Tamiya McLaren MP4/5B

I've been working on this one for the past couple of weeks and thought I would share a few pictures of the progress so far.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/stevenoble/McLaren%20MP4%205B/IMGP3265.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/stevenoble/McLaren%20MP4%205B/IMGP3264.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/stevenoble/McLaren%20MP4%205B/IMGP3263.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/stevenoble/McLaren%20MP4%205B/IMGP3262.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/stevenoble/McLaren%20MP4%205B/IMGP3261.jpg

Awesome CF work. I too have stared this kit but lost a few parts and had to stop. I look forward to seeing more progress

beautifully done...what clear are you using over the decals?

nice CF working on it :)

beautifully done...what clear are you using over the decals?

I oversprayed the decals with Vallejo Air Satin varnish.It comes pre thinned for the airbrush and being waterbased doesn't harm the decals.

Hi Steve,
Very nice work indeed. I like the use of different CF designs. The tone of the clear looks fabulous too. Bravo.
BillyPee

Updates are slow as I'm waiting for wires and other bits to arrive to aid the detailing of the engine.I've added some wiring to the monocoque black boxes and replaced the Tamiya connectors with ones from Perfect Parts.They look much better.Once the wires and bits I have ordered arrive I will press on with detailing the engine.More updates later.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/stevenoble/McLaren%20MP4%205B/IMGP3290.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/stevenoble/McLaren%20MP4%205B/IMGP3286.jpg

Superb work Steve. Where did you get the varnish? In the UK?

Superb work Steve. Where did you get the varnish? In the UK?

Thanks for the comment.You can get the full range of Vallejo Acrylic paints and varnishes in the UK from http://www.modelsforsale.com
As far as I know they ship to the UK and Overseas as well and the service is superb.

.You can get the full range of Vallejo Acrylic paints and varnishes in the UK from http://www.modelsforsale.com
As far as I know they ship to the UK and Overseas as well and the service is superb.

Oh Cool! I've seen these guys but haven't used them yet! They are only 11 miles away from my house! I'll do an order

Excellent decal work! Did you make your patterns from Tamiya tape or just wing it?

MH

Excellent decal work! Did you make your patterns from Tamiya tape or just wing it?

MH

Yes,I made the patterns from Tamiya tape and did it a section at a time using both Scale motorsport and Crazy Modeler carbon decals to add some variation.I didn't cover the whole monocoque (just the main sections) the area around the cockpit is sprayed with a satin black/gold mixture made with Tamiya acrylics.

I hadn't noticed the change in the CF pattern on F1M. Very nice work Steve!

Hi Steve,

Those connectors look fab. I think you have tempted me into going that route on my next model. Are the trumpets after market too?

Cheers,
Bill

Hi Steve,

Those connectors look fab. I think you have tempted me into going that route on my next model. Are the trumpets after market too?

Cheers,
Bill

Hi Bill.
The 'trumpets' are just the Tamiya kit ones.I painted them in Alclad chrome which worked out really well and added a drop of Humbrol brass in to the bottoms to give them a bit of depth.I can recommend the Perfect Parts connectors they really do look very realistic when installed.

Hi Steve,

The 'trumpets' are just the Tamiya kit ones.I painted them in Alclad chrome which worked out really well and added a drop of Humbrol brass in to the bottoms to give them a bit of depth.

Wow, that is very impressive considering they are stock items. I have made a conscious decision not to get involved with using an airbrush, so Alcad is off limits for me. I used to use one when I made models as a child but the wisdom of being an adult makes me realise that I don't have the temprament to learn how to use one properly these days... maybe when I retire :iceslolan:

I can recommend the Perfect Parts connectors they really do look very realistic when installed.

Yes, I have to agree. My Jordan is going to have "standard electronics" this time around. I did think about scratching all the black boxes (a la JayKay's Mclaren but then I had a sit down and a cup of tea and that moment of insanity passed :grinyes: ).

Thanks for you encouragement.
Bill

Awesome CF work and clean detailing. Keep up the good work!

WoW Steve!
Nice work on the tamiya parts,
CF work is just on the money.
Will follow this one.

Hi Guys,
Just a small update today to let you all know I am still working on the model.The reason the updates are a little slow is that I am still waiting for a few detail parts to arrive,but that is sorted now,as they are in the post and should be with me shortly.The main thing I had difficulty getting hold of was black plug wire for the engine.Every colour under the sun was available but everywhere I tried,black was out of stock.The Model Car Garage sorted me out in the end and I ordered quite a few more bits as well from their excellent range to further detail the engine and chassis etc.I highly recommend them.
Whilst waiting for parts to arrive I have done some work on the bodywork.As I'm going to display the finished model with the engine exposed (bodywork off) I seperated the front wing from the main cowling with a razor saw.I then set about prepping the main cowling for paint.

