2023 Formula One Group Build

Roster

keavdog - 1/20 Tamiya McLaren MP4/7 Honda

Project510 - 1/20 Tamiya Lotus Type 79 1978

Greg - Tamiya 1/20 Lotus 79 Martin

Art - TBD

DRUMS (Ben and Jarrod) - TBD

Est. 1961 - 1/24 Revell Jordan Peugeot 197

jeaton - 1/24 Merit/Mistercraft Alfa Romeo 159 Alfetta

jeaton - 1/20 Tamiya Team Lotus JPS Mk III

seven - 1/20 Fujimi Ferrari 126 C2

seven - 1/12 Tamiya Renault RE20 

Gregob - 1/20 Tamiya Honda RA272

Finished Builds - we didn't get many accross the finish line this year, but what got done is quite nice!  Thanks to all who joined.

FIRST TO FINISH!!! Seven /20 Fujimi Ferrari 126 C2

Est 1961 1/24 Revell Jordan Peugot

I'll be continuing this build as modeling was put on hold for 8 months!!!!  We moved from San Diego to AZ and just moved into our new home last weekend.  Shop isn't quite set up just yet but it will be soon and I'll get back to messing up perfectly good kits 

Ayrton Senna's McLaren MP4/7 but with the proper Malboro markings

Looking forward to seeing this one done John.  Moving is always tough.  I'll try and jump in a little later in the year.  I really enjoyed F1 build 2022.  
Max and Red Bull look super quick.  I'm pulling for Alonso to capture world driving title number 3.

Great Paul!  Let me know what you want to build and I'll get you on the roster.  Ya, Alonso did some really nice driving to get to the podium.  Hoping for a competitive year - I like Max a lot, but I like to see great competition.

In! 

Max looks super fast again, I also loved seeing ALonso fighting for top positions. Also excited to see some new faces. Id love for Mclaren to convince Honda to stay in past 2026. A Honda powered Norris driven car would be fun!

In last years Group build a user posted some details on fuel lines he got from HIro Boy, and also spot model. WHich are great, but it was pricey, and also regularly sold out... SO I started searching google and I found a pretty decent alternative. I guess its fly fishing material? ANyways, its the right size .6 mm and the right color I think. Also stateside and much cheaper. Also worth noting is that the fly shop offers 3 different sizes. The standard 3 size being the 1/20 scale size if I recall correctly.

For example 2 sets of the color tube from MFH with shipping is around $23

I bought 6 packages, in 3 different colors to see which looked the best and with shipping was $20 plus I got it in 5 busines days, so much quicker. $6.95 shipping vs MFH and Spot Models 10+ euro charge.

Here is the Fishing supply stores product www.caddisflyshop.com

Couldnt decide which looked better, darker or lighter

And the SPot model/ MFH material

Got you on the roster James!

You have a typo in your URL.  One too many 'd's in caddis :)

Great find!

https://www.caddisflyshop.com/

keavdog

You have a typo in your URL.  One too many 'd's in caddis :)

Haha thanks, changed it!

James, that is excellent info regarding the fishing line. I think most of the specialized hobby detail parts we buy are bulk something or other, cut to size and repackaged. The trick seems to be to find where it's coming from.

Since you have both products and say they look the same to you, that's good enough for me. I'll have to order some soon before I need it, otherwise I'll never remember the source! Thanks much!

John, congrats on the move-in! It's been a wait, hope you are enjoying your new place as you get organized and settled in.

Thank you for hosting this V2 group build, and I will look forward to continuing my Tamiya 1/20 Lotus 79 Martini that I failed to finish last yr. It will be a couple months, but I'll get back at it.

Hi.   New member to FSM.  Ive been building models for a long time & would like to join this group build.  

This will be my first F1 build.  It will be 1/24-25 and I'm still deciding which car it will be.  Hopefully a Andretti JPS.

Thanks

Hi Art.

Welcome to FSM and to John's GB!

Got you on the roster Greg.  I was hoping you'd come back - such fantastic work you've done so far... I think these cars are your calling!

Thanks for your kind words, John. I'm looking forward to getting back at it. I think I shall order a replacement set of Indycals while I'm thinking about it so I'm ready to go when the time comes.

Good idea Greg.  I'm not overly fond of my decals either so I may do the same.

