Orange 7 WIP

Yes, I am building another 7, surprised? I'm not… I will also chronicle this build as I go along.

While it will be much like an out of the box build in many respects, I reserve the right to deviate from what comes in the kit for any reason I choose. It is not meant to “out-do” the Blue Seven. It is to build and enjoy and have fun. (OK, that part is the same as the Blue 7.)

Also, if any of you are building, or have built one of these kits, please note that I am going to be all over the place regarding what I build in what order compared to the way the instruction book has you build it. Nothing wrong with following the instructions, in fact I highly recommend it if you have not built one of these kits before, but I have built enough of these to skip around for my own enjoyment and not become ensnared in any of the possible pitfalls of building out of order.

Tamiya Caterham Super Seven 1/12 Scale Master’s Coachwork Series

So follow along if you wish, feel free to ask questions, I'll try to be as clear as I can with my answers. Let's dive in...

I started with the engine on this one. Scale Motor Sport’s Faux Fabrix was used to simulate the sand cast texture of the engine block.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC00857.jpg
Tamiya TS-21 Gold was used for the color. The gloss of the gold was toned down with Testors Dullcote.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC00861.jpg
The head was painted aluminum and the freeze plugs painted a light steel color. The oil pan is Tamiya Clear Orange over silver for an anodized look.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC01027.jpg
More to come, comments welcome... - Mark

Cool, another one. More reference and inspiration!

Looks a bit like a Ford Kent block, so the BDR kit? Going to keep with the BDR engine?

And here I thought you were throwing in late for the group build.

Nice, another one. The sms paint looks great, i need to get my hands on it. The paint made it look almost realistic. Will keep my eye on this one.

Danggit, now I have to follow this thread from the beginning. I liked the other one because I only caught on near the end of the Blue Seven, which allowed me have lots to look at all at once. I could see it all in front of me. Now I have to be patient!

Great work as always, man.

I know Matthew will be happy with the result. Everything looks great so far.

Yes, it is the BDR, I should have included that in my opening.

Like any new project, the participation level is high at the beginning, that holds true here too…

Testors Black Chrome Trim makes a good look for vinyl seat covers. The seat inserts were brush painted with Tamiya acrylic JN Grey, the brush strokes were left intentionally to make the pattern look more like an animal hide.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC01014.jpg

SMS Giraffe pattern decals were applied. Mr. Mark Softer (decal solvent) and a good decaling brush made it an easy task.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC01016.jpg

Tamiya Clear Yellow was airbrushed in different random densities and streaks, again to make it look more like a natural animal hide. I used an Iwata airbrush and was pleased the spray pattern was so fine I did not even have to mask off the black.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC01023.jpg

The seats were finished by spraying them with a 50/50 mix of Testors Glosscote and Dullcote lacquers.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC01025.jpg

Stay tuned for more... - Mark

Mark, can you tell me what animal that hide came from? The finish on the seats makes a nice leathery look.

Mark, can you tell me what animal that hide came from?

Sure Mike, It's from a Decalasaurus... Shot it myself... Them's good eatin' too... They smell like lacquer when you're grillin' 'em though... - Mark

I tought you were going to take a break after you're bleu caterham but no sir... lets just make another one... you're 6the?

good start, altough i don't really like the giraffe-seats. Are you going to use that theme on the entire car? Perhaps tiger stripes for the exteriour ;-)

Looks great so far.

another one... that`s also great

The frame was cleaned up like normal and painted semi flat black. The floor panels are covered with SMS Kevlar #1312 decal. Really no trick to it, just a little patience, and a little decal solvent around the edges and rivets. Let the decal dry for about 20 minutes before working it to conform with solvent. Keeps it from sliding around.
The steering rack cross member was textured to look sand cast with the Faux Fabrix... - Mark
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC01075.jpg
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC01076.jpg

Mark if you can,please give me an idea on what should be done to tamiya acrylic to use it with a brush and leave no brushstrokes. What kind of additive can you put in it so it doesn't dry so fast and laeve brush marks. Also you detail work is amazing on this build so far. i will keep watching. thanks,Q

I don't have a solution for you to paint any acrylic by brush without leaving brush strokes. Except for detail work, I usually paint with an air brush, and even then, I don't use much in the way of acrylics.
I used a brush and acrylic paint on the seats because it was the color I wanted and had on hand, and I wanted stoke marks and unevenness. Ironic huh... - Mark

Thanks Mark. I use an Iwata myself but all this detail work and painting is new to me. i really like doing models this way. Q

i've never seen giraffe hide on anything, let alone the seats of a model. great idea, brilliantly executed.

Well, to me the scale of the splotches is on the small side for Giraffe on this project. I was going for "animal print look", over replicating an actual hide. And Cow just didn't seem appropriate for this ride... And thank you!


Here are some more parts I used SMS Faux Fabrix on for texturing. "It's not just for seats anymore!"

The rear bulkhead received several very wet coats, (let dry between coats), to replicate the rubberized spray coating/insulation. (Keeps, stone chips from damaging the C/F too.)

