JCH

So SO true. The first thing I want to do after an assembly is take some pics and post! Regarding the build. Holy CRAP! So many elements. Just incredible.

Looking forward to final review!

Strong build. Very nice stance and wheels with an excellent body. Very nice!

I bought a new tool. It's amazing the difference between a cheap and quality tool. This is by far not the top-of-the-line from Weller, but it looks like it'll serve my needs forever. I'll likely give it to my son when I stop modeling. I practiced tinning wires and soldered a few pieces of scrap. This was the first "production" solder which turned out beautifully. Work continues on the cockpit. Fitting, painting, and more fitting. I'll post when the sub-assemblies come together. JCH

Great subject, great photography, and an even better build.

That's amazing OOB and no paint (ok, very little). A week to complete? Very nice.

I believe you will find a great number of Tamiya builds in progress on this site, and others, because they are world class. While not perfect the vast majority of parts are extremely well formed and accurate. Complicated sub-assemblies almost always fit perfectly. Instructions are complete and easy to follow. As with any kit the modeler must work out when to paint or assemble. I live in the States and Revell, as a comparison, are total junk. In my opinion, Tamiya kits are the perfect starting point because THE PARTS FIT! As such there is enjoyment in construction. You want to continue to the next assembly because the previous was so much fun. There is great confidence that the trunk lid will sit squarely on the chassis or the engine lines up perfectly to the monocoque. Yes there are fitment issues from time to time, but they are usually small and rarely leave you to the point of disgust. My preference are Tamiya 1/12 Formula 1 - WIP: They are large and complex but so rewarding. There are many many smaller scale, and therefore less complex, kits to choose. My experience is you won't be disappointed in whatever kit you build. And please post your work! JCH

Very fine modeling work, very fine!

That's a hell of a OOB kit. The molding flash on the frame is the only issue. You've not painted anything, just highlights?!?! I'll be watching for the final reveal.

That very funny! Amazing work. Please continue to post as I'll be following eagerly.

Ahhh, YAAA! What Bull said, "superb". Geeze, even the jack stand is exquisite. You definitely should be satisfied. Outstanding build.

The boys at Iron Resurrection would be proud. This is a beautiful resto-mod. The "Exotic Ferrous Oxide" is awesome. Honestly hoping you keep the matt finish, it's sublime.

Hmmm... I've never built a bike. I feel I'm missing out. As Andy said, "superb"!

Color on the exhaust headers is spot on. I've got a dozen, care to help? Really strong build. Looking forward to more posts and builds.

I love the engine stand! I want one. I'm going to construct one for my current build. Was it was useful during assembly? I'm thinking so. All around superb work.

Roy / Ron - 100% agreed, it's a definite improvement. Surprisingly I didn't have a stray swipe to the bulkhead nor any fingers. I am a bit concerned with how secure the nose section reattaches. The entire nose will be hanging off the four new mounting screws. I've trusted Top Studio thus far and they have not let me down and it will look much better. Thanks! JCH

Hey All, Brief update. Tidying up a few loose ends on the engine/transmission/rear suspension. I've started work on the cockpit and monocoque. Top Studio dictates something I would NEVER do normally, but it's what I did today. Cut up perfectly good model parts! This is the front bulkhead. It'll be replaced with photo etch and considerable additional detail. But this was scary! First two cuts complete: Time to remove the cross-section. Lots of sawing, xacto knife, and Dremel tool: And this is the dry-fit of the bulk-head: What surprised me the most is that it took hours. I was very careful, but geeze. Thanks for looking! JCH

I love me some Formula 1. A Cosworth V8 on a Lotus chassis, what could be better. The days when you could SEE the engine. Beautiful gold on the nose. All around nice build. Keep building and keep posting!

Hey All, I've decided I'm really dense. It's time to assemble the rear suspension. I needed to install the boots on the transmission and axle. Top Studio has provided some beautiful detail parts for the assembly. But Part 5 confused me, for months. I scoured my reference material and the internet to locate this part ON the car. Nowhere to be found. On top of this there was only one. Well it finally dawned on me this "part" is simply an alignment tool for the placement of the screw heads, parts number 3. Relieved and embarrassed I continued on with the suspension assembly. Thankfully no alignment nor broken parts with the suspension portion of the build. Comments absolutely welcome. JCH

SOOOO cool. Did you chop it? It just needs exhaust fume emitting the tail pipes!

Wow, that wheel is sweet!!! Where did you get that hub? Really nice work. Definitely keep working and posting.

so So SO true! Days will pass fretting over executing a new technique or using a new paint. Beautiful paint job and sweet build.

Decal issues... really?!?!? They look beautiful. Excellent build.

But it's not blue?!?! Stance, wheels, color (despite not being blue), windows... Oh and the photography. All of which are world class. JCH P.S. I show your work to my wife. She doesn't even look at mine.

Doh! I inteded to add "grand", so yes!