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Cars: Other Racing
For automotive racing topics not already covered.
Tamiya 1/24 scale Porsche 956
Joel_W
Staff MemberAssociate Editor
AUTOMODELER
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New York, United States
Joined: December 04, 2010
KitMaker: 11,666 posts
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Posted: Tuesday, February 12, 2019 - 07:29 AM UTC
Every build no matter if it's OOB box stock, to a full blown super detailed build, reaches its conclusion. And hopefully that's when it crosses the finish line as a completed build. My Tamiya 1/20 scale Porsche 956 build has finally crossed that finish line.

By no means do I consider this a model of excellence, nor a IPMS winning entry, but rather a build that pushed my abilities to the next level. I'm more then satisfied with the paint finish, the cockpit scratch building and detailing, as well as the detailing in the engine/transmission bay.

On the other hand, there are errors, and most certainly room for continued improvement in all areas of plastic car modeling.

My concept from day one was to display the build in an enclosed case with the rear deck off and to the side, so that the engine bay detail is clearly visible to those viewing my build without having to remove the cover, and then the rear deck. With that premise I was never really focused on making sure that the rear deck fit perfectly. In the frontal picture, you can see that the deck is slightly cocked to one side as it's not quite down into it's proper position.

So here's my Finished Gallery pictures. I hope that all of you enjoy them, as I do. And thanks so much to all of you for being along for this rather long ride. It's greatly appreciated.

Joel




















betheyn
Staff MemberSenior Editor
AEROSCALE
#019
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England - South East, United Kingdom
Joined: October 14, 2004
KitMaker: 4,560 posts
Auto Modeler: 105 posts
Posted: Tuesday, February 12, 2019 - 10:19 AM UTC
Excellent build Joel, looks stunning, and a very informative build log, where I learned a thing or two.
What did you use for the seat harness, mas that looks so much better then a decal?

Andy
Joel_W
Staff MemberAssociate Editor
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New York, United States
Joined: December 04, 2010
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Posted: Tuesday, February 12, 2019 - 11:47 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Excellent build Joel, looks stunning, and a very informative build log, where I learned a thing or two.
What did you use for the seat harness, mas that looks so much better then a decal?

Andy



Andy,

Thanks so much for checking out my 956 build and liking what you've seen. I most certainly appreciate it.


The harness assembly is the 1970's to present Tamiya 1/20 scale belts. They don't make any in 1/24 scale, but you really can't tell the difference.

Joel
AussieReg
Staff MemberAssociate Editor
AUTOMODELER
#007
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Victoria, Australia
Joined: June 09, 2009
KitMaker: 8,156 posts
Auto Modeler: 2,953 posts
Posted: Tuesday, February 12, 2019 - 12:20 PM UTC
Congratulations on getting this one finished Joel, it really is a beautiful build. Also many thanks for taking the time to put so much detail into your build log posts, as Andy said, there is much for us all to learn here.

I see you have already added a couple of images to the Porsche Group Build Gallery, hopefully they will be joined by a few more soon!

What's next up on your work bench?

Cheers, D
Szmann
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Netherlands Antilles
Joined: September 02, 2014
KitMaker: 1,977 posts
Auto Modeler: 1,371 posts
Posted: Tuesday, February 12, 2019 - 02:15 PM UTC

Quoted Text


By no means do I consider this a model of excellence, nor a IPMS winning entry, but rather a build that pushed my abilities to the next level. I'm more then satisfied with the paint finish, the cockpit scratch building and detailing, as well as the detailing in the engine/transmission bay.



Joel, this build raised the bar for all of us. Thanks for showing it is possible.


Quoted Text


On the other hand, there are errors, and most certainly room for continued improvement in all areas of plastic car modeling.


We're all of us looking for the "perfect model" but that is as elusive as the blissful happiness. It just doesn't exist but give us a meaning.

I wist to thank you for generously sharing you expertise with us. Again, you are a model to follow for rigorous approach, honest self-estimation and methodical and periodical blogging.

I know it sounds like a platitude, but I'm going to say it nonetheless, because I'm thinking that way: I was expecting a top build and you have delivered it! Congratulations!

Gabriel
Hwa-Rang
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Kobenhavn, Denmark
Joined: June 29, 2004
KitMaker: 6,760 posts
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Posted: Tuesday, February 12, 2019 - 06:37 PM UTC
You've really nailed this one Joel. Been a pleasure following the build.
RussellE
#306
_VISITCOMMUNITY
Victoria, Australia
Joined: June 27, 2010
KitMaker: 3,959 posts
Auto Modeler: 495 posts
Posted: Tuesday, February 12, 2019 - 09:45 PM UTC
Can only echo what others have said before Joel!

Amazing work! Thank you for sharing and raising the bar!

Looking forward to the next project!
Joel_W
Staff MemberAssociate Editor
AUTOMODELER
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New York, United States
Joined: December 04, 2010
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Posted: Wednesday, February 13, 2019 - 02:25 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Congratulations on getting this one finished Joel, it really is a beautiful build. Also many thanks for taking the time to put so much detail into your build log posts, as Andy said, there is much for us all to learn here.

