In Progress: Tamiya Ferrari F40

And now, for my next trick: Tamiya's 1/24 F40.


http://img290.echo.cx/img290/6924/11010677rl.jpg


V8 Ferraris have long been a passion of mine, and the F40 is probably my very favorite Ferrari of all (with the possible exception of the F355 GTS). This kit, coincidentally, is also an old favorite of mine (I built one when it first came out, for the front window of the hobby shop I worked for at the time- unfortunately, I never did get it back). It was copywritten in 1988, and is perhaps getting a bit long in the tooth when placed next to Tamiya's more recent releases, such as the Enzo, or even the F50. However, it is still an excellent kit, and is a terrific start for a super detail build. It has some shortcomings, such as the headlights and turbos, but I'll call these out as I get to them, and post lots of pics as I deal with them. I'm planning to build and post this one in at least as much detail as I did for my F50 build. The F50 though, I tried to keep as out-of-the-box as possible. I make no such promises for this one.... :grinno:

First off, the bodywork. Yes, it will be Rosso Corsa. Tamiya seems to have gotten alot of milage out of the molds for this kit. Best as I can tell, it's been in production continuously since the kit was introduced. As a result, some of the parts are not quite as sharp, or have a bit more flash, than they once did. The bodywork in particular has alot of surface irregularities. So, everything gets ground flat with sanding sticks. No more shiney spots!


http://img186.echo.cx/img186/4387/11111262mu.jpg

Not very exciting, really.

Next, however, it's time to deal with the headlights. This is one of the major shortcuts Tamiya took with this kit. All that the kit includes for the driving lights and turn signals are flat clear plastic 'lenses' with posts in the center, intended to be glued in place against a flat area painted silver. Not very convincing. I've long thought that decent headlights are a rather importaint feature on a model. If done wrong, they tend to catch the eye, and they always remind you that you're looking at a just model and not the real thing, So, something has to be done- and, as it will require some body modifications, best do it now before painting.


http://img191.echo.cx/img191/4472/11111232zz.jpg

Here, I've put the kit parts in place, and have traced around them with a scriber (I use a sewing needle in a pin vise). Then, I filed away everything inside the scribed rectangles with jeweler's files.

Now for the reflectors. I'm planning to make good use of the lathe and mill on this build. For those of you curious about machining, I'll show how I'm making parts. I start with a bit of aluminum rod chucked in the lathe, which is then center drilled with a largeish diameter drill bit. Then the chuck (serving as a milling vise) is mounted on the milling table, and the rod is machined with an end mill to a rectangle with the dimensions of the kit lens.

http://img139.echo.cx/img139/8125/11010814do.jpg


The result:

http://img57.echo.cx/img57/5601/11010807go.jpg


Here, the new reflector is being cut off of the rest of the luminum rod on the lathe.

http://img139.echo.cx/img139/7832/11010822fz.jpg

And the finished parts:

http://img259.echo.cx/img259/4749/11111222wl.jpg


The turn signal reflector is made the same way, except that instead of being center drilled first, the reflector curve is simply cut with an end mill.


http://img259.echo.cx/img259/6051/11111206mf.jpg

The reflectors in place. Has a bit of a gleam in its eye now.

There's much, much more to come. Enjoy!

Amazing work mate!!!
I sure can learn a few things here..i'll be sure to follow ;)

Sweet this looks like its going to be very interesting, not to mention highly detailed.... Cant wait to see more..........

You're at it again! It's coming along nicely.

Dam, this seems like it's going to be really detailed. Great work on the lights so far.

Frank X.

If the this is going to be anything like the F50, I can't wait to see the finished product :).

Wooww... it´s a professional work!!!

Mmmmmm....greatness on the way!!:sunglasse

damn definetly going to follow this thread, just like the f50 this one should be amazing, hey you should make another set of those lights. I'll buy em!!!

Well, this one will be a treat to watch all the way! Looking forward to the next update. Good work on thoose headlights and turn signals, it looks so easy when someone who knows the buisness does it!

