In Progress: Tamiya Fiat 500

I recently started Tamiya's 1/24 Fiat 500

http://www.militarhobbies.com/modelos/tamiya/carros24/tam24169.jpg

I was really happy that they rereleased it this year (together with the Citroen 2CV!). I'd been looking for both for a while.

Here's the body, ready to paint:

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/160514114_1422.JPG

Small and cute- a total chick car. It's about half the length of the 911 Speedster I built.

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/160514114_1434.JPG

Here's the engine started.

Someone I know with a lathe was nice enough to make me a new set of pulleys for the alternator and cooling fan drive.

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/160514114_1433.JPG

And here they are on the engine-

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/160514114_1432.JPG

-and painted, with a new belt.

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/160514114_1467.JPG

The pulleys have a groove cut in their edges, and the belt is done with sewing thread and white glue.

Next I'm working on painting the body and the exhaust. Thanks for looking!

Lookin really good so far! Keep up the awsome progress!

That looks awesome. I love the 500, keep the pics coming.

That looks awesome. I love the 500, keep the pics coming.
:iagree: great job, keep update, I also love 500 so much

cool looking pulleys, very good craftsmanship. keep up the good work

i'm sooooooo jealous, really want this kit bigtime. excellent work on the engine and great idea for the belt. looks very convincing and i have been on the lookout for ideas on making belts as i cant stand the molded on ones. thanks for the tip! cant wait to see more of this beauty.

I love this car! I'll be watching your progress before I start mine! I just finished the Gunze 500D but it was more an experiment for me.

Great start on a great car! Looking forward to this.


Small and cute- a total chick car. It's about half the length of the 911 Speedster I built.

I can't agree with such sexist attitude! j/k
I used to drive one of these :lol2: I have the Arbarth version waiting for me in my pile to do when I finish my 2CV

Must be great having a friend with a lathe - especially as they seem to know how to use it - which is more than I do ;)

Thanks everyone! :smooch:

i'm sooooooo jealous, really want this kit bigtime.

It was a limited rerelease, so the time is right to get it! :naughty: A lot of on-line places still seem to have it (hobbylinc or the like) if you can't get it locally. Try here (http://www.hobbylinc.com/htm/tam/tam89655.htm)

I used to drive one of these :lol2:
Now it's me being jealous. You're welcome to the ideas here when you build yours, so the trade's on!

With the glorious time off for the holidays, I've finished the engine, I hope y'all don't mind a bunch of pics.

My machining friend made me an oil filler cap:

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/160514114_1466.JPG

Here it is installed (and with a wash on the engine):

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/7927/11414741mg.jpg

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/4794/11414759ou.jpg

I used Tamiya acrylics to paint the exhaust train. I did the whole thing with Metallic Grey, then I overcoated it with a blend of clear red, clear orange, smoke, and a bit of clear blue.

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/5818/11414778uo.jpg

Here it is installed:

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/7228/11414789rg.jpg

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/1480/11414801na.jpg

Finally, I added the air intake system and some plug wires. For the intake I used bare metal foil (love that stuff) for the hose clamps. I painted the intake hose with a mix of tan and grey to give it a khaki look. It's such a big dramatic part that I wanted it to stand out better than it would have if I had painted it with semi-gloss black as the instructions suggested. The hose had a push pin mark at the top on the side closest to the engine, I filled that with Tamiya putty, and then carved corrugation ridges into it. After I was satisfied with the way it looked I installed it and gave the whole thing a wash. Here are the final results:

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/286/11414859nc.jpg

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/8229/11414863ji.jpg

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/8756/11414876ul.jpg

Next weekend is a long one, so more's coming! (Hopefully)

Nice looking engine you got there, looks great

WOW, that engine is an jewel. amazing skills you have, im really gonna be looking forward to more of this!

