1/12 Ferrari 312 T

[robrex]

Here is my next big project. The Tamiya 1/12 scale Ferrari 312T. Coincidentaly this kit is due for re-release by Tamiya with PE parts this year but I couldn't wait and had to start my first big scale kit!



First up I had to use the lathe 1/12 scale wheels look just awesome machined out of metal so I got to work.

I selected a suitable size aluminium rod for the rear wheels. This was then drilled out to match the inside diameter of the back of the wheels (smallest hole)


I then used my Top Slide / Taper turn attachment and measured the angle required for the wheels. Slowly but surely I started machining the inside angle. The Top Slide is a must have if you want to make similar items.



I then used my mill to add the details to the back of the wheels and completed the same process for the fronts.


More soon

[DVST8R]

Oh boy, here we go, this is going to be fantastic!

[willimo]

That's not a wheel. That's awesome. Can't wait to see another fantastic Formula build materialize on AF - they are truly amazing and inspiring.

[Alfa 147]

Originally Posted by DVST8R

Oh boy, here we go, this is going to be fantastic!

My exact thoughts! Awesome work so far with the wheels

[slk320]

You are really mastering that lathe. Pretty soon you want need any plastic parts form the kit, other than the body.

I am looking forward to your magic on this one!

[robrex]

Thanks for the comments

One of the things I don't like about the kit is the brake ducts. They are fiberglass on the real car and only plain plastic in the kit. That had to change.
I decided to make clear resin copies.
To start I cleaned up the original Tamiya parts and filled the ducts with plasticine towards the back to prevent having too complex a shape to cast. Then I secured all the parts flat on the table and formed the edge of the mold around them. This left me with a very thin and flexible rubber template.



Next, I found some clear resin and cast the pieces. These were glued together exactly the same as the originals and then coated with thinned Citadel Flesh wash ink. Once dry I sanded the parts with coarse sandpaper to get the right finish. I reckon they look 100% better!



I also started working on the body parts



That's all for now!

[mikemechanic]

Holy shit Rob. That's awesome.

I just bought a top slide about 2 weeks ago for my Ligier wheels. Thanks for the mini-tutorial. Did you use the top slide on the front wheels also?

Those brake ducts are awesome. You guys have all the best ideas.

Mike.

[robrex]

Originally Posted by mikemechanic

I just bought a top slide about 2 weeks ago for my Ligier wheels. Thanks for the mini-tutorial. Did you use the top slide on the front wheels also?

Mike, yes I used the Top Slide on the fronts as well. You could get away without using it if you had a tool with the correct size face however, I have found the larger the surface area to machine the more chatter you get.

[quadzero]

Originally Posted by DVST8R

Oh boy, here we go, this is going to be fantastic!

Yep, Robrex is up to his magic tricks again. This is some amazing modelling for sure. While the wheels are a work of art in themselves, the cast realistic ducts are a whole other ballgame. Great work.

[RallyRaider]

Wow, this is going to be worth watching!

[Jamme]

Hello,
When I see you using the lathe, I can't wait to receive mine.
That's really great work you've done onthose rims!
Those brake ducts are great also!
I will be scotched on my screen to follow your WIP.

Jamme

[billypee]

Hi Rob,

Nice start. I think 1/12th scale will give you a bigger canvas to display your skills.

Kind regards,
Bill

[jaykay640]

Great start. That's gonna be fun to watch!

[bhop73]

Holy shit Rob. That's awesome.

That's pretty much what I was thinking... It's cool to see the lathe in action. I'll definitely be keeping an eye on this thread.

[The Sheene Machine]

Wow....a benchmark build begins..superb job already.