Hello all:

Finally, a little more than a year after I finished this model I'm done with the building process and pics, it is the Tamiya Jaguar MKII, it started as a normal building, but then I found this huge amount of information about it, and finally got the Haynes‘s “Owners Workshop Manual”, so I had to go deep into it, the results: the engine is entirely detailed, I tried to reproduce every component missing in the kit, and also is the chassis, the steering was changed to the correct side (left obviously) with all the modifications needed, and since the model is so beautiful, I had to do my best, hope you like it...

http://images19.fotki.com/v353/photos/1/113398/4166096/050515JaguarMKII01-vi.jpg
One of the best Jaguar model kits to date, if not the best, is the Tamiya Jaguar MKII Saloon (Kit 24151), with some more than 140 parts, all of them with excellent engraving and almost perfect assembly, this kit comes with right hand steering, so I decided to put It in the correct side.
The MKII was produced from 1969 to 1967, and the model depicted is a MKII from 1961 to 1965.

http://images19.fotki.com/v34/photos/1/113398/4166096/050515JaguarMKII02-vi.jpg
The box contents: 3 color parts trees, 1 transparent, and 2 chrome parts tree, not many Tamiya models include so many chromed parts as this kit, 1 metal transfers sheet, 1 red carpet sheet for the interiors, the tire bag and decals.

http://images19.fotki.com/v353/photos/1/113398/4166096/050609JaguarMKII01-vi.jpg
The work starts at the rear suspension, replacing the leaf springs with brass strips, curved to shape, at the end a round bent is made to attach them to the axle support, and then it can be cut to right lenght.

http://images19.fotki.com/v32/photos/1/113398/4166096/050612JaguarMKII02-vi.jpg
The main spring leaf is made with brass, the rest are made with plastic.

http://images19.fotki.com/v26/photos/1/113398/4166096/050623JaguarMKII01-vi.jpg
The complete leaf spring, the clamps are added with thin brass sheet.

http://images19.fotki.com/v34/photos/1/113398/4166096/050702JaguarMKII02-vi.jpg
The rear suspension finished.

http://images16.fotki.com/v30/photos/1/113398/4166096/050703JaguarMKII01-vi.jpg
Once the rear axle is painted, the brake lines are added.

http://images19.fotki.com/v32/photos/1/113398/4166096/050704JaguarMKII03-vi.jpg
The compensator lever of the hand brake is scratchbuilt.

http://images19.fotki.com/v36/photos/1/113398/4166096/050704JaguarMKII04-vi.jpg
And assembled to the rear axle.

http://images19.fotki.com/v353/photos/1/113398/4166096/050709JaguarMKII01-vi.jpg
It’s time to work on the interiors, starting with the dashboard, which, by the way is one of my favorite parts in every model car, the first step is changing the steering wheel to the correct side, some work has to be done here.

http://images19.fotki.com/v26/photos/1/113398/4166096/050709JaguarMKII05-vi.jpg
A new glove box is made with plastic, so the original in the left side can be removed, the pedals are also removed and the hole for the repositioned steering column is created.

http://images19.fotki.com/v34/photos/1/113398/4166096/050709JaguarMKII07-vi.jpg
The cover of the steering column is reproduced.

http://images19.fotki.com/v36/photos/1/113398/4166096/050709JaguarMKII10-vi.jpg
The new dial bezels are created with fine detail wire, the hole left for the right steering column is filled and the new glove box cover is added, also, are made the perforations for the buttons in the senter console.

http://images19.fotki.com/v34/photos/1/113398/4166096/050709JaguarMKII12-vi.jpg
The finished dashboard.

http://images19.fotki.com/v36/photos/1/113398/4166096/050709JaguarMKII13-vi.jpg
The switches in the center console of the dashboard are made with small plastic rod pressed at one end, at the steering wheel the plastic horn ring is replaced with fine wire bent to shape.

http://images19.fotki.com/v34/photos/1/113398/4166096/050712JaguarMKII01-vi.jpg
Back in the chassis, the jack supports are perforated and are added the linkages for the stabilizer bar at the front lower A arms.

http://images19.fotki.com/v26/photos/1/113398/4166096/050715JaguarMKII01-vi.jpg
Since the kit includes red carpet to cover the bare floor and these wont be used, these need to be substituted for thin plastic sheet cut to size.

http://images19.fotki.com/v32/photos/1/113398/4166096/050725JaguarMKII01-vi.jpg
A little pause to start working with the body, for this car I selected the “Indigo Blue” color this paint (base color) was provided according to the original formula from a friend of mine, Carlos, Thank you again!