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/160514114_1466.JPG


Now THAT'S what I call an oil filler cap :grinyes:

but more than that, this engine....

http://img253.imageshack.us/img253/8756/11414876ul.jpg

looks outstanding!!!
A great detailing job and really well weathered :worshippy - now I know what to aim for with Monsieur J-P

EDIT: P.S. - great tip on filling the ejector pin hole :bigthumb:

that engine rocks! :O

it's superb :D

See, Stevenski-

http://images12.fotki.com/v238/photos/1/113398/2829249/Poster0463blanco-vi.jpg

I told you it was a chick car!

Now the engine is ready to mount onto the chassis.

http://img337.imageshack.us/img337/6415/11414933qh.jpg

http://img281.imageshack.us/img281/5169/11414975cg.jpg

http://img281.imageshack.us/img281/3179/11414946cx.jpg

After mounting the engine onto the chassis, I installed the suspension components. The front leaf spring is metallic gray, and the rest of the suspension components are light black. Then I used titanium gold to detail paint the bolts holding it all together (This is really my first full engine build, so I'm enjoying doing all the bolts and other details). The front shock absorbers are painted red. Everything was given a wash of raw umber, to blend it all together and give it a little road grime. For anybody else planning on building this kit be careful, the steering linkage is so tiny that it's very delicate..... (luckily, nothing some superglue can't take care of though).


http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/6207/11414962sy.jpg

Now that I have the suspension done, on to the next logical step. I don't really like kit chroming. I think it somehow looks very out of scale, and it's hard to remove from the sprue without leaving funny marks around the edge. I stripped the chrome off of the hubcaps with some degreaser, and then painted the wheels (hubcaps and all) chrome silver. I washed this with black to bring out some of the detail.

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/597/11414997hs.jpg

Then I installed the wheels onto the chassis.

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/7867/11415008wn.jpg

http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/7633/11515017rw.jpg

The body is painted and I'm waiting for it to cure in order to polish it. In the meantime, I'm working on the interior. Hopefully I'll be able to update on that soon.

Wow. That is nice looking. Can you get a quick snap of this next to another model for size comparison?

woooooooooottttttt!!!!!!!

another girl modeler. it makes me feel more comfortable around here. i agree the fiat is such a cute girly car. maybe i can convince robert to pick this kit up for me :grinyes:

awesome, im really enjoying this. first full engine build?? you seem to be a total master the way you're going about this.

Quite stunning so far, im watching this one.............

See, Stevenski-
I told you it was a chick car!

Hmm..chick car you say?
I remember that day well! Let me put the photo into context for you ;)

http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/927/fiat500girls028bk.jpg
caption:
Girl 1: „Oh look! Stevenski’s coming back!”
Girl 2: “We kept your car dry but you can’t have it back unless you take us with you!”
Now, THAT'S a sexist attitude! :biggrin: j/k

Awsome detailing on the chasis - looks real!!
I really like the way you picked out those nuts and things. Toothpick?
Stirling job!!

Looking most excellent. The engine detail is awesome.

Thanks everyone!

Hmm..chick car you say?
I remember that day well! Let me put the photo into context for you ;)


caption:
Girl 1: „Oh look! Stevenski’s coming back!”
Girl 2: “We kept your car dry but you can’t have it back unless you take us with you!”
Now, THAT'S a sexist attitude! :biggrin: j/k

Awsome detailing on the chasis - looks real!!
I really like the way you picked out those nuts and things. Toothpick?
Stirling job!!
:spit:

Not toothpick, fine point sable brush.

Can you get a quick snap of this next to another model for size comparison?

Sure......

http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/9761/11515075jk.jpg

Or how's this for a size comparison?

http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/9060/11515060in.jpg

Yes, they are all 1/24.
I guess Italians are just small people. Poles might be too, Stevenski?

Or how's this for a size comparison?

http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/9060/11515060in.jpg

I guess Italians are just small people. Poles might be too, Stevenski?

Awsome picture! :lol2: :bigthumb:
Poles just LOVE diminutives - after all, Vodka (wódka) means "little water". I don't know what the Italian excuse is ;) :lol2:
You have a Beetle on the go too? Nice!