Niclas

nice work man if i had a laith and a good model car that i was working on i would use this method real nice stuff!

OMG, here we go again!!! Keep us posted!

WooT... Im going to love this one to...

Wow - this going to be another great build to follow!

Another excellent build is on the way. Are you going to use the Studio27 etch parts? Great job on the headlights, I'm thinking of doing the same thing myself, but only using resin or plastic. I'll be following his thread.

He's probably going to make his own parts. This looks like a real fun kit. One of our local hobby shops had this kit, thought about picking it up, but once again, the prices on these higher end Tamiya's are way to high. Seriously, why pay 50 bucks just to have a more detailed 1:24. Though that might just be me, we don't need to worry about. Let's just keep focus on this kit. Keep them updates coming.

The kit is $10 on eBay, come on...
Excellent work on the headlights, simply superb. I'll be watching this one, I have few F40's in mind! Good luck with the project, I know its goign to be a great one.

MPWR - I'm laughing to myself already as I imagine all of our sore jaws as they hit the floor with each new update on this build :)
I can't wait!
stevenski

This will look awesome, great start ;)

Thanks for all the comments, guys! I've been looking forward to and planning this build for a while now. I'll do my best not to disappoint!

So....
Time for an update, then. More corrective surgery, the side windows this time. This is the second of the three significant shortcomings of this kit that I think need really to be corrected (the third, the turbos, we'll get to in good time!).

This is what the kit parts give you:

http://img257.echo.cx/img257/9117/11111312ed.jpg


Notice the wide flange below the rear quarter window?

http://img257.echo.cx/img257/3006/11111295wm.jpg

That flange is supposed to be body color. The kit instructions indicate to just paint it before installing the window. Obviously, this is going to leave a bit of a gap. So, there are three options:

1. Live with it, and hope the gap isn't particularly visible-
2. Install the side windows now, mask them heavily for protection, fill and sand the gap, and paint the body with the windows masked in place, or-
3. Copy the shape of the flange from the window, remove it from the window, recreate the flange on the body, and sand/fill/prime to fit.

Of course, I choose the most invasive route (more elective surgery! :rolleyes:) Here's how I'm going about it:


http://img257.echo.cx/img257/9082/11111324hy.jpg

First, cover the flange with masking tape.


http://img127.echo.cx/img127/8021/11111332fj.jpg

Then, cut and trim said masking tape to shape.


http://img127.echo.cx/img127/345/11111342dn.jpg


The flange shaped bit of masking tape is then peeled away, and stuck to a piece of sheet styrene, to be used as a pattern. I'm using 0.040" thick, to give the finished part a bit of strength- it is going to undergo a fair amount of filling and sanding when mounted on the body.


http://img127.echo.cx/img127/5471/11111370pn.jpg

Here are the new flanges, ready to be insalled on the body.


http://img127.echo.cx/img127/9485/11111381mv.jpg

Next, the windows are carefully masked, and the offending areas are then removed with Dremel tool and sanding sticks. I've masked the windows with vinyl painter's tape- it's nasty stuff for masking (at least in scale modeling), but it's a good bit more resilient than Tamiya tape or the like- I want to remove as few unnecissary scratches from the windows as possible.


http://img221.echo.cx/img221/8172/11111395eq.jpg

Here's the flange mounted in place, and the newly flangeless window.


http://img164.echo.cx/img164/3531/11111407el.jpg

And here is the window trial fitted in place (Yes! It fits! :ylsuper: )

(Am I posting too many pics?)

A little bit more bodywork and it can be painted. Then, I can really start this build. :naughty:

Enjoy!

Excellent. Definite improvement. I wanted to do the same on my next F40 build!

Nice modification!

Ahhhhhhhh :)
Too many pics? Are you joking!?!? I want a video/mpeg of this build!
Out of curiosity, how long did that re-work take you?
stevenski

This is a very interesting build up.
I was thinking of doing a detailed Tamiya F40 sometime so this is a good lesson..

