Cars: Other Racing
For automotive racing topics not already covered.
Tamiya 1/24 scale Porsche 956
Joel_W
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Posted: Thursday, January 31, 2019 - 11:47 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Fantastic work Joel, the body looks immaculate, really makes me want to start my Toyota GT-One that I just bought.
Andy



Andy,
Thanks for stopping by and liking what I've accomplished so far. It's much appreciated.

I'd love to follow your Toyota GT-1 build. the site is really starting to hop these days.

Joel
Joel_W
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Posted: Monday, February 04, 2019 - 07:26 AM UTC
I spent the last week continuing the process of finishing the two part shell now that the decaling has been completed. I gave the decals a good 72 hrs to fully dry and cure. The next step was to clear coat the entire body.

I've resisted the move to any of the 2K Urethane systems, as being old school I still prefer to shoot clear gloss lacquer. My preferred clear is Mr. Hobby's Mr.Color lacquer clear #46. Unfortunately, it only comes in 10ml bottles, so I try to stock pile it, as it's not always the easiest clear to get when I need it. I thin it with Mr. Hobby's Mr. Color #400 leveling lacquer thinner @ a 2:3 ratio. I air brush this at a flow rate of 20 psi. My usual method is two tack coats, then three wet coats with 10 min between wet coats. The leveling thinner really does an amazing job.

I let the clear coat dry and cure for 72 hours, then I start the polishing out of the clear coat.

1-Lightly rubbing out the clear for a smooth surface with Tamiya #3,000 sponge wet.

2- Next comes the Gravity 3 part polishing system from course to fine.

3- And finally the Gravity Carnauba wax. I'll leave a 2nd coat for when the build is finally finished.

Here's a few pictures greater then 1:1. Notice the smoothness and shine of the paint. To say the least, I'm more then satisfied.









I've also started to mask the inside of the front and side plexiglass windows. Here's the main windscreen masked on the inside with Tamiya curvable tape then filled in with Tamiya 10mm tape. I'm still trying to figure out how to go about doing the side windows.





Joel



Merlin
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Posted: Monday, February 04, 2019 - 07:49 AM UTC
Hi Joel

That's looking really neat!

Your last shot reminds me I've got some of Tamiya's flexible tape somewhere. I bought it a couple of years ago, checked it worked and then forgot about it. I'm so used to using kabuki tape, it completely slipped my mind. I must dig it out.

All the best

Rowan
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Posted: Monday, February 04, 2019 - 10:56 AM UTC
Joel, very nice job indeed. The car looks spotless!

How is Tamiya flexible tape? I was leery to buy it, because I've tried once with electrical tape but it didn't work: the edge is not sharp enough to cut thru the over-sprayed paint but tears off horribly! More precisely: has the curvable tape the ability to cut thru enamel and lacquer once dry?

On the window: put a mask on the outside (40mm Tamiya will do haha!) and draw with a pencil the contour of the windows. Remove the masks and cut the them 1 -1.5 mm inside the contour. Glue the masks from interior left to right and right to left. Spray from inside, not forgetting to mask the openings that can mess your impeccable finish. To make sure, spray acrylic diluted with IPA or water so you can wipe out any undesired overspray without damage.

Really, really good update!

Gabriel
Joel_W
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Posted: Monday, February 04, 2019 - 11:35 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Hi Joel

That's looking really neat!

Your last shot reminds me I've got some of Tamiya's flexible tape somewhere. I bought it a couple of years ago, checked it worked and then forgot about it. I'm so used to using kabuki tape, it completely slipped my mind. I must dig it out.

All the best

Rowan



Rowan,

Thanks for stopping by and checking out the Porsche. I'm on the final few laps now.

I rarely use the Tamiya curvable tape, but it does work with in reason.

Joel
Joel_W
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Posted: Monday, February 04, 2019 - 11:48 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Joel, very nice job indeed. The car looks spotless!

How is Tamiya flexible tape? I was leery to buy it, because I've tried once with electrical tape but it didn't work: the edge is not sharp enough to cut thru the over-sprayed paint but tears off horribly! More precisely: has the curvable tape the ability to cut thru enamel and lacquer once dry?

On the window: put a mask on the outside (40mm Tamiya will do haha!) and draw with a pencil the contour of the windows. Remove the masks and cut the them 1 -1.5 mm inside the contour. Glue the masks from interior left to right and right to left. Spray from inside, not forgetting to mask the openings that can mess your impeccable finish. To make sure, spray acrylic diluted with IPA or water so you can wipe out any undesired overspray without damage.

Really, really good update!

