MFH 1/12 Porsche 956 Short Tail Ver. 'B'

[Eric Cole]

I received the MFH 1/12 Porsche 956, Short tail 'NewMan" version sometime ago but needed to get some other projects wrapped up before starting this one. Now this is on the work table. This will also be my first MFH kit. Not the first one I've purchased but the first one I'll attempt to build.

The kit is typical MFH resin and white metal, with lots of white metal parts, some turned aluminum parts, wires, screws, etc. There are some inaccuracies with this kit for this version of the car. Namely, the fuel system is incorrect and incomplete. The correct parts are 3D printed available through Shapeways. I have purchased those parts but still have some decisions to make which way I go. I actually like the looks of the incorrect fuel system better.

I started off by sorting the white metal parts by assembly sequence so I would have all the parts needed for each step without having to sort through various bags of parts to find the one part I need when I need it.

An example of how I sorted and stored the parts in containers. (Note: There's AF member, Veyron's, built Lamborghini in the background photo bombing my picture )




Once the parts were sorted and I started studying how to approach the build I decided to give in to my desire to build the wheels first. I just couldn't resist those wheels and tires...

The basic components of the wheels. Consists of the Machined rim, BBS Mesh insert, brake cooling fins (front wheels only) and the flat outer disc of the cooling fins.


A closer view. The rims are pre-drilled for the torque screws that hold the mesh in. The mesh has divets where they need to be drilled. The shaft of the torque screws are larger than the holes in the rim so those in the rim must be re-drilled at a larger diameter.


Also, the brake cooling fins are too thick. This bothered me from the moment I first opened the box.


Some (a lot) of filing and sanding and I'm happier with the result. A minor detail, I guess, but I think it makes a difference.


Several hours later and the basic wheels are drilled, painted and assembled. In this stage they are too bright and shiny. The still need to have the treads scuffed, decals added to the BBS wheels and also decals to the tires, a wheel balancing weight taped to the rim, a wash to tone things down a bit and dull coat over the decals before they're truly complete.





Well, that's a start. A long ways to go with this one. Update may be sporadic...

[lovegt40]

make us dream. this is pure porn.

[da_ashman]

Wow, this will be one to watch!!!

[gtziaf]

Looking forward for more. Good luck!

[ScratchBuilt]

Mmmm....lovely! I'm drooling over what I can see of the engine components in the box already - will be paying attention to this one.

Have fun!

[ChillyB]

Wherever Eric Cole goes, I will follow. I'm glad he's a modeler whose skills are up to the task. This will be a treat for the eyes.

[John18d]

Thanks for doing one of these MFH kits Eric

I am interested in this kit but the skills needed and price have intimidated me.

after following your GT40 build and being thoroughly impressed by what you did with that kit - I am in for following you on this one.

Cheers
John

[Vric]

Watching and dreaming!

[nugundam93]

one of my dream kits. looking forward to more of this build!

[dieteufel]

That´s great Eric! I bought the long version von this kit, I will keep an eye on your report! Cheers Sascha

[ianc911]

Oh goody! I'm almost as excited about this as I would have been about one of the 917's, but I'll be watching. Good luck and hope it doesn't destroy you!

ianc

[Pascal D]

This will be a very interesting project. If you don't mind I'll grab a seat in the front row

[Hemi Killer]

I want this kit so bad, but can't spend that kind of money right now.

I'll be following this.

[Eric Cole]

Thanks everyone. I've made more progress but not much to show for it at this point. There has been a lot of test fitting and a lot of holes drilled in the white metal and parts modified in order to make them fit correctly. I hope to move on to some actual sub-assemblies and priming/painting in the near future.

When I start the sub-assemblies I'll also show any modifications/adjustments I had to make at that time.

[Eric Cole]

Just a small update...

The kit's white metal parts that make up the chassis and monocoque has small divots that are supposed to represent rivets. I wanted to add rivets but after researching the small scale rivets that are available I decided to make my own. The reason I decided to make my own is 1) cost of after market rivets and by a rough count it's around 1300 rivets that would be needed, and 2) the ones I found that I could buy in (somewhat bulk) were stainless steel. I didn't want the expense and I didn't want to have to cut stainless steel rivets to length.

So, I "made" rivets using .4mm soldering wire.

First, I started by cutting the wire into small pieces at a length that made it easy to work with.




Next, I drilled all the molded divots a little deeper the allow the wire (rivet) to sit deeper into the part.


Using needle point tweezers I picked up each cut piece of solder and dipped one end in superglue.



I placed each rivet (piece of solder) in the hole and allowed to dry.



Once dry and set in place I used and sanding stick and sanded them all down to an even and consistent level.



And the final result after primer...



May not be perfect but it represents a rivet more than not having them at all and the soft solder is really easy to cut and work with.