Tamiya Mercedes 300SL Announced, new pics added to OP

[sjordan2]

Gotta say, I'm liking the panel gaps. Looks like all that's needed for dead-flush in the roof is some light tweaking of the upper door panels.

Agreed.

[Bennyg]

Very nice.

Ben

[sjordan2]

For some reason I don't understand, I have been criticized on this thread for being a wild-eyed fanatic saying you MUST observe all the detail I have provided. That BS aside, I'm just trying to provide information that will help Gullwing builders, who may not be familiar with the car, decide the amount of detail they want to include. Here's something that rarely shows up on Gullwing builds, and is a signature element of the car -- there is an additional layer of upholstery on the inside of the door sill, attached with round-head countersunk screws.At the bottom right you'll see a storage pouch. Go there or don't.

In short, I've done your research for you, and I'm happy to share all of it at request.

Edited March 24, 2015 by sjordan2

[Daddyfink]

[Cato]

For some reason I don't understand, I have been criticized on this thread for being a wild-eyed fanatic saying you MUST observe all the detail I have provided. That BS aside, I'm just trying to provide information that will help Gullwing builders, who may not be familiar with the car, decide the amount of detail they want to include. Here's something that rarely shows up on Gullwing builds, and is a signature element of the car -- there is an additional layer of upholstery on the inside of the door sill, attached with round-head countersunk screws.At the bottom right you'll see a storage pouch. Go there or don't.

In short, I've done your research for you, and I'm happy to share all of it at request.

Your detail was most appreciated by me when I did my 1/16. I think you will have the best Tammy SL build in the world but fear we won't see it.

[sjordan2]

Yup, I've seen those before and they look impressive. The top one is a commemorative Carrera Panamericana edition fitted with a special V-8 engine, designed as a show car for a world tour.

http://www.topspeed.com/cars/mercedes/1952-mercedes-300sl-r-by-gullwing-america-ar139367.html

The second one is a total fiberglass custom...

"One of the most eye-catching vehicles to go on display at this week's 2009 Essen Motor Show is the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing 'Dragstar'. Inspired from the classic 1956 Mercedes sports car, the dragster was built in Switzerland and is driven by Stefan Winter. It features a fibreglass body and a 6.9-liter engine that produces 1,050bhp with power transferred to the rear wheels through a three-speed automatic gearbox."

These would be cool options for modelers who are so inclined.

[sjordan2]

Here's another good subject -- the Gullwing used by the late, legendary John Fitch to recreate his original attempt at a speed record at Bonneville.

This was the subject of a wonderful documentary called "A Gullwing at Twilight." This link mistakenly refers to the car in the recreation attempt as a W194, but has some nice shots.

http://southsiders-mc.blogspot.com/2011/07/mercedes-300-sl-gullwing.html

The documentary is available here when you click on Products. May be available at Amazon.

http://www.szwedo.com/gullwing.html

Edited March 24, 2015 by sjordan2

[Daddyfink]

Here's another good subject -- the Gullwing used by the late, legendary John Fitch to recreate his original attempt at a speed record at Bonneville.

This was the subject of a wonderful documentary called "A Gullwing at Twilight." This link mistakenly refers to the car in the recreation attempt as a W194, but has some nice shots.

http://southsiders-mc.blogspot.com/2011/07/mercedes-300-sl-gullwing.html

The documentary is available here when you click on Products. May be available at Amazon.

http://www.szwedo.com/gullwing.html

Now that is a cool idea! Thanks for the links!

[Rob Hall]

I have the documentary..great story.

[sjordan2]

In the General section here, midnightprowler has posted a link to a Charlotte dealership that is loaded with excellent, detailed photography of mostly muscle cars.

http://www.rkmotorscharlotte.com/sales/inventory/active#%21/

The Private Collection shown there includes an early Gullwing (identifiable by bolt-on "eyebrows" above the wheel openings instead of stamped on the body) with 90% of what a modeler needs to know about a factory-correct Gullwing with factory options including fog lights, Nardi steering wheel, Talbot-style outside mirror, leather upholstery. The only details missing are chassis shots since the bellypan is in place. Bookmark this one.

http://www.rkmotorscharlotte.com/sales/inventory/active/1954-Mercedes-Benz-300-SL-Gullwing/134758#!/

