Mini Cooper minimize

While waiting for replacement decal for the Ferrari 312 T3 to arrive, I've started a new project.

Brand: Tamiya
Model: Morris Mini Cooper 1275S Mk1
Scale: 1/24

Continue build

In my opinion, the engine and rear suspension section is the most tedious to build. Chassis, cowling and front suspension are pretty straight forward. And since this is a really old kit, decal sheet are quite f**ked up. Will search around for replacement.

Ferrari 312 T3

Here's my latest project. Actually these are done and pictured last week.
Only able to load the pictures today.

Tamiya 1/20 Ferrari 312 T3

The 312T3 was introduced for Villeneuve and Reutemann at the third race of the 1978 season.

The car featured the same flat 12 engine as had been used since 1970, albeit tuned to give around 515 bhp. The chassis was completely new, with a new monocoque structure and a different suspension arrangement, designed to work with the Michelin tyres. The bodywork visibly very different, with a flatter top to the body, allowing improved air flow to the rear wing.

All the hard work came to nothing though as the pioneering Lotus 79 ground effect "wing car" took on and beat all comers with ease that season, and Ferrari were left to pick up the pieces of any Lotus failures. Reutemann won 4 races, whilst Villeneuve won for the first time at the final race, his home race in Canada, but it was more a season of consolidation. Reutemann moved to Lotus for 1979, replaced by Jody Scheckter. Ferrari was 2nd in the Constructors Championship.

Calsonic Skyline GT-R

Complete and ready for display.

Tribute to a legend

A simple version of Senna's helmet. Switched the blue and black ring.
Just some small sponsor stickers and it's done.

Ayrton Senna da Silva ( 21 March 1960 – 1 May 1994) was a Brazilian racing driver who won three Formula Oneworld championships. He was killed in an accident while leading the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix. He remains the last driver fatality in Formula One.

Almost there (Senna)

Decal, paint strip and clear coat. 1 more clear and then will polish it up.

F1 legend

A side project that I've been doing for a week. Converting a Nolan N44 to Senna color scheme.

Glass up

Managed to attach windshield and side window glasses. Only a few small things needed to be painted and glue em up. Will finish up by this week.

Almost there

After decaling, I've applied 2 coats of clear paint...
Then 800 and 1200 wetsanding > Tamiya polishing compound (coarse, fine & finish) than final coat of modelling wax.

And here's after a bath.

Test fit with completed chassis.

Now for windshield, windows, and all other small attachments.

I'll be back.

Decal em up

After 2 mist coat and 3 wet coat, wetsand the main color with 1200. Sprayed 1 mist and 2 wet coat of industrial clear paint. Wetsand any rough spots with 1200.

Polish using red & blue polishing compound by Tamiya. Looks better than the last project. Plan to decal > clear coat > polish again > wax

Wish me luck

Progress on the GTR

Applied mist coating on the bodyshell. Tyre decals - done. GTR chassis, dashboard, roll cage, engine, exhaust, suspension fully assembled.

Now concentrating finishing up the bodyshell. Again, slow and steady.

Slow and steady

I've started work on the GTR Calsonic racing car. As usual, kit from Tamiya are good and highly detailed. The instruction are easy to follow.

Started work on the front and back suspension. Handpainted them with Tamiya's enamel paint.

Here's completed shock absorbers

Chasis, side doors and GT wing painting complete. 2 layers of Mr Surfacer 1000 Grey, 2 layer of Mr Base White 1000 and two layer of Mr Color Cobalt Blue.

Same goes for the car's body. It's only that I haven't sprayed over the blue color on it.