authentic.

[Danno]

Nice. Gotta love those old classics! We just don't see enough of them.

[sjordan2]

PS: One small error. The convertible top hinges are mounted backwards on the wrong sides. Note that the rear part of the lower hinge arm is attached to the body, not the top. For some reason, I can't upload to Photobucket at the moment, but you can find a picture of the correct way on this page:

http://goo.gl/DBiCJ

EDIT: I have to be quick on the trigger finger to get into PB today. This might work.

If you want to see more pictures, Google 1937 Mercedes 540K Cabriolet C.

Edited September 15, 2012 by sjordan2

[sjordan2]

So I opened a Fotki account because Photobucket messes up today. Why can't I see the image below?

http://images51.fotki.com/v103/photos/5/2108535/11076963/1937MercedesBenz540KCabrioletC-vi.jpg

[sjordan2]

Not to drive this into the ground, but here's a better look at the hinge (Cabriolet A)

[charlie8575]

Pretty combo. I'm presuming this is the Heller kit?

Nice job.

Charlie Larkin

[sjordan2]

Pretty combo. I'm presuming this is the Heller kit?

Nice job.

Charlie Larkin

He said it was the Italeri, which was also boxed as Testors-Italeri. Far more accurate than any Monogram 540K and useful as a donor kit for upgrading Monogram (or vice-versa). Monogram 540K fenders are totally inaccurate.

[charlie8575]

My mistake- didn't catch the Italieri in there.

I built that when I was 10. I think I need to rebuild it- or get a new one and try again.

Charlie Larkin

[sjordan2]

Erik, I thought that you or anyone else interested in this subject might get something out of this video.

[media=]

Edited September 19, 2012 by sjordan2

[Cato]

Thank you-I sure did.

A. Rich guys in Der Fadderlant wear funny hats.

B. Benz used to build drop-dead gorgeous cars.

C. It's great to have your own private road.

D. I never want to unfold the hood of a multi-million $$ car.

Drop the 'sjordan2' handle-Your new ID here is DOCTOR RESEARCH!

Edited September 25, 2012 by Cato

[robertw]

Beatiful job and love your choice of colours. I agree with you that with a little effort even a basic simple kit can produce a model to be proud of. I've built a couple of Italeri's classic cars and have been pleased with the final results.

robw

[W-Machine]

Very well done!

[Dyno Davo]

Nice classic, clean build, great color combo

[The Creative Explorer]

Thank you all for the kind words

I just like from time to time, to build something in a more simple, rudimentary way. No fancy PE, seatbelts or whatsoever, but back to the basics. It keeps me sane and helps me practise other techniques. And for a change it is also nice to have something new on the shelf! haha.

@Skip: thank you and you are completely right. Even though I had no manual, I completely missed that. It seems logical at the moment, but after your pictures it doesn't no more. I will get the model tomorrow and redo those hinges, it needs to look somewhat right, right?

@Robert Carpenter: Yes, it is a Burgundy, it is a color from a Skoda Favorit (east-european car). And the other color is a mixture between gray and beige. Both are non-metallics, which I think look just par on these cars.

Edited September 25, 2012 by The Creative Explorer

[sjordan2]

Very few prewar passenger cars had original metallic paint because in those days, they were made from compounds that didn't wear well (including ingredients like fish scales), dulled out soon and had to be repainted. Most metallic paints you see on those old cars now have been redone with better paints.

Edited September 26, 2012 by sjordan2