modifying the 1/12 Lamborghini Countach

Hi all,

so since I stopped working on the 1/12 Datsun Z, I am starting to do works on this Lamborghini countach by Doyusha. I have plans to build this countach into one that uses the Vortech charger, so far i've only found 1 image from the web...so any reference pictures for it would be welcome!

Since i have to accommodate the size of the charger, i have to redesign the engine cover for the car, i've drawn some concept for it on the bottom. Also for the top side vents, i am planning to do something different with it too, just to make more airflow through the engine. For the doors, trunk cover, engine cover, and the hood in the front, i am going to use carbon fiber decal for them. I decided to paint the car metallic blue, from the Tamiya spray paint, with black interior (flocked and everything, it would be a new experience for me), adding seat belts, rivets, hood pins...etc. Rims are unchanged, OOB, only painted black. Ok, enough talk, here are the pictures
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096lp400ste.jpg
this is the only image i found for the Vortech charged lambo...i just have one question...is that a turbo behind the engine, where the tubes are connecting to?? don't really know..don't really know what that black tube is either..radiator hose??
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0529.jpg
some concept for the modifications
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0526.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0525.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0527.jpg
the templates for the carbon fiber decals

a lot of work to be done so hopefully this thread is going to keep me going, thanks!

this is going to be an interesting build!

You are right about that turbo. Its sitting behind that engine. That black tube is intake tube. After that turbo pushes air to the intercoolers.

You are right about that turbo. Its sitting behind that engine. That black tube is intake tube. After that turbo pushes air to the intercoolers.

hi thanks for the clear up! i have some more questions though..so the two tubes on the side connects to the front of the intercoolers? and also where is the turbo connected to and also for the black intake tube (most likely)? sorry i only have this ref. picture so i am asking a lot of questions....

I made diagram for intake. Black tube connects airfilter and intake turbine.
Turbo is hooked up with exhaust manifolds.

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/7351/watermarkphpic6.th.jpg (http://img140.imageshack.us/my.php?image=watermarkphpic6.jpg)

That "turbo" behind the engine is the Vortech supercharger. Vortechs are centrifugal sperchargers, sort of a belt driven turbo. Check out the Vortech products here:

http://www.vortechsuperchargers.com/

wow..thanks for the info guys! now i really learned a lot!! anyway i will be building this thing in as much detail as possible so stay tuned! thanks

sorry but i have another question concerning the vortech charger after i look up their website..so if i have the vortech setup for the engine..do i still need the carburators? just wondering because in the picture that i have, there seems to be no carburators, thanks in advance!

Hi just a little update..primed the doors, trunk cover, hood, and all the parts. hopefully i can get some work done tonight and post more pics, thanks for looking!
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0531.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0532.jpg
yea if anyone can answer me the carburator question that would be great! thanks!

Ok, so i started on the engine...read up a little bit more about the Vortech charger and sort of resolved my question about the carburator and found out how Vortech superchargers operates (yea i was spending a lot of time reading...instead of building)..anyway that's why i didn't have time to build much..so here are the engine pics..
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0535.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0541.jpg
thanks!

hi all

after thinking for a while and done some research...i think i will have to abandon the vortech charger idea and just build a regular engine...there just not that many reference pictures..I know how the charger runs through and everything but what about all the other small details like the oil filter, generator...etc, where do they go? i just can't seem to find out and i certainly don't want to build a model that's incomplete. SOO anyway, that's why i've decided to just build the engine OOB but with more details. I think i will still be redesigning the engine cover because i don't really like the original ones...

hi...feel like i am just talking to myself here but..anyway, here's more update, just assembled the carburetors and basically whatever that goes on to the engine, so that they are ready to be painted maybe tomorrow..
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0546.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0547.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0550.jpg
thanks

Nice progress! This is going to be a very interesting build. Can't wait to see more of it!

-Chris

haha! finally some reply! Anyway so i painted the parts i assembled last night, and here they are..
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0569.jpg
carburetors and the engine...
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0574.jpg
exhaust mainfolds..
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0576.jpg
kinda looks weird in blue...usually it's red or black..
anyway thanks and comments are welcome!

by the way are my pictures too small? i am thinking about posting them in 640x480..don't know if that's ok..?

Hi all,

So no comments? Anyway here's more updates on the engine, just assembled the parts...
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0626.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0633.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0634.jpg
the carburetors are not glued on yet because i need to do some wiring

later!

Thought i'd post my own comments since NO ONE wants to comment on it. Anyway I think I need to weather the engine a bit, looks too clean. What do you all think?

Looking great so far,keep up the good work!