http://images19.fotki.com/v26/photos/1/113398/4166096/050726JaguarMKII01-vi.jpg
Transparent lacquer applied.

http://images16.fotki.com/v30/photos/1/113398/4166096/050723JaguarMKII02-vi.jpg
Time to start in the engine, my other favorite part in every model, the first thing to replace is the oil filter, with plastic rod and photoetched fixation bolt and washer, also the hose for the circulation from the carter is added.

http://images19.fotki.com/v32/photos/1/113398/4166096/050726JaguarMKII02-vi.jpg
It is the turn of the intake plenum and cooling rail, here are added the linkage of the SU HD6 carburetors, and also is scratchbuilt the starting auxiliary carburetor.

http://images19.fotki.com/v32/photos/1/113398/4166096/050730JaguarMKII02-vi.jpg
Then the intake plenum is glued to the engine, and are added the fuel lines to the carburetors and the overflow pipes to their gas chambers, the wiring from the solenoid to the auxiliary carburetor, the water pump (scratchbuilt, omitted in the kit) the already perforated distributor with its vacuum timing valve and hose to the intake plenum, also the coil with a new bracket is attached and the Gauze pipe (positive vent to the engine) is scratchbuilt (it is the vertical tube next to the coil).

http://images19.fotki.com/v26/photos/1/113398/4166096/050730JaguarMKII05-vi.jpg
The sparkplug boots are made with solder cut and bent to size.

http://images19.fotki.com/v36/photos/1/113398/4166096/050730JaguarMKII07-vi.jpg
The boots are glued and painted, the ignition wire guide is made with plastic rod perforated, and attached to the engine with brackets made of thin brass.

http://images16.fotki.com/v30/photos/1/113398/4166096/050730JaguarMKII10-vi.jpg
The ignition wires are done.

http://images19.fotki.com/v32/photos/1/113398/4166096/050731JaguarMKII01-vi.jpg
The clutch slave cylinder was made with plastic rod and some fine wire, the lever is made also with plastic rod pressed at one end and perforated to make the linkages, then, attached to the clutch cover, also are added here the wires for the starting motor, thermostat, and oil pressure sender, as well as the brake servo vacuum pipes (gold brass wire).
With these, the engine is almost done.

http://images19.fotki.com/v32/photos/1/113398/4166096/050731JaguarMKII05-vi.jpg
Once the engine is done, there is much work to do in the engine bay, since the kit doesn’t include any detail in this area, the first part to create is the fuel filter, which is made with transparent plastic rod carefully filed to shape, some plastic rods and sheet for the bracket and some wire to make the clamps.

http://images19.fotki.com/v353/photos/1/113398/4166096/050802JaguarMKII02-vi.jpg
The fuel filter installed along with the fuel tubing, also are added the rear brake lines and the brake distribution valve.

http://images19.fotki.com/v26/photos/1/113398/4166096/050802JaguarMKII03-vi.jpg
A llitle pause to work on the interiors, the flock for carpeting is added, the interiors will be beige.

http://images19.fotki.com/v353/photos/1/113398/4166096/050802JaguarMKII04-vi.jpg
The radiator and the wheels are installed, here it is very important to ensure that the four tires touch the floor, to help me with this I use a mirror.

http://images19.fotki.com/v34/photos/1/113398/4166096/050802JaguarMKII06-vi.jpg
The complete rear axle, here you can see the brake and fuel lines reproduced with thin aluminum and brass wire.

http://images16.fotki.com/v30/photos/1/113398/4166096/050802JaguarMKII07-vi.jpg
Another view.

http://images19.fotki.com/v32/photos/1/113398/4166096/050804JaguarMKII03-vi.jpg
Front underside, the exhaust pipes are already added.

http://images16.fotki.com/v30/photos/1/113398/4166096/050903JaguarMKII01-vi.jpg
The brake servo is scratchbuilt, since only the half of it is visible once it is mounted, I only made the half of it.

http://images19.fotki.com/v26/photos/1/113398/4166096/050905JaguarMKII02-vi.jpg
The electric connections panel, the fuse box and the control box RB340 are entirely scratchbuilt with brass sheet and plastic.

http://images19.fotki.com/v26/photos/1/113398/4166096/050906JaguarMKII02-vi.jpg
The electric panel and control box RB340 finished.

