My First Thread & Completed Model - Marlboro Corolla WRC

Hi all

I have been browsing this forum for well over a year now and thought it is about time that i posted something. I have built a few models in the past where i basically just slapped them together with only the bare essential tools in less than a week. Those models have since become spare parts and i now take modelling a bit more seriously.

This is my first complete model which involved a lot of firsts for me and hence has taken most of the year to do.

I have used Tamiya's 1/24 Corolla WRC and Reji's Marlboro Decals to create Freddy Loix's entry in the 1998 Catalunya Rally. I have also used some photo etched parts from a hasegawa kit such as the seat belts and the bonnet pins. I also had a go with some C/F decals on the wing mirrors and some interior parts which are unfortunately hidden from view. Here's some pics.

http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/307821Corolla-WRC---Loix-_1_-med.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/307821Corolla-WRC---Loix-_2_-med.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/307821Corolla-WRC---Loix-_3_-med.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/307821Corolla-WRC---Loix-_4_-med.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/307821Corolla-WRC---Loix-_5_-med.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/307821Corolla-WRC---Loix-_6_-med.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/307821Corolla-WRC---Loix-_7_-med.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/307821Corolla-WRC---Loix-_8_-med.jpg
http://files.automotiveforums.com/gallery/watermark.php?file=/502/307821Corolla-WRC---Loix-_9_-med.jpg

There are a lot of subtle imperfections here and there, but it is less noticeable when you see the model in person as the photo's tend to bring up finer details.

There is probably one more thing i need to do to it and that is the panel lines, particularly for the bonnet area, but i'm scared i may ruin it so i'll leave that until my skills improve a bit along the way with other models.

I'm now starting another Corolla to go with this which will be Carlos Sainz's car from the same rally, which i should've done first but i couldn't resist! It shouldn't take as long i hope.

Comments and questions most welcome!!! :grinyes:

Well, for your first 'serious' effort I am very impressed. Took me years of effort to complete anything near this nice - and I'm not sure if I do yet! :grinyes: I always liked this livery, very striking. Is all the red decal or paintwork - either way, it must have been fun. I particularly like the Marlboro decal around the door handle, as these are always tricky to get right.

Welcome to AF, and keep the top class models coming.

Excellent work, the interior detail looks awesome!

Nice work. I think I gotta do that one now:naughty: Thanks for sharing your work. "Q"

Thanks for your comments so far guys...

The Corolla would probably be my favourite of the current era of WRC cars, this one in particular my favourite version of it, I'm very pleased how it has ended up so i think the amount of time i took was worth it.

All the red was sprayed with TS-8 Italian Red with the help of Tamiyas brilliant masking tape and i used plenty of microsol to get the decal to fit around the door handles.

I plan to have a large collection of built rally cars at some stage in various factory and privateer liveries, i've been buying a lot of kits and decals more than building, so i think its time to get into gear and make something of the pile of boxe's building up under my bed. I'll keep you posted as i progress.

That looks superb!
I feel you are right about it needing panel lines, but I understand if you are apprehensive!
The pen I used is a least water soluble so can be washed away if you don't like it (even though it's supposed to be permanent!)
I love the livery too and isn't a fun model to build? I just finished Sainz's car and loved every minute!
I can't see these imperfections you describe!

subtle imperfections are acceptable.. this is a very nice kit.

M1CRO.

Great looking model and congrats on such a fine job on your first serious model. Very nicely done.

Man it sure was Corolla day last weekend! :)
Love your work, particularly astounding given you say it is your first (surely not! :)). Great subject too, from back in the days when Freddy was a man on the move.

When you do have a crack at panel lines, be careful, it is easy to overdo them. There are a heap of different techniques that work for different people. IMHO scribing is the best but also the most difficult and dangerous.

Really nice for a first or 25th......great!

Cool looking Corolla.Fine building for your first serious effort! This is one model missing from my collection.I built one once in the Castrol scheme and made a total hash of the decals.Yours however are very nicely done.My method for doing the panel lines is with enamel paint.Paint it into the line (thin it down first so it will flow easier) allow it to dry for about an hour and clean the excess off with a cotton bud moistened with turpentine.I find this method only works on the tougher types of paint as the turpentine can affect the finish on some hobby paints.I also do the lines before any decals are applied.I look forward to seeing some more of your models.

Cheers fellas

probably about 5 or 6 years ago i did some warhammer models and before that some aircraft so i guess thats where i learnt to model.

Thanks for the tips for doing the panels, i'll definately trial some of those ideas on some scrap parts.

:thumbsup: