Tamiya 1/12 Big Scale Williams Renault FW14B - Super detail

[silver911]

23 minutes ago, Redstaff said:

The air funnels were an earlier set so they are all ready available

Driveshafts are new though 

 

I do get that mate...and I also believe the drive shafts are part of the brake set...but that's typical after market thinking...the more you buy et. etc.

Simply meant...a 'complete' engine upgrade would have been an ideal offering...for those that didn't want or can't afford the whole bundle of sets.

[Redstaff]

I'll have to check, but I'm pretty sure the driveshafts aren't in the brake set, but for a few quid more they should have been in the engine set I agree

[Peter Milgate]

1 hour ago, Redstaff said:

The air funnels were an earlier set so they are all ready available

Driveshafts are new though 

 

On 23/09/2021 at 22:18, Redstaff said:

I must admit, I wasn't going to order the engine set, but as I've got all the others I ordered one when the notification came in. I've got the willpower of a gnat 🤣🤣

 

On 24/09/2021 at 12:44, Remco said:

Same willpower here.

You are all a terrible influence....ordered mine on Saturday evening but suspect it might mean some serious swearing and undoing already done work...while I was on there i ordered a 1/12 scale Suzuki GSXR 750 (and detail kit)

Need to stop now as rhis is creating a larger and larger stockpile...back to the model room for me then...

 

Edited September 26, 2021 by Peter Milgate

[Remco]

@Peter Milgate Just noticed that you have the Decalcas "Good Year" decals, which are, if I am correct, yellow. I may be wrong, but to my knowledge only white Good Year logos were used in '92.

[Peter Milgate]

13 hours ago, Remco said:

@Peter Milgate Just noticed that you have the Decalcas "Good Year" decals, which are, if I am correct, yellow. I may be wrong, but to my knowledge only white Good Year logos were used in '92.

Yes, I;ve got both...They should be white.👍

[Remco]

14 hours ago, Peter Milgate said:

Yes, I;ve got both...They should be white.👍

The white version seems a bit hard to get at the moment, lucky you 🙂

 

They are a major improvement on the standard Tamiya decals I guess.

[Malc2]

@Peter Milgate Sorry for the thread diversion - but it is relevant!

The instructions for the engine detail sets are up on the TopStudio website - scroll to the bottom of the page and click the link.

https://www.topstudiohobby.com/index.php?route=information/information&information_id=7

Even if you don't buy the set, the instructions give good tips for a extra detail.

 

Malc.

 

[Johnj]

Some lovely work going on here, especially the scratch building on the engine.

I'll tag along if you dont mind ? I've finally got all the sets to start my own and reading through this has fired me up. 

I've also just completed the MP4/6 with the Top studio sets so i have a fair idea what i'm in for.

Keep up the fantastic work, it looks superb 👍👍👍

[kiseca]

On 8/14/2021 at 5:21 PM, Malc2 said:

Good stuff, always nerve wracking cutting up a kit this expensive!

Is the BT55 from Neko in Brazil, or the super rare S27/Hiro kit?

I would be really interested in some pictures of the kit if you don't mind, as I have always wanted one.

You could say the BT55b became the MP4/4 by virtue of the fact that the designer Gordon Murray moved to McLaren and had another stab at the low line concept, and we all know how that car dominated the 1988 season! Although some sources have down played GM's input to the MP4/4, the visual similarities between the two cars is undeniable.

 

Malc.

 

 

I see the debate about who was conceptually behind the MP4/4 has heated up again as both Murray and Steve Nichols are involved in new road car projects, and both have used their involvement with the MP4/4 to add provenance or pedigree to their current projects.

 

I don't think I'll never know the full truth. Yes, the low line concept does follow Murray's principle with the BT55. I believe much of Murray's motivation with that car was to get as much bodywork as possible out of the way of the airflow to the back wing (i.e. done for aerodynamic performance more than to lower the centre of gravity) but when I look at the MP4/4's predecessor, the MP4/3, I can believe the alternate claim that the roots of the 4 are there too. To me, the back end of the MP4/4 looks like a slightly trimmed down version of the MP4/3, or to put it the other way around, the MP4/3 looks like the back end of an MP4/4 bolted to the nose of an MP4/2, producing a car less pretty and less successful than either its predecessor or its successor.