Great modelling at its best!:sunglasse:sunglasse

wwwwwwwwwwwwoooooooooooooooooowwwwwwww :eek2:

AAAWEEEESSSOOOOMEEEE

Damn, that's tiny. So cute though.

http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/9060/11515060in.jpg



This picture looks so surreal :screwy: it's hard to imagine that they are both the same scale, awesome build so far, can't wait to see this car finished.

Very cool build. You've got a good eye for detail. I've been tempted to buy this one, I think it would look great next to a Mini Cooper. Keep up the awesome work!

Wonderful progress. paint job on engine looks awesome.

this has to be the most entertaining thread here, thanks, Gridgirl and Klutz. i had no idea this car was that small, wow. that engine must be really really tiny then! your detail work takes on a whole new meaning now.

First turbo charged alternator I ever saw.

Nice build.

this has to be the most entertaining thread here

You can say that again.......more progress pleeeeeease.....!!!
Mike :smile:

Sure......

http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/9761/11515075jk.jpg

Or how's this for a size comparison?

http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/9060/11515060in.jpg

Yes, they are all 1/24.
I guess Italians are just small people. Poles might be too, Stevenski?

even on the sexist attitude? Not aren't small but in '60 our daddy was really cheap :naughty: but we all know: inside the '500 with only few newspaper... italians do it better it's a legend but... universally recognise :grinyes: :grinyes: :grinyes:

Awsome picture! :lol2: :bigthumb:
Poles just LOVE diminutives - after all, Vodka (wódka) means "little water". I don't know what the Italian excuse is ;) :lol2:
You have a Beetle on the go too? Nice!
also we italians all love diminutives: our excuse is 500 means "cincen" and also obviously "SSilvio" means "Silviuccio"
:evillol: :evillol: :evillol:

jokes a part I lost some updates and the little skit with Steve, but amazing details, can't wait to see updates. Like Steve also I've the abarth waiting with other 2 (a F wich I would transform in the correcltly windward opening doors and a D) and the 600.

But I forgot 2 important thing: I've the real new beetle so if someone would try the nesting experiment.... :naughty:
and the other: last week I ask my friend Roberto (which own the 500D) to pick me for the dinner and some ref. photos by real on engine ecc. ehm oooo yes we had the dinner before, we drunk a lot, I forgot to shoot some photos. My god I need to ask him to pick me this week: I promise more moderation :smile: .. and some good refs.

Poles just LOVE diminutives - after all, Vodka (wódka) means "little water".

Yes, I remember hearing something about that when I took Russian. I also learned to say, "Не продите зтому фарцовщику ваши джинсы! По-моему, он кагзбзшник."

Sorry for my long absence everyone!

I painted the body, then rubbed through the paint. (This is my first attempt polishing a body.) So I repainted the body, then rubbed through the paint. So, of course, I repainted the body, then rubbed through the paint. Somewhere around here I got pretty fed up with the whole process and decided to take a vacation. That makes this the part of the thread where I get to bore everybody with my holiday snaps. First, my souveniers:

http://img485.imageshack.us/img485/3300/11616995ga.jpg

Yes, I was quite excited to finally stumble across the elusive Tamiya Campus Fiends set - I've been wanting one ever since I discovered that it comes with a Vespa! :iceslolan Plus the little Honda was in the specials bin, so it is a full-engine Tamiya kit that I scored for under $10!:bananasmi

Then some inspiration that I stumbled across on Duval Street in Key West:

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/4438/kwmini8zy.jpg

Notice it's barely taller than the rubbish can, and shorter than the parking meter? Almost enough to make me want to go home and build some little cars!