Art - welcome to the forum and the 2nd F1 group build.  Let me know what you decide, but always happy to have another black Lotus 

Holy Moley, count me in on this GB. We're currently burried in a 1/16 Sherman Tank build, but will get back to you regarding my contribution soon. 

Ben and Jarrod

I was counting on you Ben.  Got you and Jarrod added to the roster. 

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Sunday morning.  My money is on Max!

I sure wish Tamiya or Ebbro would come out with a new F1 halo model.  I'd jump on it.

Almost ready to start building in the new house.  Setup the bench last night:

Nice setup.  Moving sucks but it's sorta fun setting up the work station.  Wishing you much joy and happy times in the new house.  
Happy St Pats

Paul

keavdog

Saudi Arabian Grand Prix on Sunday morning.  My money is on Max!

I sure wish Tamiya or Ebbro would come out with a new F1 halo model.  I'd jump on it.

Almost ready to start building in the new house.  Setup the bench last night:

 

Outstanding!!!

I guess I need more coffee. I looked at your modular paint/misc stuff storage solution and thought I was looking at a model of your planned workbench. Maybe I need a sedative instead of more coffee.

Looks like you'll be up and runnning in no time, John.

Watched the last 10 laps of the race.  Great track  - not the same order but the same 3 on the podium as two weeks ago.  RedBull are fast!

FIA stewards moved Russell to 3rd after they claimed Alonso didn't properly serve a 5 second penalty.  Aston Martin protested and won a decision moving Alonso back to third.  Crazy.  
Red Bull are even better than last year.  Mercedes, Aston Martin, and Ferrari are several tenths off.  Hard to imagine they will find that much speed.  Hopefully Perez can challenge Verstappen.  
The track is wild.  Blind corners, 3 DRS zones, and speeds close to 210 mph all on a street couse.  
'Next up Australia in 2 weeks.  Airs at 1:00 AM here in the east USA.  I'll be up watching.

Really enjoyed looking in on last years builds but was to busy with stuff to join in. Delighted to see you are doing another for this year. I would like to jump in this time around with a Jordan Peugeot 197. 

Loving the Redbull/Honda team speed this season. I know for many it makes for boring races but I am a Honda fanboy so I am loving it. Sad about 2026 and them leaving, and hoping Chevy comes in so I can route for a new team. 

Also, my son and I wanted a more interesting experience this season. So I have seenthis F1 multiviewer app on instagram so I I downloaded it and its so amazing. It takes watching the race to a new level. Started with two monitors, tried to add a TV as a monitor but it is old and the reccomended resolution jsut wasnt working, so I said "what the heck" and plugge din the projector. Now were racing!

From the other end of the spectrum, age and kit quality-wise, the Merit/Mistercraft Alfa Romeo 159 Alfetta.  A provisional box image, kit is coming from Ebay.

Est.1961

Really enjoyed looking in on last years builds but was to busy with stuff to join in. Delighted to see you are doing another for this year. I would like to jump in this time around with a Jordan Peugeot 197. 

 

Very happy to have you on board this year.  I've got you on the roster.

jeaton01

From the other end of the spectrum, age and kit quality-wise, the Merit/Mistercraft Alfa Romeo 159 Alfetta.  A provisional box image, kit is coming from Ebay.

 

Excellent!  Glad to have you back for another round John.  Very cool subject.

Having some doubts on this kit after looking at the decals haha. Boy is it intimidating! Might use up the entire year on this build!

Here's a better picture of the box now that I have the kit in hand.  It is not an "advanced" kit as I think it dates to a Merit kit from the mid 50's, although Scalemates thinks the 159 kit is different from the Merit 158. I disagree, having a number of car kits from that era. You call it when you look at the parts.  There are some expensive kits of this model but as I am mostly an aircraft modeler I will do what I can with this one and see what happens.  The wheels will be fun, as the clear disks supplied for the spokes are below even my acceptance threshhold.  It will at least allow me to participate in this GB.  The car won the 1951 Grand Prix, driven by Fangio, who I have even heard of!

jeaton01

From the other end of the spectrum, age and kit quality-wise, the Merit/Mistercraft Alfa Romeo 159 Alfetta.  A provisional box image, kit is coming from Ebay.

