60 Red Years Tribute - Ferrari 550 Maranello - WIP

Your interior looks wonderful. :)

Awesome Ramon!

Nice work with the extra details!

Amazing work, sorry to hear about the paint/plastic problems. It just goes to show though, you can repair just about anything with enough patience. Maybe you can use the new body to experiment with the paint bleed problem.

Awesome interiors. Ramon, I deeply admire your strenuous will in going ahead !

Robi

Terrific job on the interiors Ramon: fantastic. Sorry for the boby troubles but I'm happy you pull forward the open door's body (if you decided for the new body I buy them!!!! LOL)

Just paint it red or black :D :icon16:

Absolutely stunning work. It's very unfortunate that you've had so much of a problem with bleed through. Have you tried Zoom-Zoom's tip of using, I think it was Zinser B.I.N. Sealer after the primer coat? It's been mentioned here before, so a search might provide the right link. Also it was written in an article in a recent issue of Scale Auto Magazine. The examples he published seem to remove the problem.
Yes, actually the body is already primed again (pics soon) and this time I used the BIN sealer, I read the article in SAE Magazine, so I gave it a try, so far it is doing fine, I ran the sealer through my airbrush diluted a little with alcohol and worked fine, then applied primer, and so far it is still white, I’ll do my best to work the white color very gently.
My God, Ramon! You will be a Saint by the time you finish this project :lol:
I think this penitence will just make me get even… LOL

I have an idea for you........change your color plans for the body - go with red :D
No, white will be…
I love the detailpainting in your interior. How do you do that? Especially painting the heating knobs...
Sorry to hear about the body and the paint issue. I wonder about the reason for all of these problems.
I paint those details most of the times with the point of a toothpick, and correct with a #11 knife, to make lines I use and old 000 brush. The reason of the problems, the hot lacquer thinner dissolves the paint under, and dissolves also the color pigment of the plastic which stains the surface finish.

Thank you Rob and Steve for your comments, and yes, I also wonder why they don’t just use white plastic…
the thing that's a bit of a pity, IMHO, even though i couldn't make it better myself, is the lack of clear glasslike stuffs on top of the instrumentation decals...
olivier
You’re right! That is the little something that I felt it needed! Personally, I’m not a fan of adding clear over dials, since the real covers are made of antiglare material, so you won’t see any reflection when driving, but, after checking some pictures, in this case it’s perfectly applicable, since this cover is noticeable from outside the car, so I will add it, THANK YOU Olivier!!
Can you tell me a little more about the flocked paper?
Mike
Thank you for your comments, Mike.
The flocked paper is available normally in art and crafts stores, I got mine in a small paper store in México, but it is very common for handcraft work, I’m not completely sure about the name, in Spanish we know it as “Papel terciopelo” translated literally is “Velvet Paper” and it is a paper with very fine flock applied in one side, I hope this helps.

Thank you AllAlone.Gz, WRC_413X, Joe, Alex, Dave, mrawl and Robi for your nice comments.
Terrific job on the interiors Ramon: fantastic. Sorry for the boby troubles but I'm happy you pull forward the open door's body (if you decided for the new body I buy them!!!! LOL)
Thanks Gio, I’ll keep you in mind if I go for the new body, I hope no, LOL
Just paint it red or black :D :icon16:
No, white must be…