http://images19.fotki.com/v353/photos/1/113398/4166096/050909JaguarMKII01-vi.jpg
The windshield wiper motor is also scratchbuilt with some plastic.

http://images19.fotki.com/v34/photos/1/113398/4166096/050910JaguarMKII02-vi.jpg
The wiper motor finished and installed along with its electrical connections.

http://images19.fotki.com/v36/photos/1/113398/4166096/050910JaguarMKII05-vi.jpg
The starting solenoid is also scratchbuilt with plastic rod and thin brass sheet.

http://images16.fotki.com/v30/photos/1/113398/4166096/050912JaguarMKII02-vi.jpg
The clutch master cylinder is scratchbuilt with plastic rod and brass sheet also.

http://images16.fotki.com/v30/photos/1/113398/4166096/050912JaguarMKII03-vi.jpg
The clutch master cylinder is attached to the firewall as well as the scratchbuilt Dunlop type brake master cylinder, also, the starting solenoid is installed and are added the wiring for battery, starting motor, starting switch, dashboard, etc, in the heating box is added control lever for the flaps of the heating box.

http://images16.fotki.com/v30/photos/1/113398/4166096/050925JaguarMKII01-vi.jpg
The water control valve for the heating system is scratchbuilt and attached to the heating box, its linkage is added with fine wire, then the brake lines and the clutch lines are added, the main electric harness is made with fabric elastic band.

http://images19.fotki.com/v34/photos/1/113398/4166096/050927JaguarMKII01-vi.jpg
This main harness connects to the electric panel and from there goes to the headlamps, engine, generator, and other accessories, in this step is also added the scratchbuilt brake fluid container and its bracket and wiring.

http://images19.fotki.com/v26/photos/1/113398/4166096/050927JaguarMKII02-vi.jpg
Then is added wiring for the speedometer, clutch cylinder hose and wiper motor driving wire, in this pic, are shown the previously added battery and its wires, the terminals are made with solder.

http://images19.fotki.com/v36/photos/1/113398/4166096/051002JaguarMKII03-vi.jpg
In the 1961 model, the windshield water reservoir was made of glass, so it must be reproduced with transparent plastic.

http://images19.fotki.com/v26/photos/1/113398/4166096/051002JaguarMKII11-vi.jpg
The engine bay is almost done, the PE radiator cap was added, in the lower left it's possible to see the brakes servo.

http://images19.fotki.com/v353/photos/1/113398/4166096/051003JaguarMKII01-vi.jpg
The “pancake” air filter, distinctive characteristic of the 3.8 engines of 1961, with its photoetched fixation wing nut, the air filter intakes were perforated.

http://images19.fotki.com/v26/photos/1/113398/4166096/051004JaguarMKII02-vi.jpg
Back to the interiors, these are the parts that comprises the cranks and door handles, the kit have them molded to the door panel, so they were removed.

http://images16.fotki.com/v30/photos/1/113398/4166096/051004JaguarMKII03-vi.jpg
Built and painted with Alclad II chrome.

http://images19.fotki.com/v36/photos/1/113398/4166096/051004JaguarMKII04-vi.jpg
Here the door cranks and handles installed in the door panels which were already painted and had shadows applied with airbrush.

http://images19.fotki.com/v36/photos/1/113398/4166096/051005JaguarMKII02-vi.jpg
The completed interiors.

http://images16.fotki.com/v30/photos/1/113398/4166096/051005JaguarMKII03-vi.jpg
Another view to show the airbrush efects on the seats.

http://images19.fotki.com/v34/photos/1/113398/4166096/051009JaguarMKII01-vi.jpg
A little detail, almost unnoticeable, the orange small turn indicator light over the fenders.

http://images19.fotki.com/v353/photos/1/113398/4166096/051009JaguarMKII03-vi.jpg
The side windows installed, as a rule in all my models and to allow a better view of the interior detail, I use to open the side front windows, in this special case, the triangular window will remain attached to the rear window only by the upper trimming, so special care had to be taken when cutting; the windshield wipers are also installed.

http://images19.fotki.com/v34/photos/1/113398/4166096/051009JaguarMKII04-vi.jpg
Do not forget the headliner, it is always advisable to paint it the lightest color possible to help to enlighten the interiors.

http://images19.fotki.com/v353/photos/1/113398/4166096/051009JaguarMKII05-vi.jpg
Some details at the rear, and this model is finished, there is just some more polishing work to do to get done.

