-=And so it begins: 350Z streetDRAGON=-

:boink: :: Welcome to the progress thread for my 350Z streetDRAGON :: :boink:

Just got the Tamiya kit today - I can finally start. This is my second model ever, but it'll kick ass! I will be posting my progress at least once every day so keep coming back to see the best 350Z you've ever seen. By the way, the body color will be Camel Yellow.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/112163progress01.jpg

Here's what I got:
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/112163etched.jpg
Studio 27 photo etched upgrade

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/112163preview.jpg
My custom designed (by me :smile: ) decals (blue is trasparent). Still have to get them printed somewhere...

http://www.scaleautostyle.com/images/350_transkit.jpg
ScaleAutoStyle body kit

http://www.best1hobby.com/image/aoshima/ao24768.gif
Aoshima Work Rezax II 18"

http://www.scaleautostyle.com/images/high_double_wing3.jpg
GT WIng from FF Supra (it's not it in the pic, but it's almost like it)

http://www.pcmodeler.com/diary/tuner.jpg
Tuner decals in black and yellow from PCmodeler

You don't wanna miss this one... :boink:

sweeeeeeeeeet! when this is completed its gonna be friggin awsome!!! i love the decals i cant wait till this ones done

"the best 350Z you've ever seen. " is a pretty big claim. Looks like you got your work cut out for yourself.

"the best 350Z you've ever seen. " is a pretty big claim. Looks like you got your work cut out for yourself.

Yes, you have. Especially with that chunky spoiler coming off the AMT Supra. I certainly hope it comes out as well as you claim.

I'll be watching this one very closely :sly: I now have my very own 350Z kit waiting. I got the kit, the PE parts and the wheels...but about ten other projects to finish first :iceslolan

Those Dragon decals look pretty cool :smokin:

this project is gonna be pretty crazy looking. WHat color is it gonna be?

Since I can't work on the body (the body kit hasn't arrived yet), I started with the bottom...here's what I got done in the last 2 hours (it looks better in life than in these pics - bad light or smth):

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/112163progress02.jpg

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/112163progress03_copy.jpg

I'm supposed to pain most of the bottom in body color but I thought it would look better to have a red bottom and yellow top...what do you think?

Very nice. Are you brush painting the chasis? you don't like to use spray can/airbrush?

Lookign good.

Very good painting.. especially the exhaust system.

Very nice. Are you brush painting the chasis? you don't like to use spray can/airbrush?

How the hell would I paint that with a spray can? Plus, I don't have an airbrush...

This is an ambitious project for only your 2nd model, particularly with that resin bodykit - one of the trickiest to fit! Take your time and it should turn out good.

How the hell would I paint that with a spray can? Plus, I don't have an airbrush...
paint the base color with spray the mask and spray... OR you can spray then paint details with paintbrush

Since I can't work on the body (the body kit hasn't arrived yet), I started with the bottom...here's what I got done in the last 2 hours (it looks better in life than in these pics - bad light or smth):

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/112163progress02.jpg

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/112163progress03_copy.jpg

I'm supposed to pain most of the bottom in body color but I thought it would look better to have a red bottom and yellow top...what do you think?

No way! Paint it all body color. Make it authentic.

With all the parts you got for this, this is going to be just awesome.
I've waiting for this buid for a while now. I'm going to have to check in here everyday.

You can spray various details be utilizing cerfull masking... here is an example of chasis for 350Z that was spray painted (out of a rattle can)

http://images.cardomain.com/member_images/7/web/211000-211999/211341_61_full.jpg

you can also spray separation lines, center console and other irregular surfaces. Spray painting can yeild a more realistic results, as 1:1 cars are also sprayed. Here is another example of a separation line achieved by masking:
http://images.cardomain.com/member_images/7/web/211000-211999/211341_58_full.jpg

No way! Paint it all body color. Make it authentic.

This is a modded/customized/tricked out car...the chassis color is one of the modifications. You'll see, it'll look sweet with camel yellow body and red decals.

I think it looks good. As much as I like the technical parts of modeling (I love doing engine, suspension etc.) I was never a perfectionist when it came to the under-surface for some reason. Yours looks good and presentable, but if you wanna win like MOTY, thats the kinda stuff that eventually needs to be focused on. anyways great job so far, looking forward to seeing your take on the 350Z.

Some new pics - finished the breaks. Still haven't received the Aoshima 18's, probably tomorrow, they'll look better than these.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/112163progress04.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/112163progress05.jpg

Looks really good dude. Is the muffler on the 350Z really back? I thought that it was chrome?

says in the manual to paint it semi-gloss black

Here's the steering wheel:

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/112163progress06.jpg

The dashboard will be black/red...should look nice. I'll post pics of it in 2 hours or so...