 

I'm glad to see you will be here too, John.

Looking forward to watching you build the Alfa Romeo. I like the old Alfa Romeo racers, sure to learn plenty of stuff watching you build this one.

Project510

Having some doubts on this kit after looking at the decals haha. Boy is it intimidating! Might use up the entire year on this build!

 

Project510-forgive me for 'jumping in' but you may want to look at Indycals-they have a sheet for both the 78 &  79 that minimize the decal concers-I've picked up the sheet for the 78-just need to build it sometime...

Anyway, here is a link for the 79 decal:

https://www.indycals.net/decals/f1/78lotus79.html

bobbaily

Project510

Having some doubts on this kit after looking at the decals haha. Boy is it intimidating! Might use up the entire year on this build!

 Project510-forgive me for 'jumping in' but you may want to look at Indycals-they have a sheet for both the 78 &  79 that minimize the decal concers-I've picked up the sheet for the 78-just need to build it sometime...

Anyway, here is a link for the 79 decal:

https://www.indycals.net/decals/f1/78lotus79.html

 

wow that does look less difficult. Thank you for this!

Australian GP tomorrow - well Sunday in Oz but it will air late tomorrow night.  10:00PM AZ time.  Bench is about ready to build so pics coming soon!

Not a fan of the track times of this race haha. But happy to have another race weekend.

Cant wait to see the pics! Im taking a very slow start with this one haha. Im building it in my head over and over. Also finishing up some old unfinished kits in a seperate group build to get some more practice in. Really hoping this one will be nice enough to display in my office with my other race car diecast!

1:00 AM for me here in the east.  Stayed up last night for qualifying.  Had a couple friends on a FaceTime.  We had a great time talking F1, models, and drinking beer.  Looking forward to the race late tonight.  

Out of the blue Italeri releases a new tool McLaren MP42C in 1/12!  Looks pretty impressive and with a June release date perhaps one of you big scale builders will grab one for this group build

https://www.themodellingnews.com/2023/04/italeris-maclaren-launches-off-grid-in.html#more

Interesting choice for a car. Alan Prost begins his first of 4 Championships and Lauda retires in it. 

And right on the heels of that announcment Meng have a 1/12 McLaren MP4/4 coming in July!

https://www.themodellingnews.com/2023/04/mengs-new-tooled-mclaren-mp44-1988-set.html#more

I'll definitely purchase the Meng.  Arguably the MP4/4 is the greatest race car ever.  

The Meng is eye-catching.

keavdog, this Testors kit is the only open wheel car kit I have in my stash. Since it's a Lotus built by Colin Chapman and driven by Jim Clark and an Indy 500 winner, coud the kit qualify for this F1 Group Build?

Sorry Frank - that's an Indy car.  This GB is Formula 1 & pre-Formula 1 Championship cars.  

OK, John. Thanks for the come-back.

Still on the hunt for a proper early F1 car.

One of the best deals out there is the 1/20 Tamiya Honda RA-272.  Great kit and can be found for around $30.00

I did this kit ages ago and jeaton (john) did one last year

fotofrank

keavdog, this Testors kit is the only open wheel car kit I have in my stash. Since it's a Lotus built by Colin Chapman and driven by Jim Clark and an Indy 500 winner, coud the kit qualify for this F1 Group Build?

 

I'm going to add another to this GB, the Alfetta is a rather simple kit unless I do a lot of scratch building.  I'd rather keep that one simple, so I picked up this one.  Probably one everyone has done, but it looks fun, and I got turned down on a Lotus Super Seven last year!

Right on John!  That's a beauty.  I updated the roster.

And folks - hang on to those kits that didn't make the qualifications for F1.  I'm thinking of doing an open-wheel GB down the road.  Should have all sorts of fun stuff in that.

Hey guys, I'm not new to FSM but obviously new to the forums and would like to join this group build if you'll have me along for the ride! I followed along at the tail end of last years GB and learned some great things from you folks.

Currently finishing up Senna's Lotus 97T and then will be ready to start a new one.

DRUMS01

Holy Moley, count me in on this GB. We're currently burried in a 1/16 Sherman Tank build, but will get back to you regarding my contribution soon. 

