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

Completely unbelievable Eric

By far the is the best 956 I have seen being constructed on several model websites.

Eric, your work and explanations have made me realize that I just have to put a little money aside each month and in 4 months I could have one of these MFH 956 kits.

Please don't spare any work or details from this thread - show us all of it as I'm sure you are so far.

Cheers
John

I think it's obvious by now that I've got a thing for Porsche racing cars, and although my 935-78 will keep me occupied for probably the next couple of years (gulp!), it's a build like this that really makes me want to tackle the 956/962 as 'the next project'.

This is utterly gorgeous, and I can only echo all the other compliments. Yes, they're expensive kits, but you've also got to have the skills and talent to do them justice. From what we've seen so far, I don't think this will be a problem for you, Eric! Me? I'd buy the kit and leave it in the box, worried that I'd make a complete mess of it...

Kudos to anyone who takes on one of these MFH kits!

SB

Thank you guys. I really appreciate the compliments.

Here's a little more progress completed.

Pretty much finished up the wiring and plumbing in the engine/transaxle area. There is a little more plumbing to add to the turbos but it's getting close to done. Once I receive some more A/N Fittings from RBMotion I can finish this up and finish up the front brake cylinders, etc.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/justdande/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151010_212737%201024x694_zps0cuuduyh.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/justdande/media/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151010_212737%201024x694_zps0cuuduyh.jpg.html)
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/justdande/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151010_212811%201024x768_zpsivaz4uqm.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/justdande/media/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151010_212811%201024x768_zpsivaz4uqm.jpg.html)

Also started test fitting the body. First attempt was a little disappointing but at the same time closer than what I expected and I had only set and snapped pieces into place without any adjustments or the screws that hold the parts.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/justdande/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151011_160312%201024x495_zpsxz02asjm.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/justdande/media/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151011_160312%201024x495_zpsxz02asjm.jpg.html)
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/justdande/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151011_160339%201024x512_zpspnk6ujpz.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/justdande/media/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151011_160339%201024x512_zpspnk6ujpz.jpg.html)

I made some adjustments to some of the body parts by sanding and drilling larger holes for locating pins, etc. I got a much better result after an hour or so of working with it. Last, I bent and reshaped the doors for a better fit. Then assembled it all using the appropriate screws and tape for a temporary hold. Here I also only spent about 5 minutes on each door so I feel confident with more time and a Dremel I can make the doors fit.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/justdande/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151011_171012%201024x512_zps8vbynkf2.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/justdande/media/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151011_171012%201024x512_zps8vbynkf2.jpg.html)
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/justdande/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151011_171033%201024x591_zpsz5g5xfnn.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/justdande/media/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151011_171033%201024x591_zpsz5g5xfnn.jpg.html)

Here's the biggest problem with fitting the body parts on my short tail version. The rear engine cover is narrower than the main body piece. Also, the top surface of the rear engine cover sits lower than the main body piece. However, at the top roof line where the engine cover and main body come together they are at the correct height and match up well.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/justdande/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151011_171112%201024x768_zpsmrgwbabl.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/justdande/media/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151011_171112%201024x768_zpsmrgwbabl.jpg.html)
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/justdande/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151011_184147%201024x626%202_zpswzhfqzrh.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/justdande/media/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151011_184147%201024x626%202_zpswzhfqzrh.jpg.htm l)

I will need to widen the engine cover and add height to the engine cover where needed so it all lines up correctly when done. Time for razor saws, plastic sheet and some putty.

Work on the engine cover has started. I considered the various ways of fixing the problem but after talking with my model "co-builders" Brian and Bob we came up with what I think is an easy fix.

