1/43 Porsche 550 WIP

Starting with the Basic43 kit. There's not a whole lot of this kit I'm happy with or I'll end up using. When built the overall shape of the body leaves a good impression of the car but it's shape is far from exact. The biggest problem with it's shape is the floor level. It's not low enough to fit everything under the engine lid and the bodywork of the nose is lower than floor. I started by cutting the body to add a section to lower the door sills & floor.

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x37/914joe/basic%20550/basic001.jpg
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x37/914joe/basic%20550/basic003.jpg

You can see in the first pic that I tried hammering a rear clamshell from brass. Came close but it would have required enough work that I abandon that and decided to work with the resin part from the kit.

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x37/914joe/basic%20550/basic006.jpg

In this blurry pic I've made the hood & doors from brass and hinged all panels. The floor and frame made from brass, the frame still needs some crossmembers added in this pic.

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x37/914joe/basic%20550/basic008.jpg

In the backround you can see the gas tank I've started. That still needs sideplates and fuel senders added. Most of the frame is finished and started working on the the suspension. Made the oil tank and starter. The motor is from a Bosica kit and the tranny is a modified Bosica part cast in resin.

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x37/914joe/basic%20550/basic010.jpg

Here I've made the mount for the coils & spare. Also made solenoid for the hydraulic clutch and soldered a bracket to the flange on the axle tube.

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x37/914joe/basic%20550/basic012.jpg
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x37/914joe/basic%20550/basic013.jpg

That's it for now.... I've been tinkering with this for months. With 2 small kiddies I don't get much time to work until after bed time and by then I'm ready for bed:disappoin

That is some amazing work you did so far. Looking forward to more progress.

Looks really great...something else than 1:8 :)

This looks absolutely stunning. Realy nice work on the body. How did you made the hood. I'm verry curious. I also like the subject as I'm a fan off old Porsches. Keep up the nice work you're doing.

Eric

That is some amazing work you did so far. Looking forward to more progress.

Looks really great...something else than 1:8 :)

Thanks for the compliments!!!! It's nice to have a place to share these builds with. No one in my circle of friends can relate:screwy: Not many 1/43rd's around here and I'm glad a little variety is welcome. Those big sclaes are great to watch and I've picked up a few ideas from those guys. I think my models would fit in the trunk of one of those:iceslolan I dream of someday doing a working 1/4 scale of an early Porsche... There are some neat flat 4 airplane motors out there:evillol:

How did you made the hood. Eric

I've made these in the past hammering/forming brass over wood. This one I hammered over a diecast 550 model. It came out nice with a much better shape than the almost flat hood supplied with the kit.

I dream of someday doing a working 1/4 scale of an early Porsche... There are some neat flat 4 airplane motors out there:evillol:

Make sure you post lots of pictures! What kind of hammer do you use for brass? I have many body hammers for full size body work but I doubt you use one of those. Is the brass easy to work with? I would like to try this technique some day. It's very interesting.

Wow. You have really improved on that. The photos belie its diminutive size.

What kind of hammer do you use for brass? I have many body hammers for full size body work but I doubt you use one of those. Is the brass easy to work with? I would like to try this technique some day. It's very interesting.

I use small jewlers hammers. Brass & copper are easiest to work with. I find different shape things that match the contour of the part I'm making to form the metal over. Form more complex shapes I heat the brass first to soften it. It's fun and you can make thin crisp panels that not only look more realistic but also have a metal clunk when closing the panels.

Thanks for the compliments!!!! It's nice to have a place to share these builds with. No one in my circle of friends can relate:screwy: Not many 1/43rd's around here and I'm glad a little variety is welcome. Those big sclaes are great to watch and I've picked up a few ideas from those guys. I think my models would fit in the trunk of one of those:iceslolan I dream of someday doing a working 1/4 scale of an early Porsche... There are some neat flat 4 airplane motors out there:evillol:

1/43? It's too small to see!:rofl:

No really, that's a lovely job you've done and you've got some great smithing skills there...you'd love the MA course I'm on!:smokin:

Wow, thats some of the best 1/43rd modeling I have seen. Great looking model. Looks like something you would see on a Japanese website!