Ben and Jarrod

 

Well, it's time for Jarrod and I to figure out what F1 car to build and we're having some difficulty making a choice. To make the most of the GB for everyone, we ask for your help in deciding which one to build (1/12 scale):

This one?

Perhaps this one?

Or any one of these?:

I am not one of those modelers that can build multiple kits simultaneously, but we want to eventually get them all done. So help us pick the first one and we'll go from there. Jarrod and I are leaning towards the Brabham 44B, Lotus 49, or the Alfa 179C???

(THANKS).

Ben and Jarrod

Amazing collection.  Yours and Jarods choices are great.  I like the Ferrari 312b

I'm sure you two will build a stunning F1 car.  The Williams should go first.  

Here's where I left it last year when I moved.  Back on it!

Ben & Jarrod, tough choice with so many great kits! As much as I'd like to see that Italeri kit being built by you guys, or the Williams and the excellent Renault RE 20 kit. Well, I would have a hard time picking which one too!

John, that should be a stunning car when you are done, looking forward to seeing some progress on this one.

Ben, I am partial to 1970s-era F1, so the Ferrari or Brabham would be my pick!  Those tall induction towers were so cool.

I don't think it will matter, as whatever car you and Jarrod choose, it will be epic.

Seven

Hey guys, I'm not new to FSM but obviously new to the forums and would like to join this group build if you'll have me along for the ride! I followed along at the tail end of last years GB and learned some great things from you folks.

Currently finishing up Senna's Lotus 97T and then will be ready to start a new one.

 

Hey Jim, welcome to the GB! It will be nice to have you.

Ben, you and Jarrod sure have a nice stash to choose from. Your choices are all great, that said I think you could throw a dart to choose and not go wrong.

John, good to see your 1 yr delay build layed (or is it laid....I never can keep that straight) out and ready to go again.

Thanks Greg.  Great to be building again - though my 1/48 Tamiya Rufe has my focus... it's just so easy :)

I didn't think these old decals would work but I thought I'd try.  I'll strip them off and paint.

Thanks for the warm welcome Greg!

Worth a try with the decals, John, although I haven't had luck with the old ones either. Paint will look much better anyway!

If I get added to the roster I'm thinking of building the Ferrari 126 C2, looks like something red is needed here

All right Jim!  I added you to the roster.

Getting a late start to this because Im trying to finish up two others. I really want to take this one slow and steady. Took some time today to open it up, review instructions and look at photos. I dont know why I was surprised, but I was a little surprised at how detailed this kit is. Depending on how well this goes, I may have to start looking for some more kits to build haha. 

I also watched a Youtube video or two on some builds to get some ideas. I saw this one video of a guy who customized the fuel system to be more accurate. I searched for DAYS on where he was getting these special instructions until I realized he was using the 1/12 scale instructions for added detail. 1/12 on the left , my 1/20 scale instructions are on the right.

Hoping to start this by next weekend. The two builds I have are so close to being done. I need to stop being lazy and find the time.

Allright James!  I know how that goes - I've been focused on a 1/48 Tamiya Rufe which I just finished and I'm working on a 1/48 Hawk t.1.  Getting back to the McLaren myself.

Since I'm doing Gilles Villeneuve's Ferrari I thought it fitting to start it right before the Canadian GP. This Fujimi kit gives the options for four 1982 GP's. Monaco and Belgium are out, Long Beach was disqualified, so that leaves me with San Marino (the original "Multi 21"?) The contents look deceptively simple for a Fujimi kit so we'll see how that goes!

I always start with the body since painting, decaling and top coat takes time to dry, and then I work on the rest while that is drying. Total of five parts and getting ready for primer. Not much to show but it's a start.

James, looking forward to seeing your build as I have that kit in my stash too!

Seven

James, looking forward to seeing your build as I have that kit in my stash too!

More love from the model manufacturers!

Slow work on the 126 and not much to show. Body painted and decals on, ready for clear coat. Used a mix of kit decals and Indycals, just found that some of the kit decals looked better. I've built a few Fujimi kits and I gotta say these instructions are the least clear of all of them!

Progress!  Looking good.

Yes Jim, I would agree with you on the kits instructions. You seem to be charging on though and the paint color looks real nice.

Keep it up!

