Tamiya's killer Mercedes Benz S600 coupe

This is a model that blew me away w/it's scale fidelity when I built it in '97. I built it to compete at the GSL in the box stock class-it's really the only time I specifically built a model to compete at a particular show. I was quite surprised to receive 1st place in box stock, and best paint awards for it-the competition at that show is fierce, the models on the tables there are the best you can imagine-yet it's a very fun and laid-back show. If you can ever make it (it's running this weekend), it's well worth the trip.

This is the first kit that I ever detailed every single part like it was a model unto itself. I looked at the 1:1 cars at the dealership on a Sunday morning and took copious notes. I paint detailed everything, including the little etched safety markings at the base of the side glass, and I even paint detailed wheel weights and VIN tag. I weathered the chassis so that it would look like a slightly used new car that's been through a few rainstorms. I couldn't use flocking, so I had to use textured paint for the carpet. This model was fun to build, because there were no assembly issues; all I had to concentrate on was the finish of each part. Paint is custom-mixed Testors enamels and clear (and though I primarily use Tamiya and automotive paints now, this is still my best, smoothest and most in-scale paint job ever), the lower fascias and side cladding are painted in more of a satin/semi-gloss finish. Some of the pics are new, some are old.

http://images9.fotki.com/v172/photos/1/10258/17860/DSCN6509-vi.jpg
http://images9.fotki.com/v168/photos/1/10258/17860/DSCN6510-vi.jpg
http://images9.fotki.com/v178/photos/1/10258/17860/DSCN6511-vi.jpg
http://images9.fotki.com/v176/photos/1/10258/17860/DSCN6512-vi.jpg
http://images1.fotki.com/v8/photos/1/10258/17860/MB600SECchassis-vi.jpg
http://images9.fotki.com/v175/photos/1/10258/17860/DSCN6513-vi.jpg
http://images1.fotki.com/v9/photos/1/10258/17860/MB600SECopen-vi.jpg
http://images1.fotki.com/v8/photos/1/10258/17860/MB600SECs-vi.jpg

This is a really nice kit to build. Your build looks awesome, great job.

Mike :sunglasse

hot sexy!!!

very unique car...nice build :sunglasse

Beautiful! Thanks for posting all your back models. I am enjoying them!

Very easy to see how it won those awards, especially best paint. Congrats!

wow, this looks freakin' realistic!!

Always a joy to view your models ZZ

you did an ammazing job

damn that looks nice, got any pics of the model ? j/k.
i just ordered a S600Sec 4-door, 500Sec and 500Sec lorinser, im glad now, since ive seen what the engine will look like in the '600. thats a great model you have there. entering into any competitions ?

BeautifuL:) Perfect colors:) Detail looks amazing.

Clean build! Cleaner than..eh..a surgeons operating table ;)

Nice Build!! Looks like a real car!!

Very cooL!

Bob that looks fantastic. I can see why it garnered awards. The paint is very nice and the execution, wow.
Chris

Hi !

Your name is Bob ? Right ?
I saw your models before (it was carmodel gallery...?).
This SEC won some prize - best painting ??

Very, very realistic interior - you made it in the perfect way.
And perfect paint job. The colours of the body is almost the same as real automotive paint. I'm still looking for this model (and AMG's version) but I can't find it :(. I have two 600SEL sedans (models of course) but coupe is an amazing car. Mayby some day...
This chrome on trim - is it BMF or chrome paint ?

Congratulations
Mr Benz / Michal (Mercedes' enthusiast)

BoB Did you see my Black MB SLK ?

Hi !

Your name is Bob ? Right ?
I saw your models before (it was carmodel gallery...?).
This SEC won some prize - best painting ??

Very, very realistic interior - you made it in the perfect way.
And perfect paint job. The colours of the body is almost the same as real automotive paint. I'm still looking for this model (and AMG's version) but I can't find it :(. I have two 600SEL sedans (models of course) but coupe is an amazing car. Mayby some day...
This chrome on trim - is it BMF or chrome paint ?

Congratulations
Mr Benz / Michal (Mercedes' enthusiast)

BoB Did you see my Black MB SLK ?

Thanks for all the comments everyone!