 

Personally I think Murray got there too late to have a big influence in the fundamental architecture of the MP4/4 and that it is likely the basics for the car already existed and Murray had a lot of influence and decision making on the details, having enough input into the final car that both designers now feel it was their baby. I don't think either of them are lying, but I do think both feel that without their input the MP4/4 would not be the car we all know it as now.

 

Oddly enough I'm an not aware that Ron Dennis has ever spoken up to clear the mystery. I'm sure he would have a fair idea about its gestation.

 

Back on topic - that Williams looks fantastic!

[Peter Milgate]

It's a good day...struggled like buggery with the f@*%ing rear wing and its assembly...I think I broke it about six times whilst assembling it. But consider it done now!! Much swearing was involved but no animals were hurt in the construction of this assembly. 

Any how, I have pushed on and am happy with it as it now sits but could very easily have thrown it out the window at one stage. Used my own advice and walked away and returned to it a few days later...

 

In other news, bloody engine is ordered...I blame you lot, and so are the drive shafts...that's your fault as well....delivery date has only been put back five times so far...😔

 

    

 

 

So I had already covered the inner sides with a darker carbonfibre decal, but I changed my mind and decided to use my ebay purchased Studio 27 fake, upscaled decal sheet. These had a nice vertical line pattern I wanted on mine. However the fit wasn't great and they left some areas under the wings uncovered. To get around this I made some small patterns and utilised some spare bits to cover the pattern error...

 

      

 

This obviously has left me with no vertical line on this section. I could have aligned the carbon decalling better as well, but by this time I was already beginning to get fed up with this process. 

 

    

 

        

 

I used some Tamiya Sky Grey paint to replicate the vertical line and from normal distance this looks fine and I was pleased with the effect. So I began to place the remaining decals. The Tamiya ones cracked almost instantly. Having experienced this previously, I was prepared as I had ordered a replacement set from Indycals (as I had with my Tyrell P34) These proved much more amenable, and better than the Tyrells. A thinner decal, but very strong. I used Mr Hobby Setter and Softner, encouraged to comply with a hair dryer!!

 

          

 

   

 

Once I had fitted the Top Studio details i was happy enough with the finished article. Now remember I had this disassemble several times due to me being heavy handed and over zealous. This meant the wing became more and more difficult to get to go together properly. It could have been better finished but it could also have been a damned sight worse. The rear wing now, along with the front wing require the varnish/lacquer coat and final Top Studio jewellry. I have the Zero paints Two pack Diamond finish for this. I did the rear wing to avoid the body. I now have no excuse and will return to that next. 

While I struggled to get my motivation back on track during this PIA section, I have purchased a small 1/12 motorbike which I may start and drop onto when times get difficult. 

 

As a further distraction, those following this know I have the Brabham BT44B to build, and I purchased one for my brother to do alongside me. Well, I came across a broken up one on ebay so planning ahead purchased that for the spare engine and wheels. My display for this model will be outside a pitbox/garage so the wheels and tyres may be useful. Also in a fit of comfort shopping I bought a Lotus Ford 49B (1/12 - Gold Leaf?) decals are shot, so I have replacements enroute and zero paints were delivered a few days ago (Thanks Hiroboy) 

 

Still chassis and cockpit ahead...

 

Edited March 1, 2023 by Peter Milgate
Photo hosting update

[Malc2]

Well done for persevering!

I feel your pain, I had some carbon decaling fail last week as the decal just shattered when I tried to wrap it round the wing leading edge, it was totally impervious to decal softener.

My TS sets arrived last week....... They look amazing.

 

The grey lines look good, how did you do them?

 

Malc.

[Peter Milgate]

On 06/11/2021 at 20:58, Malc2 said:

Well done for persevering!

