McLaren F1-GTR short tail by MFH

[lezdep]

This is my first WIP on AF. I have number of WIPs in forums at f1m.com, because I mostly build models of Formula One cars.
But I could not pass on this great kit by MFH. I'm a big fan of McLaren F1 car and especially its racing version F1-GTR. So, I was
hugely excited when MFH announced full detail kit of it. I've converted my excitement into motivation and was able to overcome
my reservations towards full detail MFH kits.

Spent about 10 hours over the weekend. Not that much progress so far. Lots and lots of preparation work needed before I could
put first layers of primer onto parts. Fit of parts is pretty good so far. But many metal parts require a bit of reshaping and most
need little bit of clean up. Nothing major, there is just a lot of parts to go over. Also a lot of holes to drill out. It is typical
multi-media kit, so past experience working with such is a big plus. I'm going to use similar approach to this build as I've used
to curbside kits in the past. First go over all parts and do needed adjustments and preparations, while performing test assembly.
Next get primer on all the parts to be painted and protect bare metal parts with transparent metal primer. Next group parts by
colors and paint in batches. Next clear coat before decals, decal application and final clear coat. Next detail painting and then
off to assembly. That's the plan anyway.

I usually test assemble whole MM kit, or as least most of it, where it is critical to test fit of parts. I've started with chassis and
front suspension. Cleaned up parts, drilled holes and did small adjustments needed. All assembly is just dry mock up so far.

Here are couple of photos. Photos are a bit out of focus, but it wasn't my goal. They are just meant to show overall progress.

I haven't decided with livery I will use for this model, but there is plenty of work to complete, before that choice becomes critical.

[sam01contact]

lezdep, great choice for your first WIP! I will follow your experience with this kit!

[dieteufel]

Hi

Ah, great I`m with you!

Sascha

[Raikkobin]

I have followed your builds on F1M for a long time. If this build is anything anywhere near as meticulous and beautiful as the others it will be a stunner worth following. I look forward to your updates!

[da_ashman]

Looking forward to following this one!!

[Stewarty]

This looks really interesting.

I am really keen to own this kit so will follow with interest.

Regards,

Stewart

[stratos75]

I've also started to build this kit, but don't want to start a new thread yet.
http://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/9092/..._b380b109_orig
http://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/9324/..._ae68e872_orig
http://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/9503/...0_d4ed681_orig
http://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/9316/..._cb3e0fa1_orig

It's not so simple, but very interesting process. I'm also don't choose the livery for my first kit.

[eyckles]

Wow Sergey. Nice start on the Mclaren. I have one of these also in my stash and will follow your WIP with great interest. Keep the updates coming please.

Best regards,
Lesley

[lezdep]

Cannot promise regular updates, because lack of modeling time and switches between builds. But at present I'm moving ahead with
this one. So, here are results from last night.

First I've competed preparations and test fit dry assembly for front section. Everything fits well.



Next, I've reshaped roll cage to fit correctly onto chassis and dashboard. This metal part was deformed while in packaging and shipping,
but white metal is easy to re-shape.



Next was time to prepare and fit the roof. Re-drilled all holes for screws and did a little adjustments as needed. Fit is pretty good.





At the end of this session I couldn't resist and worked on body parts' preparation and test fitting. Finished by dry assembly of all
body panels. Fit is not perfect and would be probably not considered great for plastic kit. But for MM kit it is reasonable. In this form
it really does look like F1-GTR.





I'm not 100% done with preparations and clean up for body panels. Right window cover is the worst part. I was deformed in
package and requires a lot of adjustment to fit right. More clean up and re-drilling also needed to front body section. Doors are
also major concern. Top sections of doors are not curved enough to get proper fit. There are magnets which supposed to hold
them in place when closed. I hope it'll be enough. Otherwise when doors are closed their bottom sections will stick out. I'll try
magnets early while still in test assembly phase and if they don't work will have to come up with different solution.

Will continue on weekend, hopefully.

[Maranello1977]

Hit it hard, I have the same and the truth that is fantastic. It has a lot of work, but with dedication remain impressive.

[gtziaf]

Nice start my friend. Good luck

[lezdep]

Long time, but only small update. I had few hours for modeling this weekend and spent them preparing engine parts.
Started couple of parts from gearbox as well. It's all held up by gravity only, so I couldn't move it from my work table.
Fit of parts is pretty good. MFH cleverly designed many pins and tabs to help align parts and held them together. Final
assembly shouldn't be an issue. Not too many parts are left to prepare before all could go into tumbler for cleanup. But
severe lack of modeling time slows progress down

[ScratchBuilt]

Looks good to me! Bit of an F1-GTR fan myself - they're the reason I first wanted to go to Le Mans in 1996, and haven't missed one since. Would have loved to have been there in '95 for the win, but happy to have avoided the rain! Somewhere here I must have some photos of some GTR's taken during the 95-96 short-tail period - if I can dig them out I'll post them up.

[stratos75]

Hey, lezdep, your progress is not so big compare to mine with my copies.
http://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/9508/..._241ea754_orig
http://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/5000/..._71fc1524_orig
But you are the first on AF with this kit. Good luck! I want to see it painted.

[lezdep]

Originally Posted by stratos75

Hey, lezdep, your progress is not so big compare to mine with my copies.
But you are the first on AF with this kit. Good luck! I want to see it painted.

I am moving forward very slowly. I just don't have much time available for modeling. So, don't expect to see painted parts any time soon.
Hopefully I'll get some parts primed this month.

Another small update. Worked on gearbox and rear suspension parts last night. Almost finished. Test fitted most of it, but
could not get parts, which connect gearbox to body to stay on for test fitting. So, I've done partial tests and I think it is good
enough. Will probably have to do minor adjustments when I reach final assembly steps, but I don't imaging there would be any
major issues. Going to start cleaning up parts in magnetic tumbler tonight.