[tim boyd]

Skip...a very big "THANKS" for the lead on the Dennis Adler MB 300SL book. Ordered a used copy through Amazon and got it today. Just as you said, a great reference for 300SL modelers! Cheers....TIM

[sjordan2]

Skip...a very big "THANKS" for the lead on the Dennis Adler MB 300SL book. Ordered a used copy through Amazon and got it today. Just as you said, a great reference for 300SL modelers! Cheers....TIM

The next step up from that is a Engelen's "Faszination SL -300 SL (W 198 1)" which fills in a few more blanks for detailers. This has been published by Mercedes as one of a series they devoted to the 50th anniversary of the 300 SL. Hard to find and expensive.

http://www.amazon.com/Faszination-SL-300-198/dp/3613305143/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1427311370&sr=8-2-fkmr2&keywords=engelen+faszination+sl

[VRM]

Well, I have some good news...I will be picking up some paint next week. I already have the DB-180 Silver, but I will be adding the DB-543 Strawberry Red Metallic and should have some of both at the NNL East.

Interestingly, Natalie Wood owned one of the roadsters and she had it repainted pink shortly after delivery. The interior was left as original - bright red. The car has been restored to the original silver blue metallic, but for you folks wanting an 'interesting' looking car...

[BVC500]

Well, I have some good news...I will be picking up some paint next week. I already have the DB-180 Silver, but I will be adding the DB-543 Strawberry Red Metallic and should have some of both at the NNL East.

Interestingly, Natalie Wood owned one of the roadsters and she had it repainted pink shortly after delivery. The interior was left as original - bright red. The car has been restored to the original silver blue metallic, but for you folks wanting an 'interesting' looking car...

Steve - looks like we are copying in each other. I have two on order, one will be painted silver, the other strawberry.

[sjordan2]

Steve - looks like we are copying in each other. I have two on order, one will be painted silver, the other strawberry.

Where do I order the strawberry?

[Mike Kucaba]

Has anyone received their pre-order yet?

[VRM]

Steve - looks like we are copying in each other. I have two on order, one will be painted silver, the other strawberry.

Well, I'm planning on the silver #7 LeMans car, a strawberry, a bright blue alloy body car (Mustang grabber Blue is a near perfect match), the John Fitch #417, a couple of Sebring cars, Tim Flocks Nasscar, and a shocking one that is actually factory.

And I might do Natalie Woods car...

[VRM]

Where do I order the strawberry?

Let me mix some up and test shoot it to make sure it works - then I will have it at the NNL or by request at my website.

[250 Testa Rossa]

Well, I'm planning on the silver #7 LeMans car, a strawberry, a bright blue alloy body car (Mustang grabber Blue is a near perfect match), the John Fitch #417, a couple of Sebring cars, Tim Flocks Nasscar, and a shocking one that is actually factory.

And I might do Natalie Woods car...

That's gonna be an awesome sheet. On a side note, the late Robert Stack also had a 300SL with the license plate UNTCHBL on it. I think that car was also painted in Strawberry metallic.

[sjordan2]

For those wondering about the strawberry red metallic discussion, here's a roadster with that paint. This exposure makes it look a tad lighter than the actual shade, but close enough. The Gullwing with this paint is featured prominently in the Adler book mentioned above (only 19 of 1400 Gullwings had this color). I think the paint was closer to a pearl than a metallic. Perhaps something close for modeling could be found in nail polish.

Edited March 26, 2015 by sjordan2

[martinfan5]

Has anyone received their pre-order yet?

No

[64Comet404]

The 300SL landed at my local shop today, so if it isn't in the USA yet, it should be in stores very soon. Great looking kit; now to decide on the paint scheme.

[250 Testa Rossa]

It's supposed to be out anytime now. I checked my LHS and they didn't have it yet.

[Mike Kucaba]

For those wondering about the strawberry red metallic discussion, here's a roadster with that paint. This exposure makes it look a tad lighter than the actual shade, but close enough. The Gullwing with this paint is featured prominently in the Adler book mentioned above (only 19 of 1400 Gullwings had this color). I think the paint was closer to a pearl than a metallic. Perhaps something close for modeling could be found in nail polish.

Looks like a 60's Pontiac or Buick color.

[Roncla]