WIP: Tamiya FXX

This Tamiya kit build up will be featured in Model Cars Magazine in the May/June issue I am told. I have to have it complete along with the article by the end of April!! This is why my POC pontiac has been put on temporary hold.

Here is the real car..... what a ride!!!!

http://images21.fotki.com/v631/photos/3/335511/4706115/FXX-vi.jpg

Since I am pressed for timne, I quickly worked it into paint this weekend. I cleaned and sanded all the body components with 600 and 1000 grit paper. Then I primed it all with tamiya grey surface primer followed up by duplicolor white sandable primer so the color will be nice and bright. I wish tamiya primer was not so costly. The stuff is so smooth!!!

After a few days of curing I hit the parts with Cobra Colors Rosso Corsa Ferrari red. This was cleared with 3 coats of Dupont Croma clear 7500S. It still needs to be polished (few pieces of trash) but I find the Dupont to be real easy to work with and dries to a fantastic wet look shine. More to come soon......

http://images21.fotki.com/v578/photos/3/335511/4706115/P1010006-vi.jpg

Finished polishing all the body parts. I even decaled the bonnet. I was dying to see what it looked like!!! :lol:

http://images21.fotki.com/v632/photos/3/335511/4706115/P1010007-vi.jpg
http://images21.fotki.com/v578/photos/3/335511/4706115/P1010008-vi.jpg
http://images22.fotki.com/v724/photos/3/335511/4706115/P1010009-vi.jpg
http://images21.fotki.com/v632/photos/3/335511/4706115/P1010010-vi.jpg
http://images21.fotki.com/v577/photos/3/335511/4706115/P1010011-vi.jpg

This is the chassis underpan. All the CF is SMS decal cleared with 3 coats of future applied with an airbrush. I replaced all the molded kit bolts with PRO TECH .030 PE bolts...... I imagine the entire belly is CF on the real car but I like the contrast of the black along with the CF.... makes for a nice appearance in my opinion.

http://images22.fotki.com/v752/photos/3/335511/4706115/P1010001-vi.jpg
http://images22.fotki.com/v754/photos/3/335511/4706115/P1010002-vi.jpg
http://images21.fotki.com/v632/photos/3/335511/4706115/P1010003-vi.jpg

Wheels were [ainted Tamiys TS-29 Semi gloss black. Decals were applied from the kit sheet for the red outlines (just like a cup car!! 8) ) I added inspection dots that are in pics I have seen of the real car. The center nuts were painted silver and then hit with a few coats of clear red topped with tamiya decals.

http://images21.fotki.com/v632/photos/3/335511/4706115/P1010005-vi.jpg

Finally all panels are polished and assembled for a test fit..... its looking like an FXX!!!
http://images21.fotki.com/v632/photos/3/335511/4706115/P1010004-vi.jpg

The most time consuming part of building an enzo is the tedious carbon fiber decal application. Especially as complex as the enzo is.... Here are a few pics of the dash using regular weave 1:24 decal from SMS. I cleared the decals with Future. The dash bolts are from Pro Tech and Model Car Garage. ( I need to flip one of them over... shows the blue side!! 8)

http://images23.fotki.com/v763/photos/3/335511/4706115/P1010006-vi.jpg
http://images22.fotki.com/v762/photos/3/335511/4706115/P1010007-vi.jpg

Alot of work went into the interior floor pan, bulkhead, and rear inner firewalls along with the sides of the chassis. All done in Regular weave CF by SMS all cleared with a few light coats of future.. Here are some mocked up pics with the dash

http://images24.fotki.com/v764/photos/3/335511/4706115/P1010001-vi.jpg
http://images23.fotki.com/v763/photos/3/335511/4706115/P1010002-vi.jpg
http://images24.fotki.com/v764/photos/3/335511/4706115/P1010003-vi.jpg

Finally the beggining of the engine. I primed it lightly to give it slight texture and then shot it with alclad aluminum.

http://images22.fotki.com/v757/photos/3/335511/4706115/P1010004-vi.jpg
http://images22.fotki.com/v761/photos/3/335511/4706115/P1010005-vi.jpg


More updates soon!!

