Toftdale

Blimey John, you like a challenge! For some one who says they haven't had much practice with BMF the grill looks ace

This one is definitely putting up a fight, but I'm sure you'll win

The only thing I can add is don't just choose a kit because its cheap or you think it will be an easy build, choose kit you have some interest in or a connection to that way you'll have far more enthusiasm to overcome issues if they occur. I would stay away from anything with lots of exterior decals (race cars etc.) because it can be soul destroying to get a great paint finish on the body and then ruin it with badly applied decals (trust me I know ). Engines are always good places to try out new techniques etc, because if you screw it up you can, just display with the bonnet closed. Finally get your friend to join the forum as its probably the best place I've come across for encouragement, advice and inspiration.

Very ingenious, you need to Patent this! Here's hoping the glue holds

As I'm not at all familiar with the car I wouldn't have known you'd modified it with out seeing the rest of your thread......Just to clarify I mean the quality of your work makes your modifications look like that's the way the body originally came like Definitely a case of being your own harshest critic .

Hi, I'm currently using some resin bolts by a company called ANYZ, downside is that they need painting, upside is that I believe they are easier they cut than metal and their cheaper to. This is the first time I have ever used this type of extra detail and have actually found them a joy to use, just used normal superglue to attach, good luck and don't forget to show us the results - Andy https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ANYZ-Nuts-Washers-Type-1-0-6mm-1-2mm-200-Pieces-/254418999762

Absolutely stunning, fantastic shine on the bodywork and the oily bits subtly weathered to perfection.

I love the fact that you have created this using just simple hand tools, truly inspirational.

Just began to got my head around the carb mechanism after several false starts.....I think the next one will be a kerbside

Just to muddy the waters, I have never used a molotov but use BMF on most of my models. Once you get use to handling it is amazingly compliant and can be coaxed over quite complex surfaces (as used on the bumpers below). However from experience you really need a good glossy surface for it to adhere properly and it is very easy to slip and cut into your paint work when trimming. You also need a very sharp blade and the lightest of touch. On the upside a sheet can last for ages and does not appear to degrade with time. The stuff I applied below must be 8 years old when I used it and worked just like new. Sorry but the only real way to find out is try them both and see which you prefer. But do it on a practice piece first

Great job , it always amazes me how much detail you can get into this tiny models.

Well I don't, but he does. 4 minutes and 46 seconds of pure eccentricity

More of a spot the difference, than an update. However Spark plugs connected up (gave myself extra Brownie points for getting the correct firing sequence ) and the rocker cover is finished. Used Zero textured paint and a silver sharpie, plus used an old piece of red decal under the Cosworth script to help it stand out more (as as per my reference pic). Next job the carbs. Thanks for showing an interest Andy

Absolutely stunning, I bet all thess kits don't turn out to this standard. Also really impressed with the drivers checked suit, it use have took a very steady hand

Hi John, I bought this kit years ago as it was cheap, but quickly dismissed and it's now lingering at the bottom of the stack (at my current build rate, I estimate I be about 107 when I tackle it). However after seeing this it might be going up a few places. It is probably almost too late to tell you this (hopefully your already aware), but on all the built ones I've seen the Aston badge on the main stripe decal does not line up with the raised detail on the bonnet. From what I seen the easiest way around this is to file off the detail. Andy

I my experience you can never overdo the masking. In fact several of my painting disasters have been because I've not masked enough! Great job well worth the effort.

You set the 'bar' very high with the BRM Lotus, this one looks to becoming along at the same incredible standard. If I had the skill I'd love to make one of these in the flavour of chassis 4914 a beautiful original surveyor car.

Another not really a spot of the day, but I've just stumbled across this on-line car auction. They've got some quite interesting lots, I think the elan is probably my favourite. (Obviously I can't afford it, otherwise I wouldn't be tell you all about it) https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-gb/auction-catalogues/historics/catalogue-id-historics10012

Hi Pascal, whats not to like, a classic Lotus in the classic colours, an absolutely stunning build and superbly photographed! Thanks for sharing Andy

Interesting story...Slightly changing the subject I've got the fujimi Esprit and have always thought that the photos on the link below showing the car going in or coming out of the water would make a great diorama. https://supercarnostalgia.com/blog/lotus-esprit-s1-the-spy-who-loved-me

Hi John, really enjoyed the WIP, it's a great result for both, somewhere I've go the Gunze Abarth Assetto Corsa. Having seeing this pair I think it will be moving up the pecking order in my stack of kits. The background looks great to, for some reason the chair has really impressed me! - looking forward to seeing your next build - Andy

Handsome pair, they've turned out

Progress on the 7 has been slow, even by my standards. However the main thing is I'm happy with the results and sometimes the little details just seem to take forever. Basically I have still only finished the bottom half of the engine and gearbox. The first thing was to add the missing detail, ribbing and a core plug. The finished gearbox Finished the fuel pump (particularly pleased with this), new oil filter mounting. Plus on the reference photo I have for the engine the ignition leads all attach to the distributor horizontally. This proved to be a real challenge, but I just about got it sussed before getting into double figures. I brought some bolt heads by ANYZ (3d printed i think), they weren't cheap at £13 but there's 200 in the set so they should last a while. They range from 0.6mm to 1.2mm and I can't praise them enough. I even been able to add a sump plug, and add them to the engine brackets where they to the engine. Also finished the new alternator. Thanks for looking - Andy

MFH should be paying you commission, because you can't get better advertising than this build. Andy

As Pascal said, stunning!