Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale

Here is a quick (hopefully) build of a Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale.
I had the pleasure of looking over one of these at a local Ferrari dealer and I must say they are a gorgeous car! Hopefully my kit can do the car Justice?

the base kit is the Tamiya 1/24 360 Modena and added to that is the MSN Creations Challenge Stradale trans-kit (more on that later:banghead: )
The body is painted with ZERO Rosso Scuderia paint which is a great product! It's pre-thinned and the coverage is great. The other benefit is that these are the exact colours not just close matches! Here's the link to Hiroboy's store where you can purchase this colour and any other Ferrari colour you need.
http://www.hiroboy.com/catalog/

I live in Australia and the service was quicker than any other aftermarket supplier I have used. I thoroughly recommend adding Steve's shop to your favourites list!

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/robrex/360%20Challenge%20Stradale/body.jpg

I added the resin pieces for the front spoiler, side skirts and drilled the standard fuel cap out. MSN replicate the proper Stradale cap which will be painted and replaced. The molds for the kit must be getting old because it is very rough and needed heaps of putty to get the body looking half decent. I decided to forget about the headlight sprays because the putty covered them and to re-scribe them would have been a nightmare. The panel lines that needed re-scribing were difficult enough and needed about 5 or more attempts due to the plastic / resin differences !:nono: that said the result looks excellent!

Next I moved to the interior. I wanted to replicate the suede red/black interior of these cars. All paint was mixed with micro balloons and sprayed at a low pressure and the result looks much better in person.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/robrex/360%20Challenge%20Stradale/seats.jpg

I also cut the steering wheel up to enable a better finish and drilled out all the knobs and buttons from the MSN centre console and added machined pieces.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/robrex/360%20Challenge%20Stradale/steeringwheel.jpghttp://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/robrex/360%20Challenge%20Stradale/centreconsole1.jpg

here's the dash almost done except for the aircon vents.
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/robrex/360%20Challenge%20Stradale/dash.jpg

Next...the wheels. This is where the MSN kit really shows it's age. Here's a picture of what I got in the kit

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/robrex/360%20Challenge%20Stradale/wheel.jpg

And after hours of work
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/robrex/360%20Challenge%20Stradale/wheel2.jpg

while still not perfect, they look quite OK on the car.

More updates soon!

Hello,
Nice work on the rims....!
Nice paint also.
Waiting for the next Update!
Cheers,

Jamme

Your threads never fail to amaze me. As if that finish on the body isn't dazzelling enough, you go ahead and produce a fantastic interior too. I like how you did the steering wheel, you sure are a perfectionist. Fixing up the rim like that sure seems like a daunting task but it sure looks good now. Looking forward to more of this.

Rob: that's music for my hear.

I was just thinking yesterday that it had been a while since you posted a thread, I was starting to get withdrawal symptons. I knew you would have been working on something. The car is going to be stunning I have no doubt.
Great work so far. Especially on those wheels, I'm glad it was you and not me. When I saw the first pics of the wheel, I was half expecting to see a machined aluminium one below it.:grinyes:
Keep the progress coming.

Ps - still waiting for the completed thread on your fw24. While you have your camera out, feel free to take a couple of pics of your whole collection (How many by the way?) and how you display them. I have always wanted to know this.:grinyes:

Everytime when Rob starts a new thread all I can do is sit here, hold my jaw and keep my eyes on this show.

Love it! - but where's the 250 California you keep promising ;)

Ouch on those wheels! They look terrible. Was there no alternative source of wheels?

nice project you chose. This is still one of my all time favourite cars. And I´m certain you´re giving the kit the treatment it deserves to become a super cool replica of the original!

Gorgeous. The interior is a masterpiece and the separate vents, floor matts, and other tidbits are amazing.

Can't wait to see what you have planned for the engine.

Love it! - but where's the 250 California you keep promising ;)

Ouch on those wheels! They look terrible. Was there no alternative source of wheels?
OH yes I forgot the california spider!!!! Show us please!!!!!!

...Hopefully my kit can do the car Justice?...
Come on! Just your skills will make this car justice :wink: It's great to see a Robrex thread again!
Keep amazing us.

Looks great Rob. I have considered this transkit a few times. I remember Alex was building one and showed how wrong the transkit was so I opted out (for now) but it looks like yours is coming together nicely.
I won't be clicking the Hiroboy link because everytime I do my Visa balance increases.
Also WTF are "micro balloons" this is something I havent heard of? Where do you get them and what do they do??

Mike.

Let me start by saying you are doing some fine work-real silk purse out of a sow’s ear here. This was absolutely the worst trans-kit I have ever had the displeasure of subjecting myself to.

