Ok guys this is my latest project. Thanks to all the guys who helped me out with the decal questions.
This is just going to be a basic(oob)build.Not trying to be 100% correct.Just maybe spruce it up a little here and there.
Im using Studio 27 decal sheet.they arrived approx. 8 days after ordering.
Should I use the figures? What cha think? Why does box art have two different rims? Personally I like the ones on top and
not the sides! You can see the kit supplied ones in the background
http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/ww151/guiwee/Red%20bull%20focus/014-2.jpg
Paint is a decal sheet recommended ts-50 mica blue.(Something different
no primer...just wash rinse and dry)...straight from the can 1st mist coat
http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/ww151/guiwee/Red%20bull%20focus/013-3.jpg
2nd mist coat
http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/ww151/guiwee/Red%20bull%20focus/008-5.jpg
!st wet coat...2nd wet coat
http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/ww151/guiwee/Red%20bull%20focus/010-3.jpg[/IMG
[IMG]http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/ww151/guiwee/Red%20bull%20focus/029-5.jpg

Overnight in the dehydrator along with most of the parts tree after shooting with tamiya white and grey primer
http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/ww151/guiwee/Red%20bull%20focus/032-2.jpg
Pop goes the weasel :)
http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/ww151/guiwee/Red%20bull%20focus/029-6.jpg
http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/ww151/guiwee/Red%20bull%20focus/048-2.jpg
http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/ww151/guiwee/Red%20bull%20focus/031-4.jpg
http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/ww151/guiwee/Red%20bull%20focus/025-3.jpg
http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/ww151/guiwee/Red%20bull%20focus/023-4.jpg


More soon!!

The painted body looks great! :thumbsup:

That paintjob is superb! Mine never look that good without some polishing.

Looking good! The wheels are different than the top box art because Tamiya was being lazy (or cost efficient, depending on how you look at it) :nono:

Should I clear then decal or just decal then clear? Then polish? I havent done anything to it but paint......so far

Should I clear then decal or just decal then clear? Then polish? I havent done anything to it but paint......so far

Clear first then decal then clear again.
If you don't clear before applying decals you might have problems with silvering.

Should I clear then decal or just decal then clear? Then polish? I havent done anything to it but paint......so far
I would clear it first also then decal! Looks good clean spray job there:licka:

Looks good, all too often metallic blue does not cover well, especially in the vicinity of panel lines, you seem to have avoided that problem.

As for your box art wheel question, both 5-spoke and 15-spoke wheels were used over the 3 days of the rally of Germany 2002 but Tamiya only includes 5-spokes. Currently there are no 15-spoke tarmac Focus OZ rims in 1/24 in plastic :(

I'm surprised there isn't. There's already a base wheel too, the wheels from Tamiya's 98 Impreza are pretty close, only thing is they are 5 lug not 4.

Really nice paint job, I'm jealeous!

Nice work so far. The paint looks gorgeous. I had no idea Tamiya made this kit and I'll be interested to see how this turns out and how it will eventually look with those decals.

Great paint job! I would clear the body first and put the decals...no clear over them. That way, you will get the paint/vinyl effect of the real cars.

About the figures, of course is your choice, but I think figures always look like...figures :grinyes:

Nice job but I won't clear over decal, that's completely irealistic (at least not the door and rally plates and all sponsors decals that in reality are stickers) and always risky for decals.

Edit: I made a confusion, read TS-51 instead of TS-50, forget my blahblah about the color (even if I really had to find a VW color for matching the color code I was given) TS-50 also match well...

TS-50 should be mica blue, I think TS-51 is Telefonica blue. As for the clear, I say clear over, why not? it protects the decals and if you lay a clear coat smooth enough the first time you can maintain the ridges from the decals with out polishing.

Nice job but I won't clear over decal, that's completely irealistic (at least not the door and rally plates and all sponsors decals that in reality are stickers) and always risky for decals.

Moreover you're wrong if you followed building instructions saying TS-50 for a redbull livery !!?? :sly: :confused:
That's why I never trust any building instructions (having the chance to see almost every rally cars I build) !!
The Rebull livery used another metallic blue (not with purple reflects under light as TS-50 - which is the telefonica blue)...
I had a can directly from VW because it's a VW color code (but don't ask me why :screwy:) that match it. I should be able to find it back but I'm not sure if I still have the can as I already painted my cars needing that color.
(the same car in 2001 Germany rally in fact)
I did some test and mistakes too before finding the good match... And if I hadn't seen the car racing before I'm not sure I would have realized the color mistake on building instructions (Reji model in 1/43 made the same mistake - only renaissance I think saw it right with the color).

I suppose you won't change the paint now, so don't mind that point if anyway you don't look for the perfect accuracy as I do (precisely why I can't see any end to my builds :banghead: :banghead:)
http://www.weingut-schmitt-veit.de/rallye/images/baumschlager.jpg
Let the people decide...... is ts-50 a good match? Or good enough?..This is your pic r.m.

Thanks for comments guys
BTW Im hesitant to clear as ive never done it before.Think Im gonna just decal then maybe..maybe polish!

