silver911

I have just received an email from Chas beloved wife Ellie. She has asked me to pass on her very best wishes and thanks to the members for a Happy Xmas and New Year. Ron

Enjoy your break and bench time mate. Will look forward to a 1/12 from you You know where to find me if you need anything. Ron

Thanks Ian Where figures are concerned I have no issues having been a figure painter for 40 years (my other passion)...my only worry is the abysmal quality of the old Tamiya mechanic...he needs a huge amount of work to re-sculpt the missing detail from bad moulding! Niki is a 1/12 MFH figure...so shouldn't be a problem in that regard. My very best to you and yours for the holidays mate 🙂 Ron

Thanks Poul...great to know you find it convincing Ron

Thanks Nick...it's all about creating a believable atmosphere and telling a story...if I can convince the viewer to accept that...then I have done my job. Ron

That's a big complliment Chris...and very much appreciated as always. For me personally...it's the 'grime' that helps to tell the story...and it doesn't have to be much to allude to reality. Ron

Thanks Andy...and yes...that's a real 0.2 mm drill bit 😉 So glad you are still finding it fun to follow. Ron

Finally approaching the finish line now First...a reminder of what I was aiming for...you will note a couple more small items (circled in red) that I had to scratch..... Along with those two extras I have also included a box of spark plugs and relevant t spanner and ring spanner..... Then...using the above ref pic...time to start laying all the bits and pieces out within the scene...the jack/axle stands and wheel brace are the only pieces not glued in place. Whilst not completely true to the original...I have tried to capture the atmosphere and essence of the scene..... All that remains to be done now are a mechanic and Niki himself...along with his crash helmet (which will be perched on top of the rear wing)...then it will be a case of adding them and the car plus the main cockpit shroud/air scoop (standing on the earlier made pallet). Ron to be continued in 2022............

From Dave... "Too complicated to explain quickly, but the pedals control the brake light switch, and have to carry the throttle motion to the other side of the car. Big crazy fun." And a few more..... My personal thoughts.....wow! Ron more when I get them............

A small update from Dave...and in his own words... " These show the windshield (based on Mercedes parts) and the brake light switch which is activated by the brake pedal."..... to be continued............

Yet another masterpiece in the making Thierry Ron

Even if it's all rubbish eh mate 🤣

Thanks Chris Still find it strange that such a simple detail has been so well received 🤣 We modellers are a strange bunch at times 😱 Ron

So pleased it is of help to you...if it 'inspires'...so much the better 👍 Thanks Ron

Have read mixed opinions on the Tamiya Mark Fit...and had no problems with the Sol & Set for over a decade...so better the devil you know eh! Agree on your points regards Alclad...just doesn't suit my techniques...again...each to their own. I also use buffing powders...more recently the C1 Metaliser...https://www.hiroboy.com/C1_Metalizer_Metallizing_Buffing_Powder_C1MET1--product--5570.html As for the base coat and plastic...I have explained in depth during this thread...the issues I had...my thoughts...and those of others here...as to what I thought was causing many of them...and the conclusions we came to. Ron

Micro Sol and Set are for decal softening and locking decals down tight to the surface mate. https://www.scalemodelshop.co.uk/products/manufacturers/m/microscale-modelling-solutions/ Not a fan of any Alclad products...too fragile when handled/masked etc. Each to their own though. Cheers Ron

I will not use ZP single lacquer again for that very reason...luckily...I had a number of spare decals (BBK) thanks to Wim at Bestbalsa. When I did a test piece it worked fine...mist coat...let it dry...second mist...waited a couple of hours...final coat...all good. When it came to the actual model...same method...however...as soon as the final coat touched the surface the decals began to crackle and bubble! There were a few Tamiya decals I had managed to salvage...and they reacted exactly the same. I left it all to settle for 72 hours...pricked the bubbles with a pin...then applied a generous coat of Micro Sol...which took care of the worst of the problem...although some of the problem is still visible very close up. I did use Tamiya LP White on the main air scoop...with their own LP Clear...and had absolutely no problems...but switched to ZP because the LP Italian Red was giving me a lot of issues with coverage and peel. Ron

Thanks for your kind words Poul...it's gratifying that such a simple detail has been met with approval Love your sense of humour mate 🤣 Many thanks Ian...much appreciated as always Ron

Thanks Andy...I find it's often the simplest things that make the difference...not sure I want to be known for my rubbish though mate 🤣 Ron

A few more additions to the scene..... Time to start sorting some tools etc. to be continued............

Thanks V...much appreciated 👍 Ron

Thanks Chris Each addition I now make...first has to be balanced for condition and weathering...and the position compared to the refs and the available space on the base itself...so is taking a little longer to get it right before fixing permanently. Ron

Well hello there...I see you have changed tack then Nick! Your usual cracking scratch work...don't know why you ever thought about moving into 1/12. Ron

Hope you haven't abandoned this in favour of pastures greener mate?

Many thanks for those kind words Poul...much appreciated as always Trust me...there are many out there I envy in terms of 'weathering' skills. Ron