6th Kit - 2004 Rally Scooby

This is my sixth kit build (June) and first venture in motorsports.
I apologise in advance to the motorsport purists out there as this may not be 100% accurate as I'm more of a streetcar man but this was a gift and a fine chance to learn new skills. First try with upgrade photoetch kit (Tamiya).

Enjoyed the build but man there was a lot of work in this one! And those decals!!! - was certainly an experience and a great learning curve. made mistakes I'll try not to repeat in future!
Hadn't tried washing when I built this so it's a bit flat coloured underneath but hey - you can't see that on my shelf (again - apologies to purists!)
Seatbelts were a nightmare when you have huge hands like me - took me hours but love the results, not perfect but a million miles better than the decal alternative.
Front grille looks a little strange to me but was on instructions so added anyway!

Large side decals bubbled along door creases and no matter what I did to caress them out was left with a little evidence and a couple of small holes (oops).
Also wish I'd cut the stars on the side seperate to avoid the large area of clear decal but again - a learning experince.
Clear coating the decals went well although I don't think I went thick enough on top as polishing thinned out the top number slightly!
Also left the black discs off the wheels as I don't like that look (sorry purists).

Please feel free to point out mistakes - I need to learn and value all opinions!

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/288259Scoob1.JPG
Front badge is a little wonky - hadn't even noticed till I took the pics(oops again!)
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/288259Scoob2-med.JPG
Can just about see belts - don't sit 100% flat but still really pleased with the outcome.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/288259Scoob3-med.JPG
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/288259Scoob4.JPG
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/288259Scoob5-med.JPG
Love these brakes, shame to put the wheels on really! I bought the Subaru pit crew and eventually the model will be displayed on jacks.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/288259Scoob6.JPG
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/503/288259Scoob7.JPG

WooHOHO!!!! Nice use of the PE set. Looks wonderful! I don't like the black disks on the wheels either. Extra weight..hehe. Keep up the great work!

Looks good to me. Nice model you have there.

I think that is finished nicely.
Only antennas are little too thick.

Fantastic job. Did a good job with this one. I built the WRC 99 version, but I didn't clear the decals. Didn't know if it would work..

I used some spare guitar string (Top E) for antenna as this works a treat.. You can buy guitar strings easily enough, or if you play guitar then I'm sure you have a few spare strings kicking around..

I've got plenty, as I tend to snap the top E a bit when I play, so no longer throw them away and keep them...

Money saving tip..!! LOL.. OK - nice job.. Like how you did the disc's..