I see you have already added a couple of images to the Porsche Group Build Gallery, hopefully they will be joined by a few more soon!

What's next up on your work bench?

Cheers, D




D,
Thanks so much for your most positive comments both now and throughout my build, I can assure you that all were greatly appreciated.

I posted the two required finished pictures in the Porsche campaign as is the usual rule to qualify for a ribbon at the end of this campaign. Like you, I'm hoping to see more of the enlisted members posted their finished build there.

My next build is the Ebbro 1/20 scale 1965/66 Brabham Honda F2 driven by Sir Jack Brabham (of Australian fame), & his teammate Dennis Hulme (New Zealand).

This kit was announced by Ebbro way back in 2016 and took me totally by surprise as one never sees F2 or F3 cars from yesteryear. Yet, here it was. Well, I waited and waited, and it was never released even though Scalemates has it listed. Finally late last year some of the Online vendors listed it from pre-order to instock, so I jumped on it ASAP.

I'm really looking forward to this build both for the era, as the mid to late 1960s is when I 1st became interested in European type road racing, as well as cars literally designed in house at a drafting table, while creating a simple race car devoid of any aerodynamics. Sir Jack Brabham, Bruce McLaren, and Dennis Hulme, Australians & Kiwis are personal favorites, and all have achieved World Championships in F1, F2, & Can Am.

Joel
Joel_W
Staff MemberAssociate Editor
AUTOMODELER
_VISITCOMMUNITY
New York, United States
Joined: December 04, 2010
KitMaker: 11,666 posts
Auto Modeler: 2,974 posts
Posted: Wednesday, February 13, 2019 - 02:44 AM UTC

Quoted Text


Quoted Text


By no means do I consider this a model of excellence, nor a IPMS winning entry, but rather a build that pushed my abilities to the next level. I'm more then satisfied with the paint finish, the cockpit scratch building and detailing, as well as the detailing in the engine/transmission bay.



Joel, this build raised the bar for all of us. Thanks for showing it is possible.


Quoted Text


On the other hand, there are errors, and most certainly room for continued improvement in all areas of plastic car modeling.


We're all of us looking for the "perfect model" but that is as elusive as the blissful happiness. It just doesn't exist but give us a meaning.

I wist to thank you for generously sharing you expertise with us. Again, you are a model to follow for rigorous approach, honest self-estimation and methodical and periodical blogging.

I know it sounds like a platitude, but I'm going to say it nonetheless, because I'm thinking that way: I was expecting a top build and you have delivered it! Congratulations!

Gabriel



Gabriel,
Thank you my friend for those words. I'm actually blushing and at a loss of words (which by now you know doesn't happen very often). Your constant stance of not allowing me to take the easy way out time and time again was a major factor in maintaining my goals and standards throughout the build, so that you played a major roll in what crossed that finish line the other day. Thank you my friend for always being there.

Joel
Joel_W
Staff MemberAssociate Editor
AUTOMODELER
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New York, United States
Joined: December 04, 2010
KitMaker: 11,666 posts
Auto Modeler: 2,974 posts
Posted: Wednesday, February 13, 2019 - 02:46 AM UTC

Quoted Text

You've really nailed this one Joel. Been a pleasure following the build.



Jesper,
So glad that you not only enjoyed the ride, but always had some advice when I needed a helping hand.

Joel
Joel_W
Staff MemberAssociate Editor
AUTOMODELER
_VISITCOMMUNITY
New York, United States
Joined: December 04, 2010
KitMaker: 11,666 posts
Auto Modeler: 2,974 posts
Posted: Wednesday, February 13, 2019 - 02:50 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Can only echo what others have said before Joel!

Amazing work! Thank you for sharing and raising the bar!

Looking forward to the next project!




Russell,
Not so sure that anything I did was amazing by any means.

One of my goals when I signed on here on AutoModeler was to share my builds with my friends exactly how they unfold. The Good, the Bad, & even the Ugly. This is how I grow as a modeler, and how others learn from not so much my successes, but from my mistakes, screw ups, and how we as a group solved them, or accepted what is, is.

You've been on the team since the green flag was thrown, and you're still here when the checkered flag flew. Thank you my friend for all your support. It's always greatly appreciated.

Joel

Cosimodo
#335
_VISITCOMMUNITY
Auckland, New Zealand
Joined: September 03, 2013
KitMaker: 1,808 posts
Auto Modeler: 701 posts
Posted: Tuesday, February 19, 2019 - 06:54 PM UTC
Great build Joel! I am so impressed.
The detailing work has paid off beautifully, especially with being able to display the engine and rear suspension.
The fantastic paintwork and decalling effort of course is no surprise given your previous builds but on this looks like you found another gear.

Apologies for being late to the finish line congratulations but I was glad to be able to post my green machine alongside this beauty.

cheers
Michael
GazzaS
#424
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Queensland, Australia
Joined: April 23, 2015
KitMaker: 4,648 posts
Auto Modeler: 14 posts
Posted: Tuesday, February 19, 2019 - 07:45 PM UTC
Great job, Joel!