DaveT

Great start: now we're ready for "DaveTM" details.

Wow,very attractive work.
Wonderful.

Very nice CF work and I agree... lots of CF on this baby...

Seems like the FXX craze is not dying as of yet!! I like this one alot, very simple and clean. Makes me realize that I can build one that doesn't have to be super detailed. This is beautiful, hands down!!!

Very good! Excellent detailing.

Judging from your previous work, this will be perfect!

great progress so far !

im having trouble to decide for my kit if i should paint the red lip for the wheels, or just stick with the decals.... but what i can see the decals arent to bad, it doesnt look too "toyish" like. :D

great progress so far !

im having trouble to decide for my kit if i should paint the red lip for the wheels, or just stick with the decals.... but what i can see the decals arent to bad, it doesnt look too "toyish" like. :D

I was thinking that also, but for the amount of work entailed, the factory decals will suffice.

Back to the build!!

More progress tonight. I decided to tackle the seats. The real car has the foam covers in black on the area where the driver sits. I replicated this texture by painting the seat after masking off the backs with Krylon "Suede it" tan paint. I then removed the masking and painted the seats krylon flat black. The Cavalino horses are from a Crazy modeler metal transfer sheet painted flat red. The seat backs were covered in SMS regular weave CF and cleared with future. The lower seat belts were added using the tamiya Photoetch buckles and fasteners. The set also provides the cool vinyl red seat belt material as well.

http://images21.fotki.com/v758/photos/3/335511/4706115/P1010016-vi.jpg

Once the seats were mounted I added the shoulder belts also provided in the Tamiya PE sheet. These belts were extremely tedious to install, but I think they were worth it.

http://images23.fotki.com/v766/photos/3/335511/4706115/P1010017-vi.jpg
http://images23.fotki.com/v765/photos/3/335511/4706115/P1010018-vi.jpg

This is a work of art in progress!!:sunglasse

Looks geat! The one comment I might have though is that the cavallinos int he headrest apper to be tilted slightly... (may be 45 degrees). Otherwise tis perfect!

Looks geat! The one comment I might have though is that the cavallinos int he headrest apper to be tilted slightly... (may be 45 degrees). Otherwise tis perfect!

They are suppose to be tilted... look At the pic..........

http://www.hiroboy.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=29&pos=14


Thanks guys!!

DaveT

Well, I am shocked at just how clean this all is. There are no flaws in the CF or the paint at all?! Do you work in a dust free/vacuumed room or something? Seriously how do you keep it so clean? I am liking this build the most of the FXX's because it is so simple, yet highly detailed and clean.

Thanks guys..... The final tedious work is done. The enzo has heat shielding covering 90 % of the engine bay. I used foil I purchased from Dave at Detail design & scale. Rather straight forward application. Just make templates and apply with white glue.

http://images24.fotki.com/v767/photos/3/335511/4706115/P1010001-vi.jpg

Here is a shot of the interior with the upper cage installed along with the dash.....

http://images24.fotki.com/v764/photos/3/335511/4706115/P1010009-vi.jpg

Next up is to get the engine complete.

Dave T

Looks great! The foil work is very clean!

On the subject of seats. I was able to locate this photo on Hiroboy's website:

http://www.hiroboy.com/gallery/albums/uploads/fxx/ferrari-fxx-081.jpg

Which to me appears to have the proper angle cavallinos...I could be wrong though. Its not a matter fo great importance, just wanted to know the answer to the mystery.

Thanks,

Looks great! The foil work is very clean!

On the subject of seats. I was able to locate this photo on Hiroboy's website:

http://www.hiroboy.com/gallery/albums/uploads/fxx/ferrari-fxx-081.jpg

Which to me appears to have the proper angle cavallinos...I could be wrong though. Its not a matter fo great importance, just wanted to know the answer to the mystery.