Overall shot of cowling in Tamiya Light Grey primer.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/stevenoble/McLaren%20MP4%205B/IMGP3336.jpg

There are a few areas on the cowling that I am not satisfied with.
A few pinholes to deal with on the headrest area.(circled)

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/stevenoble/McLaren%20MP4%205B/IMGP3339.jpg

The rear section is better.I am very happy with the join on the rear of the air intakes (red square)
But the front section again has some pinholes (red circle) Not overly noticable but it will need correcting before painting

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/stevenoble/McLaren%20MP4%205B/IMGP3338.jpg

On a happier note I received my Goodyear template for the tyres and was pleased with the result it gave.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/stevenoble/McLaren%20MP4%205B/IMGP3328.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/stevenoble/McLaren%20MP4%205B/IMGP3335.jpg

I also got the decals.A big thanks to Ron at Racing Miniatures for supplying me with these.Another company I have never used before but excellent service and one I will use again.They also include replacement photo etch wing endplates front and rear to replace the over thick Tamiya items.So that was a bonus.
I haven't used Museum Collection decals before and these are the HI Tech type where you peel off the carrier film when they are dry.If anyone has any tips on their use,please let me know.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/stevenoble/McLaren%20MP4%205B/IMGP3340.jpg

Well hopefully the updates will be more frequent now,so until the next one.

Steve,

lovely work, the car looks incredibly clean and neat, great job mate. I have used Racing Miniatures before too and highly recommended them, Ron cannot be more helpful

look forward to seeing this progress

Sean
_______________________________

http://www.scalereproductions.co.uk
_______________________________

great work Steve! What paint did you use for the goodyear logos?

Here's a link on how to apply S27 High Tech decals, might be helpful CLICK (http://www.kiwi-us.com/~studio27/e/hightechdecals.htm)

great work Steve! What paint did you use for the goodyear logos?

Thanks for that link.It should be a help when I come to place the decals.
I used Humbrol Satin white enamel (no.130) for the Goodyear logos.I tried matt white first but it looked a bit dull so I cleaned it off and went with the satin white instead.

Looks good Steve. Makes me want to build one of my McLarens.

Mike.

I made a bit of progress on the McLaren over the last couple of days.The wiring supplies I ordered arrived along with a few other parts.Whilst I was waiting for these I prepared the exhausts and filled the pinholes in the main cowling.This is now primered and ready for colour.I think I am going to prepare all the body parts and paint them all together in one spraying session,first the white,then when dry the flourescent red.
I started work on the engine wiring and finished the plug wires on both sides.I cut off the molded electrical connections on top of the engine covers and replaced them with the Perfect Parts items.The thin plug wire was then added to these and connected to the plug holes after drilling a tiny hole in each to locate the wires into.It all took a long time and I got very frustrated doing it,but the end result was worth it.
Here's a quick picture of the wiring I did on the plugs etc (apologies it was taken indoors) Oh,and the Honda logos on the engine covers were a new item from Crazy Modeler.They come on a sheet and are self adhesive,just cut out and place them on.It was easier than painting them by hand and a lot neater.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/stevenoble/McLaren%20MP4%205B/IMGP3395.jpg

Until the next update.

Very nice work! ... I need to grab one set of those decals fast... i have to keep them for my set of mp4s

Hi Steve,

Nice progress as usual. Few questions:

The Honda decal, so its like self adhesive PE? Sorta like some of the components you get with the FW24. I used standard (non self-adhesive) PE on my 312T3 and although it was nice, it didn't seem like it was worth the effort over BMF covered in X-18.

Also, the engine in the 5B, its just matt black yeah? Those Maclaren guys sure make the life of a modeller much easier :grinyes:

BTW, I found some really nice ref pics on the Honda F1 website... you can go back through the seasons to before they bought out BAR... some nice shots of Berger and Senna in action in this car (also other Honda powered F1 cars that Tamiya model (e.g. FW11).

All the best,
BillyPee

Hi Steve,

Nice progress as usual. Few questions:

The Honda decal, so its like self adhesive PE?

Also, the engine in the 5B, its just matt black yeah?