Ben and Jarrod

Thank you John, Ben and Jarrod! A bit more work done, and as usual the trials and tribulations to go along with it. I've been trying some new, to me, paints in the Mr. Color Super Metallic range so it has been a bit of a learning time. I will say that I'm very happy with them when I use them correctly!

Working on the chassis and engine. Added ignition wires, fuel lines and some other plumbing. Think I'll call it quits with that as it is getting very fragile. Used a couple of 1/12 intake screens as the kit just supplied plastic 'mounds'. At this point not everything is glued (well it is but not when pics were taken)

All in all, this Fujimi kit has been fantastic so far, with just a few issues in the instructions and some of the decals falling apart...such as the Ferodo missing the 'O' which I'll have to add in.

Rear suspension next, still need to clear coat body (been so hot here haven't wanted to do that!) and a whole lot more.

Wow Jim that is looking fantastic.  Where did you get the screens from - they look perfect.

Love the metallic colors and details your adding. Based on what I see from you, I have no doubt you can fix the decal issues. 

keep it up!

Looks excellent Jim!

I finally got started on my kit. Taking it slooooow.

Good news James!  Looking forward to your build.  I'm waiting for my order of Zero paints McLaren/Marlboro orange & white since the decals are unusable.

Great to see you on the track James!

Thanks guys for the compliments, always appreciated!

This F1 season is almost boring.  I'm a big Max fan but damn - he just kills it.  I want to see more racing. 

I'm enjoying Max at the front, if Checo would drive to the cars potential then it might be more exciting for first place. I'm very happy that McLaren is back, Lando and Oscar are forces to be reckoned with. What Piastri is doing in his rookie season is very impressive. And what Albon is doing in that Williams is amazing. I think F1 has a good future with these younger drivers.

I disagree. While watching more drivers fight for 1st would be fun, there are so many other small things to watch which is exciting. Like The new design from Mclaren putting them back up near the top. Piastri is gonna be fun. 

How do you watch the races? I used to watch via Hulu as we have a Hulu live account. But once I learned about Multiviewer F1 and F1TV Ill never watch it any other way. Multieviewer F1 is a free app, and F1TV is 9.99 a month but you get to watch all the onboard cameras and radios from each driver, track data, and both the international and regular tv broadcasts.

We have Hulu.  That F1 tv looks pretty cool.

A while ago James shared his fuel line find in the form of fly fishing tubing as an alternative to higher priced model specific tubing. At a little over 2 bucks a package I was all in (plus shipping). It comes in three sizes so I purchased all three to see what would be good for 1/12, 1/20 and 1/25 scales. Thought I'd share a pic of the sizes compared to what MFH calls 1/12 scale. The Midge is about the same size as the MFH and is what I used on the 126 C2, which I think looks fine in 1/20th scale.

Anyway, thank you to James for sharing that find!

Hi all,

I dicovered this thread a week ago and have been PROCRASTINATING about joining it. My wife has been pushing me since I foolishly told her about it. She is a great supporter of my hobby.

Anyway, I have a couple of F1's and think I will build the Honda 272. I followed the sport after watching Grand Prix until the early 70's. 

I will send pics soon.

Gregob

Right on, Jim. Happy to contribute something to a place that provides so much. 

Got a small amount of work in tonight. Good thing I am taking 2nd and 3rd looks at things. I had started masking off before realizing I should prime. Got the body primed.

While going over the instructions I noticed something new (for me.) This is my first time using photo etch, so the instructions are not clear. Do I paint first then apply them? Or do I apply them then paint. 

This is probably common sense to those with more experience. Im jsut not familiar.

If the pieces will be painted I apply them first and paint all together, that way the adhesive won't spoil the paint and everything will blend in. Since I'm not a stickler for accuracy sometimes I add them after painting and keep them in their natural finish for contrast and use a water based adhesive.

Gregob, that Honda RA272 is a great kit and a fun build!

Gregob - welcome to the GB!  I added you to the list and look forward to the build.  I built that one some time ago and it's a great kit.

FInally I was lead by the hand and got the pics loaded. 

Thank you for the help John.

Here is my other F1 car. My favorite driver of the period was Jimmie Clark and he drove this car like it was on rails.

Maybe I will build it later.

Congratulations Gregob.  I've built both those two and they are great kits!

Two beauties John! I've built the Honda but not the Lotus yet, although I do have the kit. I love the size difference between them and the newer cars, brave racers back then!