Thanks,

They do look like the traditional angle from which they have always used. I have never seen a Ferrari emblem used any other way.

Fantastic build...I'm watching this one

Which to me appears to have the proper angle cavallinos...I could be wrong though. Its not a matter fo great importance, just wanted to know the answer to the mystery.

Thanks,
These pics might help with your mystery.
http://img287.imageshack.us/my.php?image=pc2967466ku.jpg

http://img375.imageshack.us/img375/5544/060363cclch4.jpg

Great build on this FXX. I hope mine is half as nice as this. Very clean and fast work.

Mike.

Hey MIke - both of those pics are of the FXX exterior and I am not sure what you are trying to show me...:(

Hey MIke - both of those pics are of the FXX exterior and I am not sure what you are trying to show me...:(
The cavallino's on the seats. The first pic can be enlarged by clicking on it. The second pic is large enough to see the angle.

Mike.

Thanks again guys, Can we drop the angle of the horses?? :)

This is a little update, but one I am proud of......The intake cover. The real one has a rough cast like texture. Krylon "Suede it " was used again followed by flat black Tamiya spray. The red JWTBM wheel stripe decals. I used BMF for the clamp detail. The Ferrari logos that are metal transfers supplied in the kit. I also used the cig foil on the valve cover edges with PE washer detail.... more to come soon!!

http://images24.fotki.com/v764/photos/3/335511/4706115/P10100015-vi.jpg
http://images22.fotki.com/v754/photos/3/335511/4706115/P10100016-vi.jpg

great work, the intake cover looks perfect...

Looks great. The intake is the center piece under that huge rear window. You have made a great job of it.

Mike.

Looking great so far Dave.
The engine bay is amazing. Can’t wait to see your work on the V12.

Looks fantastic, which heat shield or bare metal foil did you use for the valve covers?? Is it BMF or heatshield? becuase i have to get some for my FXX.

I used MFH Self adhesive heatshield material - available at Hiroboy.com

Looks fantastic, which heat shield or bare metal foil did you use for the valve covers?? Is it BMF or heatshield? becuase i have to get some for my FXX.

I used non adhesive foil from Dave at detail design & Scale

Thanks again,

More updates....

Basic engine is done. Headers were painted with TS-30, then weld seams masked off. Pale burnt metal, jet exhaust, and amber were fogged in areas.......

http://images21.fotki.com/v760/photos/3/335511/4706115/P1010006-vi.jpg
http://images22.fotki.com/v754/photos/3/335511/4706115/P1010008-vi.jpg

I love this build!

Engine looks awesome Dave. Great job on the texturing and exhaust staining.

Thanks guys,
The engine is now complete along with the rear suspension and brakes. I placed the assembly in its home on the rear diffuser pan for a few pics with the intake set in place. I will be adding some oil lines later.

http://images22.fotki.com/v761/photos/3/335511/4706115/P10100017-vi.jpg
http://images22.fotki.com/v757/photos/3/335511/4706115/P10100018-vi.jpg

Close up of the brakes. Just the kit pieces cleanly painted.

http://images22.fotki.com/v762/photos/3/335511/4706115/P10100019-vi.jpg

Excellent and clean build so far!

Thanks for sharing,
Bill

Looks great, almost looks like P/E set! Keep it up there mate.

Thanks guys,

More progress, Front suspension is installed...... The shocks were paint detailed.

http://images24.fotki.com/v767/photos/3/335511/4706115/P1010002-vi.jpg

Engine bay is now filled!!!! I still have lots to do but the bulk of the engine work is complete.

http://images22.fotki.com/v761/photos/3/335511/4706115/P1010002-vi.jpg
http://images23.fotki.com/v765/photos/3/335511/4706115/P1010003-vi.jpg

Overall chassis view.... the car is quite mechanical.... I am trying to keep it as clean as possible.

http://images21.fotki.com/v759/photos/3/335511/4706115/P1010004-vi.jpg
http://images22.fotki.com/v752/photos/3/335511/4706115/P1010005-vi.jpg

Great job so far. Coming together very nicely. Looking forward to seeing it done.