Here's the engine cover before modification. You can see that the engine cover is narrower overall but also on the domed section you can see it matches well enough at the top but becomes too narrow towards the bottom.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/justdande/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151011_184147_zpsxjzzkchc.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/justdande/media/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151011_184147_zpsxjzzkchc.jpg.html)
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/justdande/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151011_171112%201024x768_zpsmrgwbabl.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/justdande/media/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151011_171112%201024x768_zpsmrgwbabl.jpg.html)

So, I made patterns of the sides of the engine cover with tape, cut out and added (laminated) thin plastic sheets onto both sides of the engine cover. This is what it looked like after. You can see it's a lot better.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/justdande/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151013_153226_zpsifk5qmhk.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/justdande/media/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151013_153226_zpsifk5qmhk.jpg.html)
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/justdande/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151013_153212_zpsjgwcodi3.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/justdande/media/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151013_153212_zpsjgwcodi3.jpg.html)
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/justdande/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151013_153206_zpso5btrjir.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/justdande/media/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151013_153206_zpso5btrjir.jpg.html)

Then began to add some putty to level things out. For now, just trying to get the height correct and will then work on smoothing and blending it into to the surrounding surfaces.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/justdande/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151013_185149_zpspzsgxkir.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/justdande/media/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151013_185149_zpspzsgxkir.jpg.html)
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/justdande/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151013_185133_zpsltlqilv8.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/justdande/media/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151013_185133_zpsltlqilv8.jpg.html)
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/justdande/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151013_185102_zpsywoxczs7.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/justdande/media/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151013_185102_zpsywoxczs7.jpg.html)

Still a ways to go but it's getting closer and I'm getting more confident I can make this thing sit closed up or opened up (most of the time opened up, of course).

nice fix! what kind of putty did you use?

nice fix! what kind of putty did you use?

Thanks!

It's just a basic "bondo" 2 part type polyester filler and hardener. I'll continue to rough it in with this till I have a good base and correct height then I'll smooth everything out with liquid putty and primers till it's ready for final primer and paint.

I can't think of a superlative that will do it justice! Truly outstanding work so far, Eric. One of the most incredible builds I've seen, EVER. Can't wait for more!

Mike

Finally got most of the body work done and have a good coat of grey primer on the parts to check my work. I's a lot better than original but I still have a little fine tuning to do to get the engine cover where I want it to match up with the main body section.

Here's parts in primer. I think it's a big improvement on how well they fit together. Next I will need to fasten it all in place and modify the doors to fit.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/justdande/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151018_154931_zpsbpzh9joz.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/justdande/media/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151018_154931_zpsbpzh9joz.jpg.html)

Also managed to get a little more plumbing/wiring done up front for the brake/clutch reservoirs and the windshield washer bottle. They may not be accurate but they look better than just frosted clear bottles. Used RBMotion parts for the connectors. Mixed up some clear orange, clear yellow, clear smoke and flat clear then thinned it into a wash and applied a few coats to the reservoirs. I did the same using clear blue, flat clear and thinned it to a wash and applied it to the windshield washer bottle.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/justdande/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151024_155752_zpsqxwyvjtf.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/justdande/media/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151024_155752_zpsqxwyvjtf.jpg.html)

And just because I will want to display the model opened and with the wheels off sometimes, I made some sawhorse style stands for it. Made from aluminum rod, aluminum tube, sheet plastic and some plastic nuts and bolts from Tichy Train Group. Primed and painted Tamiya Red. Sorry for the blurry picture...
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/justdande/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151018_201438_zpss3vqwg2c.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/justdande/media/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151018_201438_zpss3vqwg2c.jpg.html)
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/justdande/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151025_160346_zpspaes8sri.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/justdande/media/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151025_160346_zpspaes8sri.jpg.html)

Fantastic sawhorse stands Eric
did you have dimensions for the sawhorse parts?

Excellent work on the reservoirs, but I wouldn't have painted them with the reduced clear color all the way to the top. I don't know if you will understand me or not.

This is still by far the best MFH 1/12 956 being built on any model forum.

Cheers Eric
John

wow, that's looks like a real thing !!!!

simply amazing work, thanks for sharing.
? = does the kit come with all the hose and fittings and your just replacing them with better aftermarket?

Paul

simply amazing work, thanks for sharing.
? = does the kit come with all the hose and fittings and your just replacing them with better aftermarket?

Paul

Thanks guys.

Most of the hose connectors seen on this build came with the kit. Molded in white metal and the end had to be drilled out. I added a few things like the fittings on the brake calipers and the brake fluid reservoirs. Those were not included in the kit at all.