The kit itself took a month to arrive and when it finally came I was overcome with buyer’s remorse. The drivers side mirror was missing (!), the fuel doors unusable, and the seats required about a gallon of filler, and the rear diffuser’s fins were broken (1 per side). The bumper, although it looked OK, by time it was ready to be mounted was so misshapen and horrible that it took three hours to mount to the front of the car. The wheels, also looked good, but when I got into the process of preparing them, they were full of microscopic air bubbles that made them very fragile. I actually broke two when (very carefully of course) removing them from a test fit.

The side skirts were good, and the engine cover was decent, just had some tiny air bubbles that needed to be filled. The decals were also pretty decent, but for $60, you expect a lot more. I sent an email to the manufacturer, and never heard back. That said, will I ever recommend this kit to anyone? NOPE Will I ever patronize them again (see above)

I will leave you with a copy of the email, and a few pictures of the finished project.




Hello;

I just received your transkit for the Ferrari 360 Challenge Stradale from Ron Kertesz at http://www.racingminiatures.com/ (http://www.racingminiatures.com/), and am most unimpressed. The front bumper was cast very poorly, requiring over an hour's worth of sanding to get the mold lines and excess resin removed. The seats are horrible, and the fuel filler cap is unusable. There was only one mirror that came in the kit, including a lack of exhaust tips, that were apparently included in prior releases, according to Alex Kustov at http://www.italianhorses.net/ (http://www.italianhorses.net/) and more specifically ,http://www.italianhorses.net/Reviews/MSM%20CS/msm%20cs.htm (http://www.italianhorses.net/Reviews/MSM%20CS/msm%20cs.htm)so for now, I can't even start to assemble my model.

The only redeeming qualities are the wheels, which look nice, but certainly not spectacular, and the hatch cover. While I appreciate the improvements that you have made over past releases (wheels and seat shape). I feel that other parts definitely suffered as a result. While I understand the limitations of very limited run resin kits, this kind of quality for such an expensive kit is absolutely unacceptable.

I also work at a hobby store part time, and will certainly not rave about the quality of parts when this model is completed and on display, I will also not recommend this kit to ANY of my customers. Please contact me with a solution so that you can rectify this situation. As it stands I would like the exhaust tips, a new set of mirrors, and a fuel hatch that is accurate and well cast. As it stands, I think I may order some parts from Acu-Stion to help improve the quality of this piece, and will not be terribly eager to do business with you in the future, unless this is solved to our mutual satisfaction.

I appreciate your help in this matter and anticipate a speedy solution.

Thank you,


Sean Firth

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r273/GTi_guy_2007/360CSprofilesmall.jpg

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r273/GTi_guy_2007/360CSroofshine.jpg

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r273/GTi_guy_2007/360CStopviewsmall.jpg

Hi Rob

Your build is looking awesome !:eek:
I like the way you're interior looks. You must tell me more about those micro balloons.
I did do a google search -> they're tiny glass balls ? They must be really tiny to spray through an airbrush. :disappoin
I'm curious because I need some kind of texture for the roof of my Jaguar Mk II.
The texture looks a bit coarse in the pictures. Is it finer in real life or are the pictures accurate ?

Looking forward to the next update !:grinyes:

This is one of my favourite cars, did you hear that thing Rob? I couldn't get the smile out of my face when I saw couple of them at the Ferrari Racing Days Nürburgring...

About the MSM transkit, I have the same kit (with the Tamiya model) in my to do pile but I don't think my parts look that bad, actually they were fine as far as I remember. I will check that tomorrow...

How did you do the prancing horses on the floor of the interior?


can't wait for the next update :popcorn:

Hi Rob,

super, what you did up to now. Finish of the body is perfect :ylsuper: . It is an interesting idea mixing the micro ballons into the colour, I´ll test that next time.

What I don´t like so much are the shoulder pads of the seat belts :eek7: . They appear stuck on, not 3D.

Looking at these wheels, I have to ask again: What does MSN think :screwy: ? They offer wheels and what you get are 4 lumps of resin, from which you can try to make 4 wheels - what a cheek !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry guys but what're the micro balloons you're talking about? The effect looks really awesome but what's that? Some pics? Thanks~

Thanks for all the kind comments! I have a lot of questions to answer, hopefully I got them all?

