Codger

Jacek, A wonderful job throughout. Opening and hinged panels, upholstery, details, presentation and photography. One hint for your next one in this scale; use thinner plug wires. In this scale they should be .28MM or close to it. C

Steady progress... Work on the cockpit has continued and here is the instrument panel. Not the usual 500/540 combination but remember David is building to a client's wishes: Cox frequently uses the ModelMotorcars resin seat which saves some work. But not out-of-box. Here a balsa slab is added to the seat section to increase its length: The backrest section also has been augmented and shaping begun: The cockpit gains a more plush appearance with these additions befitting a luxury sports car of the '30's: More soon....

My shot at it is way back a bunch of pages. Plenty of doing and re-doing as I went along. Secret; it's all in the adhesives you use....

You are revealing a varied and broad background of interests and skills. Great to have you here and I know these will surface in your builds.

Cut some scrap un-needed decal off, apply to painted spoon, then clear to test............make several if you need.

Mysteries revealed... First a reminder of where we are in this project. Here is an easy look at the major modifications done to turn a Pocher into a 540 Spezial Roadster. Large engine set-back and very shortened body: Wishing at this point to create the cockpit because the leather arrived, a necessary first step was to add what Cox tells me was a very significant feature of these cars; a map/glove holder incorporated into the doors. No Pocher iteration comes with this. This is the first cryptic photo I got which caused me to write back 'what the heck is this??' The answer was more cryptic photos with no description. However I realized this was an interior door panel which was drilled through for a hinge pin, not a piano or Pocher door-type hinge. This is more 'Cox gineering' for a drop-down map door. See pin extending right to left below. Still don't know what curved shape at top is.... The fog begins to lift with this shot. An inner door panel, trim shape with base of shaped arm rest on top and small door pinned in place. This actual pin eliminates the need for a folding fabric hinge which would be very low-rent on a build of this quality. I asked but still don't know what the two carefully drilled holes are for. The deep red kidskin makes an appearance: The butterfly is emerging: Now we see the arm rest: Two completed panels. Somehow, I can't call them 'door cards': Let this soak in. A hallmark of Cox work is his impeccable way with upholstery. I always envy this and it is a major contributor to the brilliance of his engineering, mechanical work and modification. I turned out an 'OK' first-timer Rolls cabin but only after deep study of the methods he shared with me. Another brilliance of his, is using ModelMotorcars accessories (many of which he designed as a partner there) in unexpected ways. Like the Benz rumble seat handle for an upper door pull. The window winder and latch handle - superb realism. The stock Pocher bits are nowhere near this sophistication and really cause an otherwise nice build suffer.. So I hope you sense why this is taking so long. In my view results like this warrant all the patience in the world. My own journey took 40 months but Cox will surely beat that handily. That's why he does it professionally. I expect continuation of the cockpit work while selection and trial of the body finish is what we'll see next. Pocher lovers, there's plenty more to learn.

Not like I sectioned the Rolls I hope !!!!

Yes this looks the business. Will be visually bonkers in gleaming red and white. -And keep the cat outside.............

Thanks for keeping an eye on me Pascal, I regard you and JoNZ as the 'on track' experts in professional race series. An excellent explanation. But still no good reasons to have heavy objects up high near a drivers head. Only shows how much progress has been made to today's space capsules-on-wheels in F-1. That '70's idea would have been tragic to Romain if in place today.

Gulp... I know I'm making some of you cranky ( I'm looking at you Mr Clark...), by posting scraps and hints of things to come. But I just got word that Cox has overjoyed himself by putting a map pocket DOOR into the outer door of this Benz. A functioning door, with a hinge, not just a flap of upholstery. I have a few of his customary cryptic bench pix of this accomplishment but am petitioning for explanation of what the @!%! I am looking at. And you wonder why it takes so long for him to produce results. More when the connection to outer space resumes..................

These close up shots show how incredibly 'real' you got the meshes for the intakes. Brilliant details everywhere. Bodywork an example of how complex the original car was. Strongly suggest, when not working on it, you cover it with wax paper, trash bag or any non-lint type towel. Dust is your enemy.