Tom Tanner/Scale Designs/Ferrari Expo 2010 model/photo contest-Chicago April 24th 2010

1/43? It's too small to see!:rofl:
No really, that's a lovely job you've done and you've got some great smithing skills there...you'd love the MA course I'm on!:smokin:

Thanks!!! I've been watching your work on the RS61... Very cool!!! I love the wooden frame and thought that made a nice displayable peice by itself. What's the "MA course" your on?



Wow, thats some of the best 1/43rd modeling I have seen. Great looking model. Looks like something you would see on a Japanese website!

Thanks!!! A few of those Japanese builders have been a great source for inspiration. I'm hoping I can make it to your show and have this model presentable. I'm wondering if it will make it through the metal detector at the airport.

Thanks!!! I've been watching your work on the RS61... Very cool!!! I love the wooden frame and thought that made a nice displayable peice by itself. What's the "MA course" your on?



Cheers joe, glad you like it! My course is for the conservation/restoration of metal objects - loads of sheet metal bashing, from big bronze sculptures to small pieces of silver jewellery (jewelry)! :naughty:

I've put up some of last years projects here:

http://s208.photobucket.com/albums/bb224/cinqster-photo/Current%20Work/

John

Cheers joe, glad you like it! My course is for the conservation/restoration of metal objects - loads of sheet metal bashing, from big bronze sculptures to small pieces of silver jewellery (jewelry)! :naughty:
I've put up some of last years projects here:
http://s208.photobucket.com/albums/bb224/cinqster-photo/Current%20Work/
John

Nice!!! I saw that pewter vase posted in another thread... A metal working class would be fun, I'm just winging it:smokin:
Cool pic of your 1/1 model. Is that on the Nurbergring???

Got a little work done on the underside of the clamshell. This peice that ties the 2 wheelwells together ended up pretty thin and fragile. It's bondo re-inforced on the backside with toilet paper & epoxy.
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x37/914joe/basic%20550/basic014.jpg
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x37/914joe/basic%20550/basic015.jpg

Made a few small parts this week. The bottom of the door jams and the interior firewall were upholstered. Those areas would have been hard to tape and paint so I made those from brass sheet.
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x37/914joe/basic%20550/basic016.jpg
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x37/914joe/basic%20550/basic017.jpg

I also made the housing for the rearview mirror.
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x37/914joe/basic%20550/basic018.jpg

It's hard to believe this is 1/43. Love the progress.

Made some taillights tonight. Cut a thin slice of aluminum tubing for the light housing and turned the lenses from the handle of a make up brush in my flexshaft. I need to find some orange acrylic to make a set for the front.

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x37/914joe/basic%20550/basic019.jpg
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x37/914joe/basic%20550/basic020.jpg

That's some great detail work. I'm curious to see how all this comes together :-)

Looking very nice. Nice idea for tail lights. Whats really amazing is this is only around 4 inches long!! The fit of the parts looks very good.

I am trying to finish my Provence Moulage Ferrari P3 Spa 1966, but drilling out all the vents and body took alot of time and put me behind schedule.

Tom Tanner/Scale Designs/Ferrari Expo 2010 model/photo contest-Chicago April 24th 2010

I'm curious to see how all this comes together :-)

Me too... I coat of primer screwed with the fitting of the hood & doors:disappoin

I am trying to finish my Provence Moulage Ferrari P3 Spa 1966, but drilling out all the vents and body took alot of time and put me behind schedule.

At least it's not metal:biggrin: Have you tried grinding from the inside while holding the resin body up to a light befor it's primed.

Me too... I coat of primer screwed with the fitting of the hood & doors:disappoin



At least it's not metal:biggrin: Have you tried grinding from the inside while holding the resin body up to a light befor it's primed.


Yep, thats why I don't like metal as good, you can't see through it while drilling out the body. The P3 has even more vents than a Porsche. Its crazy, but I almost have it done.

Tom Tanner/Scale Designs/Ferrari Expo model/photo contest-Chicago April 24th 2010

Those rear lights are amazing Joe!:grinyes:

That pic of my 1:1 car is at Brooklands, BTW! It was the first motor racing track ever built.

cinqster, I've been lurking around at the Spyder club and see your a member there too.

Made the front signals tonight.

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x37/914joe/basic%20550/basic021.jpg

I've been finalizing the body panel fit, accessories mounting points, and getting closer to painting. I needed to make my own windshield with the correct flange where it meets the body so I can add some mounting pins. I've had a Mattel vacuform for years but this is the first I've used it. After some trial & error I came up with an accecptable part.