Yes, nice work so far on your SLK. I built a Tamiya SLK (when it came out years ago), but I hate the rims I put on it and won't show it until I get some better looking wheels on it.

BTW, yes my name is Bob Downie. This model won best paint and 1st place out-of-box at the GSL in '97. I've not entered it in any contests since then, though I have displayed it at several shows in a non-competitive environment. I was told by one of the judges that the reason it won best paint was beyond just the shiny green (which is as perfect as I can ever get w/paint), was that all of the paint colors, textures, and finishes (especially interior) were done so convincingly to make the car look like an actual miniature. I've been lazy ever since then, I haven't gone that far detailing a model since it's so time consuming. I have the Tamiya Enzo and a couple of Fujimi Enthusiast Porsches that someday will get this level of finish...someday.

The chrome is Bare Metal Foil.

Hello !

I tell You something Bob !

I started with car modeling because few yars ago I saw pictures of this Green SEC ! Realy ! :smooch:

And I thought "I can make the same brilant shine models as he can"
I'm still learning to paint, modificate etc. my models. But now my models are shining as brigt as your green SEC ; -))

I say "thank You Bob" ;-)))

WOW, simply....WOW! I bet if you did some careful out doors shots that could very easily be mistaken for the real thing. how did you get such definition of the bare metal foil? very deserving of the awards recieved.

it is so realistic!!
Top Job!!
May I ask... about the foil trims around windows. Did you paint it black first and then foil on it?
Pls advise the tips !!!

many thanks!

Hello !

I tell You something Bob !

I started with car modeling because few yars ago I saw pictures of this Green SEC ! Realy ! :smooch:

And I thought "I can make the same brilant shine models as he can"
I'm still learning to paint, modificate etc. my models. But now my models are shining as brigt as your green SEC ; -))

I say "thank You Bob" ;-)))

Thanks! That's the best way to learn how to be a great modeler-look at what others can do-research the subject, ask questions, practice, and eventually your results will speak for themselves.



May I ask... about the foil trims around windows. Did you paint it black first and then foil on it?
Pls advise the tips !!!


Yes, I painted the black trim before applying the bare metal foil. The foil has to be done slowly/carefully, I cut thin strips, apply and burnish with a cotton swab, and then carefully trim any excess. The slower and more deliberate you are with applying/trimming the foil, the better the results. Like decals, it's not so difficult as it is time-consuming to do it right.

How much for it :biggrin:

It is absolutely stunning dude. i really like it. What scale is it, and can you do some close-ups of those saftey etchings etc? if it is 1/18, that's seems really difficult to do. How'd you do that?

Awesome (as usual). I hope that I will be able to attend one of these contests one day. Purely for the opportunity to see such amazing builds in person. Surely the people would also be interesting and fun.

Thanks for the pics.

Murray

Not trying to be a party pooper ,but your not suppose to ost pictures of real cars here man. J/K... LOL... That is prolly one of the nicest builds Ive seen on here yet. Now I know who to send my enzo to once it gets here. LOL... Fantastic build...

The newer pics look awesome.
Fantastic work as always. :)

Very nice..!! Looks like a real car. I like the older merc cars.. Sure to be a true classic one day.

Nice!

Sick sweet mother of god thats nice, keep'em comin.

Thanks! That's the best way to learn how to be a great modeler-look at what others can do-research the subject, ask questions, practice, and eventually your results will speak for themselves.



Yes, I painted the black trim before applying the bare metal foil. The foil has to be done slowly/carefully, I cut thin strips, apply and burnish with a cotton swab, and then carefully trim any excess. The slower and more deliberate you are with applying/trimming the foil, the better the results. Like decals, it's not so difficult as it is time-consuming to do it right.

Thanks for the tips and details. I must practice more!!
Pls show us more of your good work!! :smile:

Fabulous work, it looks real. My wife thought i was looking at buying a new car, as if I could afford one of those anyway. Well done.

excellent!
very realistic!
Love the engine room!
this car is getting rare in HK~

wow i'v got tp get one of those...

there's two floating around on ebay, i just recieved my 4 door version, soon to be like a dtm car. these kits have such beautiful engines, i dont dare build my V-12 yet...

looks like a real car especially the interior. the texture of the seats are so realistic.