But well, into the update, with more of the chassis work…

http://images32.fotki.com/v1092/photos/1/113398/5554178/071030Maranello01-vi.jpg
More detail is added to the chassis, like the under-panel fasteners (PE), cables for the oxygen sensors in the catalytic converters, some washes to enhance detail, etc.
http://images32.fotki.com/v1089/photos/1/113398/5554178/071030Maranello02-vi.jpg
Detail view of the cables and connectors of the catalytic converters.
http://images34.fotki.com/v1125/photos/1/113398/5554178/071024Maranello01-vi.jpg
Next are the brake disc rotors, I used the PE parts of the AcuStion set, and added tubing and flexible hoses, and brackets for them in the hubs (front and rear).
http://images31.fotki.com/v1098/photos/1/113398/5554178/071030Maranello03-vi.jpg
The front suspension is now complete.
http://images31.fotki.com/v1096/photos/1/113398/5554178/071030Maranello05-vi.jpg
And the rear suspension is finished too; I also added the brake tubing and hoses, as well as the handbrake cables.
http://images32.fotki.com/v1106/photos/1/113398/5554178/071110Maranello01-vi.jpg
And it is turn for the wheels, here the hubcaps, I used the PE AcuStion set with the kit decals, I just need to add some transparent resin.
http://images32.fotki.com/v1110/photos/1/113398/5554178/071110Maranello02-vi.jpg
Here the finished wheel, the valve stems are Sakatsu detail parts.
http://images31.fotki.com/v1056/photos/1/113398/5554178/070918Maranello01-vi.jpg
Once the chassis is finished, I go back to the body, which is completely repaired and ready for primer, but before I start the painting process, I’m test fitting the side emblems, since it is necessary to bend them to the shape of the fender, and it is better to do this before the paint is applied.
http://images34.fotki.com/v1123/photos/1/113398/5554178/071114Maranello01-vi.jpg
After some grey primer and some sanding to correct surface problems, the B.I.N sealer is applied through airbrush, (the sealer is white) I hope this avoid the bleeding problem.
http://images31.fotki.com/v1055/photos/1/113398/5554178/071129Maranello01-vi.jpg
And then 2 white primer coats are applied, sanding between them to improve surface finish, so far there is no bleeding.

Crazy levels of detailing as ever Ramon :thumbsup:

Your work on the cat and caliper plumbing is outstanding.

No, white will be…
Yep, definitely a Saint - a stubborn Saint! ;) :lol:

Good luck with the white coats. I feel it will go well this time.

Looking very good.I hope your 'bleeding' problems are no more now.The exhaust area looks great.

Ooh aah, that body is looking good right now, let's hope it stays that way. Beautiful detail work, just amazing.

So much attention for detail! Amazing!

Thanks Ramon, I'll check the craft store for the velvet paper. Great progress, good luck with the white.

Mike

a stubborn Saint! ;) :lol:
Good luck with the white coats. I feel it will go well this time.
Very far from a saint, but stubborn, yes I am, and so far, I’m going for the last white wet coat and it is still white!

And thank you Steve, mrawl, jano11 and Mike for your comments.

And I have another little update while the wet coat cure, so, some more detail is done to the interiors:

http://images34.fotki.com/v1149/photos/1/113398/5554178/071129Maranello03-vi.jpg
The kit doesn’t include anything for the third brake light, so, something has to be done.
http://images33.fotki.com/v1120/photos/1/113398/5554178/071129Maranello04-vi.jpg
The solution, “Factory Hiro” heat shield foil and transparent red plastic from some sprue cut to shape.
http://images36.fotki.com/v1157/photos/1/113398/5554178/071129Maranello05-vi.jpg
The results…
http://images33.fotki.com/v1136/photos/1/113398/5554178/071204Maranello01-vi.jpg
Since the doors can be opened, the details under the dashboard need to be improved, so the pedals need some work, the Acustion detail set includes them, but as you can see they’re wrong.
http://images36.fotki.com/v1152/photos/1/113398/5554178/071204Maranello02copy-vi.jpg
Also, as you can see, the brake/clutch pedal included in the Acustion set has the wrong perforation pattern, so new pedals have to be done, to get the right perforation pattern, the pedals included in the 512BB S27 detail set are used as a perforation guide, and the Acustion pedal is used only for the shape and size, the material used is tin sheet.
http://images33.fotki.com/v1140/photos/1/113398/5554178/071204Maranello03-vi.jpg
The plastic pedals are cut and filed to the right shape.
http://images31.fotki.com/v1095/photos/1/113398/5554178/071204Maranello04-vi.jpg
The finished pedals.

And well, at this time the body is ready for the final coats, so in the next update you'll see the white 550...

Until the next one...

Very impressive! I went back and checked out those catalytic converters and they look absolutely superb!

Excellent job :thumbsup:

The pedals look much better after you have thinned them down and your perforations are perfect :)

Nice job on the 3rd brake light too.

As above :grinno:

Robi

Excellent work once again. Thanks for keeping us updated.

Mike

Your attention to detail is really incredible.
I look forward to seeing this one come along.
Holy cow!

Excellent work.