So upon my return home I polished out the body that I had repainted before leaving town (didn't actually rub through the paint this time - YAY!) Here are the results:

http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/8056/11616932ci.jpg

http://img485.imageshack.us/img485/9248/11616916fd.jpg

And I also stripped some chromed parts in order to deal with flash, mold lines, push pin marks, etc. Here they are all ready to be painted:

http://img485.imageshack.us/img485/1452/11616942om.jpg

Next I painted the shiny parts to make them, well, shiny. And here they are on the polished body:

http://img423.imageshack.us/img423/4789/11717058hi.jpg

For those of you curious about Minis (see above holiday snap), yes I do have at least one (well, technically speaking three) Minis in my stash. Here's one posing with the Fiat. Yes it is actually a little bit bigger than a Fiat.

http://img473.imageshack.us/img473/3606/11717044dt.jpg

Then I couldn't resist test fitting the body onto the chassis:

http://img473.imageshack.us/img473/7085/11717030po.jpg

http://img473.imageshack.us/img473/5404/11717013rt.jpg

Next I'll work on my interior. Hopefully I'll get a chance to do that some this weekend - before I get frustrated and have to take another vacation :shakehead

Thanks for reading (and looking at my holiday snaps). Let me know what you think!

That is very cool!! can't wait to see the pics when it's finished!

When were you in Key West? I was there a few weeks ago. Is that Mini still or sale? Heh..I was tempted to smuggle it back onto the cruise ship..If only I had a little more money. Keep up with the fantastic progress!!

WOW great color & shine: do you plan white tyre sides? cool

I love the kits you picked up. And the mini is one sweet little car too. Wish i also had that kit. Good to see you back and showing us more of the good stuff.

Thanks everyone!

blubaja- Yes! It was still for sale as of last weekend. The paper for-sale sign on the window disolved because it rained that afternoon. I was wondering if the airline would consider it checked baggage, or a carry-on. :rolleyes: Seems like a perfect car for Key West!

gionc- Plain Tamiya acrylic- I'm happy with how it came out. I haven't ever seen one with white walls. I expect it would be cute, but I've been planning just to use the kit tyres as they are.

quadzero- Yeah, always plenty more to come! :wink:

Geez, and I thought the mini was small :eek: I love it, you've really put life into that little 500. Looking forward to seeing more!

Finally found a hot spot and can see your photos!

I've been thinking about bumping this thread for a while now ;)

Yes, I remember hearing something about that when I took Russian. I also learned to say, "Не продите зтому фарцовщику ваши джинсы! По-моему, он кагзбзшник."
BTW, you must have found that Russian expression VERY useful ;) Were you trading in Levis? :) (If my translation is correct)

I love that Alfa! I'd love to get my 'ands on of of those.
Can you post some pics of the the contents of that Campus set? It's be great to see that Vespa!

Super paint job!! :worshippy
Sounds like it was painfull process but worth it in the end :bigthumb: What coloyr is that?
Also she looks great on the chassis - maybe slightly high at the front end?

What did you use to paint the "shiny" bits? Alclad2?

Really great job!!

Well I've been working furiously on the Fiat- NNL East is this weekend! We'll see if I manage to get it finished. :rolleyes: I'm almost done with the interior.

http://img480.imageshack.us/img480/4894/11717372hs.jpg

The dash and center console. Not much of an instrument panel. The chrome ring on the speedo and ash tray(?) were done with BMF.

http://img464.imageshack.us/img464/8728/11717382hu.jpg

Seats. The seams and shadows were picked out with a red/black wash.

http://img464.imageshack.us/img464/9001/11717407fw.jpg

Door panels, also done with some wash.

http://img480.imageshack.us/img480/6381/11717456hg.jpg

Put together! (Almost). Looks like one of those cut away cars they use in sales brochures. Yes, Stevenski, the gas pedal is molded to the floor, and if you stare long enough you can almost see it.

http://img480.imageshack.us/img480/8640/11717465xg.jpg

http://img480.imageshack.us/img480/7660/11717507nw.jpg

I'm still amazed that Italians actually managed to fit in there (more than one at a time, apparently!). In 1/24, it's impossibly small- but ridiculously cute!

Almost done?, you ask? What more could be done to this tiny little interior? :uhoh:

Stay tuned and find out! :sunglasse

Damn you are good! I'm scared to do mine now. I couldn't do it the justice you have!

