Alan R

One of my all-time favourite cars... We had a 1200 deluxe in 1966, not quite the same. If someone did a 1/8th Lotus Cortina, I'd be on it like a shot...

I wasn't sure if I should put this here or in the general discussion topic. However, I like to think of this as a retrospective 'Ready for Inspection' of all the model cars (1/24th as it happens) that I am most pleased with. A few years ago, I went through a purge and binned a number of models that these days I would attempt to rescue. Amongst these are some of the survivors. They aren't displayed in any order of merit, or age... So, from the left, Back row: Tamiya Mazda MX-5, Fujimi Honda CRx, Tamiya Mercedes C9, Fujimi Ferrari 330P, Tamiya Peugeot 205 T-16 Front row: Italeri Jaguar XJ220, Tamiya Mercedes SL500 AMG, Tamiya Ferrari F-40, Italeri Lamborghini Diablo (If only these were the real thing.... ) Thanks for looking, Alan.

Awesome! I always wanted the CB-750 (Even though I thought the Kwak Z1 was more sporty). These 1/6 bike kits are incredible. If only I could find one on evil-bay! Eventually, I ended up with a VF-750F. Wish I still had it... Cheers, Alan.

Unfortunately, the bonnet doesn't open. It's just the black paint in the shut-line that makes it look like it might. It would be awesome if more manufacturers put engine detail in their models. Maybe I'll adapt one of the after market resin engine kits for a future build. Maybe a V8 Audi 80? (I have a Fujimi Audi 80 that needs a lot of fettling....) Many years ago, I tried to make a Ford 3-litre V6 in 32nd scale for an Airfix Escort. Didn't get far. I had the block done, then O-levels intervened and it got put away somewhere.. Ah well.... Cheers, Alan.

This one never made it to the work in progress thread, but this is the second completion of 2017... I used a new technique to highlight the shut-lines of the doors, bonnet & tailgate. I dipped the sharp end of a cocktail stick into some matt black acrylic, and gently drew the point along the panel line. Then using the other end, I gently removed any spill-over. Not a bad outcome, I think. The focus on some of the image is a bit narrow. This was due to the light level being a bit low, me not having my tripod to hand and therefore having to use a relatively wide aperture on the camera. On the whole, this was a reasonably easy build and quite enjoyable. Thanks for looking, Alan.

How many engines per mile does it do?

A friend of mine had one of these. Bought it as a 'runner' through a small ad. It came on a low loader and as for 'runner', the engine was seized! It was some kind of Lotus hybrid (of Lotus' own making), where the chassis was initially build to use the older Renault 4-speed box, but Lotus did a cut-n-shut on the chassis to allow it to take the newer 5-speed Renault box. As with all things British, the chassis was rotten to the core and needed replacing. This was when he found out about the weird hybrid chassis! Lotus actually took a 4-speed chassis, and performed the same hack as they did originally for him. What's more, they didn't charge him any extra for the surgery. The story goes on and on... However, after many trials and tribulations, he got it road-worthy. He reckoned that it cost him £4000 to buy the thing, plus about another 5-6 K to get road worthy. I had a ride in it after he had finished it. What a blast! Of course, we all know that Lotus is an acronym,,, Loads Of Trouble, Usually Serious. Fantastic build by the way. Alan.

That is truly a thing of beauty. Fantastic workmanship. I may have to sneak one of these past the missus...

I'd love to see the build thread for this....

A bit of progress... I have been trying to get the bodies prepped for priming. I noticed that as I was looking at both bodies, more bits were about to fall off. Badly cemented by both me and my son! Some gentle persuasion, and thy were removed without damage. Also, I mentioned in my last post that the 'white' floor pan had the front suspension and steering still installed and that this was going to hinder priming it. Well, after a quick prod with a narrow bladed screw-driver it all fell out with no damage to either the sub-frame or the floor pan. I noticed two large ejector marks on the underside of the rear wing. After a little application of Mr white filler and a bit of wet sanding with 1500 grit, the holes have been filled. I have to admit that when installed on the body, you won't be able to see the marks, but I know it's there... Once both bodies have been prepped for priming I'll post some more pictures. Cheers, Alan.