I can't believe that you are adapting this kit. The last tine I saw one on eBay it went for about £150. However, this seems like a very interesting project, can't wait to see more

I've found these pics of the car in question, hope they help

http://lambocars.com/archive/highres/lp400st2.jpg
http://lambocars.com/archive/highres/lp400st3.jpg
http://lambocars.com/archive/highres/lp400st4.jpg
http://lambocars.com/archive/highres/lp400st5.jpg
http://lambocars.com/archive/highres/lp400st6.jpg

A few more can be found here. http://lambocars.com/archive/highres/lp400st6.htm

I can't believe that you are adapting this kit. The last tine I saw one on eBay it went for about £150.

Why not? Models are made to be built..

On the question about engine weathering. Yes, It could definitely use some.

Hi all, thanks for the reply! Wow i must have missed the pictures when i was browing lambocars.com. Anyway nice reference pictures and i could definitely use some of that! I don't think this kit is anything hard if you just want to build it OOB, the fitment of the parts are pretty good and at some places you don't even need to use glue (after you primered the parts). This kit is kind of expensive though, i paid 182.00 US (plus shipping) on ebay, so i definitely want this thing to turn out good, that's why i sort of scratched out a lot of scratch building ideas because i don't want to mess up the kit. Anyway i just have a question, when you guys weather something using tamiya smoke, do you brush it on the parts or do u spray it? i have both the spray can and the paint itself but just want to know how you guys do it, thanks.

Hi, here's some update i did tonight, finished everything that need to go on to the engine (except one side of the engine wires). Here are the pictures:
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0649.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0650.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0656.jpg
as always comments are welcome! thanks!

Looking very good. The engine is very tidy. Regarding the weathering, I guess everyone has a different technique. I personally (if I painted the engine with enamel), I'll use acrylic flat black and I’ll water it down (about 2/3 water) and then just brush it on liberally. A lot of people will do it the other way... enamel used as weathering, and it works well (probably better) that way.

Hi, here's some update on the engine: I weathered it so now it looks like it's been used for 20 years...I also completed the cage for the engine at the back and weathered that too..since Countach is a car that was produced in the 70's, everything has to look old right? anyway here are the pictures:
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0665.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0666.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0673.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0674.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0679.jpg
that's all for tonight...

Nice subject.:smokin: engine looks great. keep on coming!

Ok, so here's a little preview of how all these are going to come together..
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0695.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0699.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0701.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0704.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0706.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0709.jpg
...and you can see my 1/12 and 1/18 collections in the back..
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0711.jpg
i am sort of re-thinking about the color, not sure if i want to use metallic blue anymore, it's kind of a hard color to to get it look right. I am thinking about maybe light gunmetal or maybe just black(??) Anyway I will figure something out...
that's it for now

Oh I am actually thinking about scratch building some knockoffs on the rim..lol, is that going to be a good idea on a Lambo??

Looks great so far, i've used wheels from the funky diecasts' in Walmart for some of my models. I never really liked the stock wheels on these Lambos.

Hi, here's some "small" update after 5 hours of work. Before I started this model, I thought Tamiya 1/12 models are hard because everything has to be "movable". Now after I completed the rear suspension of this Doyusha Lambo, I would like to say that Tamiya 1/12 are still easier!! You have to have small and nimble fingers to complete this model, plus eight hands!! (I am proud that I completed the suspension w/ only 2 hands =) Anyway here are the pics...
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0712.jpg
fitted the engine to the chassis..
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0714.jpg
the dreaded rear suspension!!
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0724.jpg
another closer look...

anyway so like i said in the beginning of the thread, i am going to scratch build the hood. About the vortech charger i think i am still going to do it after all, just need to think about how to do that to make it look realistic, since i only have one reference picture showing the engine. I am also going to CF the doors, trunk, and hood as i said before. I am thinking about if i should CF the roof too, since that's like a trend nowadays...anyway more updates later..

Wow! It's looking really good so far. It's a rather large model, you seem to be handling it well.
I say go for it on the supercharger. It won't be too hard to scratchbuild the bits, and as far as plumbing and what-not... well, you can make some of it up. But don't tell anyone I said so! :)

Hi mchengsp33,
I have my eye on this build. I have this as a long term project myself. I have the engine and suspension done but no totally assembled. Project is on the backburner for now. I did a partial build (engine, suspension) of this kit many years ago when my skills were close to nill. I still have not settled on the color. I will build it oob with only minors details added.

Hi all, been a while since the last update..anyway here's some more:
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0727.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0726.jpg
that's everything in the model that needs to be in the engine compartment. the next would be the front suspension and the interior...

Looking good dude. Very detailed.