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x37/914joe/basic%20550/basic022.jpg
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x37/914joe/basic%20550/basic023.jpg

Wow, your model looks amazing. I watch this and the GDIST blog on his 250TR. Both are amazing 1/43rd builds!!

Tom Tanner/Scale Designs/Ferrari Expo 2010 model/photo contest-Chicago April 24th 2010

Thanks Tom!!! I watch GDIST blog too... I just noticed he added a update yesterday. I love Kamimura's style and have picked up a few tips & ideas watching his builds.

Super project and you are doing some very inspiring work here :thumbsup:

I'm looking forward to the next update.

That windscreen is very well done.

Made a couple tiny parts... I made the pedal arms from some silver scraps. Turned the shifter and knob from nickel and made a gate from brass sheet on top of a plastic base. It's hard to see but the gate has a reverse lockout. E-brake from some brass & nickel(that still needs to be trimed). The e-brake handle also has a little lock lever thats hard to see.

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x37/914joe/basic%20550/basic024.jpg
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x37/914joe/basic%20550/basic026.jpg

Have'nt had much time to build the last few weeks. The motor I was using for this is hard to come by and instead of using my last 1 I decided to make some copies. Made some alterations to the block and cooling fan then prepped those parts for molding. My mold making experience is limited and did have problems evacuating air bubbles but after a few pours I ended up with some workable parts.
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x37/914joe/basic%20550/basic027.jpg

In the top left of this pic are the Bosica parts I started with, bottom left are my cast parts, bottom right are those cast parts reworked and top right is the Basic43 motor that is junk.
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x37/914joe/basic%20550/basic028.jpg

Made a tonneau and started painting some parts
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x37/914joe/basic%20550/basic030.jpg

I hate paint:crying: It was hard to get the clearances for the motor to fit under the lid during mockup and needed to do some work on the clamshell for things to fit. The paint on the bottom also thru off my tolerances on the fit of the rear lid and some more work was required.
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x37/914joe/basic%20550/basic031.jpg

Very Kool....Well done

Sweet!!!

I feel with you for your troubles of paint messing up the tolerances. I have that right now in 1:20 but 1:43 is even worse of course.
Speaking of paint....is that blue the final colour for the frame/bottom?? Will that be the body colour as well? I don't remember seeing a 550 like that....:-)

Looking really nice. Kaz from kaz43 cast up his Porsche model also. It took alot of time but allowed him to make several models(or will when he finishes them).

Wich car are you doing? Keep up the good work.

Tom Tanner/Scale Designs/Ferrari Expo 2010 model/photo contest-Chicago April 24th 2010

That's looking fab Joe!

Can I give you some tips on the moulding stuff? You're wasting a lot of resin with those big sprues, though I'm sure you've done it to get rid of the bubbles. I've found that making small moulds for each part and then having two small diameter tubes means you can inject the resin with a syringe. If I think I may have injected a bubble in there I also inject from the other tube (vent) hole to get the resin to flow the other way...just a thought and often seems to do the trick!

Great job though!:ylsuper:

Oh yeah, give the mould a good thump after you've poured too!

Speaking of paint....is that blue the final colour for the frame/bottom?? Will that be the body colour as well? I don't remember seeing a 550 like that....:-)

Yep... That's the body color with white spears on the rear fins. There were at least 3 that left the factory in this blue.

Looking really nice. Kaz from kaz43 cast up his Porsche model also. It took alot of time but allowed him to make several models(or will when he finishes them).

Wich car are you doing? Keep up the good work.

Tom Tanner/Scale Designs/Ferrari Expo 2010 model/photo contest-Chicago April 24th 2010

I've been watching Kaz's build too... I like his style. I'd like to get in touch with him and get some of those F2 Porsche castings he made.
I'm building 550-051 which was displayed at the 1955 Paris Auto show and later owned by Jean Berha.

Can I give you some tips on the moulding stuff? You're wasting a lot of resin with those big sprues, though I'm sure you've done it to get rid of the bubbles. I've found that making small moulds for each part and then having two small diameter tubes means you can inject the resin with a syringe. If I think I may have injected a bubble in there I also inject from the other tube (vent) hole to get the resin to flow the other way...just a thought and often seems to do the trick!