The transmission took a light coating for a fine sand-cast look, and the front of the engine/head got a matching amount as was applied to the block.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC01074.jpg
Here’s the finished rear bulkhead installed in the frame.
The rivets are raised on the floor and rear panels. I lightly sanded them to allow the aluminum to show through the decal with some 1000 grit sandpaper.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC01083.jpg
SMS 1/12 Hi Def C/F on the “interior” side.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC01081.jpg
Stay tuned... - Mark

The brake rotors were sprayed with Tamiya Natural Metal, then sprayed with an even medium coat of TS-71 Smoke, and then again sprayed with a couple light coats of TS-17 Gloss aluminum. Each coat of each color was allowed to dry before putting on the next layer.
The hubs were textured with, you guessed it, Faux Fabrix.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC01087.jpg
The rear differential was given a sand cast look with the same method…
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC01090.jpg
Next stop, engine work... - Mark

More work accomplished on the engine…
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC01077.jpg
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC01079.jpg
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC01080.jpg

Looks great Mark. Just as nice as the blue one. I like those rotors, what is Tamiya Natural Metal?

Mike.

Is the cam color the color the car will be?

The Natural Metal is from the Tamiya aircraft paint line. AS-12.
Thanks, but this is actually quite a bit simpler than the blue one. These are kit parts. (What a concept!) The blue one is made up of mostly scratchbuilt and/or super detailed and modified assemblies.
The cam cover is the only thing on this one painted that color. Orange 7 will be orange and carbon fiber on the exterior... - Mark

The aluminum body side panels were scratched and I wasn't able to polish them up to a level I was happy with. So I went back to an option I had originally considered for this build, carbon fiber. A base coat of semi gloss black was sprayed on to promote decal adhesion.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC01091.jpg
Scale Motor Sport 1/12 scale Hi Def C/F decal (#1512) was applied in two main parts on each panel.
Once FULLY dry, a 50/50 mix of Testors Dullcote and Glosscote was sprayed in a medium light coat and allowed to dry. The same application was repeated about 30 minutes later. The seams of where the decals overlapped were sanded out with 1000 grit wet and another coat of the 50/50 mix was applied to make the sheen uniform.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC01113.jpg

here we go again :grinno:

That looks amazing so far. I think I have to give Faux Fabric a try sooner or later...

The Natural Metal is from the Tamiya aircraft paint line. AS-12.
- Mark
Thanks Mark. I'll have to check that out.

The carbon fiber sides look great.

Mike.

unbeliveable detail as usuall!!

Here the sides are attached and the basics of the front suspension are in place. Care must be taken when putting the side panels on as to not chip the decals applied to either the sides or the floor panels. Only a little extra time and vigilance was needed to get both sides on event free... - Mark

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC01115.jpg

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC01117.jpg

The rear panel, also made of the same soft aluminum as the sides, received the same SMS Hi Def C/F treatment as the sides. Here you can see the first largest single decal panel applied. The holes were cut out with a sharp knife after the decal had fully dried.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC01120.jpg

I like to use semi gloss black as a base because it dries faster than high gloss and is glossy enough to not cause silvering problems. These decals are dense and opaque enough that any base color will work, but they work much better over a painted surface than raw metal, plastic or resin, like all decals.

Here it is finished.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC01126.jpg

It took several decals to cover all the edges and contours. Not difficult, just time consuming. It is best to decal a part like this over several days, a little at a time, letting each application dry before proceeding. Once all the decals were dry it was clear coated with the same 50/50 mixture of Gloss and Dullcotes and treated to the same finishing techniques as the sides. As you can see it works well to hide the seams, if you get them lined up when you are decalling...

B E A U T I F U L ! ! ! ! ! !

Amazing CF work!

Excellent work Mark. I've not tried the high-def decals yet (I do have some), anything I need to know?

Mike.

I've not tried the high-def decals yet (I do have some), anything I need to know?
Mike.
They respond well to a hairdryer:grinyes: . Mark, it's a terrific build as always to be expected of you.:sunglasse :sunglasse

If you can handle the traditional SMS C/F decals, these will pose no problems. I think they are easier to work with... - Mark

The “floor” of the trunk was decaled with the same SMS Kevlar as the floor panels, but instead of decaling both sides, the bottom was treated to a couple coats of Faux Fabrix to simulate a rubberized coating like the rear bulkhead.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC01127.jpg



For the top side, first a base coat of semi gloss tan was sprayed on, (just as was done on the floor panels.)

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC01121.jpg

Once the decal was applied, a thin coat of the 50/50 Clearcote mixture was applied to seal it. Then a couple drops of Tamiya Clear Yellow and Smoke were added to the mix and lightly sprayed on to tint the Kevlar a tad bit darker so it would look like it was coated with an opaque material on the other side.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC01128.jpg

If you can handle the traditional SMS C/F decals, these will pose no problems. I think they are easier to work with... - Mark
Thanks Mark.

I am really enjoying the updates. This is one kit that I never bought, was always just outside my price range. Although after watching your build-up(s) I might have to bite the bullet.

