Fujimi Ferrari F2003-GA

[23skyline]

Hello guys,

I have made some progress on the F2003 over the weekend, the car has received what I hope to be the last clear coat. The wheels where painted and tyres fitted.

I'm hoping to start polishing the GA on Wednesday and I'll post some pictures then.

BTW - My modellers A.D.D. (MADD-lol) kicked in and I started playing with this:



This is the S27 Ferrari F300 and will be my first multimedia F1 kit.
I'm trying hard not to start it before the GA is complete but it seems like I'm fighting a losing battle

[23skyline]

Ok, not much has been done in the past week or so.
I've managed to get the wheels presentable, still not 100% happy but good enough.

I started by stripping the chrome from the wheels and then I repainted them using Tamiya TS-83 Metallic Silver -very expensive but looks good and is a lot more resistant to handling compared to Alclad which I also use.



Then I used the Fujimi supplied tyre transfers, I found it difficult to apply properly at first but eventually I got the hang of it.



I've also carbon decalled the chassis. I made my own templates as the S27 templates don't fit very well and not all the bits for the chassis are present on the sheet. This is disappointing when you take into account the cost of the decals, I would be interested to hear if their later sheets are more complete and fit better.





Now my focus will turn to the front and rear wings, I'm leaving the body to cure a bit longer so in the meantime I'll try to finish the other bits on the car.

[Big Kahuna]

Looks good so far. Leave the other kit till you finish this one.

[booch982]

Nice CF work, mate. Hope you finish this, I'm following!

ps, how are the weels fixed to the car?

[23skyline]

Originally Posted by Big Kahuna

Looks good so far. Leave the other kit till you finish this one.

Thanks for your comment, yes I am fighting the urge to start the F300 but I have been cleaning up some parts on it.I won't do any assembly before this one is done, or that's the plan anyway.

[23skyline]

Originally Posted by booch982

Nice CF work, mate. Hope you finish this, I'm following!

ps, how are the weels fixed to the car?

Thanks Antonio, the wheels get attached via a pin thru the center of the wheel into the brake housing/caliper.

You can have a look at the instructions here(great site for instructions etc)
http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/image/10158309z6/70/6

[23skyline]

Well, I started polishing the car, and as I took it off the chassis/floor, this happened.



The white primer and red paint separated from the grey primer. I almost stomped the car but I took a deep breath and left it. Later I went back and used some Tamiya white putty diluted with lacquer thinner and carefully painted the "hole" left by the missing paint.

Eventually I managed to fill the area better than expected. I'm hoping to touch up the paint work over the weekend, weather permitting.

[heyes57]

Don't ya hate it when that happens!!!! I do it all the time. I think it's the universe saying....."So you think you've got it all figured out smarty pants, well here's something to throw you for a loop. I'm STILL in charge so don't you forget it!!!!" Nice save.

Regards Rick H

[Shunter]

Looks great and looking forward to the next update.

[23skyline]

After a bit of a break, I managed to get some more done on the car. I got the exhaust chimneys finished:



Again the S27 carbon decals look good.

I've also assembled the gearbox and rear suspension assembly, the Top Studio drive shafts really make a difference and is an easy upgrade to use. Since this will be a curb side, I didn't bother with detail on the engine and gearbox.



I'll be adding this assembly directly to the rest of the body work and not to the floor as Fujimi recommends. I'm mainly doing this to get a fine joint between the body and gearbox "covers". I also decided not to glue the gearbox to the engine, this will also help with easing the mating of the rear suspension assembly to the body.

I'm hoping to start final assembly on the weekend or next week-this car has to get finished now

[JeremyJon]

I sometimes want to smash a model too! LOL

your build is looking great, looking forward to seeing it completed! Scuderia Tifosi bravo!

[Shunter]

Keep hanging in there it is looking great despite the issues.

[23skyline]

Just a quick update, I decided to strip the paint from the car, thinking I can do a quick re-spray and re-decal job.

Queue dramatic music:



That went fine until the plastic started cracking on all the moulding flow lines. There was too much damage too fix so I ordered a new kit.



I'll post updates as soon as I get it.

[booch982]

Incredible quality of plastics!!!

Don't worry, the following will be even better, and you'll increase your sparepart box!
May I ask what kind of solvent you use for paint stripping?

[23skyline]

Hello,

The product I use is called Solvent Stripper. It is a clear, non toxic water based product and cleans any type of paint including 2k. It does dry out some plastic. You can look for a similar product from any industrial cleaning chemical company.

It works much faster than any other product I've used. I think it is used to clean clear coats from wooden flooring.

I hope this helps.