Here's another build I am going to complete in 2017. This is a brace of Koenig Specials Ferraris that I have had on my 'books' for a considerable time: They are the 'Real Sports Car' series by Fujimi. They are both models that were started some time ago, one by my son (who was probably only about 11 at the time), the other by me. They then got abandoned for no particular reason. So without further ado, here are the pictures: The box art: The 'red' car sprues: The 'white' car sprues: And finally the two model bodies: As you can see, the 'red' car was painted red and then stripped. I had originally painted it with Humbrol gloss enamel (19), but I decided that the finish wasn't up to scratch, and needed some TLC, in this case stripping with caustic soda. I don't think that the 'staining' will come through when I re-prime (hopefully). I will be using zero paints for primer and top colour. As for the 'white' car, my son had painted various parts, but I have decided to strip the part-assembled model (mostly done) and re-construct it. The only issue I have for this is removing the front suspension & steering from the floor pan. I might just leave it there and attempt to work around the moving parts, i.e. the steering. I hope you enjoy this. Best Regards, Alan.

Fabulous model! Well executed. I have this one in the stash. I am still in two minds whether to use carbon decals or paint it. After seeing yours, it's made my dilemma even worse! Decisions, decisions...

That is such a pretty little car! F1 cars of that era (80's - 90's ?) were so much prettier than the current aerodynamic beasts! Beautiful build! Congratulations! Reminds me. I must get the Tyrell P34 finished! Cheers, Alan.

I have often nearly bought this one, but for some reason never did. This may change my mind... Cheers, Alan.

Hi Dave, It's a really nice kit to build with no problems. Have a go! Cheers, Alan.

It's finished! it's in the 'Ready for inspection' topic: http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235014880-tamiya-124-mercedes-benz-amg-500sl/ Cheers, Alan.

Finally got this built. Here it is in all its glory: On the whole, an enjoyable building experience. Tamiya kits are really at the top of the tree for quality. The only issue I had was with the number plate decals. As soon as they hit the (painted) plastic, they stuck right where they were placed. Didn't happen with any of the other decals from the same sheet. Weird. Hope you enjoy it. The build can be seen here: http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235007398-tamiya-124-mercedes-benz-amg-500sl/ All the best, Alan.

In 1974, during the fuel crisis, a friend of mine was riding down the A2 just outside London, at 2 in the morning, when he was stopped by the police. He was clocked at 134 MPH! At the time there was a blanket 50 MPH limit. Fortunately for him, the copper was rather lenient. My friend said that the copper said: "Well, seeing as it's 2 AM, the road is fully lit and there was no one else around, I have to book you for something. Will 74 MPH do?" My friend accepted that, thinking a fine and a short ban was likely to be handed down. However, when he got the official letter, they gave him a warning not to do it again... Let off almost scott free! Cheers, Alan.

Thanks for the info. I think that these may well be ordered soon... Alan.

Found one! http://www.modelmakershop.com/modelmakershop/product_info.php?info=p3473_PHOTO-ETCHED-SUPER-DETAIL-SET-FOR-LONDON-BUS-IN-1-24.html&XTCsid=u1udhk50qcojif54e8j04vmk37 Alan.

Yes. I have seen the Revell one, but it appears to be unavailable. I will have to do another search. Thanks for the info. Regards, Alan.

Yes, I agree. In my opinion, the R32 is the best of the bunch. Beautiful lines with more than a hint of menace, and the muscle to back it up. There's a guy at the local Volvo dealer who runs a tuned R34 model - go figure that one out... Makes a magnificent noise, but I think that the more squared off lines aren't as attractive as the R32. All the best, Alan.

Another one I am starting this year. I have has this in my stash for a considerable time. Just look at the dust... The box is suitably crammed with plastic: I love the way that Revell just calls it "London Bus". I wonder if it's a copyright thing? I am planning to do it as a refurbished version with the Scania engine. Not sure how accurate that is, but that's what I am planning. More to come soon... Cheers, Alan.

OK. The obligatory sprue shots. First, the GTR 2000: This is the box contents. Pretty stuffed and PE as well. Spues still in the bags at present. You get a driver figure and extra plastic for the 'Street Custom' version. Different wheels etc. I bought this on a whim after seeing a build of this here on BM. It was available from Hiroboy at a very reasonable price... Now the Nismo GTR: Again, extra sprues for the custom bits. This was a Christmas pressy from my wife. A very understanding human being, if somewhat bewildered by my hobby ("But where are you going to put it when you have finished it?" and "You have loads not even started, why do you want more?"). Finally, the 'ordinary' GTR (for want of a better definition...): Body and floor-pan primed: The sprues: Transmission and suspension: I am building this for my son, who adores all things Japanese. It will be painted in that very bright metallic (or pearlescent) orange the Ford Focus ST (or RS, I can't remember...) comes in. I think it's called 'Electric Orange'. Given my son's propensity for Metal music of all kinds, I thought he would want it matt black... The plan is to get the first two up to about the same place as the last one, and then proceed forward with them as a group. More to come