Hi Bill,
Yeah,the Honda logos are like chrome photo etch parts pre-cut,self adhesive.Just cut out,stick in place,burnish down with a cocktail stick and peel off the clear carrier film.
The engine is black with the gearbox at the back a metallic brown colour.

BTW, I found some really nice ref pics on the Honda F1 website... you can go back through the seasons to before they bought out BAR... some nice shots of Berger and Senna in action in this car (also other Honda powered F1 cars that Tamiya model (e.g. FW11).

All the best,
BillyPee

link? i couldn't find it...

Steve everything looks super I only hope that some day I can built something that nice.

Regards,
Dave

Steve, I really like what you have done with the engine. All of your work looks great!

Cheers, Rick

link? i couldn't find it...

Hi CeeElle. Go to the Honda F1 website, then go Fans -> Images -> Archive 1983--1992. Or just follow this link:

http://www.hondaracingf1.com/en/index.php?section=108&year=1983

Cheers,
BillyPee

Hi guys,
A few update photos to share with you again.I've now got the engine,monocoque and undertray assembled.My plan is to finish the rolling chassis,then put this aside whilst I concentrate on the painting and decalling of the front and rear wing and the main bodywork.I still have quite a lot of stuff I want to add to the chassis,some of which is:throttle cable assembly and linkage,braided cooling lines(one done already),exhaust sensors and a whole array of nuts,bolts and fasteners.All this should really bring the chassis to life.
I tried out the Finishers MP4 red on the small bits of bodywork that fit in between the rear suspension arms and am happy to report that it sprayed very nicely.It dried fast,gave a nice shine and above all I was very happy with the overall colour it gave.Although I'm still a bit worried about doing a nice clean seperation line on the main bodywork between the white and the red.
Anyway enough of my ramblings,here's a few progress pics.More to follow.
Any comments,questions welcome.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/stevenoble/McLaren%20MP4%205B/IMGP3449.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/stevenoble/McLaren%20MP4%205B/IMGP3448.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/stevenoble/McLaren%20MP4%205B/IMGP3450.jpg

Steve it looks Awesome I like the look of the headers and what A/N fittings pluse braided line did you use?


Regards,
Dave

Steve,

very nice mate, your detail work is excellent and I have to say it looks extremely clean and spotless.

Sean
_______________________________

http://www.scalereproductions.co.uk (http://www.scalereproductions.co.uk/)
_______________________________

WIP: Lancia Stratos (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=639403)

Steve it looks Awesome I like the look of the headers and what A/N fittings pluse braided line did you use?


Regards,
Dave

Dave and Sean,thanks for your comments.The fittings for the braided lines are from Sakatsu.One end is a straight nut type(No 4451) and the other is tapered at one end.(no 4459)The braided line itself is from Modelers 0.9mm(MO72).The curve in between the two nuts is regular solder bent to the correct shape.I painted the top part with Tamiya clear blue.

So neat and clean work Steve! The rear section puttying is really fantastic, and the engine look like the real thing with the PP connectors.

Very well done !

Robi :)

That looks fantastic mate!

Did anyone else notice that Honda has removed all the tobacco advertising from the cars on that site?

Very nice work. This is progressing well and looking so very clean.

looks clean!! I have this kit too. Not ready to start on it though...
Can you tell me how the Finisher's paints work? I saw them sold in packages of mp4 red, flo pink and white. Do you mix the colours? or just use one single colour? red+flo pink? What type of paint are they? lacquer?



Alex

Nice work. You are progressing very fast, and I will be interested to see how the paint turns out.

Looking great. That Finishers MP4 red looks a spot on match and it is nice to hear that it goes on well and has a nice finish.

Regards,
BillyPee

Can you tell me how the Finisher's paints work? I saw them sold in packages of mp4 red, flo pink and white. Do you mix the colours? or just use one single colour? red+flo pink? What type of paint are they? lacquer?



Alex

Yes,you get 3 bottles of colour.Foundation White,MP4 Red and the Flourescent Pink colour.You apply the white first over your primer coats (it dries to a gloss finish.Then you apply the MP4 Red.This is a pure bright red colour,a bit like Tamiya's TS49 (this is also gloss finish)Once this has dried you overcoat the MP4 Red with the Flourescent Pink (this is also gloss,very pink and also transparent,so the MP4 Red shows through it.This creates the McLaren Red colour on you model.The paint is a lacquer type paint.It is very similar to the Tamiya TS sprays,but I would say it dries faster and harder and gives a better gloss straight from the airbrush.It's a bit more time consuming I suppose using the different layers but I think the results are worth it.It really is a perfect match to the McLaren red.