Andrew - Codger is both my name and description. No 'Mr.' formality needed although many are so kind. Glad you found that on your own - it's a great piece of work. C

Andrew; I can highly recommend this thread by my friend Endeavor featuring his 1/12 MFH Alfa. Sadly he has ceased posting in this thread in 2020 but it is a gold mine of information on these great kits. His work is meticulous and very research oriented. Hope you find it helpful: https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235034042-mfh-alfa-romeo-159m/

Professional work beautifully done Lee. I find this bit very interesting. I was under impression that Molotow is Iso based. Am surprised 2K clear did not attack it and actually blended with it. I take it the 2k has now made the Molotow impervious to handling. And it has diminished the chrome effect also?

Jeeze Jo - that's FERRARI ! No sensible builders would do that ! I oughta know - I'm from Sicily!!! I'm sure Nikki didn't approve of that........

Hi Andrew; Ron says it perfectly above; Fujimi is a long way from MFH. But I see you are quite comfortable with techniques, tools and most materials. And you're doing fine with the always difficult white metal. Do not be so aggressive on yourself with the mistake. We've made thousands of them here. And it seems you've saved it rather well. I realize part of the joy of building a MFH can be working parts but I for one avoid them as I did on my Rolls. You honestly don't want anyone twirling tiny parts on a 2000 hour kit build - especially parts unseen when finished. However I do appreciate the 'moneys-worth' philosophy many have for an expensive kit. Ron is also correct that we have some enormously talented MFH builders here who I am sure will stop by. Speaking of Ron, his is the work you should seek for fantastic finishes for 'realism'. I will only add that some white metal builders have success using metal etching primers on that material. Surely you can ask and test to your satisfaction. Best luck and thanks for a new thread to learn from. / C

Andrew, I am quite flattered by your kind comments. But especially glad you signed-up and joined us. I see you have started a thread on a MFH no less, quite the deep end of the pool. I will soon stick my nose in there to be delighted by your work. Further, I am glad my Rolls and the cars of Dave Cox can inspire and spread knowledge to be of use. Entertainment is a good 'lubricant' for exchange of ideas. I welcome yours as well as your questions and criticisms. Thanks and don't be a stranger; we can use a philosopher on here..... C

There is NO leather upholstery in F-1 racecars...

I have learned that Mr Cox has received his leather order and that process will begin soon. Possibly because my whining has become unbearable. More soon as I get it...

Can any Tifosi here explain to me, the whole 'oxygen bottle for driver' business on the 1:1 which Ron has painfully reproduced here? 1. I would hate to drive anything at 160+ MPH with a compressed volatile gas tank inches from my head. (Held on by straps!). 2. Said tank is also in proximity to a tank (maybe a bladder?) of race fuel. Ensuring a bigger KABOOM. 3. If there is a wreck, the driver would need extrication, rather than oxygen I would think. Am I just a worry wart??

OK I'll start off with 'staggering'. More plumbing than a Turkish bath - all for a 3 liter normally aspirated engine. Amazing. What stands out is your determination to build every single detail of the original - and your skill at executing that. The cage in particular has such a structural look with perfect angles and joins. Ron you asked for what you may have missed but only a team mechanic would know. With proper backdrops and lighting this will be 'the real thing'. Bravo -

McG is right Pascal - nobody does it better than Mr Clark. His follow-up thread is here and has more of his stunning work: https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235082417-112-312t-1975/

Don't give it up, you've done a remarkable improvement of a flawed kit. Speaking of flawed - that Protar Alfa is that too. I had it and sold it on.

I also hate to say that I love the pallet almost as much as the whole lot...

Your kidding right ?? - One need be a Scuderia mechanic to spot an error... This has now entered the 'tour-de-force' phase of your presentation. It's all coming together, layer on layer of detail and finish. You have demonstrated your 'balanced finish' goals. Something very few of us can achieve much less comprehend. Color, texture and complexity off the scale. You are pegging the talent meter. Now being an inveterate techno-geek, I have scoured the photos for any sign of 'model car' syndrome. What I mean is everything is constructed in an absolute real world manner with real world parts. Every wire, pipe, line, linkage has a real life fitting, plug or heim joint and connects correctly. I only spot one deviation - the upper rear coilover mount does not have a heim but 'clips' on in model fashion. And that is completely necessary as no shaft can be slid into a heim during assembly. I am even ashamed of myself for pointing that out. It detracts not at all from the rest of the brilliance. Sorry for being long winded ; so many visit but so few put into words what this level of work reveals. And how instructive it is. Thanks from me....