GB 60 red years: F40 LM 1:16

[Martin S]

For the grup build I have started this Fujimi 1:16 Enthustiast Kit of the "F40 Competizione 1989" like Fujimi likes to call it.
I'm not sure what this kit really wants to represent since it is a bit schizofrenic. Under the body it is a regular F40. The intercoolers are too small, the front subframe and A-arms are different etc. Easiest way for fujimi I guess.. The body is not really exacly true to the F40 LM:s I have reference photos of. Especially the duct in the front hood is a bit different and it lacks a NACA duct. I have concluded that it represents the first Michelotto built prototype of the LM.
I will try to make it as true to the real LM:s as possible.

I have absolutley no illusions of finishing until the deadline just so you know
So here we go:
The body is prety nicely molded. Unfortunatley the front hood is attached to the monocoque:



A lot of parts to glue together:



So to start the detailing I cut of the front clip of the body. This is not hinged on the real car, just attached the front by a few fasteners.

[Martin S]

The lower part of the windshield frame needed to be reconstructed and attached to the rest of the body. I decided to try to recreate the original "tub" or "wiper tray" or whatever it is called as close as possible. First i made a masking tape template and cut out this part:


This was the glued to the window frame and the door sills:




Then the really difficult stuff began. I have no idea how I managed to cut the shape of this part to fit the windowframe but I got it spot on and also managed to glue it in place as well..


It was then trimmed down to fit under the hood.



That's all for now.
Next update I will start with the front subframe.

[auw12]

Great start!!! I knew this kit was great from some friends, and seems you know very well what you're doing Martin! I'll follow this tightly with great interesting!

[klutz_100]

I have no doubt that this is going to be a great thread to follow

What's this?!?! No customized backdrop for your photos?!?

[gionc]

Originally Posted by klutz_100

I have no doubt that this is going to be a great thread to follow

What's this?!?! No customized backdrop for your photos?!?

Yep!!! I don't want follow this one until you set up a custom backdrop LOL!!!

[MPWR]

Definately, another fun one to watch.

I have the street version of this kit for someday when I'm feeling brave. But you've certainly done well with the 959, so I'm looking forward to watching you bring this one along too.

Nice idea and nice work on the wiper tray.

[Martin S]

Thanks guys !
The custom backdrop will have to wait for my printer to work again
Hope you can stand the current background for a few more updates..

The front of the chassis is the part that differs most from a std. F40.
Since this kit is more or less a F40 with different body I decided to scratch build the whole front end.

This is what I started with:



And this is what I want to achieve:



I started with cutting out the thick subframe and started to reconstruct a new one:




Looks a little better doesn't it:




Next update I will finish the subframe and tackle the radiator which is completley different from the std. F40. (you can actually see it in the last pic..)

[Veyron]

Nice work!

[klutz_100]

I just love it when you do your "plastic magic"

[robrex]

Wow! This work looks superb so far! I'm following closely!

[sjelic]

I waited for this thread for 10 years, i love this car, love this kit, now I will love the end result also.

[Martin S]

Only 10 years?
Well it is a pretty rare kit I guess.
I think I got the last kit from HLJ when I ordered it 1/2 year ago.
Very nice kit overall, especially the engine looks good, but it needs a little work in some areas as you can see. As a Fujimi 1/16 tradition the doors have rediculously bad fitment for example.

[Martin S]

To make the new radiator I started with three pieces of styrene that will be the base and end pieces.



I then glued on a sheet of mosquito mesh that I found. The pattern is a little bit to big, so I glued on another
sheet just a little bit out of phase with the forst one to create a finer mesh pattern with a bit of depth.




This was done on both sides.



Then I cut out some side pieces and inlet and outlet pipes to the radiator.




To finish it I rounded of the edges and attached some some brackets and locating pins.



This is how the locating pins attach the bottom of the radiator to the subframe by some brackets,
just like It's done on the original. The pins will of course be cut to the right length.



The front subframe is now finished an can be attached to the rest of the chassi:



Voila:



Not too far from the reference pic in the last update I think.

[gionc]

Martin your job are insane . You're quite good with plastic.

BUT I expected at least 16 cylinders from your beast

[klutz_100]

Fantastic Plastic