Gorgeous. :)

lovely details you're putting in this one, cant wait to see how it turns out :)

amazing work! Im curious how you made the door hinges, Im trying to do that for a Viper right now, and im stumped. Im guessing you custom made each part? Your insane :D

Amazing details. Love it!

Thank you Rob, Stevenski, Robi, Mike, andybmw7272, Giucas, Joe Blyth, thadude and Kenneth for your very nice comments.

Im curious how you made the door hinges, Im trying to do that for a Viper right now,
I used Evergreen plastic rod and tube for the hinge, then the tube is glued to spacers cut out from evergreen plastic sheet, for the sizes and thickness, it is a matter of trial and error, you just have to ensure that the hinges are parallel to the vertical axle of the car, I mean, that they are as vertical as possible, so the doors don’t hang down when opened.

And well, into the next update…

http://images33.fotki.com/v1142/photos/1/113398/5554178/080216Maranello01-vi.jpg
Finally, 3 wet coats of Tamiya TS-26 (Pure white) were applied and the body is still white, which means that the sealer worked perfectly.

http://images34.fotki.com/v1126/photos/1/113398/5554178/080216Maranello02-vi.jpg
The finish I got is acceptable, a little orange peel, but the polishing will get rid of it; I won’t apply transparent, because as far as I know, the “Bianco Avus” doesn’t use it, and also, I want to preserve the purity of the white obtained.

http://images36.fotki.com/v1158/photos/1/113398/5554178/080216Maranello04-vi.jpg
After the paint has cured and before starting the polishing process, some detail for the interior headliner and roof upholstery is made with thin plastic stripes cut to shape.

http://images32.fotki.com/v1091/photos/1/113398/5554178/080216Maranello05-vi.jpg
The finished roof upholstery.

http://images31.fotki.com/v1095/photos/1/113398/5554178/080217Maranello02-vi.jpg
And painted.

http://images31.fotki.com/v1085/photos/1/113398/5554178/080217Maranello03-vi.jpg
Adding more detail to the roof upholstery, now the sun screens and the front dome lamp made with a piece of transparent plastic.

http://images32.fotki.com/v1107/photos/1/113398/5554178/080217Maranello04-vi.jpg
And everything is painted leaving the dome lights transparent; I like the effect.

http://images31.fotki.com/v1097/photos/1/113398/5554178/080219Maranello01-vi.jpg
Now the seat belt locks, made with plastic rod and some wire to simulate the corrugated covers used in the 550.

http://images33.fotki.com/v1117/photos/1/113398/5554178/080220Maranello01-vi.jpg
And then, the suitcase fastening belts are made, using lead sheet from a bottle of wine (first you need to empty the bottle), the buckles are made with fine aluminum wire.

http://images25.fotki.com/v950/photos/1/113398/5554178/080224Maranello01-vi.jpg
The belts installed.

Then, based upon a very good suggestion from Olivier “bigfrit”, I went back to the instrument panel…
http://images36.fotki.com/v1157/photos/1/113398/5554178/080224Maranello02-vi.jpg
So, to improve it, bezels are added to all the dials in the dashboard using fine aluminum wire, then a coat of “Testors Clear parts cement” for the glasslike covers.
http://images34.fotki.com/v1126/photos/1/113398/5554178/080224Maranello03-vi.jpg
And, in the case of the main instrument panel, it is completely covered with a screen made with acetate, cut to shape, as in the real car.

http://images31.fotki.com/v1099/photos/1/113398/5554178/080224Maranello04-vi.jpg
A better view of the instrument panel cover, in this picture is also noticeable the seat position controls located in the seat side trimming.

http://images33.fotki.com/v1141/photos/1/113398/5554178/080224Maranello05-vi.jpg
General view of the finished dashboard, the instrument panel definitely looks better now, thanks Olivier!

http://images36.fotki.com/v1159/photos/1/113398/5554178/080224Maranello06-vi.jpg
Then the rest of the interior detail is added, as the safety belts, for which, the buckles included in the AcuStion set are used, the material for the belts is from Scale motorsport, the seat back pocket net is also from the AcuStion set; some more detail is added to the seats, as the backrest release levers and the knobs for the lumbar support adjustment which are scratched from some plastic sheet.
With this, the interior is complete.

Beautifully detailed and clean work :thumbsup:

The suitcase straps and seatbelt locks are super!!

Did you apply some pre-shading or wash to the seats?