Yes, Stevenski, the gas pedal is molded to the floor, and if you stare long enough you can almost see it.
I'm staring, I'm staring...but in awe, not looking for the accelerator (whassa gas pedal anyway ;) )

What more could be done .... :uhoh: Stay tuned and find out! :sunglasse
You tease, you!! :lol:

Looks outstanding and will surely do well at the show.
Did you put valves on the wheels too?

Just a question. How would you make tyre valves?

wow, thats a great interior. did you mask sections off and airbrush it or are some panels brush painted? the wash on the seats is incredible and realistic, never even thought of using a wash on something other then an engine part. this model is so tres chic!

You tease, you!! :lol:

I do my best! :naughty:


Just a question. How would you make tyre valves?

I hadn't thought to do tyre valves. I guess short lengths of thin stretched sprue would work.


did you mask sections off and airbrush it or are some panels brush painted? the wash on the seats is incredible and realistic, never even thought of using a wash on something other then an engine part.

Thanks! I masked them with Tamiya tape, and airbrushed them. I tried doing it with Gunze masking solution, but it just wouldn't work! :banghead: Anyone know how to get a decent edge with this stuff?

Yeah, I think the wash helped alot. Straight black was too dark, but a dark red worked great. I especially like how it looks around the window cranks (do Poles have a different word for them, too? :rolleyes: ) and door handles.

And as for the almost done, just a couple of finishing details to add.

A bottle of wine,

http://img93.imageshack.us/img93/2430/11717514fu.jpg

a picnic blanket,

http://img93.imageshack.us/img93/8564/11717526je.jpg

and a pair of sunglasses.

http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/9446/11717536fg.jpg

The bottle of chianti wasn't actually raided from Gionc's cellar- although the idea is tempting! :grinyes:

http://img480.imageshack.us/img480/3946/11414984zs.jpg

Instead, it was turned out of acrylic rod (yay friend with lathe!). Painted gloss black (because a good bottle of red isn't transparent at all), and the neck was painted gunmetal mixed with clear red, to look like foil. The label was cut from a spare decal.

The blanket is ordinary printer paper, with a plaid grid drawn in red waterproof ink.

http://img93.imageshack.us/img93/66/11717499kk.jpg

It was cut out, dipped in diluted white glue and folded to shape.

And the sunglasses was made using the jig that came in the Campus Fiends set.

http://img93.imageshack.us/img93/3747/11717566rv.jpg

The lenses are drops of Tamiya clear smoke, drawn across the wire loops and allowed to dry. They're even transparent!

http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/4263/11717550jl.jpg

All set for a day out! I was thinking of adding a loaf of bread, a round of cheese, and a picnic basket- but the back seat of the Fiat is pretty tiny. I think this will get the idea across, though- really, what more do you need but a blanket and a good bottle of wine?

Amazing job, I like the little details that bring out the car.
Good idea for including the blanket because there's not much room in the Fiat for a couple of amorous/drunk Italians. :)

Uff! what an amazing job!! :worshippy
Those extras are amazingly creative - I think it's the blanket the impresses me the most - so simple yet it looks real.

I hadn't thought to do tyre valves. I guess short lengths of thin stretched sprue would work.
I've just used little lengths of wire in the past (see Jean Paul IIRC) - adds a nice kind of effect I think. Although you might wanna think twice about playing with that BEFORE your show - just in case (knock on wood)


I tried doing it with Gunze masking solution, but it just wouldn't work! :banghead: Anyone know how to get a decent edge with this stuff?
I'm currently in love with Humbrol Maskol which I guess is the same kind of stuff. Never had to make a straight edge with it yet, but I have read somewhere that you can cut the edge with a scalpel once it's dried. We might want to try that out on a bit of scrap though. If it's true could be a useful tip.

I especially like how it looks around the window cranks (do Poles have a different word for them, too? :rolleyes: )
You bet they do!! :biggrin:

And the sunglasses was made using the jig that came in the Campus Fiends set.
You really got to post some picturres of what's in that set!! ;)

what more do you need but a blanket and a good bottle of wine?
Well......:rofl: :rofl:

Dig the interior details. Any model with junk inside's got my vote. Really brings these little lumps of plastic and paint to life. Fantastic work, so far.