Sorry guys but what're the micro balloons you're talking about? The effect looks really awesome but what's that? Some pics? Thanks~
....Also WTF are "micro balloons" this is something I havent heard of? Where do you get them and what do they do??
You must tell me more about those micro balloons.
I did do a google search -> they're tiny glass balls ? They must be really tiny to spray through an airbrush. :disappoin
I'm curious because I need some kind of texture for the roof of my Jaguar Mk II.
The texture looks a bit coarse in the pictures. Is it finer in real life or are the pictures accurate ?

The Micro Balloons are a material that I think Military and Train guys use to replicate snow in Diorama's? The finish does look a bit rough in the photo's but the effect looks fantastic in real life! A warning....it makes a mess. be prepared to clean your airbrush thoroughly afterwards.:eek:
here's a closer picture of the stuff available here in Australia.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/robrex/DSCF0593.jpghttp://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/robrex/DSCF0594.jpg




What I don´t like so much are the shoulder pads of the seat belts :eek7: . They appear stuck on, not 3D.

Yeah, they aren't the best are they:grinno: ! I think I may fix that now that this build has created a bit of attention..

Ps - still waiting for the completed thread on your fw24. While you have your camera out, feel free to take a couple of pics of your whole collection (How many by the way?) and how you display them. I have always wanted to know this.:grinyes:

Love it! - but where's the 250 California you keep promising ;)
Ouch on those wheels! They look terrible. Was there no alternative source of wheels?

Sorry.... my finished model photography sucks! and I don't want to post crappy completed pictures. I'm trying to get better :banghead:

This is one of my favourite cars, did you hear that thing Rob?

How did you do the prancing horses on the floor of the interior?

I didn't ask them to fire it up but I have heard one... LOVELY SOUND!

I made the prancing horses on the floor by covering the Crazy Modeler logos with flocking then just sticking them on the floor. It looks good doesn't it?

I hope to have more updates soon.

Those CM adhesive-back cavallinos sure are handy :)

I am going to experiment with "microballoons" for the seats on the FXX... I also bought "Faux Suede" paint from Scale Motorsports. We will see if it lives up to the name... Did you have any experience with it?

I made the prancing horses on the floor by covering the Crazy Modeler logos with flocking then just sticking them on the floor. It looks good doesn't it?


Yes, it looks awesome :grinyes:

Oh and by the way do you only use a lathe for your "selfmade" parts or do you also have a mill? I bought myself a lathe and can't wait till it arrives. I might get back to you and ask tons of questions about making parts on a lathe, I hope that's ok :iceslolan :iceslolan?

I think that effect is nice... one more pointer why i should get an airbrush :p
Once again robrex , Great modelling

Thanks for your reply Rob. That looks more like kind of powder IMO, awesome! Really original technique~~

Wow....great work on an awesome car. Those wheels looked horrible but you really brought them to life. Do they offer aftermarket replicas you could use?

Thanks for the info on the micro-balloons Rob. Is there any special mix ratio or just add and spray....?

Mike.

sweet! another robrex build! i've got this kit and t/k on the pile and will follow this one. :thumbsup:

Hey Rob, didn't realise you'd posted a progress report on the forums! Odd how they slip past you sometimes...

Anyway, you're doing a fine job! Glad that trans-kit is coming together well for you.

Here is another update

A VERY BIG THANKYOU TO gionc! He sent me a selection of photoetch parts which will come in very handy. The first parts I used were the aircon vents to better replicate the original car. I drilled the entire vent out of the dash and machined new outer housings into which I fit the PE pieces.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/robrex/360%20Challenge%20Stradale/DSCF0613.jpg

Here's a quick look at the finished dash

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/robrex/360%20Challenge%20Stradale/DSCF0622.jpg

I assembled the chassis, engine and interior
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/robrex/360%20Challenge%20Stradale/DSCF0620.jpg

The rear panel was cut from the body and covered in nylon material to look like the real thing. Obviously the only down side of this method is the material isn't see through. This was always going to be a quick build so it looks OK.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/robrex/360%20Challenge%20Stradale/DSCF0619.jpg

More soon

Where did you get Challenge Stradale p/e script?
Looks awesome!

Looks great Rob,

Alex - I believe the Challange Stradale PE is from the CrazyModeler self-adheseve set.

Did CM made a adhesive set for CS? I must have missed it. Is it still available?

Alex, I just checked, its actually a decal from CM set:DC-0120, Ferarri logos and scripts. I don't think Rob's is a PE, it looks exactly like the decal.

Where did you get Challenge Stradale p/e script?
Looks awesome!

