Porsche 917 LH

Model Factory Hiro kit. The parts are well done, and as far as white metal bodies it is one of the thinner castings I’ve seen, but some clean-up is required. Here is the body after the basic flash has been removed, ready for primer.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03814_zps6c31a819.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03814_zps6c31a819.jpg.html)
Note the bonnet is a separate piece.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03815_zps28461f45.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03815_zps28461f45.jpg.html)
The engine is very well rendered especially for its diminutive size. Here’s five pieces to make up the block, cylinders and transaxle, also all white metal.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03816_zps80dcd31a.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03816_zps80dcd31a.jpg.html)
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03817_zps04719a3d.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03817_zps04719a3d.jpg.html)
Here is a bit more added including a translucent cast resin piece for the shroud.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03818_zpsccc5918f.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03818_zpsccc5918f.jpg.html)
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03819_zps252d780e.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03819_zps252d780e.jpg.html)

Quite a kit; looks like you're off to a good start, but it will be a long haul methinks... ;)

I'll be watching,

ianc

I took some concentration to sort out how to put it together. The instructions are pretty good, but you still have to pay attention.

The internal frame sections are 3D grown, not molded or cast; first time I’ve built a production kit that has that material from the factory. The thicker areas have to be cut away, but they were packed very safely and the material is very similar to resin, about the same effort to work with it.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03820_zpse1826296.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03820_zpse1826296.jpg.html)

I've noticed that curious texture as well with a Hiro 908 I'm working on right now, but assumed they 3D printed their masters from CAD drawings, then made a mold from them and cast the white metal parts from it?

ianc

P.S. my bad, looking again at your pics, I see that your frame really is made of resin or some such. Must be a recent change I think...

I think you are probably correct about the masters & white metal parts.
These three frame parts are far too complex to have come from any mold.

The fan is made from the same resin as the shroud and has a PE part as well.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03821_zps60f7b958.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03821_zps60f7b958.jpg.html)

The rear bulkhead.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03830_zps785b85f2.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03830_zps785b85f2.jpg.html)

Thanks for this WIP. Been considering this kit for a while.

I'll reserve recommending this kit until I'm finished building it, but so far I am impressed with it.

The front frame assembly.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03828_zps62a82960.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03828_zps62a82960.jpg.html)
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03829_zps996d7479.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03829_zps996d7479.jpg.html)

Looks great, will be watching with a keen interest.

The top of the airbox is made up of 3 pieces of white metal and 4 pieces of PE.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03822_zpsaf6ae478.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03822_zpsaf6ae478.jpg.html)

The rear fiberglass colored resin section was warped. I used a hair dryer to soften it and bent it into the approximate proper shape. Then I assembled the main chassis tub and pan parts together.
After I did most of the body work and fitting of the top body sections I taped the body and chassis together making sure the resin pan was aligned properly to the rear body. Again I hit it with the hair dryer to soften the pan, and then I let it cool before removing the tape.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03831_zps77aa7b8b.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03831_zps77aa7b8b.jpg.html)
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03832_zpsa05bd860.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03832_zpsa05bd860.jpg.html)

In an effort to preserve the fiberglass resin color on the inside of the part that needed to be painted silver, I masked off all that will not be silver and shot a coat of tan on the exterior as a base before shooting the silver.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03833_zpsd4f8a3fd.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03833_zpsd4f8a3fd.jpg.html)
Here it is after the silver base coat is applied.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03838_zps2e54dd9d.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03838_zps2e54dd9d.jpg.html)
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03839_zps8a2d3b84.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03839_zps8a2d3b84.jpg.html)

The headers are two pieces of white metal each, well rendered too.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03834_zps1c856b91.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03834_zps1c856b91.jpg.html)
And installed on the engine…
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03835_zps677da38f.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03835_zps677da38f.jpg.html)
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03836_zpsb05aded3.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03836_zpsb05aded3.jpg.html)
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03837_zps342576d0.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03837_zps342576d0.jpg.html)

Nice!!! I need some MFH kits:sunglasse Thanks for sharing

Yes, the MFH kits are nice!

This is rear frame section after being trimmed and painted. A couple of white metal parts have been added to it too.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03840_zpseb682571.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03840_zpseb682571.jpg.html)

Awesome as always! Love it...

Engine installed, and the rear upper roll bar too.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03841_zps0ce224a8.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03841_zps0ce224a8.jpg.html)

nice progress !!