I am dissapointed.. you are nto going to open the doors, fuel filler door, make working ignition and functioning door latches??? After your F50 I am expecting a fully functional engine that will turn over with the 1/24 scale ignition key :)

Too many pics???? That's just crazy-talk.

Nice job. Thanks for taking the time to put it together.

Now you've got me pricing out lathes and mills again.... (wife won't be happy....)

Murray

this is going to turn out to be awesome, thanks for taking the time to show us the steps

I am going to keep my eyes on this thread! This are going to turn out great! And then i know how to do when I am going to build my F40 later on. Keep up the awesome work!

I have a Q. the rear window in this kit, dose it have louvers? One of my trip's up to Lambo of Dallas I got into the shop where the owner (who lives down the street from me) has one of the Prototype F40's in there. Anyway I got some photos that Ill try to get up or can E-mail to you if you like. Anyway I think only the prototypes and LM's have Louvers in the rear windows. Also I think only the prototypes or the very early cars had slide window’s like in the kit.
*ED*
I found some more photos of F40's and see that they all have the Louvers but I still think that with the sliding glass this might be of the prototype's.

Thanks, guys!

slk320- Nah, not on this one. I have to leave something for the Fujimi 1/16 version I have stashed away....

Murray Kish- Pricing machine tools, eh? Just wait 'till you see what I have planned for the brakes! Seriously, if you're really looking, I'd be happy to offer some advice on it. PM me if you want.

klutz_100- This bit took a bit over an hour- once I decided how to do it. Might have been quicker without taking pics.

druid_99- Perhaps against my better judgement, I've ordered the S27 set. Much of it I'm sure I won't use for this build, but there are a couple of details (like oil cooler logos) that I want.

Samurai75007- I'd love to see any pics you have of the prototype. I wouldn't have guessed that the prototypes would carry the EPA certifications for import into the US (close enough to the production model, maybe). As best as my research has turned up, the sliding side windows were not just a prototype feature, but also an option on the production models. It saved weight over the roll down windows. The production model was also availibe without air conditioning (I believe) for the same reason. I'm pretty sure the Tamiya kit was based on the prototypes- there are a couple of features in the engine, such as the smaller air filter boxes, that suggest this. I may correct some, and leave others. I kinda like the sliding windows, though. It adds to the 'street legal track car' (instead of trackable street car) feel of the F40 that's always appealed to me.

Ill see if I can get them up on my server today, there are no registration or licensing stickers on it, I think he would have gotten it in under show/track car because the car was legal to come in Ferrari actually paid for crash testing on the real car there’s no reason a prototype couldn’t come in all you need for a race car is a letter from the manufacturer.

** UP **
http://www.wolfsburgeditionregistry.com/Samurai75007/FerrariF40/DSCF0564.JPG
http://www.wolfsburgeditionregistry.com/Samurai75007/FerrariF40/DSCF0565.JPG
http://www.wolfsburgeditionregistry.com/Samurai75007/FerrariF40/DSCF0567.JPG
http://www.wolfsburgeditionregistry.com/Samurai75007/FerrariF40/DSCF0568.JPG
These will only be up for a few days then they will be sized down for space...

Nice work on the windows this is going to be heaps fun following you on this project cant wait till ur next update. good luck.

I like the work on the windows. I will use your progress as a reference when I build mine :) Will you be cuttiing the side windows to make it in sliding position?

Here are some really good references of the F40 I found a while back.

http://www.autographmodel.com/Deutsch/Referenzfotos/F40/D_ReferenzF40.htm

Really looking forward to this built. I hope to start my soon. I have the S27 PE as well. Too bad the body on my F40 kit is warp and the fit of the hatch is off.

cool! cant wait to see your finished work.

oh btw how will you fix the rear engine cover?
the fit is terrible.

Hey guys, time for more.