I got a little bit more work done.

Worked on and tweaked the body a little more and spent a lot of time on fitting the doors. The body is close to fitting and with a little more tweaking and some shims here and there I think I can get it a little closer. I'm not sure I'll ever get the passenger side door to fit though.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/justdande/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151101_140751%201024x512_zpsz3ofgqtv.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/justdande/media/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151101_140751%201024x512_zpsz3ofgqtv.jpg.html)
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/justdande/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151101_140809%201024x645_zpshf5ntley.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/justdande/media/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151101_140809%201024x645_zpshf5ntley.jpg.html)
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/justdande/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151101_140826%201024x772_zpsqnghdbjm.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/justdande/media/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151101_140826%201024x772_zpsqnghdbjm.jpg.html)
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/justdande/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151101_140844%201024x512_zpsuihn2sz9.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/justdande/media/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151101_140844%201024x512_zpsuihn2sz9.jpg.html)
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/justdande/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151101_140857%201024x580_zpsveh7urvg.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/justdande/media/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151101_140857%201024x580_zpsveh7urvg.jpg.html)

However, all of the wiring and plumbing I wanted to do is finally complete on the chassis.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/justdande/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151101_142620%201024x768_zpssns641rx.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/justdande/media/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151101_142620%201024x768_zpssns641rx.jpg.html)
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/justdande/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151101_142612%201024x886_zpsifjnuvs2.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/justdande/media/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151101_142612%201024x886_zpsifjnuvs2.jpg.html)
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/justdande/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151101_142646%201024x706_zps7fx6m8ij.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/justdande/media/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151101_142646%201024x706_zps7fx6m8ij.jpg.html)
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/justdande/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151101_142711%201024x635_zpsri29zzy7.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/justdande/media/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151101_142711%201024x635_zpsri29zzy7.jpg.html)

...and a couple pictures of the finished chassis without all the background mess.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/justdande/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151101_142343%201024x512_zpsmk8bp5xt.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/justdande/media/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151101_142343%201024x512_zpsmk8bp5xt.jpg.html)
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/justdande/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151101_142410%201024x576_zps293rbkzp.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/justdande/media/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151101_142410%201024x576_zps293rbkzp.jpg.html)

Incredible work!

Photos are not visible :(

Photos are not visible :(

I'm not sure why unless I've reached my bandwidth on my "free" account and therefore the images won't show up.

Photo's are back.

Photos are not visible :(

Check your AF account and maybe your internet modem - the pictures are available to the rest of the AF members I believe - I have had no problem with pictures for any thread on AF

Sometimes I will get a small White and green box under the writing "text" of the thread - if you left click on them with your mouse and the do a "refresh" on the page I will get the picture to open up when the page reboots.

Hope this helps newbie
Cheers
John

The photos not showing was my fault :uhoh: I was using a free photo hosting site and had reached my 10gb bandwidth limit so the photo's didn't show up. I upgraded to a paid account and now they're back.

Color going on. Painted white first then used Zero Paints NewMan Yellow. Body was taped together to allow the white stripes to be laid out. The kit has decals for the white stripes but I chose to paint them. There are a few small areas that need to be cleaned up. Tonight I'll spray the black on the engine cover, wing, etc.

Thanks for looking...

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/justdande/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151108_105745%202%201024x768_zps8cmse6mm.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/justdande/media/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151108_105745%202%201024x768_zps8cmse6mm.jpg.htm l)
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/justdande/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151108_183308%202%201024x768_zpsll3uufnb.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/justdande/media/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151108_183308%202%201024x768_zpsll3uufnb.jpg.htm l)
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/justdande/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151108_190552%202%201024x768_zps9wblf9dm.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/justdande/media/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151108_190552%202%201024x768_zps9wblf9dm.jpg.htm l)

wonderful,simply wonderful eric !

Thanks.