That's how I did it befor with better results:banghead: I see pics of others doing mulitable parts moulds and making it look easy. I'll revert back to that method next time.

Thanks for looking guys:smile:

It looks promising, keep at it.

Added fan belt, plug & starter wires, trailing arms, driveshafts, brake lines & hyd clutch line. I needed to get these parts together first to check the fit of the rear lid befor painting. Happy with the results so far and now need to paint the body.

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x37/914joe/basic%20550/basic033.jpg

This is truly fantastic work and model, everything is coming along superb!!!!

[quote=914joe;6370652]Added fan belt, plug & starter wires, trailing arms, driveshafts, brake lines & hyd clutch line. I needed to get these parts together first to check the fit of the rear lid befor painting. Happy with the results so far and now need to paint the body.

That really is looking great. Hope to see more updates soon.

Tom Tanner/Scale Designs/Ferrari Expo 2010 model/photo contest-Chicago April 24th 2010

That's some nice detail work!

Any news on this model??


Tom Tanner/Scale Designs/Ferrari Expo 2011-Chicago April 2011


Carrera Panamericana 1950-1954 theme and special class for models at Ferrari Expo 2011

Hello from france,
Any news ? I create some models at this scale, but not with this accuracy.
Could-you precise the time you spent for this ?
Best regards

Any news on this model??

Nope:shakehead I'm just starting to find some spare time and need to dust off the workbench:naughty:

Hello from france,
Any news ? I create some models at this scale, but not with this accuracy.
Could-you precise the time you spent for this ?
Best regards

I worked all last winter on this... I easily have more than 100 hours on it:banghead:

Welcome to the board! It's nice to see some other 43rd builders:grinyes:

Hope to see this one start again. By the way, we are having another Ferrari Expo model contest with Carrera Panamerica 1950-1954 as the special theme. It would be great to see some of your old Porsche's PAN AM models in person.

I don't think you build 1/24th scale, but if you do I am doing a couple of Pan Am Cartograf decal sheets you might like for the early Fujimi 356 kits to be released at the Expo.

Tom Tanner/Scale Designs/Ferrari Expo 2011-Chicago March 19th 2011

Finnally got back to work on this project. I had a hard time color sanding the paint between coats and not finding an edge to sand through. After a few more coats than I planed on I got good coverage. After polishing the body I masked and sprayed the spears on the engine lid. Paint is Tamiya TS decanted and Tamiya tape for masking the spears.

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x37/914joe/basic%20550/basic038.jpg

Then working on finishing the parts for the front trunk. The front lid needs to be attached befor fixing these parts which made it a pain. I made straps for the tank and battery box from .005 brass sheet. Cut a groove in the end of the strap and soldered some nickel wire in a H pattern to mimic the strap adjuster then wraped the straps around those. The gas tank is made from aluminum Karmann badges from some cars I've junked formed over wood. The fuel filler cap,neck and the brake fuild reservoirs were made from aluminum rivets turned in my flexshaft. I still need to add a sender w/ wiring and a vent tube.

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x37/914joe/basic%20550/basic039.jpg
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x37/914joe/basic%20550/basic040.jpg
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x37/914joe/basic%20550/basic041.jpg

Amazing details!

Does the front lid close now?

Oh lord, that fuel tank strap

Wow that looks great!! Your quality is very very good. I was just researching a car you might like for one of my Scale Designs decal sheet. Can you say Canada Shoes car #151. Never been done before as far as I know in 1/24th scale(or any scale).

Tom Tanner/Scale Designs/Ferrari Expo 2011-Chicago March 19th 2011

Amazing details!

Does the front lid close now?

Thanks!!! Yes, all the panels close.

Oh lord, that fuel tank strap

HaHaHa... I glad they did'nt come out any bigger then they did. They are big in scale but I think they look good.

Wow that looks great!! Your quality is very very good. I was just researching a car you might like for one of my Scale Designs decal sheet. Can you say Canada Shoes car #151. Never been done before as far as I know in 1/24th scale(or any scale).

