In Progress: MFH Sunoco Ferrari 512M

This is my first In Progress on AF. Life has settled down after a busy year+ and I'm finally getting into some serious modelling.

This is Model Factory Hiro's 1:24 Ferrari 512M in Sunoco livery. I'm doing some improvement as I go.

First thing that had to go was the terrible cast metal 'mesh' for the tops of the front fenders. It was replaced with some left over PE mesh I had. Here you can see the original piece and the new piece temporarily in place.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/362851Picture_001-med.jpg

This is the new mesh from the top:
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/362851Picture_003-med.jpg

Here's the transaxle assembled and painted with Alclad Magnesium then lightly sanded to bring out the stiffeners:
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/362851Picture_004-med.jpg

The block assembed with the valve covers tacked in place. I'm adding plug boots from small plastic rod, cut with my Chopper and drilled with a #75bit. Then the plug wire was inserted, the end dipped in CA and the whole thing attached to the valve cover. you can see the difference in color between the painted transaxle in the back and the bare metal block. The block will get the same treatment as the transaxle and the boots painted accordingly.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/362851Picture_006-med.jpg

Close up on the new boots:
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/362851Picture_008-med.jpg

Engine and transaxle placed together:
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/362851Picture_009-med.jpg

Chassis with some basic work done. Those 'rivets' on the side pods where a pain to replicate: Push a finishing nail into the PE from the back.
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/362851Picture_010-med.jpg

Front body and chassis mocked up with the drivetrain:
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/362851Picture_011-med.jpg

And with the rear clip:
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/500/362851Picture_012-med.jpg

Hopefully this weekend I can get primer on the body pieces and get more of the drivetrain done along with all of the spider-web of braces that held it in place against the firewall.

Comments are certainly appreciated.

This is one great kit and looks like you are doing fine job to make great model out of it. Good luck with the rear tubular system :lol:

Welcome!

What a great subject for a first WIP :bigthumb:
I look forward to following your build.

I have a question. What is a "chopper" for plastic rod? Sounds like I could use one as my styren rod always gets cut crooked ;)

Thanks for the comments.

What is a "chopper" for plastic rod? Sounds like I could use one as my styren rod always gets cut crooked ;)

The Chopper is a little guillotine for models. Great when you need to make multiples of a set length or with an equal angle, etc. http://www.ares-server.com/Ares/Ares.asp?MerchantID=RET01229&Action=Catalog&Type=Product&ID=82439

Slowly making progress. I've got the plugs wired and did some scratch work on the throttle linkage and fuel injection plumbing. I've still got to add the AN fittings and braided line from the fuel tank to the injection. Also, I've got a throttle cable made that runs from the bellcrank I made back along the valve cover and to the firewall.

Now it's on to the engine mount framework and finding a way to 'pad' the top edge of the firewall so that it mates properly with the inside of the body. Right now there's a gap on one side from o to about 2mm. Then the body gets primered and painted.

The bottom of the air box and intake trumpet tray will need to be primed and painted body color as well. Then I can attach them and the cool fiberglass-looking trumpets.

http://www.brmodelers.com/images/temp/MFH512M/eng1.jpg

http://www.brmodelers.com/images/temp/MFH512M/eng2.jpg

http://www.brmodelers.com/images/temp/MFH512M/eng3.jpg

http://www.brmodelers.com/images/temp/MFH512M/eng4.jpg

http://www.brmodelers.com/images/temp/MFH512M/eng5.jpg

WOW thats some extreme detailing. Looking very good so far.

Looking good, to bad for the light conditions. I look forward to see new update.

This aughta be good. I'll be paying close attention from now on. :)