Thanks for comments guys
BTW Im hesitant to clear as ive never done it before.Think Im gonna just decal then maybe..maybe polish!

You need to clear the base coat and polish it before applying the decals. After that if you don't want to clear coat the decals you only have to apply some wax, no polishing over decals will be needed.

As for the clear, I say clear over, why not? it protects the decals...

Protect from what ??!! :screwy:
do you play in sand with your built models maybe ?? :runaround: :lol:

This "protect" excuse is imo a non sens argue taken from profesionnal builders who justify through that point why they put so much clear over their models whereas the real reason is that a brillant model make think stupid-ignoring-how-to-build-themselves-buyers that it only can be beautifull because it shines...
Moreover the clear coat can be the problem itself which to protect from, decals won't become yellow with time passing, clear coat can !
or crack, etc...
Well applied decals never have problems. :evillol:

I know I'm one of the rarest builders who (almost - I do if the decals are already damaged before being applied) never clearcoat over decals but I never had any problems with my models either, even the oldest ones with other decals quality than new releases.

Clear coat to get a shiny appearance is simply contrary to reality each one having closely seen rally cars knows, what is decals in scale model is stickers in reality, and stickers don't have any shine coat over them !!!
(most of the time, maybe in this case big redbull ones on the sides my be painted but I'm almost 100% sure it wasn't if I remember well)
I did apply myself dozens of them when I was involved in my rally racing association years ago, that everything but shiny as a clear coated paint.

But it's sure than polishing over non clear coated decals could can be a problem, but in that case simply polish before applying decals.

That's my point of view and only that, I will probably have 99% of that forum against me and this point of view, but as I said before I never had any problems with my models and their decals once built, whereas I often saw ruined builds due to clear coating... :frown:

That said, each one do what he wants on his models as I do for mines. :)

Very small progress while I wait for p/e set and c/f to arrive:runaround:
http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/ww151/guiwee/Red%20bull%20focus/006-7.jpg
http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/ww151/guiwee/Red%20bull%20focus/001-7.jpg

sorry for pic its late:wink: Pratically the whole back end will be covered with that rear undertray anyway. What are those things underneath the coil springs..that protusion? brake cylinders or something?You cant even see the weathering I attempted to apply to exhaust:wink:

If you're talking about the extra cylinder attached to the strut, I believe they're supposed to be oil reservoirs for the shock absorber.

Looking good!

TIM

Well... laid most of the decals today.Still waiting for p/e and c/f.
Still have a few decals to apply,most notably the rear window and
rear wing.
The decals went down smooth with a little micro-sol,set.Only
problem was near the curve of the door line.Had trouble getting them
to lay properly. Finally coaxed them in place!! At the expense of ripping
them in a few places!!!!!
http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/ww151/guiwee/Red%20bull%20focus/015-4.jpg
http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/ww151/guiwee/Red%20bull%20focus/012-4.jpg
http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/ww151/guiwee/Red%20bull%20focus/013-4.jpg
http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/ww151/guiwee/Red%20bull%20focus/009-7.jpg
http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/ww151/guiwee/Red%20bull%20focus/010-5.jpg




Thinking about cutting the drivers window out. Any suggestions? Maybe have it in a slightly rolled down aspect.

:thumbsup:

Nice looking Focus! :grinyes:

So did you make up your mind on clearing over that or not? :devil:

what's the point of dehydrator?
nice color btw!

what's the point of dehydrator?
nice color btw!
The purpose can be made clear by lookimg at these threads
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=956713&highlight=Dehydrator

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=955314&highlight=Dehydrator
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=955314&highlight=Dehydrator
All will be made clear

So did you make up your mind on clearing over that or not? :devil:
Nah! Im not gonna clear over decals... leave as is.Body was cleared with ts-13.

Protect from what ??!! :screwy:
do you play in sand with your built models maybe ?? :runaround: :lol:

This "protect" excuse is imo a non sens argue taken from profesionnal builders who justify through that point why they put so much clear over their models whereas the real reason is that a brillant model make think stupid-ignoring-how-to-build-themselves-buyers that it only can be beautifull because it shines...
Moreover the clear coat can be the problem itself which to protect from, decals won't become yellow with time passing, clear coat can !
or crack, etc...
Well applied decals never have problems. :evillol:

I know I'm one of the rarest builders who (almost - I do if the decals are already damaged before being applied) never clearcoat over decals but I never had any problems with my models either, even the oldest ones with other decals quality than new releases.

Clear coat to get a shiny appearance is simply contrary to reality each one having closely seen rally cars knows, what is decals in scale model is stickers in reality, and stickers don't have any shine coat over them !!!
(most of the time, maybe in this case big redbull ones on the sides my be painted but I'm almost 100% sure it wasn't if I remember well)
I did apply myself dozens of them when I was involved in my rally racing association years ago, that everything but shiny as a clear coated paint.

But it's sure than polishing over non clear coated decals could can be a problem, but in that case simply polish before applying decals.