It's a bit more time consuming I suppose using the different layers but I think the results are worth it. It really is a perfect match to the McLaren red.


:iagree:

I really like the colour but the application looks even more fabulous.

Ever since getting my second-wind at modelling, I have resisted using my airbrush; primarily becuase I remember how difficult I found it to use the first time around (camo' on Lancaster Bombers during my 'skool daze') :grinyes: .

However, this McLaren red (and stuff like the metal Alcad paints) make me realise that I am going to have to take the plunge at some point.

I think my old Humbrol airbrush will go on eBay and Santa will receive a very polite letter for something double action... and I don't mean a shot-gun or Cillit Bang :p .

All the best,
BillyPee

That looks gorgeous! I am impressed with the engine wiring. Where did you buy those comp connectors/ignition wires connectors?

:iagree:

However, this McLaren red (and stuff like the metal Alcad paints) make me realise that I am going to have to take the plunge at some point.

I think my old Humbrol airbrush will go on eBay and Santa will receive a very polite letter for something double action... and I don't mean a shot-gun or Cillit Bang :p .

All the best,
BillyPee

You should really think about getting an airbrush Bill,They really make the difference when it comes to painting all the parts.I think you 'll get on fine using one.The modern airbrushes are simple to use.It takes longer sometimes to prepare the surfaces for painting than it does to lay on the finishing coats of paint.I think an airbrush takes your models to the next level and a good one will last you years.If you want a cheaper one to start with I can recommend the Tamiya Spraywork HG Single Action.I have been using this for a good few months now and it is my workhorse brush for all the little parts etc.I'm looking to add another soon for painting bodyshells etc,something capable of laying down wetter coats.I've had a few recommendations but there is such a choice!!!!!

That looks gorgeous! I am impressed with the engine wiring. Where did you buy those comp connectors/ignition wires connectors?

Thanks for your comments,really appreciated.The connectors are by Perfect Parts and they came from http://www.racingminiatures.com You can also get them here http://macsmodeling.com/index.htm

I can recommend both of these stores a real pleasure to deal with.Here's a picture of what you get in the box.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/stevenoble/PerfectParts002a.jpg

Billy, thanks for the link!

Steve - this incredible build inspired me to buy the MP4/5B (and with the S27 p/e and Perfect Parts connectors... :grinyes: )! i'll be following it closely. maybe i missed it, but where did you get the finisher's paint? also, how did you paint/finish the monocoque around the cockpit? it looks textured...

and thanks for the pics!

And finally, i can wholeheartedly recommend Mac's Modeling. i ordered the S27 set from him,and i received a friendly email newsletter and the order arrived within 4 days!

CeeElle,Thanks for your kind words.I don't think I've ever inspired anyone before.Good luck building your Tamiya MP4/5B.
To answer your question about the monocoque texture.I used a combination of paint and 2 types of decals.I first airbrushed the whole monocoque with a mixture of Tamiya X18 Semi Gloss Black and X12 Gold Leaf.When this had dried I used SMS Carbon Fibre decal on sections 1,2 and 3 shown on the photo below.On section 4 I used a different texture of decal from Crazy Modeler.Sections 5 and 6 are just the paint,no decals.Section 7 and 8 are again SMS Carbon Fibre decal.If you do the decals in sections it is quite easy to do.Make patterns from Tamiya masking tape.Burnish it down along the edges and trace around the edge with a fine pencil.Transfer the pattern to your decal,cut out and you're away.After it was all finished I airbrushed the entire monocoque with Vallejo Air Satin varnish.
I have just sent you a PM as well regarding another matter.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/stevenoble/IMGP32611.jpg

A quick update.The wheels and tyres are now finished and on the chassis.I had a few problems with the stencil's on the rear tyre as they have more of a curve,so a bit of overspray crept under the stencil.I managed to clean them up but they are not quite as crisp as I would have liked.A lesson learnt for next time.I added the exhaust sensors on this side also.Made from the PP connectors ,Sakatsu connectors and MCG ignition wire they look good.I added a washer to the bigger of the 2 with brass sheet punched out with the punch and die set.I have also painted the airscoop and added the bolt details and fastener's to one side and some bolt heads to the rear suspension and monocoque.All the bolt heads came from The Model Car Garage.I'll start on the other side tommorrow.Here's a couple of pictures.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/stevenoble/McLaren%20MP4%205B/IMGP3464.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/stevenoble/McLaren%20MP4%205B/IMGP3477.jpg

Steve
Looking at your last picture the top view one what color did you use to paint your gear box?
Also your airbox looks sweet did you air-brush it?