Hi all,

haven't worked on this for a while, been busy w/ work. Anyway here's some update on the interior. I flocked the interior using the black faux paint, the picture doesn't come out that well but the textures are actually quite good. I also swapped the fujimi R32 seats for this one, a lot of cutting on the seats to shrink the size to fit the ultra small interior that the lambo has. I haven't add the steering wheel yet but it's in progress..
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0749.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0750.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0754.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0755.jpg
thanks for looking!

Wow! That is so cool. I really admire your talent.

Wonderfull Work!!!

Hi all,

Did a little more update since it's weekend..i completed the interior (w/out seatbelts) and fitted the interior to the chassis to see how it will look like. Also built the battery compartment at the front and used tamiya smoke to tint the windows. The battery compartment is going to be weathered just like the engine, but i just haven't get to it yet. hat's all for now
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0758.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0759.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0761.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0765.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0769.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0771.jpg
also the hood, doors, and trunk are suppose to be CF'ed, but i haven't get to either....

Hi all,

did little update today, got the CF done on the doors, hood, and trunk. Here's the pics..
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0775.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0776.jpg
i am also having new direction for my lambo..thinking about doing it VIP style. I browsed the website for Japanese VIP manufacturers and i think i have some ideas..stay tuned for the progress.

If you do the engine cover, remember that this car doesn't really have any curves, and if you add curves it may look a bit strange. Try to use straight lines and hard edges so it matches the rest of the car, not like the one in the photographs.

Great work so far, stay away from the VIP style, thats for people who want to be noticed in a slow car, not for sports cars.

If you do the engine cover, remember that this car doesn't really have any curves, and if you add curves it may look a bit strange. Try to use straight lines and hard edges so it matches the rest of the car, not like the one in the photographs.

Great work so far, stay away from the VIP style, thats for people who want to be noticed in a slow car, not for sports cars.

Haha, yea maybe it's time for a change for VIP style..anyway i just want to try it cuz no one did this concept before on Lambo. About the engine cover, yea i will use straight lines rather than curves, thanks for the reply

Looking good..

Ok, so finally all the things that needs to go on to the chassis is done (except scratch building things). And i mocked up the car to see how it looks and how high/low the clearance is to the ground before i do any body kits. Anyway here's the update
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0777.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0778.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0779.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0783.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0784.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0786.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/192096IMG_0790.jpg
so as i said before, i will be weathering the battery compartment and also the front suspension. Just waiting for the glue to dry. That's it for now after 5 hours of soaking in super glue...

It's looking good! I may be a little late, but here is a link to some really detailed shots of a Countach in my folder. I saved them for my Testors Countach kit.
http://public.fotki.com/73superduty/lamborghinis/all_lamborghini/page2.html

Anyway, look I look forward to your completion.
Chris

Excellennt work!

Lookin' good, kinda like a Panda Lambo... - Mark

Lookin' good, kinda like a Panda Lambo... - Mark
haha, yea kinda looks like it. so far i haven't done anything to the body so it's still in its original white plastic form. I am thinking about maybe painting it gloss black. which company's gloss black is better?? tamiya or revell or testors (model master)?? I know that tamiya doesn't have gloss black as a spray can, they only have semi gloss black, i've tried it on my other models and it doesn't look shinny to me, kinda disappointed about that. So just want to try other company's product..

anyway let me know what you guys think, thanks

Or maybe automotive paints..?? But do i need to have automotive primer to use as a base for that? Also can i clear over that using maybe tamiya clear or mr hobby super clear gloss? thanks

Tamiya has TS-14 Gloss Black. Very shiny and really easy to lay down.
IF not that then I would highly recommend some paint from Cobra Colors, if you have an airbrush that is.
Chris

Tamiya has TS-14 Gloss Black...

I always thought TS-14 is just black instead of gloss black, guess i was wrong, i will try it out, thanks

I always thought TS-14 is just black instead of gloss black, guess i was wrong, i will try it out, thanks
Well, they do list it just as black, but here is what it looks like on three of my models:
http://images12.fotki.com/v252/photos/9/95430/2965283/evo1-vi.jpg
http://images8.fotki.com/v155/photos/9/95430/1362673/merc21-vi.jpg
http://images12.fotki.com/v239/photos/9/95430/2808400/mv20-vi.jpg
These were all painted with TS-14 and no clear.
I hope this helps you out.
Chris

thanks for the reply 73superduty, nice models by the way!

Sorry for the big bump guys!

Nice progress so far! I'm wondering if you have any progress on the kit?

I just picked this kit up yesterday from my brother who received it as a gift, but will never build it. He gave it to me for a grand total of $0.00! :)

I'm trying to decide if I want to build it or sell it. If I do sell it, I'll send a bunch of $ his way for donating the kit to me. The only problem with it is that somebody started painting the body... with a brush. So I'll have to chemically remove it (it's all down into panel lines). I'd imagine this fact alone will severely reduce the value of the kit.