The Finished Model Thread (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=634806)

If you want to see more pics see:
Jaguar Building Process at My Fotki (http://public.fotki.com/agamo/modeling/mods/jaguar/page2.html)

I hope you liked it, comments, advices, are always welcome.

Thanks!

my God!
excellent work
i'm amazed at the level of details
how did you get that wood effect on the interior panels?

Insane details... I don't know what else to say other than good job.

Ramon,

Stunning work! Thank you for posting. I've never forgotten your Mercedes 300SL Roadster featured in the April 2000 issue of Scale Auto. Awesome!!!!!!

This is beyond words and beyonda amazing! Thank you so much for sharring your work as well as giving us pointers as to how you achieved that.

awesome! How did toy made a "wood"?

I now have to buy this model. You made it look real!

I'm stunned! Speachless. Really a fantastic clean and detailed job: great.

I'm wondering how do you done those realistic wood too.

I can't believe how much patience you must have to finish of such a detailed engine bay ! very impressed

Not sure what to say! Reminds me of Juha Airios builds, that I think is some of the best in the world. And this is nothing less! Realy makes me whant to build something.

Oh,man! I got all woozy lookin' at that amount of detail... Whoa dude!!! These kits give me inspiration to work harder on detailing my models (oh, man now I'll never finish one again :D )

Unbelievable, such dedication, you must really like this car. And not without a reason, because it's gorgeous, just like the model! Amazing!

Hey Ramon!

I posted first in your completed thread and only now read the build - BIIIIIIG mistake on my part :D

It's even better than I already thought.
It's MINDBLOWING!!
How did you do the walnut wood effect? I'd love to know how you did it.

Absolutely stunning breathtaking stuff!!! I'll even let you off changing the steering to the 'correct' side - they wouldn't agree with you in Coventry!

What a magnificent model. Your detail work is dizzying. You've truely done this old Jag justice.

really freak! :D
insane...
congratulations!
you are a king! :D

Amazing job, as usual, or even better ! Difficult to find out the right words for describing your masterpieces.

Roberto :)

Fantastic work. :) What do you use to cut your brass sheets?

W.O.W

I do not think I will ever build my 4 MK II kits after reading your article. Whatever I am going to build will look like a toy in comparison to yourmodel.

Hello All

Thousand thanks for your kind comments, these make the work worth the effort!!!

how did you get that wood effect on the interior panels?
How did toy made a "wood"?
I'm wondering how do you done those realistic wood too.
How did you do the walnut wood effect? I'd love to know how you did it.
Not too much, they are the decals included in the kit, I just had to get an extra set to accomplish the steering side change.

I've never forgotten your Mercedes 300SL Roadster featured in the April 2000 issue of Scale Auto. Awesome!!!!!!
Wow!, what a good memory!! That was a similar job.

What do you use to cut your brass sheets?
Normally, regular scissors work fine since I use thin brass sheets, in the case of the leaf springs I used brass strips from K&S they’re already cut to size, just needed to cut to length and bend to shape.

Thanks!!!

Excellent detail work! I am truly impressed with your scratchbuilding skills. Please post more, even if it's another year from now when you finish another kit.

Excelso!!! :eek:

Now I will spend hours and hours watching your fotki build up as I did before with your 250 GTO and that C9 etc. You are such an inspiration!
Gracias desde chilangolandia! :wink:

This is really some shockingly brilliant work here. :yikes:
I'm building this same car myself at the moment. Well, between building the other 2 cars in my sig.:sleeping:

I am trying to build the car that Inspector Morse (from the TV series) drove. And I thought that I was doing great with my detailing and all, but you have left me kind of depressed...:frown:
I'll never reach this level of detail (I'm too impatient I'm afraid), but I'm going to be "stealing" some of your ideas if you don't mind :naughty:. Because this is an excellent reference guide for me.

Once more, congratulations on a superb build !:thumbsup:

:eek2:

That is an incredible build of an already impressive kit, and the detail that you have added is just astounding! :grinyes:

great work on that fuel filter,hard to belive that its a 1:24 kit

This belongs in a museum! I love the engine bay...I love everything about it!

Queremos ver mas!

The level of details were amazing, on you model, great work!!!

Can't imagient the amount of time and patient you spend on this model!

you are the real model care mechanic !!!

The level of details were amazing, on you model, great work!!!

Can't imagient the amount of time and patient you spend on this model!

you are the real model care mechanic !!!

Wow, thats sick.

Acojonante!!!!!!!!!!!!!