Mike.

They are nice kits. But the techniques I'm using can be used on any model...

The driveshaft was covered in SMS Plain Weave C/F #1420. The textured pumpkin is painted and installed too.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC01132.jpg

The front of the engine is almost done…

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC01150.jpg

The wheels are next... - Mark

so you want to say that engine works(or turns, i don`t know)? hope you understood me

HOLY SCREW!!! That's awesomingly-preetyfull phat!!! (sorry,no word can define it...)

The wheels were not aggressive enough looking being just plain silver.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC01123.jpg

Tamiya Semi Gloss Black was brushed on to accent the centers and the bead of the rim was brushed Tamiya Red. A clear gloss coat was airbrushed over that.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC01149.jpg

The tread of the tires were scuffed with some 320 grit dry sandpaper before mounting them on the rims.

The hub caps were decaled with SMS Plain weave C/F #1420 and a custom Scale-Master decal was made for the center logo on each cap.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC01214.jpg

Looks WICKED... again.

Excellent Mark. Some great brushing skills. I can never get Tamiya paints to brush very nice, any tips you'd like to share?

Mike.

I can never get Tamiya paints to brush very nice, any tips you'd like to share?

Foremost, use a good brush. And keep the paint wet. The acrylics tend to dry and clump quickly. Avoid painting over the freshly painted areas. Two coats are often easier than trying to do one before it starts drying.

The interior panels were sprayed first with Tamiya Gray, and then Tamiya Smoke.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC01139.jpgSMS Elephant Hide Pattern #1976 was used to create a textured effect similar to the molded pattern on the dash.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC01152.jpg

insane man. this makes me want to cry and cut myself, and i hate emo people unless they have a reason. this makes my superamerica wip look like crap.

Been at it some more...

The driveshaft tunnel was painted semi gloss black before the SMS C/F decals were applied.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC01141.jpg

A mix of patterns were used to busy it up a bit. SMS #1420 is the predominant pattern, with some #1512, #1520 and SMCF112. After sealing the decals with the clear cote, I airbrushed the edges transparent black to force some shadows.

The shifter assembly was machined from aluminum and the kit’s boot was used, albeit mounted in a different way than called out in the instructions.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC01156.jpg

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC01165.jpg

I can almost feel the gears engaging now... Of course more to come, and soon... - Mark

Wow Mark, that looks real. I do have a question as I'm not familiar with the P/N's for SMS. What is the carbon pictured in the last photo on top at the far left, the 2/2 Twill carbon? I'll need that for my project.

That is SMS # SMCF112. 1/12 scale Carbon Fiber by name/listing. It is some of the earlier offerings from SMS. I believe the same pattern and color is used in different scales denoted by the last two digits of the stock number. And thank you for the compliments... - Mark

The rear suspension and fuel tank are installed. The halfshafts are decaled with SMS #1420 Plain Weave C/F.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC01144.jpg
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC01147.jpg
More machined goodies next... - Mark

I machined a new fuel filler and gas cap from aluminum.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC01157.jpg
After painting the cap satin black, a PE lock was mounted to it.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC01166.jpg
Here it is installed.
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC01168.jpg

Damn fine project!

Man, I can't believe your builds. They are so detailed, and soo clean. They look nothing like scale models! Keep it up!!!

A new oil tank was also machined from aluminum.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC01162.jpg

And here it is finished and ready to install…

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC01223.jpg

What could I say that has not been said about your work... :eek:

Omg!

I'm running out of cool things to say Mark. I can't believe how fast you build and you do it so nicely.

Mike.

Thanks again for the kind words.

The battery was sprayed satin/flat white…

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC01155.jpg

The "body" was masked off and the top was shot black and the details were picked out by hand… Too bad it will be all but invisible when the car is done...
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC01217.jpg

And it’s a roller! At least for now… I put the wheels on it to protect the bottom of the chassis from getting chipped or scratched during assembly. One extra precaution I'm taking due to the use of decals instead of paint for the majority of the body.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC01175.jpg

thas lookin soo good man, im following this one carefully!!!

The engine’s oil pump and distributor are installed. I added some boots to the wires with some left over tubing. Another part that will virtually disappear from sight once the car is done. Oh well, like that ever stopped me from detailing a part... The wires are from my stash instead of the kit supplied ones. Still need to finish the oil filter and do some plumbing…
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC01178.jpg

A Fram PH13 filter and some plumbing…
(You can also see the data plate on the distributor.)
http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC01212.jpg
Still plenty more work to go…

The kit alternator…

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC01193.jpg

The new fan and underdrive pulley I machined for it, (this is the back side).

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC01208.jpg

I sawed the fan off the kit part with a PE saw and replaced it with my aluminum assembly.

http://i138.photobucket.com/albums/q280/BigRulerModels/DSC01209.jpg

Just can't get away from 7 on that rotary table, can you? :grinno: :rolleyes: I think I would have done 9. (I'm still trying to come up with a good way to cut an alternator fan in 1/24.) What size end mill did you use? It's a terrific improvement on the kit part.