Here's the dashboard like prmoissed. I should have used flat black instead of semi-gloss tho... :banghead: I used the right-wheel one cuz I messed up the paint on the other one (painted it with a spray can)
Forgot to paint the little things on the side of the thing with three circles (the speedometer, etc), I'll go do that now.

Post your comments :iceslolan

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/112163progress07.jpg

looks good. i brush paint my interiors too until i can afford a good airbrush set.

If you want the dash to have a flat black look, just go to your local hobby shop and buy some Testors Dullcoat. I've used it on my models, works great, makes your car interior look like vinyl.

Finished the seats - flat red/black - and half of the interior. Pretty bad paint job on the seats and the luggage area tho - it's hard to cover black plastic with red paint, too about 7 layers with a brush. Hope it looks ok when all is put together. I'll post pictures as soon as I finish the interior - around noon tomorrow. I will take pics outside for better light - that dashboard pic doesn't do justice to the real thing - the light sucked.
Anyway, good night.

says in the manual to paint it semi-gloss black

I didn't know that. I thought that all mufflers where like chrome, or steel, or something like that. I guess not.

Interior dash is looking good. Looks like your making some good progress on this car.

If you wanta model to turn out PERFECT you airbrush EVERY last part, including the smallest one. I am in the process of building a Ferrari Testorosa 521 TR and once I airbrush the interior pieces I can finnaly start pieceing it together. Its not a cheap approach, but if you want a modle to be perfect, you airbrush every piece, wait for it to dry and TAKE YOUR SWEET time building the thing. I havent built a model in 1 year my last one was the Revell Drag car, let me tell you i was impressed with my own results, Ive buitl about 30 models before, and you dont start seeing the perfection until after about 10 mdels, anyhow, I quit building and now found this Fererrai for cheap at a agarage sale and it being my fav car I bought it. Its turning out great so far. Ill get some pics up when Im done. Good luck on your project and remeber take your time..

btw the most recent pic of the chassis you posted loks WAYY better than the 1st ones you posted for some reason, must be the light like u said.

If you wanta model to turn out PERFECT you airbrush EVERY last part, including the smallest one. I am in the process of building a Ferrari Testorosa 521 TR and once I airbrush the interior pieces I can finnaly start pieceing it together. Its not a cheap approach, but if you want a modle to be perfect, you airbrush every piece, wait for it to dry and TAKE YOUR SWEET time building the thing. I havent built a model in 1 year my last one was the Revell Drag car, let me tell you i was impressed with my own results, Ive buitl about 30 models before, and you dont start seeing the perfection until after about 10 mdels, anyhow, I quit building and now found this Fererrai for cheap at a agarage sale and it being my fav car I bought it. Its turning out great so far. Ill get some pics up when Im done. Good luck on your project and remeber take your time..

I know all about how airbrushing is better but this is my last model (won't explain why) and I don't want to buy any more stuff just for one model - I've already spent about $120 on this 350Z. So I will do this one with brushes and try to make it look as good as possible. The exterior will be spray painted tho.

Here are 3 "new" pics, taken outside so they do look better: the dashboard, again; the chassis, 3rd time; and a preview of the interior with seats. I would like to add black lines in the seats, but I'm afraid I'll mess up with a brush - I'm gonna buy a thin 'sharpie' or a paint marker. I will use the manual transmission...the car being a street racer and all :rolleyes:

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/112163progress11.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/112163progress10.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/112163progress09.jpg
I'll start working on it in about 2 hours, after I do some french...

Just placed an order for the decal sheet - $26! I think it's gonna be worth it though - my last model...it's gotta be kick-ass :iceslolan

Finishing up the interior, will post pics in about 2 hours...

Seems like I'm talking to myself here - no comments in a while...come on people, what do you think of that dash! Hehe, I love the way the interior is looking, way better than the one I would have if I followed the instructions.

Damn :evillol: this might become a very bitchin' (pardon my french)car! I think the interior looks really really good :thumbsup: and by the look of your Enzo I bet the paint job will be amazing :D. Keep up the good work.

Here's the interior...WHO'S UR DADDY!!! Like my shit knob?
(I'll take pics of it outside tomrrow, it'll look even better)

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/112163int-3.jpg

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/112163int-2.jpg

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/112163int-1.jpg

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/112163int-4.jpg

Now I just have to wait for the body kit to arrive...not much else to do. Should be 2 days max.

great shit knob! lol sorry i had to.
cant wait to see the decals on the body.

great shit knob! lol sorry i had to.
cant wait to see the decals on the body.

