Thanks Jim!
Here is my completed entry:-







First time using BMF on an auto!
Thanks for the group build!

That looks great, Richard. Definitely qualifies as Big Fins & Chrome!

Jim

Looks amazing Richard.

Thank's for the comments!
I enjoyed this build and learned a few things on the way

Nice looking build Richard. It all came together beautifully. Great work on the miles of BMF!

Very nicely done Richard, congrats on getting finished! How did you go with the BMF? I have a couple of sheets in the stash but haven't tried it out yet.

Some minor assembly on the chassis and a third coat of clear tonight on the body for my build.




Cheers, D

Great looking engine.

Jim

^ I agree. Nice work.

Pretty cool that there's at least 3 people who haven't used BMF before this campaign. My biggest challenge with the ultra bright chrome bmf was it's tensile strength and it's resistance to stick to the surface. I used new blades but I think I applied too much pressure a few times and tore a couple pieces. I tore some taking it off of the sheet trying to keep a low angle instead of pulling straight up. I was doing that to avoid the curly ribbon the strips like to turn into.. I tried cleaning my surfaces with a couple different things but nothing worked all that well. Paint is well cured so Idk what the deal is. During my next application I'm going to try heating the sheet up with a light bulb to warm the adhesive.

Hi Andrew.
I use a glass photo frame to cut all masking tape and BMF still on its backing sheet, here is a link to a feature I did on Aeroscale:-

http://aeroscale.kitmaker.net/features/5161

I sharpen a new #11 blade with a fine sanding stone to get and keep blade ultra sharp!
The BMF sheet has to be free of any wrinkles and dead smooth otherwise it will tear when you remove it from the backing sheet.

Damian reminded me with his posting that I forgot to post engine photos:-

Looking good Damian.

Excellent engine shot Richard. It's really packed in there, isn't it.

Thank you Jesper!

Richard, the engine looks lovely all nestled in there. Thanks for the tips. I've been meaning to buy some form of sharpening utensil. I was thinking I might try mdf on a grinder since I have those things now. I was disappointed enough by the xacto blades I bought recently that I wrote them an email. They did offer to replace them but I didn't take them up on it. I did come across my strop today so I can at least realign my old blades.

I too use glass to cut tape. I haven't used this on anything yet but I cut thin strips of electrical tape and wrapped a sanded wire (to keep the tape from sliding) with it by rolling it in my fingers and thumbs and going down the length of it while overlapping the last "turn" to simulate wiring harnesses. It works well and could be bent to shape after the tape was on. Forgot all about it until now so thanks for the reminder!

Wow, you have all set the bar high.
Nonetheless, I'm entering the fray. Here's our (my son and my) starting photo.
https://flic.kr/p/LXteuG
Ugh. I can't find the bb code on my phone, but I'll get there!
Cheers!
-Sean

Here's the starting pic...
Fins and Chrome 50's start by windysean, on Flickr
Cheers!
-Sean.

Excellent choice Sean.

Here's an update on where I'm at lately.
Because of the order of assembly, I had to spray the front of the frame first, before further parts. by windysean, on Flickr

I didn't add wiring or detail to the engine, but painted up what the kit gave me. (My kids keep asking why I'm painting details that will be under the hood.)
We're getting near the point where we have to get the body paint. I let my son pick the metallic green, like the box art, from the paint scheme list, but I chose to give ours a black roof to emphasize 1950's tastes.
Cheers!
-Sean H.

Nice work, Sean. The engine looks cool in that color. Most of my Automobile knowledge is from the 1960's and later. Was that an original engine color for the 50 Olds? Who's race car is included in that kit?

Your kids have a very legitimate question. Sometimes I wonder the very same thing but we gotta do what's right lol

Looking forward to seeing more of that beauty.

Coming along fine there Sean.

Yes, the engine in the 1950 Olds is green, and the kit includes the Oldsmobile Rocket and other decals for the engine too. I referred to photos found on the internet (in Hemmings Motor News, mostly).
motor and frame by windysean, on Flickr

There are two different racing decals-- a Mexican PanAmerica race entry and Buck Baker's stock car.
Cheers!
Sean

Great progress folks, loving these classic builds!

A setback for me, I was trying out gloss acrylic black and clear to see if I could get the sheen level that I was happy with but it just didn't come up how I wanted. I started to give it a wet polish with some very fine sanding pads and almost instantly went straight though to the base plastic

I am away from home on a work trip at the moment, but when I get home I plan to strip the paint all off the body and hood and repaint with Tamiya Gloss Black from a rattle can.

The chassis and engine are all good, no issues there.

Keep up the great work folks.

Cheers, D

So I managed to get some more work done on the 1957 Ford Chief's Car.







Jim

Coming down to the wire, guys! Only 14 day left.

Jim

Looks great James.

Have done a fair amount of work, but will not be finished within 14 days.

Will post images soon.

Thanks, Jesper.

I just have all the little fiddly details to do on the body, then I can call it done! I'm hoping to get some bench time this weekend, but I doubt it.

Jim

I'd better get going on this!