Hi Folks.

This will be a detailed build log for the kit I started for the 1950's Group Build which started back in April 2016. As is the case with so many threads, the Group Build thread is full of the dreaded "3rd Party Hosting" blanked images. I will post my complete progress here rather than go back and repair the older thread.

As is the case with all of my threads, all comments, advice and constructive criticism is welcomed and gratefully accepted. All insults and mud-slinging from the jealous Mopar and Ford tragics is expected and enjoyed.

Enough ramble, on with the build!


Cheers, D

Hi. Love the car, so will follow for sure.

Kind regards,

Robert Jan

Box contents, sprue shots etc.







If anybody would like a closer look at any details please let me know.

Cheers, D

Some inspiration shots of a 1:1 for reference, this is the colour scheme I will try to achieve.







Cheers, D

First stage took an hour or so, and I had assembled, puttied and sanded the engine (9 parts involved there), and cleaned up the intake manifold, water pump, fan and belt assembly parts.

All very nice so far, just a small amount of putty required between the engine block and cylinder heads. I used Tamiya Basic Grey putty and smoothed it off with a Q-Tip soaked in GP Lacquer Thinner so there isn't any sanding required. The detail on the fan is especially nice, brackets on the back and rivets on the front. Nice to know it's there even if it won't be really visible once it's all installed.

Are you going to strip the chrome parts, and spray a chrome paint from airbrush?

Kind regards,

Robert Jan

The old Paasche H got a workout on the Tamiya Acrylic, Semi-Gloss Black and Royal Blue.



Engine Assembly almost complete



Some Alclad airbrushing and detail brush painting, and a little more assembling



A bit of front end work, axle and stabiliser bar, upper control arms and shockers, air bags (hidden away under the front axle) and a bit of detail painting in the background. The photos also show some areas of the chassis that still need to be touched up with black paint.

Engine installed onto the chassis and sub-frame. Absolutely no fit issues so far.

Hi Robert.

Thanks for following along, much appreciated. I have thought about stripping the chrome plating and repainting with Alclad or similar, but I might just try giving the chrome parts a hit with some clear first to see if that knocks the "plasticy" shine down a bit.
There is a football field worth of chrome on this build so I want it to look good.

Cheers, D

This is the point where the build ground to a halt. I wanted to try using Tamiya Gloss Acrylic to see if I could get an acceptable finish as I'm not a big fan of lacquers. I gave the body parts several light coats to see how it came up and I really wasn't happy with the finish.




When I hit it with a sanding pad to knock back the finish I went straight through to the base plastic in a couple of spots. The last thing I did before I boxed this one back up was to strip off the paint, and now I need to decide whether to go with an acrylic lacquer airbrush finish or a rattle-can. I have read very good things about MRP acrylic lacquers, and there is also a new local manufacturer here in Australia called Scale Model Supplies with a similar product. I might pick up a Gloss Black from both of these and do some trials before I hit the Caddy with anything else.



Cheers, D

That's about what my 69 Camaro looked like when it went into the box a while back. I was using Mr Color Blue. But I think my problems were about properly thinning the paint and not having an air tank to even out the compressor pulses. Hopefully I've got both sorted and I can finish this build.....

Can recommend the MRP! I no longer can get that. Australia has been blocking the export for this brand to overseas by air. Still have some, save it for Aero department of hobby. In Thailand it is very hard to the other brands, except for Tam & Mr. H. Wide available. MRP is like silk, beautiful stuff!

Kind regards,

Robert Jan

I like that new, raw steel look of the exhaust system.

Looking nice, Damian. Hopefully you get your body paint issue worked out.

Jim

KSO, thanks for checking in mate! The exhaust is Alclad Airframe Aluminium over Tamiya Semi Gloss Black acrylic, then a wash of very thin Tamiya Black enamel. I love the look as well, gives a great finish.




G'day Jim. Good to have you on board. I've done some research and decided to order some MRP Super Gloss Black, heard nothing but good reports. Time to do some clean-up on the body while I wait for the paint to be delivered.

Cheers, D

Will be following! I have the very similar Monogram ElDorado convertible in the stash - started when I got it.

You are on a roll mate.
This is a gorgeous kit, with lots of excellent details.
Black body color, lots of chrome and a red interior is just a killer combo.

Following along with interest D!

When I was in my teens I used to churn these kits out ad nauseum!

I hate to say it mate, but the best gloss finishes in my experience are still good ol enamels! Toxic yes, but glossy. And even can be finished off with a good quality clear coat of gloss for extra depth...

Looking for a bit of a distraction from the '36 Ford build tonight, I reacquainted myself with an old friend. I might keep this one close to the bench and tinker with it to get it off the "Garage Queens" list.




The black paint is MRP Super Gloss Black, first thin coat which was applied and wet sanded over 2 years ago. I will give it another quick wet sand and a couple of heavier coats and see how it comes up.

Cheers, D