The tail section of the rear frame with the ducting and a couple other details has been added to the engine/frame assembly. I missed a couple reinforcement “beams” on the main frame that I had to cut out after the engine was installed. I didn’t see it in the section of the instructions that shows what areas to remove, but it is shown in the step pertaining to this assembly. Fortunately the material is fairly forgiving and relatively easy to work with. I think the gaps between the top rear frame rails needs to be there at this point to fit this assembly into the chassis.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03849_zps4c9d7b87.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03849_zps4c9d7b87.jpg.html)

Shocks…
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03856_zpsec59c789.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03856_zpsec59c789.jpg.html)

Base color is on the body. Mica Silver over Gloss Aluminum.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03851_zpsbeef0d22.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03851_zpsbeef0d22.jpg.html)

Got the first two decals on the body. It took the better part of 90 minutes to apply them, they needed to stretch quite a bit over those fenders, but they fit pretty well.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03852_zpsa2f1e878.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03852_zpsa2f1e878.jpg.html)

And a few more… I needed to put the top stripes on to be able to properly locate the roundels on the sides...
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03853_zpsdac8b60c.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03853_zpsdac8b60c.jpg.html)
…Which I needed to do so I could clear coat the lower sections of the body before installing the interior and engine bay parts into them. I also added the other decals to the lower side areas at the same time.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03854_zps0f6a51dc.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03854_zps0f6a51dc.jpg.html)
And cleared then assembled them…
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03857_zps6215a95e.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03857_zps6215a95e.jpg.html)
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03858_zps7449aa8e.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03858_zps7449aa8e.jpg.html)

Now I am running into some tight fitting issues. All the materials take paint well so that paint build up is nearly a zero issue and many of the pieces are being hand painted after installation.
It would have been much easier to install the half shafts before the shocks and sway bar & links, and I had to unbuild a little, but I followed the instructions in this case where in other sections I took my own path fearing this outcome.
The rear frame is also picking up some unnatural bends, but there is no way for it to fit otherwise, and everything else still lines up. I’m hoping I can persuade them into a straighter look. Surprisingly it still all fits under the body.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03866_zps85049f54.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03866_zps85049f54.jpg.html)
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03867_zps85feb7be.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03867_zps85feb7be.jpg.html)
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03868_zps81c84092.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03868_zps81c84092.jpg.html)

Ah yes, the famous Hiro crap decals. I was completely unable to get them to fit on a 908 I was working on. They just cracked instead, and I ended up having to mask 'n spray. They also seemed completely unresponsive to decal solvents as well. How did you get the damn things to conform?

ianc

Being immersed in the decal industry for many many years (Scale-Master Decals) I have been accused of being critical about decals some times. But these decals are very well drawn, very well printed, and quite usable.
I used my normal favorite solvent, Gunze Mr. Mark Softer, and a hair dryer. Yes, a healthy dose of patience helped too. And there are some minor cracks I'll have to touch up, but nothing unexpected.
Maybe these being newer they were printed by another printhouse than what you got in your 908?

The fit of the rear hub carriers and brakes appears to be quite well, but I am getting a little gun shy after some of the other fit issues even after repeated test fitting sessions… All in all for how many parts there are to deal with and on such a small scale, I’m still impressed with the overall fit.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03870_zps9007ac53.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03870_zps9007ac53.jpg.html)
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03869_zpsf38ce74b.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03869_zpsf38ce74b.jpg.html)

I've actually never used a hairdrier in applying decals before. It sounds kinda scary. Does heating them ujp make them more pliable or just dry them out faster? What's the technique?

Also, I'm curious as to why the rear rotors appear to have grooves in them? I thought in '71 they began using drilled rotors on 917's?

ianc

The heat used in conjunction with the solvent makes the decals more pliable. I used the hair dryer after I've worked them for a while and if they have not stretched enough. Some decals respond better than other to heat, these respond well.
Being a metal body there is little concern for body damage, obviously plastic and resin parts require a bit of care.

I don't have an answer regarding the rotors, it is what the kit provides. The front rotors are the same.

The rear frame is also picking up some unnatural bends. I’m hoping I can persuade them into a straighter look. Surprisingly it still all fits under the body.
[/URL]
[URL="http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03867_zps85feb7be.jpg.html";] (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03866_zps85049f54.jpg.html)
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03868_zps81c84092.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03868_zps81c84092.jpg.html)

I wish you the best of luck. It would sure be a shame if something can't be done. The picture above makes it look as though the cars is sitting in front of a "fun house" mirror. :smile::smile:

I trust you will end up with a great result :smokin::smokin:

I made a jig from styrene to coax the rear section to be straighter and let it sit in the garden window for a few days. I didn’t want too much heat and deal with potentially warping the rear resin section.
Looks like it helped, I’ll deal with it more later if need be. I started installing the final detail parts for the engine bay. I’ll take care of the minor paint touch up later.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03877_zpsdd1df74b.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03877_zpsdd1df74b.jpg.html)
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03876_zpsac3a3e19.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03876_zpsac3a3e19.jpg.html)
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03875_zps7e2a1833.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03875_zps7e2a1833.jpg.html)

Now it is time to work on the interior…
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03878_zps745c5e16.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03878_zps745c5e16.jpg.html)

Going to be adding any of the fuel or oil lines?

Probably a bit too late to do anything about it, but the color on those Bosch coils is a bit off; should be more of a darker blue like:

http://www.ratwell.com/dotmac/Pictures/MoreParts9/54-BlueCoil.jpg

ianc

Two of the four coils are fully hidden by the seats, but I did manage to change the blue on the two in the rear...