A little more progress, pretty much finished up the rear. I made the shocks out of .032mm wire and aluminum tubing only to find out they are almost completely hidden. Used brass tubing for the driveshafts. Got the decal fixed too.

I must be getting close to the checkered flag as I'm already looking at what to do next. Maybe finish one of the many started kits I have lying around!

Man that looks sharp Jim.  All the different metallics just catch the eye.

Thanks for the advice Jim! I guess since there is no paint direction im assuming its to be painted the same color as that section so I will do that. I couldnt find any real life photos of the section to compare. Killer job so far. What paints are you using. That metalic silver looks spot on.

Welcome to the GB Gregoblv

keavdog

Congratulations Gregob.  I've built both those two and they are great kits!

  

I have a color question on both of these cars. In the Honda instruction's paint list the color for the body is TS-7 which is ivory white. I remember in the movie the car looked bright white. Which did you use? I bought a can of Ivory and I have not tested it, but I thought I would ask before I get too far to change direction.

Also the green for the Lotus says TS-43 dark green, not BRG. And they are not very close to the same. I was confident that the Lotus' were BRG.

Thanks for you help.

Greg

The Tamiya callouts are pretty spot on.  The RA272 was a more creamy white

And the Lotus was indeed BRG 

I did both with the Tamiya rattle cans.

Thank you.

I wasnt paying close attention and painted these valve covers Gun Metal as the instructions say. You can see how they look below.

My issue is according to refrence pics, they are more of a flat/semi wrinkle black.

I think I will paint one flat black and see how it compares

Call it a base coat.  Maybe try dark anodic gray.  Love that paint from testors metalizers.

keavdog

Call it a base coat.  Maybe try dark anodic gray.  Love that paint from testors metalizers. 

I added the X10 (Gun Metal) to the XF1 (Flat Black) at about 1:1.5 and kept the ratio of thinner to equal parts. I think it looks better now. I sprayed it at a higher psi, and combined with the metal flakes in the gun metal I think it gives it that realistic touch. Ill brush on some of Tamiyas weather master oil stain and it should be nice!

Looks much better James. Great idea to mix the colors, much better than plain old flat black! I'll have to give that a try.

I'm taking the checkered flag on this one. Not my best, not my worst. The kit itself was excellent for the most part, the issues I had were all my own fault...old paint, not paying attention, breaking parts off, etc. My normal stuff!! Please criticize anything you see so I can improve.

Looks great from here Seven!

Wow Jim looks awesome!  First to finish.  I'm picking the first pic.  Let me know if you want a different pic.

Great job

Thank you John & John! Looking forward to some more progress from everyone here!

Nice job.

I used to follow F1 in the 60's and I loved the over head shots from the bridges. I know that followed the Isle of Mans with drones and it was not the same. Do they or did they do that to F1?

Greg OB

I've seen drone (I thin) track flyovers but the race coverage is lots and lots of cameras covering the entire track

Also cameras on trolley cables and lots of helicopter camera work. Plus the onboards and visor cams, great coverage all around nowadays.

Seven

Thank you John & John! Looking forward to some more progress from everyone here!

 

I'll be on it as soon as the paint get's here.

John, can I do another for the group build? I'm looking at the Tamiya 1/12 Renault RE20 and I can really use the skills of the forum members here to help me out.

Looks great Jim. I dont see anything to criticize. 

Seven

John, can I do another for the group build? I'm looking at the Tamiya 1/12 Renault RE20 and I can really use the skills of the forum members here to help me out.

 

Heck ya!  The more the merrier.  Got the roster updated.  And very cool doing a 1/12 build!

Did a quick google to lookup this kit and found this video you may find inspirational...WOW

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wk94WDf0QQE

Engine is coming along nicely, but I plan on giving this a 2nd try. Dry brushing is hard. Specially when these words are so damn tiny. 

Also started modifying the fule system so I can add those cool fuel lines we have all talked baout.

Looking good James.

Much appreciated!

Thanks for the link John, if I can get mine to look half as good I'd be happy! Here's another modeler on youtube doing a wonderful job for anyone interested in this kit

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TYnWw6mTVC0

That is looking really sharp James! I hear you on getting those raised details looking good, I've read/watched different ways to do it although none ever worked for me. I usually dry brush like you are doing, and then use a wash to better define the letters (and hide my mistakes!). Yours is looking very good so far.