Alex - I believe the Challenge Stradale PE is from the CrazyModeler self-adheseve set.
Did CM made a adhesive set for CS? I must have missed it. Is it still available?
Alex, I just checked, its actually a decal from CM set:DC-0120, Ferarri logos and scripts. I don't think Rob's is a PE, it looks exactly like the decal.

actually I made the logo on my lathe....:rofl:

No, seriously it is just the decal from the MSN kit. I wish the CS logo was on the Crazy Modeler PE set though!

actually I made the logo on my lathe....:rofl: :evillol:
Next time, maybe?
What a nice combo your turning and Gio's etching make!

Great job, interiors textures are stunning.

Here's a bit more of an update
I had been waiting on a replacement set of wheels for the MSN ones but they haven't arrived so, I saw a new set of BBS 19" wheels from Fujimi at HLJ. I ordered them to see what they are like. Here's a quick comparison:
MSN Wheel
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/robrex/360%20Challenge%20Stradale/DSCF0755.jpg

Fujimi Wheel
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/robrex/360%20Challenge%20Stradale/DSCF0757.jpg

Painted MSN wheel
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/robrex/360%20Challenge%20Stradale/DSCF0758.jpg

Fujimi Wheel
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/robrex/360%20Challenge%20Stradale/DSCF0759.jpg

The biggest problem is the width of the rim as you can see here. Both of these wheels are the rear set
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/robrex/360%20Challenge%20Stradale/DSCF0761.jpg

I also took another shot of the paint job. You can see the flouro tubes from my light in the reflection. Paint is Zero with automotive clear
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/robrex/360%20Challenge%20Stradale/DSCF0764.jpg

Awesome paint job. I quite like those fujimi rims might have to get some.

The biggest problem is the width of the rim as you can see here. Both of these wheels are the rear set
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/robrex/360%20Challenge%20Stradale/DSCF0761.jpg

You have a lathe, right? Shouldn't be terribly difficult to turn a couple of spacers out of tubing to widen the Fujimis, if they are undersize (are the front and rears the same width in this set?).

It looks to me like the Fujimi set is maybe correct for the 430, not the 360 (would make sense if it's an issue of the wheels from their 430 kit). The MSM ones appear more accurate- if rather nasty to work with. :uhoh: The box pic for the set on HLJ looks spot on for the 360- but I've learned not to trust the box pics on Fujimi's wheel sets...

Terrific work. With Gio's and Alex's builds, I've learned not to think of a CS conversion as an 'easy speed build'- but you seem to be managing, and it's looking great too.

It's almost finished. I have to complete it this weekend in time for next weeks competition. Wish me luck.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/robrex/360%20Challenge%20Stradale/DSCF0811.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b246/robrex/360%20Challenge%20Stradale/DSCF0810.jpg

I just need to make new headlight covers, make new exhaust outlets and finish the engine detailing and it will be done.
Thanks for looking:)

Wow almost!!!!! The 360 became quite a beast with the CS bodykit, and it's very beautiful in rosso scuderia, fantastic works Rob! Making new headlight covers is quite necessary for a Tami 360, great! I'm highly expecting the final result!

Looks like your finishing all your started builds, ehh :grinno:

I love the 360CS, it's one of my all time favorite cars and your model just reminds me of that, simply outstanding!

Rob's on a roll and on a pre-comp adrenaline rush :D

Looking super :thumbsup:

very nice and good job.

Gérald

Sweet paint job on this one! Turned out great. That interior looks very good as well!

I notieced in some of the first pictures the center stripe was reversed on the rear hatch but in the final pictures it is correct. How painful was it to replace that? What did you have to do to correct it?

I noticed in some of the first pictures the center stripe was reversed on the rear hatch but in the final pictures it is correct. How painful was it to replace that? What did you have to do to correct it?

Yep. I messed up the decal :banghead: Luckily I saw it before I put the clear coat on so I soaked the part in Micro Sol for about an hour and the decal lifted off relatively easily without damage. I also forgot to cut the decal for the Ferrari metal logo :shakehead I also managed to fix that!
Anyway, I'm off to finish this now. I've got a deadline to make!

Yep. I messed up the decal :banghead: Luckily I saw it before I put the clear coat on so I soaked the part in Micro Sol for about an hour and the decal lifted off relatively easily without damage.

Phheee, I´m happy that things happen to the pro´s as well as to me! :wink:

Sweet, it looks terrific!

But tell us, what option did you go with for the wheels?

Sweet, it looks terrific!

But tell us, what option did you go with for the wheels?

I just used the crappy MSN ones :shakehead
They don't look too bad unless you get up close!

Awesome work Rob, I like the interior and the way you did it.
What were the Fujimi wheels, are they replacement wheels for the Ferrari F430 kit, as I have been trying to find some?