Heller Citroen B. 14 " Normande update 11-3-13

[cobraman]

Been on a kick lately to build stuff that I normally would not. Case in point this kit which is way different than anything I have built before. I never built a Heller kit and never built a Citroen before. I like the look of this vehicle as it reminds me of an early Ford product. It is 1/24 scale and the parts look pretty clean. It will be maroon with black fenders. I also ordered the wood grain decals you see to fill in all the small areas in the body where the wood shows through. I will also use them for the bed I think also. Anyone built this kit ? Thanks for looking.

Edited November 4, 2013 by cobraman

[Chillyb1]

Good for you building outside your normal interests. I've built several Heller kits (1/24 and 1/16) and several of their Citroens, but I haven't built this kit. Heller kits are usually pretty decently molded and have lots of nice detail though they will challenge you at several steps along the way. You should test fit even more than you might normally. With some patience you'll be rewarded with very nice looking finished model.

[cobraman]

Thanks for the heads up !

[slusher]

Looking forward to your build Ray...

[cobraman]

Thanks Carl.

[cobraman]

Got a little done on this wip. Body was painted but not yet cleared. Started doing the wood inserts. I have to cut them out one by one from a decal sheet I ordered. This will take awhile. Imperfections will be touched up with some matching paint.

[Chillyb1]

That looks like really tedious work, Ray. I'm sure it will be worth it though when you are finished.

[cobraman]

Thanks, I hope so.

[the goon]

Looking good. Very different subject. Keep it coming.

Mark

[cobraman]

Thanks Mark. How are things in Whitter ? My wife used to live there on Barkersville. Loved that Godfathers pizza out there.

[slusher]

You have a good start going Ray. l don't think l have seen this kit before. Very different and cool..

[cobraman]

Got a bit more done on this wip. Still lots to do but getting there. Cutting out each little piece of decal is a pain but thats just about done. The woodgrain decals I bought are pretty nice. They not only have the look of wood but they also have the texture as well.

[Tom Geiger]

I have been working on the Heller Citroen Bordens milk truck which is pretty much the same kit you have. I also have two copies of the Normande. With the Fotki photo transition, I have gone to my folder for this build and it's empty! So I can't post any photos right now. A few things...

The chassis builds up onto the fender unit. It's difficult to assemble, think very old Revell spindly parts. I have used my drill and pin technique to get it assembled and aligned. Spare tire mount - there is no definite mount point, I drilled and pinned mine. You won't have the issues with the body I had, the Bordens truck is a multi piece body that needs to be built up upon that fender unit. It doesn't really square up well, I would do it different next time. But I'd recommend that you test fit everything! Leave nothing to chance, never assume the parts will fit.

I really like the engine etc on this one. Do a Google search and you will find a lot of photos of 1:1 Citroens of this era. The trucks and cars are off the same base, and the same mechanically. I found a couple of close up engine shots and built mine accordingly.

Good luck! I'll be watching! I have two Normandes. I did steal parts from one to replace parts I broke on the Bordens (yea, those spindly chassis parts!) but I did notice that the Normande body sits on a '34 Ford chassis like it was born there!

[slusher]

Very nice progress Ray. looking really good..

[crazyrichard]

thats a kit i wanted for a while , well the other version especially the more smooth delivery version ..

i have this vision of this becoming a true hotrod

but awsome to see a kit like this build , these cars really are geourgous

cool !

[cobraman]

Plugging along on this one. Still aways to go but getting there. Kit isn't too bad but not the easeist kit I ever built. Shooting to have it done by mid week. Thanks for looking.

[slusher]

Your making good progress Ray. Where did you get the woodgrain decals??

[cobraman]

If I remember right the decals were from "Mikes" ? I stumbled on them while doing a Google search for wood grained decals. If I can find the site again I will let you know.

[cobraman]

This build is finished. Photos will be in the under glass section if interested.