Black paint is on, sorry for the bad picture. Got a little bleed under the tape in the corners because of my on impatience. I can fix it. I'll color sand it a little to knock down the edges and smooth the surface and clear it all tomorrow night. Trying my best to finish this thing in time for a show in 5 days.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/justdande/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151109_195340%202%201024x768_zpsxpkomtys.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/justdande/media/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151109_195340%202%201024x768_zpsxpkomtys.jpg.htm l)

Eric - excellent masking of the white stripes on the yellow portions of the car - it really is too bad that you had some bleeding of the black in the corners on the rear cowl white stripe.

With your skills - I know this will be an easy fix

What brand and type of tape are you using for the masking you do?
How did you manage the perfect radius of the corners on the front cowl white painted area at the closest edge to the front of the car?

Really excellent work all throughout this build Eric
You have convinced me to save some money and get one of these.

Cheers
John

Eric - excellent masking of the white stripes on the yellow portions of the car - it really is too bad that you had some bleeding of the black in the corners on the rear cowl white stripe.

With your skills - I know this will be an easy fix

What brand and type of tape are you using for the masking you do?
How did you manage the perfect radius of the corners on the front cowl white painted area at the closest edge to the front of the car?

Really excellent work all throughout this build Eric
You have convinced me to save some money and get one of these.

Cheers
John

Thanks John. Yes, in my carelessness I forgot to to double check that the tape was sealed around all edges before I sprayed the paint. However, a little wet sanding along the black edge removed most of the bleed through and a touch up of white paint fixed the rest of it. It's resolved now and ready for clear coating.

I use Tamiya tape of various widths for masking most of the time. Sometimes I use Bare Metal Foil as a mask. In this case it was all Tamiya tape. For the area at the front of the car I actually made a pattern from the tape using the decal to make the pattern. I cut out the decal, traced it onto the tape, cut the tape to the shape and applied it to the car.

Wow, what a great job. I am glad that I might see this thing in person. I have never seen one of these big MFH's in person. I have been hoping that you would have this ready. Good luck with the rest and I hope to see it Saturday.

Getting so close to having this thing done and I am so ready to be complete and move on to a new project.

Got the black overspray touched up and the body parts in clear. Here, the clear is a little orange peel like but there's enough clear on it for me to wet sand and polish it out nicely.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/justdande/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151110_210919_zpseyp0aray.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/justdande/media/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151110_210919_zpseyp0aray.jpg.html)
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/justdande/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151110_211014_zpsktrsnaay.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/justdande/media/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151110_211014_zpsktrsnaay.jpg.html)
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/justdande/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151110_210930_zps3i0qnolt.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/justdande/media/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151110_210930_zps3i0qnolt.jpg.html)
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/justdande/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151110_210902_zpscel6s04w.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/justdande/media/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151110_210902_zpscel6s04w.jpg.html)

Polishing was completed over a two day period. The black details like headlight areas, top of the dash, etc., were painted and the decals are going on.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/justdande/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151113_133100_zpsyhoucmkk.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/justdande/media/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151113_133100_zpsyhoucmkk.jpg.html)

All the decals were applied and sliced along the appropriate panel lines and openings. I didn't have any issues with the decals being brittle or cracking. The only issue I had was a small area of decal that was damaged on the decal sheet and will require a touch up on the body. With all the parts polished and all the decals on, final assembly of the body was started.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/justdande/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151113_204057_zpshp2nc8k7.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/justdande/media/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151113_204057_zpshp2nc8k7.jpg.html)

I was trying really hard to have it completed for a model show that was held on Saturday 11/15. I didn't quite get the model finished but I was 99% there and took it to the show anyway. It was lacking side windows, headlight covers, side mirrors, windshield wiper and exhaust tips. Here's my very bad and out of focus photo of the model displayed at the show.
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y197/justdande/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151114_102211_zpsn5ukf0w9.jpg (http://s5.photobucket.com/user/justdande/media/MFH%2012th%20Scale%20Porsche%20956/20151114_102211_zpsn5ukf0w9.jpg.html)

I will get the model 100% completed this weekend and the next set of photos will be of a completed model.

naaahh..I dont like it.









I LOVE IT !!!!! :)

that's a great way to display the car! :) love how it turned-out.