Mike.

Hello,
I misssed your Wip (as there are more than one FXX, on Work In Progress, I didn't know I hadn't see yours......), apologise!

A very nice clean build, I must say, and I like that!

I like the "heat" effect on the headers.

Waiting for the next UP!

Jamme

it'd be almost a shame to cover up the engine and chassis with the bodywork...but of course, the bodywork's turned out great too. nice work! :D

Hi David,

excellent progress so far. Body looks great, engine (exhaust and airbox) look absolutely real.

I´d prefer the decals, you used on the chassis-panel also for the interior, the texture looks more like CF. The seat belts have a little plastic appearence, a little bit more fabric structure might have given more real touch - nevertheless a fantastic model so far.

Hi David,

excellent progress so far. Body looks great, engine (exhaust and airbox) look absolutely real.

I´d prefer the decals, you used on the chassis-panel also for the interior, the texture looks more like CF. The seat belts have a little plastic appearence, a little bit more fabric structure might have given more real touch - nevertheless a fantastic model so far.

Thanks for your comments MICHA, The reason I used different CF on the interior is because the interior is regular weave as opposed to Twill weave on the belly pan of the 1:1 car. I do agree the belts do have a plastic appearance on them. But since I am using the Tamiya Photo etch sheet with this car and it is an article in model cars mag, they like you to show the modeler the full potential of the add on detail parts and all components that come with it.

Thanks again.

DaveT

Hi Dave,

taking 2 different brands of CF-decals is absolutely ok.
I myself don´t like that special CF-decals design you used in the interior (black ground and grey points - in my eyes real CF is of a rectangular stucture).
But (as your photos are fantastic and show every spot) looking at your model in reality the appearance of these decal might be different.

Once again - great job so far

The camera makes it look like several dots, but in person it looks very convincing...

Thanks.....

More done on the FXX.....

Dash is complete. I treated the steering wheel to Suede it paint for foam type texture.

http://images23.fotki.com/v766/photos/3/335511/4706115/P10100027-vi.jpg
http://images24.fotki.com/v767/photos/3/335511/4706115/P10100028-vi.jpg

Interior is complete along with roll cage.

http://images24.fotki.com/v768/photos/3/335511/4706115/P10100030-vi.jpg

And with dash in place

http://images24.fotki.com/v767/photos/3/335511/4706115/P10100031-vi.jpg
http://images22.fotki.com/v761/photos/3/335511/4706115/P10100032-vi.jpg

And a few with panels installed temporarily...........

http://images23.fotki.com/v766/photos/3/335511/4706115/P1010006-vi.jpg
http://images23.fotki.com/v765/photos/3/335511/4706115/P1010007-vi.jpg

Excellent work. It's so clean !!

Thanks guys..... more got done tonight....

Radiator assemblies installed.

http://images23.fotki.com/v808/photos/3/335511/4706115/P10100075-vi.jpg

The center tunnel housed the coolant tubes that carry the hot coolant from the engine to the front dual radiators. I used heat shield from Detail Design & Scale again for the cavity.

http://images24.fotki.com/v799/photos/3/335511/4706115/P10100073-vi.jpg

The lower engine, and front pan are permanantely installed....

http://images24.fotki.com/v800/photos/3/335511/4706115/P10100040-vi.jpg


Finally the tunnel cover was installed...

http://images23.fotki.com/v805/photos/3/335511/4706115/P10100044-vi.jpg



More to come soon!!

DaveT

This is a cool WIP, can't want to see more!

That is off mate, looking very good, nice and clean also. Which CF Decal is that? Is it SMS? im just wondering so i can order some for my FXX.

Dave, the whole job is great but the CF work on the dashboard is superb, to die for. Thanks for sharing.