Superb work, sir!

Fantastic Work!
Congratulations Agamo.
I must say I inspired myself very much from your chassis building for making mine. I'm working on a 575 superamerica.
Thank you for showing us such a beauty

Cheers

Jamme

I must say I inspired myself very much from your chassis building for making mine. I'm working on a 575 superamerica.
So where's yours, JM?!?!?! :) ;)

I don't know if I may tell this here....
It's on another (English) spoken forum...
Jamme

Impressive detailing work!

Wow! 5 stars from me! Excellent

Wow, I don't even know what to say. I can't believe I haven't seen this awesome build until now. :eek2:

That interior looks amazing. I love the sun visors.

Very impressive detailed interior. The extent of scratch building and imporvising meterials are just amazing.

Superb interior! I agree about foregoing the clear coat too, I think the polished white will look much better without it.

Great work as always Ramon. I wish my work was that clean.

Mike

Awesome work Ramon.

Was sad to hear about you painting problems. I had some bad experiences in my earlier days and had to strip kits multiple times before I got something satisfactory. Makes you wonder why you do it, but you keep going and hope for the best.
HOWEVER, you produce something like this from a potential disaster is very inspiring. I also liked reading your detail painting methods. That was nice to see in there and watching your styrene construction techniques. Very inspiring and educational.

:popcorn:

Superb interior! I agree about foregoing the clear coat too, I think the polished white will look much better without it.


The polished white will end up with a yellow tinge one day without a clear coat.

Did you apply some pre-shading or wash to the seats?
Thank you Stevenski for your nice comments, and yes I applied both, first a shading and then a wash, then a very light and thinned coat of the base color.

Thank you also Joe, Jamme (I hope we can see that 575 here too), jano11, Gamerxz, davezilla, Kenneth, Mark and Mike for your nice comments

Awesome work Ramon.

Was sad to hear about you painting problems. I had some bad experiences in my earlier days and had to strip kits multiple times before I got something satisfactory. Makes you wonder why you do it, but you keep going and hope for the best.
Thanks Nenad, fortunately, the body finish ended great, well, I think so, you’ll see in this next update, and you’re right, any white sooner or later ends with some yellowish, but I’ll try to keep mine far from the direct sunlight to preserve it the most time possible.

And well, onto the update…

http://images35.fotki.com/v1167/photos/1/113398/5554178/080229Maranello01-vi.jpg
Polishing process is done, I’m happy with the results, so I can go on.

http://images35.fotki.com/v1164/photos/1/113398/5554178/080229Maranello03-vi.jpg
Now it is time to detail the body, starting with the door latches, for which, pins and Evergreen plastic is used.

http://images36.fotki.com/v1160/photos/1/113398/5554178/080229Maranello04-vi.jpg
The completed door latch.

http://images35.fotki.com/v1167/photos/1/113398/5554178/080302Maranello01-vi.jpg
Now the side vents grilles, Studio 27 Mesh-B is used for this purpose.

http://images33.fotki.com/v1115/photos/1/113398/5554178/080302Maranello02-vi.jpg
The headlamps are assembled.

http://images35.fotki.com/v1165/photos/1/113398/5554178/080303Maranello02-vi.jpg
The grill for the hood air intake, at the top you can see the part from the kit and the grille included in the Acustion set, both with the wrong size, so, mesh-b from S27 is used.

http://images34.fotki.com/v1122/photos/1/113398/5554178/080304Maranello08-vi.jpg
The windows are assembled, these were separated, cut and sanded to enter in the corresponding opening in the body, this, to eliminate the step between the glass and the rubber trim caused for the windows being molded as one piece.
The sun screens and the front dome lamp are also assembled.

http://images34.fotki.com/v1143/photos/1/113398/5554178/080304Maranello02-vi.jpg
The finished windows, at this point are also assembled the windshield wipers and the cowl over these.

http://images34.fotki.com/v1124/photos/1/113398/5554178/080304Maranello03-vi.jpg
The rear window, the rear air intake mesh is also installed; this was cut from S27 Mesh-B.

http://images33.fotki.com/v1118/photos/1/113398/5554178/080304Maranello05-vi.jpg
Side view of the rear window to show how the windows now sit flush with the body, looking more real.