Tom Tanner/Scale Designs/Ferrari Expo 2011-Chicago March 19th 2011

Thanks again!!! Those early 550's are my favorites... I love primative cars. BBR/Leader made that car in 1/43rd. I have one that's in my parts box and you can have it for a reference if you want. That car was one of the first 2 550's that raced in coupe form in the 53 Panamericana.

No, I am doing the pre A 356 from Carrera Panamerica 1953 car #151 along with a few others. It also ran in Canada Shoes colors!! No one has done it in any scale. By the way I have color photos of the 550 Canada Shoes 1954 and it is not silver. The BBR sheet is also missing half the sponsors and logos. That is one car BBR really messed up.

Tom Tanner/Scale Designs/Ferrari Expo 2011-Chicago March 19th 2011

No, I am doing the pre A 356 from Carrera Panamerica 1953 car #151 along with a few others. It also ran in Canada Shoes colors!! No one has done it in any scale. By the way I have color photos of the 550 Canada Shoes 1954 and it is not silver. The BBR sheet is also missing half the sponsors and logos. That is one car BBR really messed up.

Tom Tanner/Scale Designs/Ferrari Expo 2011-Chicago March 19th 2011

Ooops... I was thinking the 550's sponsored by Canada shoes. Yep, I don't think anyone has made that 356 yet. Can you make some 1/43rd decals??? You've also sparked my interest in the color of the 550 from 54. I thought I remember seeing color pics but don't recall it being different. And I agree with BBR's decals being incorrect. I can't think of one of their Panameircana Porsches being more than 75% right. It's disappointing but still think they offer a good interpertation.

Looking good! some nice details, can't wait to see this one finished.

Ooops... I was thinking the 550's sponsored by Canada shoes. Yep, I don't think anyone has made that 356 yet. Can you make some 1/43rd decals??? You've also sparked my interest in the color of the 550 from 54. I thought I remember seeing color pics but don't recall it being different. And I agree with BBR's decals being incorrect. I can't think of one of their Panameircana Porsches being more than 75% right. It's disappointing but still think they offer a good interpertation.


Hi,

So far only the 1/24th scale sheets with several cars on each sheet. The 1954 550 is a gold/copper color, not silver like BBR thought. Very pretty car.

Tom Tanner/Scale Designs/Ferrari Expo 2011-Chicago March 19th 2011

Hi,

So far only the 1/24th scale sheets with several cars on each sheet. The 1954 550 is a gold/copper color, not silver like BBR thought. Very pretty car.

Tom Tanner/Scale Designs/Ferrari Expo 2011-Chicago March 19th 2011

Count me in on one of your decal sheets. I'd like to see that 550 pic too... Can you scan me a copy or let me know where to look. Thanks

Made some fuel pumps. These will get some turned rivets on the top after painting which will make 9 parts to make this:smokin:

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x37/914joe/basic%20550/basic42.jpg

We have a nice Pan Am thread here:

http://ferrarichat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=37433&page=6

The first Scale Designs Porsche 356 PAN AM decal sheet will be ref# SD38.


Tom Tanner/Scale Designs/Ferrari Expo 2011-Chicago March 19th 2011

Wow your nuts. Keep it up though!

Moving along and I'm starting to see light at the end on the tunnel. I did'nt have seats the fit this model properly. I shaped 1 from a resin Speedster seat I had, molded that then poured a set to work with. I also made some seatbelt buckels from copper wire and brass bits. Snice making those I'm found a Japanese site that makes a nicer set in photoetch. I emailed them last week and I'm not sure if I'll get a reply... Anyone know how I can get parts from Z Model???

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x37/914joe/basic%20550/basic044.jpg
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x37/914joe/basic%20550/basic045.jpg

I drilled the drums for studs and turned these studs(in my drill) from nickel stock.

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x37/914joe/basic%20550/basic046.jpg
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x37/914joe/basic%20550/basic047.jpg



I've finished the front trunk detail detail.

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x37/914joe/basic%20550/basic053.jpg

Assembled the dash. The only perfect steering wheel I could find was on a built model by Looksmart. I found a blemished one for a discounted price by still was an expensive wheel.

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x37/914joe/basic%20550/basic052.jpg

Hung all the panels and I'm thrilled to see everything fits. The door & front trunk hinges were tricky and I'm not sure I could duplicate those If I wanted.

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x37/914joe/basic%20550/basic051.jpg
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x37/914joe/basic%20550/basic050.jpg