Mama mia!!!

Details all the way!!

Hi,

how could I miss this :screwy: ???

Great, a nice and clean built, fine details :thumbsup: !

How about a meeting??
You with the FIAT 500, I with my Citroen 2CV (see here: http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=334394 )

you really put guy modellers like me to shame with your awesome build !

The bottle of chianti wasn't actually raided from Gionc's cellar- although the idea is tempting! :grinyes:

I'm sorry a polish firend drunk all my cellar, now I call him STEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEVE OUT OF MY CELLAR NOW! hic burrp

I think this will get the idea across, though- really, what more do you need but a blanket and a good bottle of wine?

well just to be elegant I've a couple ideas: ok for the bread but with SOPRESSA that's like a big&fat salami -the better stuff you'll put on a piece of bread or PROSCIUTTO CRUDO DI PARMA that haven't a yummy translation :)

Well your work is fantastic, and is interesting to see a different creative approch that our "burned oil and tyres" appeal: I love it, you push me to start one of my cincen: stevensky, do you like one more twosome? I'll convert my abarth in a giardinetta ;)

BRAVISSIMA!! (also haven't a traslation but fit very good, more and more good)

I love it, you push me to start one of my cincen: stevensky, do you like one more twosome? I'll convert my abarth in a giardinetta ;)


Oh sure, a two way. I see how it is....:sly::rolleyes:

Oh sure, a two way. I see how it is....:sly::rolleyes:

:rofl::rofl::rofl: ah ah Steve the guy's jealous: well just keep a "cincen" Andy and we'll do the 500's trio. All my respect my marshall :wink:

Well, I didn't quite make it to NNL. :disappoin Got sick on Friday, and by Saturday, I just wasn't up for the drive. :frown: Didn't even feel up to building.

But to quote HAL 9000, I'm feeling much better now. And NNL Mid Atlantic is only a month or so away. So, back to work!

Not alot left to do, mostly detail parts (and there are alot of them- tiny little chrome bits everywhere!)

I put the windows in place.

http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/1983/11717615lv.jpg

The chrome trim is BMF, and the black is masked and painted. Stuck in place with 'Krystal Kleer'- I think a good hard sneeze from across the room might knock them out. :shakehead Good thing I'm feeling better! :rolleyes:

I tried to mask and paint the taillights, but they were just too small.

http://img53.imageshack.us/img53/6984/11717592jv.jpg

So I hand painted them instead, and I think they came out well- better than I expected!

http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/1498/11717603uv.jpg

I masked the mirrored part of the wing mirrors with a spot of white glue, and sprayed them with X11 to match the rest of the trim. I think it's a good effect.

And finally the retractable roof. The kit part is decent, but maybe uninspiring. After making that blanket, I wanted to try something less solid plastic looking.

http://img88.imageshack.us/img88/2094/11717584pl.jpg

So, I took an index card, and traced the shape of the closed roof onto it (Tamiya of course includes both). Then it was folded up accordian style, and dipped in white glue cut with water. The brass rod was bent to shape using the kit part as a guide, and once the paper was dry, it was glued in place using CA glue. Another thin strip of paper covers the rod (again, more water and glue), and the whole thing was painted up. The handle/lever thingy is just bits of strip styrene.

http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/329/11717648hu.jpg

Test fit in place:

http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/1303/11717656wa.jpg

Almost done! :p

Almost done! :p

Almost fantastic! :)

Almost fantastic! :)
Almost?!?!? :grinno:

Great work Gridgirl! I think you might have discovered the next best thing in modelling since clearcoat - index cards and white glue :)

When I finally get round to making my "Klutzmobile" projekt, I think I'll be making use of this idea because for sure Klutz has a rag-top :biggrin:

Looks great, love those little details! When painting taillights, it's not necessary to mask and spray. You can just paint the inside of the clear part in the desired color; comes out great with no brush strokes visible from the outside!