Nice start on the fuel lines and plug wiring, that engine is going to look great!

Paint arrived today

Have not updated in a while and boy has a lot happened.

Tried a few different things to get these fuel lines accurate. was in a good place with this:

I was like 80% pleased with this outcome. Did not have great success with the color of fuel lines but I was ok with it. First try and all. 

Unfortunately, I sat down at the workbench one evening to continue working to find the engine missing. Thinking knocked it off the bench by mistake I searched the garage floor for what felt like 30 minutes. Nothing. Only thought was my son... He loves cars. But normally does not touch my desk. I spoke to him about it, apparently he tried putting it into one of his outside cars so his drift car would have "more power."

I was irritated, but at the same time... proud? I dunno. Hes 6, takes all of his lego cars apart and mods them. Ive created a successful car lover I guess. I had a talk about him not touching dads workbench, sharp tools, chemicals, and small parts that do not belong to him.

Next was the search for the engine, which brough 0 results. its somewhere between my hosue and the neighbors. I immediately reached out to Tamiya for extra parts trees to rebuild but they dont have them on hand (Tamiya USA) and it could be months before I could get them. So... I bought a 2nd kit.

Here is where I am so far.

 I did loose a couple of the photo etch parts, so im still debating if I should buy another sheet of those as well..Kids...

That about sums up raising boys, James! Thankfully no sharp things or chemicals were involved so no real damage. Glad to see you back on track even though you had to buy a new kit. That engine your son installed must have taken off like a rocket never to be found again, so good work to the both of you!!!

Yea, he mods everything. Which is good. At least Dad thinks so. Mom, however is no so excited about what that means haha. I buy him those speed champions kits from Lego, and he swaps wheels, and spoilers and stuff. Its cool to see. And honestly, I had no part in it. We have been working on his truck, but everything has been repair work so far. So him modding cars has jsut been natural. Which to me says he really likes it for himself, and not for me.

Man that's a great story!  And you get another run at the engine.

Nice

Had some trouble with orange peel painting this Mr Color Black Lacquer. My first time so its probably just my lack of experience and bad technique.

I was at 19 psi so I went up to 23 and a bit slower passes seemed to produce a good amount of improvement. Still some peel, but a semi glassy finish. Hopefully a few coats of clear will fill in a bit and smooth it out.

Looking good James!

Thanks John, its getting there!

Great to see color on, James! Did you use their leveling thinner?

I do use the leveling thinner with the Mr. Color paints. I am pretty sure its technique. I jsut nee dmore practice. I wet sanded the black at 4,6,8 and 12k and laid down my first coat of clear. Fingers crossed the 2nd coat lays smooth. We shall see in about 20 minutes!

Patience, some mishaps, some polishing. Clear. Then more polishing and whaddya know..

Wow James!!!That is absolutely beautiful! Wish I could get a finish like that.

What clear coat did you use? Just curious as it wasn't the clear that gave that finish, it was your skill. Great job, looking forward to seeing more.

Beautiful!

Seven

Wow James!!!That is absolutely beautiful! Wish I could get a finish like that.

What clear coat did you use? Just curious as it wasn't the clear that gave that finish, it was your skill. Great job, looking forward to seeing more.

This was the process

2 Coats of Mr. finishing surfacer 1500 (2nd coat wet sanded at 3k)

4 coats Mr. Color 02 Black (4, 6, 8 and 12k sanding cloth after 4th coat)

1 coat Tamiya TS13 Lacquer clear - Let cure 24 hours

Allplied decals let dry 24 hours

1 coat Tamiya TS13 

I still have to polish clear, which I will do with Tamiyas 3 step polish i think its course fine and finish? 

THanks everyone. THis was my first black paint job and I read a lot, watched some videos. ANd dove in. It has some orange peel which you cant see in the photo as the clear was fresh. Polishing should take care of it.

OMG decal setting is so hard! I guess this car will be my learning experience haha. Guess I should have started with somehting less insane than this one but oh well. 

Looking great James.  I imagine those gold trim bits are tough.

Looks great from here James!

I'm sure you will be pleased with the finished F1 beauty, cause its looking really good right now.

