Mitsu Evo VII Ralleye Monte Carlo Marlboro scheme

I have recently started Tamiya's wonderful Mitsubishi Evo VII (kit 24257). I have also used the Studio 27 Marlboro decals (Sheet ST27-DC551C), representing the car raced in the non French stages of the 2002 Rallye Mote Carlo. I don't really want to go overboard. That said I am sure I will, but as for now I only plan to use about a metric tonne of Scale Motorsport's carbon fibre decals (Both original weave, and new High Definition) along with their seatbelts. The jury is still out on whether or not I will order their photo-etch set. Any reccomendations?

Anyhow, I painted her in overall TS-49 bright red some months ago. I chose this over other choices just due to easy availability. On top of that I laid X-18 semi gloss black for the rain gutters masked out with Tamiya's stellar tape. Inside, I painted XF-2 flat white all over (typical everywhere there is white, sprayed with gloss clear if necessary)

anyhow, the pictures of the bare sprues are on my other camera, so I will get them here when I can, but for now, here is the painted and sanded body prior to decalling:

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r273/GTi_guy_2007/evo7topnodecalssmall.jpg?t=1170046591

Then we move on to the decalled body, with the roll cage (masked off for black parts) nestled inside.

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r273/GTi_guy_2007/evoVIIexterior.jpg?t=1170046661

Finally for tonight, all of the interior pieces that are going to get the CF treatment. As you can see, most of them already have the templates ready for them.

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r273/GTi_guy_2007/editedEVOVIIinterior.jpg?t=1170046692

What I ask of you fine gentlemen is this:

I need first hand experiences with the Scale Motorsports detail set, and whether you reccomend that (or another kit I haven't yet heard about). Secondly, I need inspiration-as you all know, that's the hardest thing to come by-except....

Interior and underside research pics. I have searched high and low, but haven't found much worth anything.

Thanks gents, and let me know what you think!

Scalemotorsport don't make a photo etch set for this model, if you want a photo etch set I can highly recommend the Studio27 set for the Evo VII.

Scalemotorsport don't make a photo etch set for this model, if you want a photo etch set I can highly recommend the Studio27 set for the Evo VII.

You are right, my mistake. You really do like the Studio 27 set though? I also forgot to add that even though I sanded down the body (to 12,000 grit with the detail master set) I have yet to clear coat it, and that will be on the way within the next day or so.

That said, I usually like to leave my colour coats sit for a month or so between application and clear coat, and at least a week in between decals and clear. Maybe I am being overly cautious, but I have had some horrible accidents by not waiting long enough.

Another thing I want to ask is this, what airbrushes do you fellows use-I want to get an Iwata, but there are so many to choose from, I just can't decide. I also have no real aversions to plunking down the money for a Micron C, but I want to be sure that's what I need. I also build military aircraft, so a good range from detail to wide coverage is paramount. Help me fellas!

Any Iwata period will be great. I'm sure that the Revolution line will be sufficient for the majority of the hobbyists out there, and the Eclipse line will cover even more people. Beyond that probably IS better, but it's also probably overkill too.

I have an Eclipse with the siphon-feed and it works well. Others like the ones with a gravity-feed color cup built it. It's all personal preference: I got mine because I do a lot of R/C bodies and would like to use a bigger bottle sometimes (But I also have a cup that fits in there too), and because it was cheap at AC Moore with a coupon. I also liked it because it comes with the larger of the two needles for the Eclipse range (I believe 0.35mm and 0.50mm), so it would be a little bit better for wide coverage and heavier acrylic paints. Buying the extra needle and tip are not too expensive though.

The bigger key is learning how to use what airbrush you have properly, rather than what kind of airbrush you buy.

I have an Iwata Revolution and an Iwata Eclipse, both fantastic airbrushes which I can't recommend enough. The key to buying airbrushes is to spend the money right away, if you buy a cheap one you'll only end up replacing it at a later date.

The bigger key is learning how to use what airbrush you have properly, rather than what kind of airbrush you buy.

Thank you, both you and Freakray have helped out a whole bunch. As for learning how to airbrush, I have been airbrushing for the past 10 or so years, I have just been using the much maligned Aztek A470, and have been relatively happy with it. Thing is, I just want to see what all the hub-bub is all about:icon16: , will I really notice that much of a difference? As for the comment about being more airbrush than I will use, 99% of the time it's probably true, but for the extra $50-100, why not juust spend the money up front and be prepared for everything? It's not like an Iwata is going to go bad on me, there is no shelf life, so you can theorhetically keep it forever.

BTW, since this is a WIP, I haven't done anything in the last few days. I have been busy with work and stuff, but the real reason is the CF decals. They look great, they aren't terribly difficult to deal with, BUT they are tedious. Expect more within the next few days.

I just spotted your W.I.P,very nice model you are making.The bodywork looks great nice and bright.The decals too look very nice.Looking forward to seeing more.

will I really notice that much of a difference?

Yes, I have an A470, the Iwata airbrushes make it seem toylike by comparison.

And regarding the St27 photo etch set for the Evo VII, it's excellent, it includes everything including brake cooling ducts amongst other things which the kit completely omits.