Gabriel




Gabriel,
I'm still pretty amazed that the finish looks this good. It's by far my best effort to date. I do have to give both the Tamiya sponges and the Gravity polishing set a big thumbs up, as they're idiot proof. I'm proof positive of that.

As for the vinyl curvable tape, it's thicker then the regular Tamiya tape but doesn't have any more stick then the regular tape. Since it's a Tamiya product, I'm assuming that it will cut cleanly through the paint as long as I go slow and steady, especially since I'm air brushing it the paint on.

The side windows have turned into a issue as the rubber gaskets aren't between the plexi and the door, but between the plexi and the door opening in the body. It's used to reduce vibration of the door as much as possible. The side windows have a very small lip so you can actually run a neat bead of paint along it. The will now be attaching them so that I don't eat through the paint as I usually use Extra Thin as it runs along the seam. Thinking of Micro Krystal Kleer diluted 50/50 with water.


Joel
AussieReg
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Posted: Monday, February 04, 2019 - 12:00 PM UTC
Super excited to see this one so close the finish line Joel, it's looking awesome!

I have been using the Tamiya Flexible Masking Tape from time to time on my car builds, and I find it works ok. Not spectacular, just ok, but that might be my technique and not the tape at fault. I have found that it tries to return to its straight form even after burnishing down several times, so I have to keep a close eye on it even during painting. In saying that, it is still easier and neater than using wider tape and trying to trim a curve to get a neat edge and not destroy the substrate.

Cheers, D
Joel_W
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Posted: Monday, February 04, 2019 - 12:25 PM UTC

Quoted Text

Super excited to see this one so close the finish line Joel, it's looking awesome!

I have been using the Tamiya Flexible Masking Tape from time to time on my car builds, and I find it works ok. Not spectacular, just ok, but that might be my technique and not the tape at fault. I have found that it tries to return to its straight form even after burnishing down several times, so I have to keep a close eye on it even during painting. In saying that, it is still easier and neater than using wider tape and trying to trim a curve to get a neat edge and not destroy the substrate.

Cheers, D



D,
Thanks for stopping by, and liking my progress and effort to date. I've really focused on the over all finish even with all the engine bay detailing, as I've felt that was my weakest area of car building. It's a lot harder then Military aircraft for sure.

This is only the 2nd time that I can remember using this tape. I do remember that it had a tendency to drift out of shape, so that's one of the main reasons I used so many little pcs of tape to help or try to keep it in it's laid down shape.

Joel
Joel_W
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Posted: Thursday, February 07, 2019 - 09:49 AM UTC
Just wanted to post a quick update that I'm finally on the last lap of the build.

I finished the cockpit with the addition of the seat harness assembly, added the dash to the inside of the shell, finished the wheels and tires, and then installed the front shell to the chassis. Even I'm impressed on how she looks

Here's a few pictures to bring you all up to date.

Joel










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Posted: Thursday, February 07, 2019 - 03:11 PM UTC
Holy Motors! Joel I was expecting a "good" model yet that one is plainly breath-taking! Stunning engine area and I think you just have pushed the border of achievable realism, my friend. It is time for me to repay you with your own line: "This is not a scale model anymore, this is a replica!". Fantastic!

Just one little-tiny thing: please tell me the lights are not glued definitively in place or that they can be removed without damage. Please-please!

Gabriel
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Posted: Thursday, February 07, 2019 - 06:14 PM UTC
Gentlemen start your engines. Looks spectacular Joel.
AussieReg
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Posted: Friday, February 08, 2019 - 01:36 AM UTC
Lovely work Joel, this build is setting a very high bar for the rest of us to hit my friend.

Looking forward to the finishing touches and final reveal shots.

Cheers, D
Joel_W
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Posted: Friday, February 08, 2019 - 02:10 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Holy Motors! Joel I was expecting a "good" model yet that one is plainly breath-taking! Stunning engine area and I think you just have pushed the border of achievable realism, my friend. It is time for me to repay you with your own line: "This is not a scale model anymore, this is a replica!". Fantastic!

Just one little-tiny thing: please tell me the lights are not glued definitively in place or that they can be removed without damage. Please-please!

Gabriel




Gabriel,

Thank you so much my friend for those comments. I really don't know how to respond to it, other then again thank you.

The headlights are a redo of a redo of a redo. The plexi glass covers fit but don't really fit, and there is a lip that supposed to hold them in place that Tamiya didn't mold but would have required a major effort to make. Just not worth it in the long run. Also the covers don't have a rubber seal as far as I can tell. The bulbs and lenses are truly a 1984 design. There is a plastic solid Yellow backing plate and the twin lenses glue directly to it. The whole assembly just fits into a big hole in the back of the headlight compartment.