*shift knob. :nono:

knarley!... looking forward to more

Here's the interior...WHO'S UR DADDY!!! Like my shit knob?

http://www.ratdat.com/smilies/roflmao.gif http://www.ratdat.com/smilies/roflmao.gif http://www.ratdat.com/smilies/roflmao.gif http://www.ratdat.com/smilies/roflmao.gif

You have won typo of the month! http://www.ratdat.com/smilies/gold_cup.gif

BTW, the interior looks superb ...excellent work! :bigthumb:

Just an update: the dirty orange graphics on the decal sheet will be printed in metallic gold - should look pretty cool.

I love that interior all put together and finished. Can't wait till you start on the body.

Clean interior.. Yea, the shit knob looks great :rofl:

omg man that looks badass. I LOVE the interior, the gauges and whole dashboard looks killer. The red/black int. wit the gray ext. is a great isea havent seen many models wit that.

hey Artem, ur wing is in the mail, but is that an Alienware mouse in 1 of ur pix?

hey Artem, ur wing is in the mail, but is that an Alienware mouse in 1 of ur pix?

dont think so... looks just like my microsoft optical mouse... only green

hey Artem, ur wing is in the mail, but is that an Alienware mouse in 1 of ur pix?

Thx. The mouse is a custom IntelliMouse from Microsoft - green, to match my keyboard and tower - on my Ferrari mouse pad. :iceslolan
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/112163mouse.jpg

Finally got my Rezax II's! Very pleased, way better than the previous Aoshima's I got.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/112163rezax-1.jpg
Check em out on the DRAGON:
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/112163rezax-oncar.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/112163rezax-oncar2.jpg
:iceslolan :iceslolan

sexyness

omg man that looks badass. I LOVE the interior, the gauges and whole dashboard looks killer. The red/black int. wit the gray ext. is a great isea havent seen many models wit that.

Thx for the comments. Except the exterior will be Tamiya's Camel Yellow with red flame and gold dragon decals - look at the very first post, it's all there.

You look at interior like that, and wonder why even try. ;) Great job, that looks so real!

I'm impressed. Yeah the interior is too nice to put inside a car.

the treads are facing the wrong direction. other than that, good progress.

the treads are facing the wrong direction. other than that, good progress.

Oh yeah, the chasis in the directions were upside-down...thx for pointing out.

Those rims are sweet. I love those. I'm going to have a get a bunch of them.

With all of the interior done, I have nothing else to do until I got the body kit...the only thing I will do today (if I don't receive the kit) is to paint the window borders black.

I got a question about the body kit (see 1st post for pic). What do I use to cut the original parts out and what do I use to attach the new ones? Cement, super glue or something else? I don't have any putty and won't buy any...so that's not an option.

Seems like my order from eHobbies hasn't shipped yet!!! I've placed the order on Nov 26...they suck. It's the camel yellow paint, sanding paper, polishing compound and something else... I don't recommend ordering from them, this is the second time they are taking over 8 days to ship.

Looks great so far, good job.
Can't wait to see it finished.

Cheers.

Orlando

Thanks for all the comments - I'm glad you like it. My decals have been mailed this morning via priority, should get em Mon or Tue the latest.

Got the wing today, not the best quality but it'll work when I polish and paint it.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/112163wing.jpg
Also, painted the glass - the hardest part for me. When I took off all the masking tape after spray=painting, there were about 14 places where the pain leaked and it tool me 40 min to get most of it cleaned out, scratching the plastic while doing it. :mad: I can never get it to work for some reason...
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/112163progress16.jpg
Here are a few pics which the body and the glass 'on' (not glued, so it's loose). The rims are my fav part so far...
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/112163progress15.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/112163progress17.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/112163progress19.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/112163progress20.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/112163progress18.jpg

geez... model must be pretty good if it makes me gasp even without paint on it!... i think this MAY be the best 350z... just like you said... we'll find out tho

The car looks great in the mock-up you have, which makes me think that perhaps it doesn't need the SAS bodykit, the wing, or the decals. The Camel Yellow paintjob, I'd think, would top off the car as is very nicely.

Less is more, some great person said a long time ago.

I think it needs a lil lowering, about 1-2'' scale drop and it'll go nicely, but maybe with the kit you wont need it.

Man, that interior is awesome!! VERY clean!