Samurai75007 and tturbozx66- Thanks for the pics. I think I especially like the prototype configuration of the F40. Still deciding, but I may leave much of this build as a prototype. (I like the original style mirrors- and don't even want to think of messing with the US spec bumpers, reflectors, and front spoiler!)

druid_99- I'd thought of cutting the sliding windows open, and then decided against it- the kit window part is much too thick- the window would look like it was made from 2" plexi. But then again, now that I've done the window surgery, I don't really have to use the kit windows, do I? You've got me thinking....

On to-

Turbo Surgery, Part 1:

The bodywork continues, but meanwhile, I've started the engine as well.

http://img109.echo.cx/img109/8761/11010754xa.jpg

http://img73.echo.cx/img73/2663/11010742da.jpg

That was a quick build, wasn't it? :rolleyes: Seriously, whatever else one might say about this kit, the fit is terrific. Every part here fits in place precisely enough that it says- no tricks, glue or silly putty.


And so we come to the intake/exhaust assemblies.

http://img109.echo.cx/img109/5779/11010767ya.jpg

Notice the one part that runs from the top of the engine to the muffler (resonator?)?

http://img109.echo.cx/img109/659/11010772hd.jpg

It's one single part (part B2), that contains the intake manifold, the mouniting points for the intercoolers, the compressors, the turbines, the intake pipes, and the top half of the muffler. Just the thought of removing the mold seams from it is enough to keep me up nights. Furthermore (and of much more relevance), the compressors and turbines need some serious attention- particularly the right side compressor- notice the teardrop shape? No, this won't quite do. :disappoin


So- we're ready to operate.

First thing (after alot of plotting and stratigizing), is to cut the thing to pieces.

http://img109.echo.cx/img109/9054/11010791nd.jpg

The axles between the compressors and turbines was cut using a jewelers saw. Then the exhaust lines and muffler were cut off, and the turbines were mounted to the ends of the exhaust manifolds.

http://img109.echo.cx/img109/6474/11010859ll.jpg


The turbines were then cleaned up and detailed a bit. The centerline seam was added with stretched sprue, the mounting flanges for the exhaust lines was added with styrene cut using the punch and die set (such a wonderfully violent name....), and the turbine/compressor axle is added with a short length of cut sprue, detailed again with more stretched sprue.

http://img109.echo.cx/img109/5068/11111792is.jpg


Next, the compressors and intercoolers.

I have no idea why Tamiya chromed the intercoolers. :screwy: No matter, a quick bath in CSC fixed that.

http://img109.echo.cx/img109/7382/11010861rc.jpg

The parts themselves needed some more work, though. It looked as though the mold edges didn't line up well, so they took alot of filing and sanding to get right. (The mold seams are visible in the pics above, when they're still chromed.)


http://img109.echo.cx/img109/2498/11111800bi.jpg

They were mounted in place in the intake lines, and then the assembly was alighned and attatched to the top of the engine.

http://img109.echo.cx/img109/6653/11111814ff.jpg

Here, the exhaust manifolds and turbines are test fitted. So, far, so good. They'll be alighned better after final assembly, as everything will be held together with brass pins.

http://img106.echo.cx/img106/4994/11111834vo.jpg


More surgery now, the intercoolers and compressors were cut from the intake manifold.

http://img106.echo.cx/img106/307/11111844es.jpg


And of course, the intake pipes were seperated from the compressors.

http://img106.echo.cx/img106/4862/11111851im.jpg


Finally, the compressors are accesible enough to work on. Part B2 is now lying about my workbench in 8 seperate pieces (I can remove the mold seams now! :p )

http://img106.echo.cx/img106/2707/11111871gv.jpg

Here compressor shapes have been corrected- particularly the righthand one, which is now round. I used a compass with the pivot point placed in the center hole I drilled to draw a circle on each side for guidance- even the lefthand one wasn't really round. They still need a bit of detail work. Notice that some space has been cleared between the compressors and intercoolers for couplings. The inlet end of both intercoolers had to be altered some and filled with putty to clear this space. The small lenghts of aluminum tubing on the outlet ends of the intercoolers will become couplings to the intake manifolds. Slowly, progress is being made.