Gaz

Now... if you really want a challenge... make one of these look good:
AussieReg
Staff MemberAssociate Editor
AUTOMODELER
#007
_VISITCOMMUNITY
Victoria, Australia
Joined: June 09, 2009
KitMaker: 8,156 posts
Auto Modeler: 2,953 posts
Posted: Tuesday, February 19, 2019 - 10:10 PM UTC

Quoted Text

My next build is the Ebbro 1/20 scale 1965/66 Brabham Honda F2 driven by Sir Jack Brabham (of Australian fame), & his teammate Dennis Hulme (New Zealand).

This kit was announced by Ebbro way back in 2016 and took me totally by surprise as one never sees F2 or F3 cars from yesteryear. Yet, here it was. Well, I waited and waited, and it was never released even though Scalemates has it listed. Finally late last year some of the Online vendors listed it from pre-order to instock, so I jumped on it ASAP.

I'm really looking forward to this build both for the era, as the mid to late 1960s is when I 1st became interested in European type road racing, as well as cars literally designed in house at a drafting table, while creating a simple race car devoid of any aerodynamics. Sir Jack Brabham, Bruce McLaren, and Dennis Hulme, Australians & Kiwis are personal favorites, and all have achieved World Championships in F1, F2, & Can Am.

Joel



Bring it on mate, that build should be another excellent adventure and no better subject matter that's for sure.

Cheers, D
AussieReg
Staff MemberAssociate Editor
AUTOMODELER
#007
_VISITCOMMUNITY
Victoria, Australia
Joined: June 09, 2009
KitMaker: 8,156 posts
Auto Modeler: 2,953 posts
Posted: Tuesday, February 19, 2019 - 10:17 PM UTC

Quoted Text

Now... if you really want a challenge... make one of these look good:



You could do the "Starsky & Hutch on a budget" version!



Joel_W
Staff MemberAssociate Editor
AUTOMODELER
_VISITCOMMUNITY
New York, United States
Joined: December 04, 2010
KitMaker: 11,666 posts
Auto Modeler: 2,974 posts
Posted: Wednesday, February 20, 2019 - 05:45 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Great build Joel! I am so impressed.
The detailing work has paid off beautifully, especially with being able to display the engine and rear suspension.
The fantastic paintwork and decalling effort of course is no surprise given your previous builds but on this looks like you found another gear.

Apologies for being late to the finish line congratulations but I was glad to be able to post my green machine alongside this beauty.

cheers
Michael




Michael,
Thanks so much for those most kind words, they're greatly appreciated.

The Porsche 956 was a real challenge for a kit 1st boxed in the mid 1090s, but Tamiya was so far ahead of the rest of the field, that most are just still catching up.

Joel
Joel_W
Staff MemberAssociate Editor
AUTOMODELER
_VISITCOMMUNITY
New York, United States
Joined: December 04, 2010
KitMaker: 11,666 posts
Auto Modeler: 2,974 posts
Posted: Wednesday, February 20, 2019 - 05:50 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Great job, Joel!

Gaz

Now... if you really want a challenge... make one of these look good:




Quoted Text


Quoted Text

My next build is the Ebbro 1/20 scale 1965/66 Brabham Honda F2 driven by Sir Jack Brabham (of Australian fame), & his teammate Dennis Hulme (New Zealand).

This kit was announced by Ebbro way back in 2016 and took me totally by surprise as one never sees F2 or F3 cars from yesteryear. Yet, here it was. Well, I waited and waited, and it was never released even though Scalemates has it listed. Finally late last year some of the Online vendors listed it from pre-order to instock, so I jumped on it ASAP.

I'm really looking forward to this build both for the era, as the mid to late 1960s is when I 1st became interested in European type road racing, as well as cars literally designed in house at a drafting table, while creating a simple race car devoid of any aerodynamics. Sir Jack Brabham, Bruce McLaren, and Dennis Hulme, Australians & Kiwis are personal favorites, and all have achieved World Championships in F1, F2, & Can Am.

Joel



Bring it on mate, that build should be another excellent adventure and no better subject matter that's for sure.

Cheers, D



Gary & D,
Now that's some challenge for sure. I haven't seen a AMC Pacer in many years on the road, and never even knew that either AMT or MPC would bother kitting it. One thing is for sure, it was a strange looking car back then, and it's still a strange looking car.

But who knows, I just may take up the offer and turn it into a What if SCCA Production class race car.

Joel
Szmann
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Netherlands Antilles
Joined: September 02, 2014
KitMaker: 1,977 posts
Auto Modeler: 1,371 posts
Posted: Friday, February 22, 2019 - 10:22 AM UTC
Joel, there is even a "street racer minimuscle" by AMT with extra parts. It's not an open wheeler, but looks like an infuriated mignon


Gabriel
Joel_W
Staff MemberAssociate Editor
AUTOMODELER
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New York, United States
Joined: December 04, 2010
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Posted: Friday, February 22, 2019 - 10:37 AM UTC
Gabriel,
I never saw one like that on the streets. the Gremlin was weird enough.

I just started my Brabham BT18 after a week off from modeling. 1st break in literally years.

Joel
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