2010 Ford Shelby GT500 1/12

Dave,

You have done a wonderful job on the engine, especially hand painted. I'm not as much of a car guy as the guys who haunt this forum, but to me, a model is a model. There are just different techniques and stages for planes, armor, ships and autos.

As far as painting, most members will prime so the paint will adhere to the plastice better. For a high gloss shine for autos, several light coats are required with sanding between coats. Most guys will use a very light grade paper, usually in the 1000's +, followed up with a final coat of gloss, but it's preference. You will find that you will find what works for you and tweak it as you go along,  gain experience and tools.

Also, to dress up items like engines, I will use items like wire stands, for spark plug wires, tubes and hoses, and paint them accordingly.

You will begin to see things in miniature. A tulle lace at Walmart or the dollar store can become a screen, chicken wire, net, etc. Wire strands and wire insulation become hoses, conduits, cables, etc. Solder is easily bendable and can be made into a variety of items.

Most of the work you see and are impressed by, are built by members who have been building for many, many years. I myself have been building since I was 5 and am now 54, with a 15 year hiatus in between.    

As long as you are enjoying yourself and like your results, that's all that matters, this is supposed to be an relaxing hobby after all.

Just stay intrested, do the best you can, and always try to improve, and you will be surprised just how soon you will be building models that rival those that impress you now. It's such a kick to work on something, stop, pull back, take a break and look at it again later and say WOW, I made that?

Happy modeling, and hope to see more of your work  

Steve

Some great advice there Steve. About all I can add is this. I never have sanded between coats of paint. Sometimes I will do a light sanding before the last coat. But after letting the paint dry(a few hours to a few days depending on brand) spray a few light coats of gloss clear and she will shine right up. Just remember to use a clear that is meant for the paint you have used. Enamel clear for enamel paint acrylic for acrylic paint and lacquer for lacquer paint. And like Steve said build to have fun. That's what this hobby is all about.

Thanks both for the info and words of encouragement. I will definitely look into the gloss clear and sanding techniques.

I will continue to post some pics as I progress through this model.

Added thoughts: If you use brand X paint then use brand X primer and brand X clear. Paints made for real cars can craze the plastic and require some sort of "barrier" to prevent this. There are paints made to match real car colors. Every model should be a learning experience and when you build the "perfect" model it is time to quit. I have been building models for more than 50 years and have not yet built the perfect model. No matter what happens FINISH IT. You have come to the right place for ideas and comments Here you will find many great modelers and they will share their ideas, their knowledge, and experiences. I am still learning and I learn a lot thanks to these folks.

Hi

Here are some more pics of my current WIP, any comments (good or bad, most welcome):

Painted the under carriage based on some photos that I found on the web. It is not 100% in both colour schemes or technique, but quite happy with the result:

Mounted the engine and radiator:

Dave

Wheels and Seats are done:

Dave

That looks great Dave! I don't know what you were worried about regarding your abilities.

Thanks. I must admit that I have surprised myself so far.

My previous models were Airfix starter kits at 1/32 and I wasn't completely pleased with the results. Working on a larger scale seems to suit me more and I have really taken my time with this one. I have also bought a couple of 1/24 kits as I would like to find a scale that I enjoy the most.

Just my  2 cents.

 Great Job so far. The way to get better is to try something  and then keep at it and you'll find each time you increase you skills.

Working on a larger scale is a great way to test and refine your techniques. you have fewer tiny parts to contend with and you can concentrate on the construction and painting etc. with greater ease. 

So keep up your good work and keep giving us pictures

 

Thanks Duster. I agree, doing a larger scale has allowed me to concentrate more on the technique and painting rather than worrying about tiny pieces.

Here is another update on current progress:

Dave

Dave,

That dash looks fantastic! You, sir, are doing a bang up job here! You could never convince me you are new at this.

Keep it up, your doing great

Thanks :)

I felt the paint job on the dash is a little sloppy but it's not to bad. Learning a lot as I do this one which I am looking forward to applying to the next model.

Here's a few more pics. Pretty much finished this now. I'm giving it to my young nephew who digs cars. Not sure how long it will last :)