http://images33.fotki.com/v1118/photos/1/113398/5554178/080304Maranello06-vi.jpg
The windshield wipers included in the kit are wrong, they are for right hand drive (Fujimi corrected this in newer versions of the kit) so these have to be replaced, from the original kit part only the cowl or hood trim is used, and the wipers are replaced with photoetched parts from Modeler’s and are attached directly to the windshield.

http://images35.fotki.com/v1166/photos/1/113398/5554178/080304Maranello07-vi.jpg
Another view of the windshield wipers.

http://images35.fotki.com/v1153/photos/1/113398/5554178/080305Maranello01-vi.jpg
For the kick plates inserts in the door sills, a PE “Ferrari” badge is glued first to the door sill, then, it is covered with a sheet of “bare-metal” foil cut to size which is pressed over the badge very carefully so no wrinkles are created.

http://images34.fotki.com/v1122/photos/1/113398/5554178/080305Maranello02-vi.jpg
The tail lights require some extra work to obtain a real look besides the masking for the reverse and blinkers, so a small white plastic circle is added in the middle of each tail light to enhance the center of this, because without it, in the case of the blinkers, noticing the difference between the red and orange wasn’t easy, then a “Bare-metal” circle is added in the body for reflection, and finally, the gasket of each light is simulated with black paint.

http://images35.fotki.com/v1166/photos/1/113398/5554178/080305Maranello03-vi.jpg
The side blinkers are made with stretched sprue cut and sanded to the size of the hole previously drilled in the body, then, a bezel made with thin wire and painted in black is added.

Well this is all for now, so, thank you for watching, and as always: comments are welcome, criticism is highly appreciated and corrections and help are thankfully received.

holy crap, that details amazing!

:eek:
Amazing detail and exceptionally clean! :thumbsup:

Holy Crap is right!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Man, you have given me a ton of details and inspiration.
Between you and mrawl, daaayyyuuuuummmmmmm!!!!!

The BMF over the PE Ferrari emblem is a kick butt idea.

KEEP IT UP!!!!!!
Andy

Excellent attention to detail, Ramon. You say that you're open to any criticism, but there's nothing to criticize! I can't wait to see it finished.

Wow, just wow !

Incredible detailing on this special car!

Good luck on the following updates!

Extremely clean work and Fantastic attention to detail.This is a great looking model you are building Ramon. It's inspiring. I don't think any of us wants to just join and comment with an "awesome", "fantastic" etc, etc, but really, there is nothing to complain about and nit pick. Fantastico!

Can you share any tips that you may do to achieve such a clean building style? I have recognised that is an area of mine to be developed further.

:cheers:
Nenad

Ramon, difficult to add any further comment... anyway, apart the embarassing shine on the body, I definitely love the job you did on the glasses, really outstanding!

Robi :)

Ramon,


You are showing thorough insanity in and out. I love everything about this build.

It is a relief that even a master like you can have a painting accident :banghead: :D

This has got to be the best maranello ever.

without words.
ciao

Stupendous work Ramon http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/SMILEYS/oklasky.gifhttp://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/SMILEYS/oklasky.gifhttp://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/SMILEYS/oklasky.gif

I really respect your ability to get "lathe quality" detailing without the use of a lathe! True modeling mastery :worshippy:

Sensational work! Just an amazing level of artistry. What's the story with the yellowing of the white paint - why would clear prevent it? Is it due to oxygen? I imagine UV will still affect the white even with clear. Also, can you explain the bit about separating the windows to prevent the step - what step is that?

Nothing to add, everything has been said...just wanting to give you my respect for this inspiring word.

Robert

wow, what can I say, that no one else as said already. This is amazingly incredible. The built is extra clean, the paint is flawless, the detailing ideas, wow, everything is top notch.

I have to follow the rest of your assembling.


George

Its done. This work of art won 1st place 1/24th sportscar in the Ferrari Expo model contest in Chicago yesterday. Thanks for bringing your great models. I hope you enjoyed your visit. Its nice to have the real car to compare your work to sitting a few feet away!! I have never seen model car doors close so tight.