That's my point of view and only that, I will probably have 99% of that forum against me and this point of view, but as I said before I never had any problems with my models and their decals once built, whereas I often saw ruined builds due to clear coating... :frown:

That said, each one do what he wants on his models as I do for mines. :)

I'm with you on this one Phil. If anyone has watched the video/DVD titled 'World Rally Cars', it shows an Impreza WRC 97 being decalled. The bodywork is a gorgeously smooth, high gloss finish & the stars & sponsor decals are all semi-matt vinyl being stuck on & coaxed into position with a spatula (& haidryer I think?).

Phil-Stop telling everyone I play in the sand with my cars! :iceslolan

guiwee- Did you polish the clear before laying the decals down? If not that's pretty darn smooth and level out of the can.

Phil-Stop telling everyone I play in the sand with my cars! :iceslolan

guiwee- Did you polish the clear before laying the decals down? If not that's pretty darn smooth and level out of the can.
Nope!!! This car actually gave me a lot of trouble. I will point out flaw.
In the 8th picture there is a speck of hair..better seen here:
http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/ww151/guiwee/Red%20bull%20focus/005-6.jpg
the left side is untouched:right side has been wet-sanded with 2000 grit
then polished with tamiya coarse,fine and finish. Still looks bad. P.m.ed
my buddy zoomzoom for help!
Finally decided to repaint whole car again..It turned out worse. The problem was hair,dust,etc. on roof. Didnt want to continue to fight with it so I just cleared and decaled.
If you look closely at roof of decaled car and previous photos you can tell but just barely.
Anyway thanks for all the comments guys I appreciate it.
Criticism is always welcome be it positive or negative.

Looks good.
You got a great finish with the wet-sand and polish.
Nice attention to detail to be willing to strip and paint again!
Chris

Seats are done....first time with kit supplied c/f and clearcoat...
think I need more practice:
http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/ww151/guiwee/Red%20bull%20focus/modelcars007-1.jpg
http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/ww151/guiwee/Red%20bull%20focus/040.jpg
http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/ww151/guiwee/Red%20bull%20focus/modelcars017.jpg
http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/ww151/guiwee/Red%20bull%20focus/034.jpg
http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/ww151/guiwee/Red%20bull%20focus/046.jpg


Tires also are done ...Looks good!!

Wheels are nice. I would advice you to add a tyre valve and it'll be perfect ! :thumbsup:

Wheels are nice. I would advice you to add a tyre valve and it'll be perfect ! :thumbsup:

Other than using p/e stuff what can I use to make them?

regarding the size it should have at 1/24 scale, I personaly put a small piece of heated and stretched plastic tree, painted black.

Don't worry about this detail, I never put any on my models, till I become a member of AF. Then I started looking at my model differently, cos' when you have some 5 spokes rally rims for example, and compares to real cars wheels look, adding such detail gives more realism and accuracy, and now, since I put some on my last builds, I regret haven't put some on my first ones, and even think to add them now.
but It stays a detail. each of us don't want to go that far building and addind details.

Small up date quick mock up
http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/ww151/guiwee/Red%20bull%20focus/039.jpg
http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/ww151/guiwee/Red%20bull%20focus/041.jpg
My c/f skills are a w.i.p.

Whew:runaround: Those seatbelts took me two-days to do. Never knew it was that hard.It looks so easy.Just doing the radio took me about 3 hrs:)
Anyway heres what I have so far
http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/ww151/guiwee/Red%20bull%20focus/050.jpg?t=1249172997
http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/ww151/guiwee/Red%20bull%20focus/042.jpg?t=1249173544
http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/ww151/guiwee/Red%20bull%20focus/055.jpg?t=1249173587

Well finally Im done or at least close!! Take in daylight tomorrow
http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/ww151/guiwee/Red%20bull%20focus/027.jpg
http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/ww151/guiwee/Red%20bull%20focus/030-1.jpg

Very nice build.Have you got any scrap cut off's from your seatbelts? because you can use that for the straps to tie the spare wheel down.

Here it is in daylight!! Along with a friend. Think it looks better without
those ugly hoodpins! I had sms p/e but I totally ruined them trying to
bend them as I dont have an etch-mate.
http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/ww151/guiwee/Red%20bull%20focus/007.jpg
http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/ww151/guiwee/Red%20bull%20focus/020.jpg

http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/ww151/guiwee/Red%20bull%20focus/018.jpg
And a distant realative!!
http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/ww151/guiwee/Red%20bull%20focus/023-1.jpg
the new and improved P.B. http://s715.photobucket.com/albums/ww151/guiwee/

Very nice ! :thumbsup:
Pictures in the sun do justice to your build far more than inside pics.
The semi-opened driver window is a nice touch ;)
I would sugest you to find some PE hood pins, try the Crazy Modelers EP032, they are very good !
So what's the next one now ? :icon16:

Hell phil I dunno just picked up a hasagawa lancia 037...got a Pug 307
semistarted...got a calsonic impulz on deck!!! Who knows:lol2:

Shall I precise 307 would be my favorite one ? :icon16: :lol: