Alpine A110 1/24 - Acropolis 1970

Hello from Greece again…
This is my current project, from the well-known Renault Alpine A110 Tamiya’s kit, I ‘ll try to represent the 1970 Acropolis wining car. The #2 car, drived to victory by the legendary Jean Luc Therier and Marcel Callewaert.
http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/1970acropolenicolasiu0.jpg



The kit is simple, not 100% accurate in some interior and mechanical parts, and contains these:
http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_01.jpg


http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_02.jpg



I start with a dry fit and then I decide to open the driver’s door. The opening and door frame detailing process are follows:
http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_11.jpg


http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_13.jpg


http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_14.jpg


http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_15.jpg


http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_17.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_18.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_19.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_20.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_21.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_22.jpg

Hope you like this project.
Comments and reference are welcome.
With best regards
George

Interesting project !! :thumbsup:

Excellent progress so far mate!

Keep it coming!!!

:thumbsup:

My friends thanks for your support…
This is the current progress on my Alpine…
First of all, I check and modified the door inside panel to fit in the chassis.

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_25.jpg (http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_25.jpg)


http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_26.jpg (http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_25.jpg)


http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_28.jpg
(http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_25.jpg)

Secondly, I decide to improve (if I can, of course – not definitely sure for this) the engine rear vents. So, I cancel the Tamiya parts and I make the vents base, from plastic sheets. I ‘ll plan to make the rods, from metal.

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_30.jpg


http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_33.jpg



http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_34.jpg


http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_35.jpg


After some sanding, I prime the body…The Alpine now, looks like this:

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_37.jpg


http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_38.jpg


http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_39.jpg

Comments and reference are welcome.
Have a nice week
With best regards
George

good work i have always liked A110's I am sure you have spotted the tamiya body is based on a 1974 car and differs from the 1970 spec as follows front indicators in the 1/4 bumpers, door handles on doors, no finger holes on body and the gap between rear screen and engine cover filled in trim inside also differs mainly the rear parcel shelf keep up the good work

That's an excellent looking kit - loving the extra small details you've added so far!

May I ask where you got that small saw blade/what it is? It looks just like what I'm looking for, as I'm planning to try opening the doors on one of my next kits, and I haven't had the best results doing that sort of thing up to now with just a blade.

good work i have always liked A110's I am sure you have spotted the tamiya body is based on a 1974 car and differs from the 1970 spec as follows front indicators in the 1/4 bumpers, door handles on doors, no finger holes on body and the gap between rear screen and engine cover filled in trim inside also differs mainly the rear parcel shelf keep up the good work
Hello, for sure I 'm not Alpine expert... I usually build Ferrari's .
Your comment is very useful. I 'll plan to make some of these modifications.
I didn't fill the gap between rear screen and engine cover, I probably I leave it, because I must finished it soon, for a contest.
What do you mean with "Finger holes on body"? I didn't spotted it. Can you explain it.
Thanks for you help...


May I ask where you got that small saw blade/what it is? It looks just like what I'm looking for, as I'm planning to try opening the doors on one of my next kits, and I haven't had the best results doing that sort of thing up to now with just a blade.
I use Tamiya's Fine Craft Saws : http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10114611

With best regards
George

Hello, for sure I 'm not Alpine expert... I usually build Ferrari's .
Your comment is very useful. I 'll plan to make some of these modifications.
I didn't fill the gap between rear screen and engine cover, I probably I leave it, because I must finished it soon, for a contest.
What do you mean with "Finger holes on body"? I didn't spotted it. Can you explain it.
Thanks for you help...


I use Tamiya's Fine Craft Saws : http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10114611

With best regards
George

Awesome, thanks! I'll get some of those ordered.

:smile: Hi finger holes on body are the gaps next to the door lock button that you would put your fingers in to open the door like you would find on a Renault 5
keep up the good work should look great finished

i hope these photos help43756

43757

ps to get the (up to 1973) look you need to have a negative camber on the rear wheels (when you get that far) as the rear suspention changed 1974 on

My friend GordiniBlue thanks for your support.
Very useful.

Nice work so far. Looking forward.

Outstanding work mate! Keep walking:biggrin:

This is another update to my Alpine.
I decide to don't make further changes to the body, so we can live with some inaccurate. The reason is I didn't find any photos from interior or engine bay, of the current 1970 car, so it is impossible to make a correct copy of this car.
So, my goal is to make a general well looking car.

First job is the door mechanism. I copy the idea, from great Serioga's Jaguar XJ220 (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=979322&highlight=open+doors).
http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_49.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_50.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_52.jpg

Secondly, I try to improve the front bumpers and to put the indicators in it.
http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_61.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_55.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_58.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_59.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_62.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_63.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_64.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_67.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_68.jpg

That's all from now
Hope you like it
With best regards and best wishes to all
George

Another update on this little beauty...
First of all, I decide to cut the windows handles, and I plan make it for scratch...
http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_42.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_44.jpg

Also, I add a plastic sheet in open door's connection point, to hide the gap.
http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_48.jpg

The its time for the paint job... I use Tamiya TS-56 straight for the can. Not the best result, cause the 30-40 Celsius in Greece, during the summer. I stored it
http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_74.jpg

and meanwhile I start to "play" with the decals for 1970 Acropolis. Not perfect, but wife of my friend and AF member Est1976 make for me a new better set, which I print and test soon. For now, my first attempt to make decals...
http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_76.jpg

Some days after paint-job, I start to polish the body... I think the Alpine body is quite difficult to polish, cause of many edges. Here the (not perfect ) result...
http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_98.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_100.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_101.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_103.jpg

Hope you like it... Comments and criticism are welcome.
Thanks for your time.

Time to a new update on my Alpine...
I start to build some interior parts, and the first of these is the dashboard.
My reference image is...
http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_77.jpg

The starting point is this...
http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_78.jpg

The improvements on the dashboard are some switches, an new base for chronometer, a new teratrip, a sun visor, etc.
http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_82.jpg

Finally, I add the co-driver's lamp...
http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_84.jpg

After some painting.. the result is :
http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_86.jpg

Also, I make some progress, with other interior parts... First I open the steering wheel's holes, make some seat bars and fill the steering column.
http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_89.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_90.jpg

From evergreen rods I make the seats base...
http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_92.jpg

The seats obtained back and painted with semi gloss and matt black. With same colours, I paint the interior.
http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_93.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_96.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_97.jpg

Hope you like it...
Comments are welcome...:wink:

Sir, you are an artist!! Everything looks flawless!

I can't wait to see the finished model!

Very nice the dashboard! Looking forward.

Amazing detailing on the interior my friend!

It is absolutely marvelous! Definitely a ref build!

My friends sam01contact , Luis Pacheco and Souplaman thanks for your comments.
For sure, I 'm not such a good modeller, but I try to improve my builds.
Pleased that you like it. I try my best, to well finish it...

Hi George,

Nice paint job and scratchbuilding. Keep up the good work, my friend.

Lesley

It 's long time ago, than my previous update, so this is my work on engine and suspension parts...
First of all, I correct, a little bit, the chassis scheme (the engine base)
http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_104.jpg

Also, I make an update to shocks...
http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_107.jpg

For Next, I worked in engine parts and paint it with Alclad and Humbrol colors.
http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_110.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_111.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_113.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_114.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_142.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_116.jpg

After that I worked in chassis main assembly. I add some bolts to suspension arms, I insert the brake lines and throttle wire and finnaly the engine attached to the chassis.
http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_126.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_118.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_119.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_120.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_122.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_125.jpg

Some engine wires and interior work, will follow...
Hope you like it...
With best regards and wishes for a nice weekend to all in this great community.

Fantastic job you are doing.
I´m enjoying a lot.