Thanks Dave

Hey Steve
What paint did you use for the rear suspension and the undertray? It does not look like X18 as directed. I think it looks great and very clean. It seems more flat. The X18 always seems to have to much gloss for my taste.
I think your whole build rocks!!! I have started this kit a few years ago and have somehow lost a tire and wheel and the mounting part of the rear wing. I was almost finished with the kit. The other problem I had was the Tamiya decals looked a bit yellow after they were dry. The Studio 27 Marlboro's look great. I am hoping if I ever clear it the yellow will look better.!!! I try to use only Studio 27 decals from now on as they look and apply better IMHO.
If anybody has a parts kit I could use those missing parts. Shoot me a PM

Cheers
Dana G

Great work. Love the attention to detail, especially on the ram effect engine cover.

Thanks also for spelling out exactly how you achieved the monocoque look. Really appreciated.

BillyPee

another monocoque finishing question - is the mixture of X18 and X12 50-50?

Looking at your last picture the top view one what color did you use to paint your gear box?
Also your airbox looks sweet did you air-brush it?

HI Dave,The Tamiya instructions recommend a mixture of 2 paints for the gearbox X-9 and XF-56.But I used X-33 Bronze instead of mixing the 2 colours.It is a good match for the real colour on the reference photos I have.The airbox was airbrushed Vallejo Black (71057) and then masked out with 3M Plastic Tape for the yellow section.It's the first time I've used this tape and it is good.It's so flexible you can stretch it into all sorts of complex shapes.
This is the 3M tape I used for anyone who's interested.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/stevenoble/IMGP3481.jpg

What paint did you use for the rear suspension and the undertray?

The paint used was Vallejo Model Air Black (71057) It is sort of halfway between Satin and Matt and goes on very smoothly.The Marlboro logo's on the monocoque are Tabu Design decals.


another monocoque finishing question - is the mixture of X18 and X12 50-50?

I think the mix was more along the lines of 3:1 (3 drops of black X-18 to 1 drop of Gold Leaf X-12) Do a test on some old card etc until you are happy with the colour.I sprayed the entire monocoque first with Tamiya X-18 and then used the Black/Gold mix over the top well thinned and light coats with the airbrush,almost just dusting it on to build up the effect.Remember also that a fair bit of the monocoque is Carbon Decals.

looks like i really oughtta get an airbrush. i've got a few kits in the queue before i tackle the MP4/5B so I can build up some skills.

i really appreciate your help. i sent ya a PM. :)

Well I hoped to have a substantial update today,but I ran into a few problems with the rear wing end plates.I painted them at the start of the week.The Finishers MP4 Red went on very smoothly.I had a few problems applying the clear pink overcoat,when some small black particles dropped in on the final coat,anyway I sorted that out and left them to dry.The problems started with the decals (Museum Collection Hi Tech) the ones where you peel away the clear carrier film when they have dried.Now this is a good idea I thought no visible carrier film,but 2 problems:1 It's a real pain to get off without taking the decal with it.(I tried letting them dry a long time and a short time with the same result)
2 When you do get it off it leaves a horrible glue mark where the carrier film has been.
I ended up polishing the glue to get rid of it and some still remained,so I burried it under 2 coats of Gunze Sangyo Water based gloss top coat.The first time I've used this and it's very good stuff.Highly recommended.
I've decided not to use the rest of the decals as I don't want to muck the body up,so I've cobbled together the Marlboro logo's from a Tabu Design set and will use the Tamiya/S27 ones I have in my spares box for the rest.The only Museum Collection one I may use is the one for the windscreen as I think this will look a lot better with no carrier film.Here's a picture of the endplates so far.I think when the rear wing is all assembled I may cover the location holes with some photoetch nuts/rivet head detail.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b61/stevenoble/McLaren%20MP4%205B/IMGP3516.jpg

Hopefully I'll have a bit more to post tomorrow.I'm trying to get the front and rear wings complete before I tackle the main body cowling.

Steve have you put a clear over the end plates?

Steve have you put a clear over the end plates?

Yes,I have cleared the endplates.They look matt in the photo but it's just the poor light indoors.

The red looks really nice can't wait to see the rear cowl.

Regards,
Dave