What's left to do if finish running 4 braided lines from that small tank attached to the top of the back of the front shell that goes to the twin Turbos. I need to detail paint the dozen or so latches and claps, and add a antenna wire from the top that the two way radio used back then (just like being back in WWII aircraft again). And finally decal the windscreen, then attach it and the side windows. The front body section should then be done.

Finally my attention turns to the rear deck and wing area. Still a lot to do, but other then the colored lenses, nothing of any major effort. Hopefully, the Might Rothmans 956 Porsche will finally cross the finish line sometime next week.

Joel
Joel_W
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Posted: Friday, February 08, 2019 - 02:14 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Gentlemen start your engines. Looks spectacular Joel.



Jesper,
Thanks so much for your support through the whole build, it's always greatly appreciated.

Joel
Joel_W
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Posted: Friday, February 08, 2019 - 02:16 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Lovely work Joel, this build is setting a very high bar for the rest of us to hit my friend.

Looking forward to the finishing touches and final reveal shots.

Cheers, D



D,
Thanks for your Thumbs up, it's always much appreciated.

Not so sure that the bar is any higher then what you and the guys are currently modeling at. I do marvel at how you and Jesper do those Mod conversions just like the real deal.

Joel
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Posted: Friday, February 08, 2019 - 02:46 PM UTC

Quoted Text


Gabriel,

Thank you so much my friend for those comments. I really don't know how to respond to it, other then again thank you.

The headlights are a redo of a redo of a redo. The plexi glass covers fit but don't really fit, and there is a lip that supposed to hold them in place that Tamiya didn't mold but would have required a major effort to make. Just not worth it in the long run. Also the covers don't have a rubber seal as far as I can tell. The bulbs and lenses are truly a 1984 design. There is a plastic solid Yellow backing plate and the twin lenses glue directly to it. The whole assembly just fits into a big hole in the back of the headlight compartment.



Joel, I am fire sure you did all to make the thing right. The culprit there is the polished edge of the glass itself which creates"the prism effect", letting the light enter from the wrong angle. If you can pick just the very edge with a marker to block the effect, then the lenses will look much thinner.
Another "trick" is to dip the lenses in slightly colored floor polish (this last method I never tried it, but I'm gonna give it a go just now with my Chrysler windows).

It just bothers me that a minor shortcoming of the kit upsets the otherwise perfectly done model.

But, safe than sorry: if it's too late to re-do, then let it go as is (this time) - I'm not gonna brag over it

Gabriel
GazzaS
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Posted: Friday, February 08, 2019 - 07:48 PM UTC
Joel,
Quite an accomplishment so far! Do you know if Tamiya cars are as good as everything else they do?

Gaz
Joel_W
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Posted: Saturday, February 09, 2019 - 02:23 AM UTC

Quoted Text


Quoted Text


Gabriel,

Thank you so much my friend for those comments. I really don't know how to respond to it, other then again thank you.

The headlights are a redo of a redo of a redo. The plexi glass covers fit but don't really fit, and there is a lip that supposed to hold them in place that Tamiya didn't mold but would have required a major effort to make. Just not worth it in the long run. Also the covers don't have a rubber seal as far as I can tell. The bulbs and lenses are truly a 1984 design. There is a plastic solid Yellow backing plate and the twin lenses glue directly to it. The whole assembly just fits into a big hole in the back of the headlight compartment.



Joel, I am fire sure you did all to make the thing right. The culprit there is the polished edge of the glass itself which creates"the prism effect", letting the light enter from the wrong angle. If you can pick just the very edge with a marker to block the effect, then the lenses will look much thinner.
Another "trick" is to dip the lenses in slightly colored floor polish (this last method I never tried it, but I'm gonna give it a go just now with my Chrysler windows).

It just bothers me that a minor shortcoming of the kit upsets the otherwise perfectly done model.

But, safe than sorry: if it's too late to re-do, then let it go as is (this time) - I'm not gonna brag over it

Gabriel



Gabriel,
I see your point. I'll try to gently remove both lenses and go over the sides with a fine tip black marker. The key is being able to remove those lenses, as I glue them on with Extra thin so that I never have to worry about them popping off and getting lost.
Joel
Joel_W
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Posted: Saturday, February 09, 2019 - 02:35 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Joel,
Quite an accomplishment so far! Do you know if Tamiya cars are as good as everything else they do?

Gaz




Hi Gary,
Thanks my friend for checking out my Porsche build and liking what you see.

Back in the 80's Tamiya followed by Hasegawa & Fujimi were truly the leaders in non-Hot Rod cars. They designed highly detailed models of F1, various sport cars from Prototype to production classes in 3 scales: 1/12, 1/20, & 1/24. I've never understood why they went with 1/20 for open wheel cars other then not to have to directly complete with Fujimi and Hasegawa.