Wow, hard to believe I've been working on this kit since August! Seems like not very much done in that time, the kit is excellent for the most part, and challenging for me. I spent a lot of time on areas that ended up being completely hidden, but hey, that's how it goes and it was good practice!

Here's what we started with, the box top shows some great detail that isn't shown in the instructions such as drilling the shift knob, so good reference:

I've read in some builds of this kit that the front wheels sometimes don't line up correctly so I omitted the workable steering rack and used telescoping tubing. I never really liked the workable steering on these Tamiya kits anyway. Added fine screen to the pedals which can't be seen when assembled and made some templates for carbon fiber for cockpit.

Joined the tub together before painting to get rid of the seam, then masked everything up. Lightly sanded the rivets to let the silver show through.

The rear wing took a LOT of work to get smooth, and masking the body was stressful since you can only be about 1mm off. Tamiya does have raised lines to assist with this but they were pretty much gone after prepping the body.

Added a little detail to the front, not accurate by any means, but I'm not an accurate guy!

Decals on!!! One of the pinstripe curved decals blew off with the hair dryer so I had to dig into the spares and get creative.

Added some wiring, again not accurate

Front and rear wings completed

And as she sits now

I'll try and get this complete before the end of the group build!! Having issues with one of my camera lenses (new one ordered) so not too many in progress pics.

Looking good Jim!  I'm stuck getting ready for paint.  We have a bit more time though

Around 45 days left.  

And check this out  - Meng 1/24 McLaren MP4/4

https://www.themodellingnews.com/2024/01/half-size-with-all-detail-mengs-24th.html#more

Detail looks great on that kit! I would rather have 1/20th scale although I know some prefer 1/24. I'll probably pick one up anyway, if the price isn't out of scale!

Ya, I would have preferred 1/20th.  But there are a bunch of 1/24-25 Indy cars.

 And speaking of Indy... I have this on order from Salvinos Jr

Maybe we expand the group build to open wheel next time ???

Lol, I have 2 on preorder!! Once I found out they were doing 1/20 Indy cars I couldn't help myself. Ordered McLaughlin and Newgarden back in Nov, and I can't wait to see how they are.

I'm all in on an open wheel GB, maybe more traffic with that!

Progress still going on, working on the engine. Most of this will be hidden when it's all put together.

Wow that looks great.

Duplicate...

Two weeks left.  I'm starting to doubt I'll finish - I only did 4 kits last year due to moving/new house mostly.

I doubt I'll finish the Renault in time, too, even though its the only kit I've worked on for the past 6 months! Which means I only finished 2 builds in 2023.

Hopefully we can continue these in another GB, hint,hint.

Great looking models very impressive. will post my Jordan soon. First have to sort my computer out.

here i make my first error and prime in black when i plan to paint a yellow body

 i'm using vallejo paints and a badger 105 airbrush I started this once finished on a Titanic I needed to finish. 

I only had a black primer and when i started to spray the yellow onto the body realised there would be more than a few layers needed.

wasted a whole day sorting a way to post my photos so tomorrow being a bank holiday for St Patrick's day plan to get on with the rest of the decals

Yellow is tough to begin with.  Great progress though.

Thanks John,

Almost there decals a bit fiddly more use to flat surfaces so I'm taking it nice and easy.

Wonderful looking builds everyone. 

My apologies, but obviously I'm not going to participate in this F1 GB build.

I am looking forward to the next one though, and perhaps we can open it up to all open wheel, or even all competition vehicles kind of build (just thinking)?

Jarrod and I will be there for sure....

Well I'm finished missed the completion date but pleased to be in the right month at least, considering my record with group builds. Really pleased with the result. Took time with the decals the trickiest in a long time; a bit brittle and hard to slide off.

Still having to bodgit downloading pictures piecemeal but it works in a manner.

Looks very nice.  I haven't finished mine yet either, got slowed by sloth and the wheels which are just silly on my kit.

Beautiful job!  Added you to the finished page.  Great work and thanks for joining the GB

jeaton01

Looks very nice.  I haven't finished mine yet either, got slowed by sloth and the wheels which are just silly on my kit.

 

keavdog

Beautiful job!  Added you to the finished page.  Great work and thanks for joining the GB