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Tamiya McLaren MP4/5B - Beginner here, tips appreciated!


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Still not quite getting to grips with how these forums work clearly!

Anyways, so i've set out on building an MP4/5B. I had a sort of 'dry run' on an MP4/7 that I bought, many mistakes were made an a lot was learned. Simpler the better seems to be the trick here.

It's a big deal for me making this kit so I want to make it perfect. I have a dog called Senna, grew up obsessed with F1 and am about to take over as editor of evo.co.uk, so plan on having the finished job on my desk. Not sure if anyone saw our recent feature on Tamiya in the mag, but if you haven't, you must go get a copy as it's fantastic!

So questions.

1. What lacquer should I use to finish the model. I don't have an airbrush and would like something I can spray over decals and the lot to keep it safe. I bought some spray on TS13 but now have learned that wrecks decals.

2. Any tips on painting super fine details? The Honda detailing on the engine is really hard to do, I just couldn't get it right on my MP4/7 experiment.

3. I love what the clear paints do to suspension components if given a silver undercoat. Looks very cool. Anything more I can do there? I recently went to Japan and picked up the kits along with a load of paints as they were so cheap!

4. Masking and detailing the McLaren orange on the outside. Any tips to get it just perfect?

I'll be posting pics as I go along and doing a bit of tweeting. You can follow me @hunterskipworth if you like?

So far here is what we have...

Thanks again for all the help guys!

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I have two threads over at automotive forums that may help you. One for the McLaren MP4/7 and one for the McLaren MP4/5b. I've linked them below for you to browse, hope they are of some use. Generally you would be better to use an airbrush for the red, or a spray can. It's a difficult colour to brush paint..

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=634976

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=919639

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Thanks Steve! I've got sprays galore! They were about a quid in Japan so I went a bit nuts. I'm sorted on sprays for the bodywork actually.

Being a bit old school I've been using water for

My decals. Is this wrong? Decal fix worth a buy?

Depends on the decals. Some kit decals are quite thick and need some decal setter to help them settle down. The decals on the 5b are pretty straight forward and mostly on flat surfaces, so you should be good with plain water. Wouldn't hurt to have some Microsol and Microset on hand just in case. Always useful products to have..

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Hiroboy is your friend! Steve's a great guy and really helpful.

There are many cheap airbrushes to be found on eBay and the like, Zero paints will then be the best option for the colours of F1 cars etc.

If you travel to Japan often, then STOCK UP!! ;)

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