Will the patient live? Can I reassemble this mess I've created into a decent looking engine?

Tune in next time and find out!

All this and more in Turbo Surgery, Part 2!

:eek2: but not surprised :)
I just love your threads and builds. Watching these things come together is like a degree course in building each time.
SUPER STUFF

Looking Sweet dude.

Nice!

Great work so far.
Keep going!!!!!! :smile:

Your entire threads should be save for future How-To's Like Alex's stuff is saved on Italianhorses.net.

Please make a website with all these buildups!!

Your entire threads should be save for future How-To's Like Alex's stuff is saved on Italianhorses.net.

Please make a website with all these buildups!!
I agree completely!! :iceslolan :)

Lookin Nice, Good Luck!

druid_99- I'd thought of cutting the sliding windows open, and then decided against it- the kit window part is much too thick- the window would look like it was made from 2" plexi. But then again, now that I've done the window surgery, I don't really have to use the kit windows, do I? You've got me thinking....

I think that with the window has been cut, you can always make another set of window using a thin plastic sheet to replace the thick plastic right? You can then use the photoetched sliding window frame from Studio 27 with it (at least I am thinking of doing it to mine if I start it).

Great job with the turbos. I will totally use your builds on the turbos as my reference. Thanks also for the info on the intercooler. I taught that the misaligned half on the intercooler is actually what it looks like on the actual car :lol: Guess I didn't make enough reference. By the way, what is the actual colour of the intercooler? Should it be in Flat Alluminium?

I got to get my hands on the "Punch-and-die" set (if it is still available). A lot of use for it that I can see.

Excellent job on your builds. :bigthumb: Can't wait for another update from you.

P/S: My 288 GTO might arrive today and I've already got another email from HLJ requesting payment for the F355 Spider... :banghead:

I like to watch :naughty:

I think someone already said this but its true. This is Model Car Porn! The only bad thing is the wait for updates.

If I may make one suggestion MPWR, could you perhaps go into more detail on your engine weathering process, or would that be like asking a magician how he did his tricks? Its just that in your F50 build this magnificent, highly realistic engine just appeared and all you said was that you 'just used Tamiya acrylics'.

I demand more info !!!!! ;) :naughty:

Cheers

Farrokh

Excellent work so far! Your attention to detail is amazing!

Excellent work so far. I don't visit the street forum much but I will to watch this :thumbsup:

Been keeping busy with bodywork lately. Not as much fun to show off as the engine or interior, but just as necissary.

One of the often lamented flaws with this kit is the fit of the engine lid when closed on the body. The lid appears too wide for the body, and its edges protrude on both sides, as obvious 'steps'. (Unfortunately, I didn't think to get pics of this....) Here's why it is, and how to fix it!

The truth is that the engine lid is not too big, the body is to small- when mounted on the chassis, that is.

http://img343.echo.cx/img343/4923/1121216marked7jm.jpg

This is the underside of the front body section (carapace maybe, it's even red like a lobster!), and the chassis. The carapace is held in place by these pins (circled in blue), which fit into the sockets on the chassis (circled in green). The problem is that the sockets are closer together than the pins, and when assembled, the body is pinched inwards, so that it becomes narrower than the engine lid.

So, enlarge the sockets! I drilled them out with incrementally increasing drill bits to 7/64", which allowed the body fit to relax enough to align well with the engine lid.

The results:
http://img343.echo.cx/img343/5040/11212150gy.jpg

You can see that the body does sit wider on the chassis now. The top and bottom halves of the air ducts don't align correctly. Guess we'll have to do something about that.

http://img343.echo.cx/img343/5589/11212170ub.jpg

Some strip of styrene were added to move the bottom halves outwards.