Best,

Tom Tanner/Scale Designs

This work of art won 1st place 1/24th sportscar in the Ferrari Expo model contest in Chicago yesterday.
WTG Ramon! A well desrerved kudo http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/SMILEYS/oklasky.gifhttp://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/SMILEYS/oklasky.gifhttp://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/SMILEYS/oklasky.gifhttp://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/SMILEYS/oklasky.gif

(PS I hope this one wasn't stolen afterwards! ;) )

Photos of this great model can be found at www.kaz43.fotki.com (http://www.kaz43.fotki.com)
It looked even better in person at the Ferrari Expo model contest in Chicago.

Best,

Tom Tanner/Scale Designs

Thank you guys!! I’m happy; it was a great event, full of great cars, full scale and 20th, 24th and 43rd scale!

Wow, you are so kind with your comments!
Thank you JTninja, jano11, Andy, Joe, Olivier, Robi, DDTham, Guicas, Svensky, Mark, Robert George Nenad and Tom for taking the time to write something, it is really appreciated!

Can you share any tips that you may do to achieve such a clean building style? I have recognised that is an area of mine to be developed further.
Nenad
Well, not much to say, I think the thing is to work very slowly, and taking the time to do one more time those details that don’t go well the first time, or the second, or the third, fourth, etc, so, when you do the same part three or more times, believe me, the last one normally is a good one, the problem is that sometimes it takes a lot of time.

And well, here is the last update, the final one, from here to the finished car…

http://images23.fotki.com/v871/photos/1/113398/5554178/080307Maranello01-vi.jpg
The door panels and mirrors are assembled to the doors, and some detail is added, as the window regulator buttons, and door handle which are made with small pieces of very thin plastic and black bare-metal foil.

http://images28.fotki.com/v987/photos/1/113398/5554178/080307Maranello02-vi.jpg
And the doors are assembled to the body; this has to be done very carefully, ensuring that the doors are properly centered in the door openings to avoid interference and the resulting paint scratches.

http://images20.fotki.com/v368/photos/1/113398/5554178/080307Maranello03-vi.jpg
The door has to open fully without any interference with the body and remain perpendicular when opened so they don’t hang down.

http://images35.fotki.com/v1162/photos/1/113398/5554178/080307Maranello05-vi.jpg
And then the body goes to the chassis, this become a little complicated because of the extensions of the wheel-wells, but this was considered since the beginning, so finally the assembly goes smoothly.

http://images33.fotki.com/v1140/photos/1/113398/5554178/080308Maranello02-vi.jpg
Done, the body is fits perfectly, and no problem is presented.

http://images34.fotki.com/v1149/photos/1/113398/5554178/080308Maranello03-vi.jpg
At the end I think that the car sits a little low, but it looks Ok.

http://images27.fotki.com/v982/photos/1/113398/5554178/080308Maranello04-vi.jpg
And then the last details like the badges.

http://images23.fotki.com/v826/photos/1/113398/5554178/080308Maranello05-vi.jpg
The rear badges, in the case of the Cavallino, it has to be bent a little to conform to the curved surface of the trunk.

http://images24.fotki.com/v829/photos/1/113398/5554178/080309Maranello01-vi.jpg
The mesh for the exhaust tips is added.

http://images22.fotki.com/v519/photos/1/113398/5554178/080309Maranello02-vi.jpg
There are no gaps between interiors and body.

http://images22.fotki.com/v815/photos/1/113398/5554178/080309Maranello03-vi.jpg
Another view of the assembly between interiors and body showing also the seatbelts and backrest lever.

http://images115.fotki.com/v687/photos/1/113398/5554178/080309Maranello04-vi.jpg
The last step, the panel lines, and then the last details and corrections, and with this, this building process comes to an end.

Ok, I hope you have enjoyed this build as I did, (except when I had to strip paint 3 times) LOL

And well, as I always say, all your comments criticism and suggestions are more than welcome!

Thousand tanks to everybody for your support, comments and suggestions, you really make worth the effort to put this here.

The link to the finished car Thread... (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=899794)


THANKS!

The level of workmanship here is amazing. The pic of the interior and body showing no gaps says it all. I can't believe how clean this model is. Truly a beautiful showcase of modelling at it's best.

Great job! Its been awesome to see your progress. Its not my favorite color combo (I probably would I painted in Grigio Titanio), but it looks great nonetheless.

This has to be one of the most beautiful models I've seen! Are you bringing it to Milwaukee?

Superb work you've done there. Thanks for sharing this build as well as all the tips given in this thread.