Fantastic job you are doing.
I´m enjoying a lot.
Thanks a lot for your support... Glad that you like it...

Excellent detailing mate! Well done!!

love the detail work on dash and interior i wish tamiya had done their homework on the rally specs of this car !
the early cars had a tube backbone chassis the rear suspension was lifted from the Renault 8 Gordini and had swing arm axles not wishbones the coil springs had 2 shock absorbers ether side and not in the centre this is not a criticism of your work but of tamiya who picked the wrong car to base this kit on i know you are making this model to a time scale and when built should be a cracker keep up the very good work

My friend thanks for your support... For sure Tamiya make a lot of mistakes, with this kit and I don't know so much for Alpine's. So my build have many "issues", compare with the real car, but I 'll try my best to represent a good model...

Hello again, with Alpine's next update...
Some interior work...
http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_131.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_133.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_139.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_141.jpg

And the engine's work...
First I make some engine parts from spares and scratch.
http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_144.jpg

And, then I attached the engine in chassis.
http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_150.jpg

Finally I add some details in the engine...
http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_152.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_154.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_155.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_156.jpg

Hope you like it.
Comments and opinions are welcome.
Thanks for your time

This is the last update with my Alpine...
The work starts with the additional lamps...
http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_157.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_158.jpg

...continues with the rims and wheels (I add valves from 0,5 rivets)...
http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_160.jpg

After that, I move to interior and I make a net case for helmets and headphones. Not sure if is accurate, but finally the addition, in my opinion, improves the interior...
http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_161.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_162.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_164.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_165.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_166.jpg

And the construction next stage, is the decals work. Some tamiya decals and some custom for 1970 Acropolis.
http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_167.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_168.jpg

I didn't seal the decals with clear, because my source (a great friend and modeller - Est1976) tell me that the 70's logos are almost matt. The only thing I do, it to semi-seal them, with wax :wink:

Some exterior details follows...
http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_170.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_171.jpg

And finally I manage to close the body with the chassis. Not the easiest work, but all done...
http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_172.jpg

After that, I add some extra components and wires in the engine bay and finish the rear hood...
http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_173.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/AlpineA110/AGB_Alpine_174.jpg

In next post, I 'll present it, finished...
Hope you like it...

PS. Sorry for the lots of photos, but it's a big update...
Have a nice week...

With best regards
George

Great work! I love your attention to detail.

Looking real good George. Can't wait to see it finished. I like the way the door hangs on and the interior and engine bay details are really well done.
Regards, Steve.

Great work! I love your attention to detail.

Looking real good George. Can't wait to see it finished. I like the way the door hangs on and the interior and engine bay details are really well done.
gards, Steve.

Thnaks guys... Pleased that you like it...

And the result is :
http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/A110/AGB_Alpine_175.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/A110/AGB_Alpine_178.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/A110/AGB_Alpine_181.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/A110/AGB_Alpine_182.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/A110/AGB_Alpine_188.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/A110/AGB_Alpine_194.jpg

http://i547.photobucket.com/albums/hh451/gtziaf/A110/AGB_Alpine_197.jpg

Thanks for your support, during the build progress.
Hope you like it... I wait your opinions and your criticism.
Soon, more photos on "Complete" section.
With Best Regards
George

Great job!

I am amazed :worshippy

Very nice and very clean build, George. Keep up the good work my friend.

Lesley

Gorgeous! That's a great model!!

Excellent result. Just one thing, what happened to the chrome trim in front of the rear intakes?
Regards, Steve.

Thanks guys... Pleased about your comments

Excellent result. Just one thing, what happened to the chrome trim in front of the rear intakes?
Regards, Steve.
I 'll try to represent this car... so I remove the chrome trim, If you mean that of course...
http://img51.imageshack.us/img51/4452/49838707.jpg

I also add some photos to complete section (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=6933281#post6933281).
Thanks for your support.