Seats and steering installed… The seat belts are made entirely of PE, not as tough to work with as that may sound.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03880_zps96d57f38.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03880_zps96d57f38.jpg.html)
A decal is even included for the steering wheel, which is made up of white metal and PE.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03881_zpsefe62f25.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03881_zpsefe62f25.jpg.html)
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03879_zps818d5c65.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03879_zps818d5c65.jpg.html)

Now for the front suspension. Lower control arms and shocks go on first.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03882_zps0e5d7a87.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03882_zps0e5d7a87.jpg.html)
Then the brake assemblies with their ducting.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03883_zps680a349e.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03883_zps680a349e.jpg.html)
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03884_zpse1564b05.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03884_zpse1564b05.jpg.html)

Finally the upper control arms and tie rod ends. Also the interior cooling ducts and some front end bracing.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03885_zpsd3373cb9.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03885_zpsd3373cb9.jpg.html)
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03886_zpsf160029f.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03886_zpsf160029f.jpg.html)
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03887_zps2aecb8fb.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03887_zps2aecb8fb.jpg.html)

And the swaybar & stabilizer links… As well as the front cooler.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03888_zps2bf74369.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03888_zps2bf74369.jpg.html)
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03889_zpsa92605cd.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03889_zpsa92605cd.jpg.html)

The dash is ready to be installed. The kit supplies decals for all the gauges. The toggle switches were designed well too.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03894_zps9eb5463e.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03894_zps9eb5463e.jpg.html)

Lovely work, look forward to seeing it come together now.

Thanks Shayne, I too am looking forward to the home stretch...


The dash fits, but had to be moved rearward a little bit to look right through the windshield. I had to remove the mounting points cast into the bottom of the dash. I mocked up the body to the chassis and tacked the dash to the frame. Later I reinforced the cement points.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03896_zps0a9f85af.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03896_zps0a9f85af.jpg.html)
The chassis, engine and interior are pretty much done, just a little touch up here and there to do.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03897_zps81199dab.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03897_zps81199dab.jpg.html)
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03898_zps3094007a.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03898_zps3094007a.jpg.html)

I have all the decals on the front section of the body.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03911_zps02de7505.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03911_zps02de7505.jpg.html)
And clear coated the bonnet as well.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03910_zps5dac4912.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03910_zps5dac4912.jpg.html)

I installed all the glass…
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03912_zps146cf9d6.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03912_zps146cf9d6.jpg.html)

The windows have PE frames that are actually quite workable and shapeable, except the one for the windshield is just too big.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03842_zpsab0247fc.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03842_zpsab0247fc.jpg.html)
Since they are supposed to be black, I made decals to replace the window frames.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03916_zps88a987f9.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03916_zps88a987f9.jpg.html)

The main decals for the rear went on about as well as the front ones. I painted the edges of the fins blue in case the decals didn’t quite cover them, but it looks like that wasn’t necessary. There is still some touch up to do on the sides though.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03914_zps268fbf24.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03914_zps268fbf24.jpg.html)
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03915_zps0ab10f81.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03915_zps0ab10f81.jpg.html)

I touched up the area in the decals that has an overlap (where the wheel well cut out would be) I wasn’t 100% sure the Martini decals would fully cover the bad spots. All the main decals are on it, except the Martini sponsorship ones.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03917_zpsca00755e.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03917_zpsca00755e.jpg.html)

Wheels and tires are done. Semi soft rubber-like tires, aluminum rims, white metal centers with two piece PE/white metal nuts, and 18 decals… The tread on the tires is very well done.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03919_zps4ac1b306.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03919_zps4ac1b306.jpg.html)

Cleared and almost ready for the final assembly…
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03920_zps6c5ea642.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03920_zps6c5ea642.jpg.html)
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03921_zpse3e9e29e.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03921_zpse3e9e29e.jpg.html)

Commencing final assembly… It is tight, but the body does fit over the chassis.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03922_zps491203f0.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03922_zps491203f0.jpg.html)
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03923_zps96e9391a.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03923_zps96e9391a.jpg.html)

The engine cover is done too… The inside is painted a raw fiberglass color. It is almost done…
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03924_zps554e987d.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03924_zps554e987d.jpg.html)
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03925_zps9b4bf619.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03925_zps9b4bf619.jpg.html)

Since the decision was made to display it all open and to not install the wheels, I made some jacks to pose it on. Made mostly from piano wire, with a couple bits of styrene, vinyl tubing, coffee stirrer wood (thanks Mr. Taylor), and turned aluminum main wheels. They are copies of typical of the jacks of the day that were used, but simplified a little.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03928_zpsc6074ecd.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03928_zpsc6074ecd.jpg.html)
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03931_zps5291c535.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03931_zps5291c535.jpg.html)
I also made a base from aluminum, scribed some tile detail into it and did some gray & black shading to it.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03930_zps8108828c.jpg (http://s138.photobucket.com/user/BigRulerModels/media/MFH%20917%20LH/DSC03930_zps8108828c.jpg.html)