I feel your pain, I had some carbon decaling fail last week as the decal just shattered when I tried to wrap it round the wing leading edge, it was totally impervious to decal softener.

My TS sets arrived last week....... They look amazing.

 

The grey lines look good, how did you do them?

 

Malc.

Hi Malc2,

The lines are already printed in the design (see them on front wing) but I simply used grey acrylic paint to replicate them on the in fill section I needed to add. They look quite good in reality. 

 

Thanks

Pete

Edited March 1, 2023 by Peter Milgate
Photo hosting update

[Johnj]

On 06/11/2021 at 20:58, Malc2 said:

Well done for persevering!

I feel your pain, I had some carbon decaling fail last week as the decal just shattered when I tried to wrap it round the wing leading edge, it was totally impervious to decal softener.

My TS sets arrived last week....... They look amazing.

 

The grey lines look good, how did you do them?

 

Malc.

Have you tried neat IPA when they're that stubborn ?

[kiseca]

So far it sounds like a lot of effort, but the results look worth it! The rear wing looks really good.

[silver911]

This may provide some useful insight Pete.......https://f1modlz.com/fw14b-rebuild-1-12/

 

Ron

Edited November 8, 2021 by silver911
added text

[Urshimato]

Hello

There is a YouTube channel called 

NIGHT ROT ROOM he has built a FW14b

and it’s amazing, also, he has recently 

started a mp4/6 with the top studio kit. 
There is no narration, he’s Japanese I think. The videos are good and worth a look sometime. 
Wayne

[Malc2]

Hi Wayne,

Great link, thanks! I just watched them all and it lets those who have the TS sets know what they are in for....... Shame the subs are not also in English. He is certainly cracking on!

Sorry for the thread diversion - but there is another Japanese guy on YT who made the Tamiya MP4/5b, he largely scratch built everything, and its a great primer to making/adding your own detail, the episode on brakes is fascinating. Also cutting up a biscuit tin lid to make the layers for the ECU........

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1aa1YXA3cc

 

Malc.

[Peter Milgate]

Little time to get stuff done, but did manage to get to Telford for the first time.

Great stuff, well done to the organisers, I shall definately visit in the future, more on my haul later...

 

So, just to make sure I have done something, elected to get wheels completed...

This meant some plasticard wheel weights, held down with some bare metal foil gaffer tape, fitting the obligatory tyre valves, some Decalgas chalk markings and my first time using Tamiya tyre decals, which considering their age, went on quite well. I mean, tyre markings aren't perfect are they?? pleased with the outcome.

Look okay to me!!!

 

    

 

  

 

Edited March 1, 2023 by Peter Milgate

[Malc2]

Decalcas are producing some good stuff for F1, shame I can't find a UK supplier though.

Did you use Spotmodel?

 

Malc.

[Johnj]

Hi peter, the wheels and tyres look excellent, top job on the wheel weights as they add much needed interest in that area.

I need to get a couple of sets of valves myself.

I wonder if they will include the goodyear/eagle tyre paint stencil with the complete williams set as they do with the MP4/6 full set. It was a nice addition to the set as there is no mention of it in the instructions.

[Peter Milgate]

On 22/11/2021 at 10:06, Malc2 said:

Decalcas are producing some good stuff for F1, shame I can't find a UK supplier though.

Did you use Spotmodel?

 

Malc.

Hi Malc, 

Yes I did...normally have a fair size order. Just keep adding stuff each week til I cave and get it sent. Normally waiting for something. Just ordered Italeri 1/12 Lancia...

[Peter Milgate]

Quick update, not much time for modelling due to work demands and family time...since last update I've attended Telford IPMS show. This was my first visit to a show and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Christmas has come and gone, and with it, Santa clearly felt ive been good, so as a brief distraction here is my stash update...Please excuse the tangent from the Williams build...

 

First acquirement was the 1/12 GT40 by Magnifier. I had to purchase something at Telford to justify my 30minute drive from home...

    

Obviously i had to get a few additional goodies. The Suzuki was an object of desire from my mispent youth...again in 1/12th scale. 