Pappa Tamiya was a true F1 enthusiast, and with his wealth was able to collect the read race cars once the teams were done with them. The lobby of their Home Office houses his F1 collection.

For the time period, each release was cutting edge, especially their 1/12 cars. They became so expensive that the small market for them just made their continued production unprofitable. Today, some of the non-F1 1/12 cars that have never been re-released like the Lola T70 goes for Well over $800 on ebay.


Joel
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Posted: Saturday, February 09, 2019 - 03:42 AM UTC

Quoted Text


Back in the 80's Tamiya followed by Hasegawa & Fujimi were truly the leaders in non-Hot Rod cars. They designed highly detailed models of F1, various sport cars from Prototype to production classes in 3 scales: 1/12, 1/20, & 1/24. I've never understood why they went with 1/20 for open wheel cars other then not to have to directly complete with Fujimi and Hasegawa.

Pappa Tamiya was a true F1 enthusiast, and with his wealth was able to collect the read race cars once the teams were done with them. The lobby of their Home Office houses his F1 collection.

For the time period, each release was cutting edge, especially their 1/12 cars. They became so expensive that the small market for them just made their continued production unprofitable. Today, some of the non-F1 1/12 cars that have never been re-released like the Lola T70 goes for Well over $800 on ebay.


Joel



Gary, I know you asked Joel, not me but I see Joel referred more to Tamiya high-end products. As mainstream manufacturer in 24th scale, Tamiya are as good as their airplanes: superb engineering at the cost of mild detail simplification. You cannot go wrong with a Tamiya car kit. As with the 1/48 scale aircraft, they pushed up the quality a bit by adding masks, metallic transfers, Cartograf decals, but the price difference is significant. Before a new release was just under 30 USD. Now a new release is around 60 USD - with the notable exception of Ford GT3, but perhaps only because RoG concurrence. Some subjects are very attractive for their unicity, especially their "looser's" Japanese cars.

As a general note, their kits are very enjoyable and rewarding, if you're not a detail fanatic that is.

I apologize, Joel for speaking in your name, but I thought that bit of input needed to be added.

Gabriel
Joel_W
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Posted: Saturday, February 09, 2019 - 04:06 AM UTC

Quoted Text


Quoted Text


Back in the 80's Tamiya followed by Hasegawa & Fujimi were truly the leaders in non-Hot Rod cars. They designed highly detailed models of F1, various sport cars from Prototype to production classes in 3 scales: 1/12, 1/20, & 1/24. I've never understood why they went with 1/20 for open wheel cars other then not to have to directly complete with Fujimi and Hasegawa.

Pappa Tamiya was a true F1 enthusiast, and with his wealth was able to collect the read race cars once the teams were done with them. The lobby of their Home Office houses his F1 collection.

For the time period, each release was cutting edge, especially their 1/12 cars. They became so expensive that the small market for them just made their continued production unprofitable. Today, some of the non-F1 1/12 cars that have never been re-released like the Lola T70 goes for Well over $800 on ebay.


Joel



Gary, I know you asked Joel, not me but I see Joel referred more to Tamiya high-end products. As mainstream manufacturer in 24th scale, Tamiya are as good as their airplanes: superb engineering at the cost of mild detail simplification. You cannot go wrong with a Tamiya car kit. As with the 1/48 scale aircraft, they pushed up the quality a bit by adding masks, metallic transfers, Cartograf decals, but the price difference is significant. Before a new release was just under 30 USD. Now a new release is around 60 USD - with the notable exception of Ford GT3, but perhaps only because RoG concurrence. Some subjects are very attractive for their unicity, especially their "looser's" Japanese cars.

As a general note, their kits are very enjoyable and rewarding, if you're not a detail fanatic that is.

I apologize, Joel for speaking in your name, but I thought that bit of input needed to be added.

Gabriel




Gabriel,
Thank you my friend for actually answering Gary's question that I didn't really get around to doing in my reply.

Joel
GazzaS
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Posted: Saturday, February 09, 2019 - 01:01 PM UTC
Both replies were very informative. Thank you very much!

Gaz
Joel_W
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Posted: Sunday, February 10, 2019 - 02:36 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Both replies were very informative. Thank you very much!

Gaz



Gary,
I sure hope that you're considering joining our car forum with a alternate build from Armor every once in a while.
Joel
RussellE
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Posted: Monday, February 11, 2019 - 10:13 PM UTC
Looks almost like the real thing Joel!
Joel_W
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Posted: Tuesday, February 12, 2019 - 02:53 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Looks almost like the real thing Joel!




Russell,
Thanks so much for that high praise. It's much appreciated.

Joel