Outstanding :thumbsup:

simply awesome, all the CF work looks so perfect... very well done!

Did you clearcoat the CF decals? If yes, what clear did you use?

simply awesome, all the CF work looks so perfect... very well done!

Did you clearcoat the CF decals? If yes, what clear did you use?

Future Floor wax believe it or not!!! :iceslolan

Thanks guys for the compliments!!!

DaveT

It's always a pleasure following your WIPs. Keep up the good work!

Thanks alot guys.... I am finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel... today was a very progressive day on the FXX.....

The engine is done!!! I finished up all the CF work on the fenders and cooling intakes. I bought a set of Sakatsu Shocks for this build but was so happy with the way the kit pieces turned out on the front suspension that I decided to use the kit pieces in the rear as well. I think they look like the Sakatsu pieces myself. One cool addition was the PRO TECH .045 Line and fittings for the oil sump system. The hard line is detailmaster #4 line vand the silver collars are #3 crimp tubes from Michaels.... It was tricky to get it all to match on both sides like the 1:1 car but I pulled it off....... Those lines are something I had planned on adding from Day 1. They just round out the engine compartment in my opinion.

http://images23.fotki.com/v804/photos/3/335511/4706115/P1010008-vi.jpg
http://images24.fotki.com/v802/photos/3/335511/4706115/P1010009-vi.jpg

I also fitted the wheels and tires..... one of those things of beauty on a tamiya kit... they always sit perfect... Without the rear bodywork the car looks kinda cool!!! 8)

http://images23.fotki.com/v804/photos/3/335511/4706115/P10100011-vi.jpg

This is a closeup of the fuel filler. I used the tamiya Detail up Photo etch pieces which consist of a outer PE ring and solid smaller center along with a decal..... If any of yuou build this car be prepared to adjust the fuel filler module... I had to sand and grind on it to center it in the hatch hole.... its still a bit off, but once I get all the panels on it will be fine.

http://images24.fotki.com/v800/photos/3/335511/4706115/P10100055-vi.jpg

The finish of the paint in the last picture looks superb! This model is a real stunner!

The finish of the paint in the last picture looks superb! This model is a real stunner!

exactly what I thought :grinno:

everything looks so "clean" I love it!!!

Superb and a very clean job!!

One cool addition was the PRO TECH .045 Line and fittings for the oil sump system. The hard line is detailmaster #4 line vand the silver collars are #3 crimp tubes from Michaels...

Just a question, about the silver collars, you are refering to the circular fitting right? may i know where can i get it? any online shops selling it? thanks!

Ro

:eek2:

errr...I don't know what to say... :eek2:

Wow, this is simply the cleanest build I have seen in a while. I still think you work in a lab or somewhere that dust and other hobby related objects do not affect you, lol.

You bet! I've checked seriously, every single dust I saw was actually on my computer screen.

This one is close!!!

Doors were assembled tonight...

http://images116.fotki.com/v700/photos/3/335511/4706115/P1010001-vi.jpg

The inner skins were covered in plain weave carbon fiber from SMS and given 2 coats of 2 part clear.

http://images116.fotki.com/v700/photos/3/335511/4706115/P1010002-vi.jpg

Next the doors were mounted permanantly. They hinge and work beautifully!!

http://images22.fotki.com/v838/photos/3/335511/4706115/P1010006-vi.jpg

Windshield was also installed. I did not use the tamiya black decal because I was afraid it would not have the flat finish the real windshield sun shield had. I carefully masked it and shot it flat black. Then I added Photoetch parts I had in my stash for the fasteners. Finally I mounted the windshield wiper in the vertical position.

http://images112.fotki.com/v587/photos/3/335511/4706115/P1010004-vi.jpg

The doors also look nice and flush closed. Front hood is also permanantly installed.

http://images24.fotki.com/v825/photos/3/335511/4706115/P1010003-vi.jpg

All that is left is to finish up the rear engine cover and rear bumper detail...

DaveT