 

Christmas time provided an opportunity for this...which I had to have because its Martini colours and 1/12th scale...how could I resist...

  

 

However...whilst waiting for the Lancia to arrive from the lovely people at Spotmodel, a further opportunity arose...got to love Marketplace...

   

I paid the princely sum of £130 for an untouched MFH full detail kit. I couldn't pass it up. I hope I can do it justice in the future. This came with an additioanl resin standing driver (Chris Amon?) Ferrari 312 F1-67 

I have always figured I could not justify £600+ for a model kit, but when I consider what I pay longitudinally during my builds, it makes sense now...I have neve built a truly multimedia kit, so there will be some significant challenges ahead and much learning to do!!!

Final note...because of my ealier motorcycle, I spotted this gem and had to have one...

 

 

This is because I used to ride one of these in my younger days, following a brief foray with an RD500LC...

The Williams will remain on my bench, but because I have struggled for time and mojo has taken a hit, I think I will build a bike alongside it (on a seperate thread)

The Top Studio engine update and drive shafts are here as well. 

So I have plenty to get on with...

 

On 27/11/2021 at 19:10, Peter Milgate said:

Hi Malc, 

Yes I did...normally have a fair size order. Just keep adding stuff each week til I cave and get it sent. Normally waiting for something. Just ordered Italeri 1/12 Lancia...

You in Stafford Malc? We should meet!! 

Edited March 1, 2023 by Peter Milgate

[Peter Milgate]

So, some time today so wanted to explore the engine and do a little something.

Looking at Top Studio detail set I think a lot of it would entail undoing a lot of work I had scratch built or detailed up from references. A lot of the PE will be useful but I won't be chopping up the rear suspension arms.!!

 So, rear wing uprights caught my eye and figured they would ease ne back into the build. Some carbon fibre decals, splash of semi gloss paint and more additional PE resulted in some nice looking wing supports. 

The engine set comes with new suspension arms, airbox, oil radiater, pulleys and belts, cam covers, a million AN and electrical fittings. To use some of these would require substantial rebuilding and I just refuse to do that, so I will add details I can readily access such as fittings to gearbox and engine. I will probablyu replace the big black ball suspension thingy as that looks much crisper than the kit one I tickled with, it has more plumbing too. I was happy with my engine work before seeing the detail contained within this box. Anyhow...

    

The carpet monster ate a bolt destined for the jacking hooks...and there was no spare in the set...bloody thing. Still, you have to look real close to spot they are slightly different. Some touch up required a some spots on the edges, but happy with how they have turned out. Will affix to gearbox once I have attacked the engine (again) 

[Pouln]

I vote to oust the carpet monster for 2022

[Peter Milgate]

Well after many distractions and lost mojo rebuilding, the Williams is back on the bench. 

An afternoon just spent updating the lost Village photo's hosting palava and so now, hopefully most of what was uploaded is available to see. There are some gaps but I hope to correct those a bit later...anyway, apologies for the massive time gap. In the interim I have continued building but had lost the impetus and enthusiasm for this kit so stepped back. 

 

I had some difficulty after attempting to touch up the bodywork paint as the masking tape I used reacted with the paint causing all sorts of reactions...mainly from me. Really hacked me off...

But, that is behind me, I revisited and repaired the paint, and am much happier with the outcome as well. I guess practice with the airbrush might have helped as well. 

 

I have commenced the tedious job of decalling the floor and will do the chassis sponsorship and stuff. I am aiming to get the body into 2K prior to working on the cockpit interior set and sidepods. Just for giggles I had a look at the completed work to remind me of how pleased I am with it so far...just a reminder to myself.

  

 

 

     

 

In other news, I have managed to purchase a further complete unstarted kit, so I am deliberating building the engine and gearbox out of that kit with the Top Studio detail set...I'm sure if I didn't, i would just grumble at myself when the kit is complete. So, decalling is underway...further update soon. This is the alternate build for distraction, primary build at present is a 1/12 Ford Escort MK1 by Mezzo Models from Germany. Once that is completed (90% there now) the Williams will take primary place.