WIP: Aoshima FC3S RX-7

It's been quite some time since I've been on the forum, and have been itching to start something. For those who watched my 1:12 FD3S, it had to be put on hold as I'm in school, so I thought I'd work on something a little less time consuming until I'm done.

This build will be completing using two Aoshima FC3S RX-7 models:

Takahashi Ryosuke FC3S RX-7 & Infini FC3S RX-7
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/DJ_Merle/Aoshima%20FC3S%20RX-7/10055680.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/DJ_Merle/Aoshima%20FC3S%20RX-7/10070320.jpg

The reason for this is I've been wanting to build the Infini RX-7, but it doesn't include the 13BT engine the Initial D RX-7 has. So, this will be a double build.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/DJ_Merle/Aoshima%20FC3S%20RX-7/DSC_0300.jpg

From building previous FC3S models, the Aoshima one is modelled quite nicely. Detail and accuracy is pretty nice (being compared to my 1:1). There's only one thing with this model which is a bit of a let down, the chassis is modified from an FD3S. So, it will take some modifying to get this looking perfect.

Another problem with this model is it has been designed to be FMIC (Front mount intercooler). I will be modifying this to be stock mount by using a spare intercooler from a Tamiya RX-7.

First thing I put my attention to was the exhaust. I've built almost every FC model put into production and all the exhausts have been sub-par. So I modified them to resemble the R-Magic Silent Hi-Power Muffler:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/DJ_Merle/Aoshima%20FC3S%20RX-7/fc_muffler_01.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/DJ_Merle/Aoshima%20FC3S%20RX-7/DSC_0298.jpg

The mufflers were first cut from the cat-back, then poly-styrene tubes were shaped and cut to size. The crimps and the ends were done by cutting a styrene sheet very thinly and then glueing to the ends, and the hangers using styrene rod. They were then sprayed using duplicolor chrome to get this finish:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/DJ_Merle/Aoshima%20FC3S%20RX-7/DSC_0307.jpg

More to come, thanks for looking!

Nice exhaust! How does this Aoshima kit compare to the rare Tamiya kit?

The mufflers really came out sweet and accurate.

sweet build

Hi!! Hey nice progress. You seem to know a lot about those cars. I'm going to follow this post carefully to see your work and learn a few things, he he...

I want to ask you something if you don't mind... How did you bend the styrene rods that way. I mean, they were bent quite well and didn't lose te round form... My attempts to did that were... well, you can make an idea... LOL

GREETINGS

Kaho- In comparison to the Tamiya kit, the Infini IV RX-7 model is probably the closest in quality. Aoshima has since upped the detail from their previous two FC3S models. The biggest thing which Tamiya has Aoshima beat is the engine.

Vlad- The exhaust tubes were bent using a heat gun on medium heat.

Time for an update, so I've been trying to find an alternative to flocking for carpet and cloth seating. I gave the Krylon Make it Suede! spray paint, and it worked incredibly well. I taped off the pieces which wouldn't need carpet on it. Here is the result, I also did this technique on the Infini bucket seats.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/DJ_Merle/DSC_1084.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/DJ_Merle/DSC_1085.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/DJ_Merle/DSC_1086.jpg

holy... that krylon suede looks better than flocking! Their chrome also looks very good on the exhaust. Since im not willing to let my LHS bend me over for a tiny little bottle of alcad, i'm going to give the krylon a try.

I use something similar:
Plastikote SuedeTouch
http://www.plasti-kote.co.uk/LIVE_IMAGES/SUEDE_TOUCH[5].jpg

It doesn't give an actual "furry" finish as real flocking does but it gives a very fine texture that looks right to me.
Takes a few coats to get a good even coverage and it smells very "hot" and there aren't that many colours but you can paint over it with thinned acrylics.

nice idea on the interior. the exhaust is my fav part so far. keep up the great work.

If that muffler and seat are hints of things to come, I will be following this closely. Excellent work you are doing here.

Thanks for looking and commenting! I finished the dash and dash controls today, along with completing the interior, I scratch built a pair of seat belt clips for added detail and minor weathering.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/DJ_Merle/DSC_0311.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/DJ_Merle/DSC_0313.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/DJ_Merle/DSC_0315.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v652/DJ_Merle/DSC_0314.jpg

Interior is looking good!

I need to see the wheels from the Infini kit. From the box art, they appear to be exactly like the BBS I use on my 1:1 240sx.

This is going to be a very nice model when finished.

Any chance you could post a part number on the krylon chrome and suede. I would love to pick some up.

This is an awesome build!

I too own an fc and have started a similar project, however I am combining 3 kits:
Tamiya s4: engine detail, underside, subframe
Infini 4: seats (shame they don't look more realistic...)
Jayda FC3S: I really dislike the lack of "gravity" of plastic models and can never seem to get the paint quite right.

Anyways, I look forward to future updates on this.

Hi!!..

Very nice project.. you said that the Ryosuke RX-7 comes with and engine, but it seems that the hood do not open.. right?

Is it a nice kit? i watched Initial D a long time ago and i am watching all over again, this is a very nice anime..

Good lucky with your project