2023 Formula One Group Build

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.