Then, filling, shaping and sanding.

http://img338.echo.cx/img338/9302/11212411my.jpg


Meanwhile, the carapace is done up with primer, and ready for paint.

http://img338.echo.cx/img338/6417/11212208ls.jpg


The headlight areas are masked with Tamiya tape- I didn't want to have to sand textured primer out of these recesses, and they'll be painted black later. Took forever to get the bodywork even, and the seams properly filled. There are a part on each side that are glued to the front edges of the doors- they're rather hidden, and impossible to photograph, bit their fit was terrible. Lots of work here. The seams on the window filler panels disappeared pretty well, though.

http://img338.echo.cx/img338/9879/11212215hb.jpg


Red, as promised. Cobra Colors Rosso Corsa. Still needs another couple of coats, and a polishing.

http://img338.echo.cx/img338/839/11212429wn.jpg


The finished air ducts. Time to get the chassis primed up and painted.

http://img338.echo.cx/img338/9104/11212441ef.jpg


And the results of all this effort. Fits pretty well, now!

http://img338.echo.cx/img338/7831/11212431zy.jpg


Time to put an engine in there!

Kkkkkeeeerrrsssppplllaaattttttttttttttttttttt!!!!! !!!!!!!!

is the sound I would make as I faint and fall backwards in amazement.

This is great work. I didn not even realise that the rear section fit was so iffy that it needed this sort of attention. I must check that out for myself.

Great work.

Cheers
Nenad

very nice work!

Thanks, guys!

druid_99- Perhaps against my better judgement, I've ordered the S27 set. Much of it I'm sure I won't use for this build, but there are a couple of details (like oil cooler logos) that I want.

Samurai75007- I'd love to see any pics you have of the prototype. I wouldn't have guessed that the prototypes would carry the EPA certifications for import into the US (close enough to the production model, maybe). As best as my research has turned up, the sliding side windows were not just a prototype feature, but also an option on the production models. It saved weight over the roll down windows. The production model was also availibe without air conditioning (I believe) for the same reason. I'm pretty sure the Tamiya kit was based on the prototypes- there are a couple of features in the engine, such as the smaller air filter boxes, that suggest this. I may correct some, and leave others. I kinda like the sliding windows, though. It adds to the 'street legal track car' (instead of trackable street car) feel of the F40 that's always appealed to me.

Have you seen the Yorozuya detail PE set for this car?, it's great, got mine in Hapico, I think its better than the S27

A note on the door windows:
The plexiglass sliding windows are not just production option, are the normal equipment for this car, as well as the hollowed door and just a cable to open the door latch, (the complete door including plexiglass, wieghts something like 1.5 Kg) and remember, this car, was made as the pure escence of a racing car, which you can use in the streets, and for the doors, as an option, you can get normal windows, with interior trimming, , handles, etc.
The air conditioning is normal equipment also, this because of the high heat produced by the engine behind the driver, so using only vents is not enough, some racing versions removed the air conditioning making the habitacle a hell.
The Tamiya kit resembles the early production F40 models for the European market, for wich, I think the sizes of the intercoolers and air filters are correct (but need to re-check), the model for US has several differences in the engine compartment to comply with emitions regulations, and has some more heat deflectors not included in the European version, other differences are in the body, rear and front fascias, (personally I don't like the US version fascias)

As usual in your work, it's amazing!!

I'm impressed with the level of detail you add.

This is also one of my favorite Ferraris, and also have it in the started projects, some day will finish it.

Have all my respect and admiration.
I'll keep looking for more on this awesome thread.

Excellent solution to the body - engine cover fit.

Congratulations.

Hi,

great progress, nice how-to report !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Man! You build the best Ferraris I have ever seen! Just SWEET and I love the F50 too!

Nice progress. Never think that fitting problem will appear in Tamiya. Thanks for the detail solution.

as always - attention to detail and cool solutions

:bigthumb: +1

Oh my gosh. Soo much attention to detail. Your awesome man! I love your threads! Awesome pictures too!

Wow! what a great thread! I can't wait for more updates!

cool way of fixing that of an engine cover. I never could have thought of that.