Ferrari 360 Modena, fully open

A bit more progress to report.

I finished the headlights. I was considering CF, black, etc, but the body color shone up pretty well, so I stuck with that. I might change the amber corners to clear - I like the euro clear look. If you look closely you can see the globe in the main light...
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP6/IMGP0184.jpg

The PE set includes front grills. but they are just complete rubbish, so I used the kit grills which I think are very nice.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP6/IMGP0185.jpg

I tried black paint here, but it wasn't working very well, so as per other models I've seen here I ended up edging the 'glass' with a black sharpie. I shook the pen nice and hard to get a thick wet coating (thin coating comes off too easily and looks a bit purplish). I slapped it on nice and thick and cleaned it up with a slightly damp toothpick to get a nice edge.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP6/IMGP0195.jpg

I used Testors Clear Parts Cement here. It's horrible stuff really, but I haven't found a better option. I might try odorless CA next time. Or even black CA which might give a 'gasket effect'.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP6/IMGP0196.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP6/IMGP0197.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP6/IMGP0199.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP6/IMGP0200.jpg

BMW has an interior color called lemon. It's basically white with a very faint hint of yellowish cream in it. I love it!! It looks unbelievable in person. So I tried to mimic that color for my Ferrari. I also think Ferrari cream looks fantastic and I might try that for my next one. The radio display is a yellow/green enamel mix.

I tried to pay a lot of attention to the texture of the finish for the dash. I used my leather formula from my last model and a fairly dry spray of lacquer for the black surfaces (TS 29). The vents, knobs and duct area were left unpainted so they look like plastic as in the 1:1. It looks effective in person. I'm using EJAN stickers on this model.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP6/interior005.jpg

The PE set includes a very nice instrument cluster face but it doesn't fit! Sheesh!! Not even close, so I can't use it - so I just painted it silver (which was tricky to mask).
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP6/interior006.jpg

I might add some detail painting later.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP6/interior007.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP6/P1010008.jpg

My first attempt at flocking. Not too difficult but I had trouble with the white glue clumping on the plastic base, not staying evenly spread. What's the trick? I might try applying the glue over acrylic paint next time. Or add soap to the glue?? Suggestions please!!

The Cavallino is a spare from the PE set. I painted the frame of the mesh carrier with the lemon color - Ferrari uses the interior color for this part.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP6/IMGP0093.jpg

I was going to go with auto and use the F1 paddles from the PE set, but I broke the gear lever off while preparing it for paint. So I went manual, which turned out great anyway...
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP6/IMGP0106.jpg

Seats and all leather are painted lemon.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP6/interior018.jpg

Just a mock up. Not finished yet. I'll get better pics next time
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP6/IMGP0080.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP6/IMGP0089.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP6/IMGP0090.jpg


I hope to have another update ready very soon.

Thanks for the feedback guys, it's much appreciated. I'll try to wind this one up pretty quickly, but still a bit to go.

I would love to see more progress pics of the trunk construction. ... Sorry Alex, I don't have any progress pics, but I can provide some dimensions and materials info if that would be useful.

I can provide some dimensions and materials info if that would be useful.

I'd be very keen to see this as well! You're doing a wonderful job on this kit!

Great progress and i love that interior, the colour combination looks perfect.

I saw you having troubles getting the PE dashboard airvents to fit in the beginning but at the end you didnt add them on? howcome? also im just wondering what are your thoughts on the overall CM PE set for the 360, its pretty costy and is it worth it?

once again awesome progress !

OMG! You're really doing a superb job, front trunk, details everywhere.... also the finishing is fantastic.

Thanks for the feedback guys, it's much appreciated. I'll try to wind this one up pretty quickly, but still a bit to go.

Sorry Alex, I don't have any progress pics, but I can provide some dimensions and materials info if that would be useful.

Yeah, that would be great! thanks!

Pristine job :thumbsup:

Sorry Alex, I don't have any progress pics, but I can provide some dimensions and materials info if that would be useful.

X3 I might just want to open mine after seeing your awesome work! This is a great build. I truly love these kinds of builds. I guess cause it is a Ferrari but I really love all of your originality. I can't remember seeing a better looking 360.

Beautiful work! I love the color of the interior. You mentioned you use Testors clear parts cement, and you haven't found anything better; I use future floor polish, believe it or not, for small clear parts. I wouldn't use it on a windscreen or anything, but for headlights, taillilghts, etc. it's great!

love the interior and great paint job there!! I cant wait to look at the final product!!

Ro

Mrawl, Everytime I see a 360 well done with serious detail, I think I want to build one like it. But, it's hard to even start the build when someone like you create not just a great build but a better one. This interior color man is awsome. If you ever sell this baby, let me know. Great attention to detail work on the headlight lens also.

http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee34/fastdupree/th_DSC04756.jpg (http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee34/fastdupree/DSC04756.jpg)http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee34/fastdupree/th_DSC04783.jpg (http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee34/fastdupree/DSC04783.jpg)http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee34/fastdupree/th_DSC04713.jpg (http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee34/fastdupree/DSC04713.jpg)http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee34/fastdupree/th_DSC04681.jpg (http://i232.photobucket.com/albums/ee34/fastdupree/DSC04681.jpg)

Fantastic progress! I really like the ivory color seats!

I've had the same issues with flocking. I've found a matt paint helps keep the glue from "sliding" around. I'm also quite liberal with the glue and add way more flocking then necessary. While the glue is still wet, I firmly press the flocking with my finger and then LEAVE IT TO DRY! After it has dried, I brush the excess onto wax paper, and return it to it's container. Seems to work OK.

GREAT WORK!

Great job, clean work !!!

Looks fantastic, keep up the good work!

Thats just crazy, and i like it.

Superb!

That's all I can say :D

Starting to come together now.

I'm going to use the PE radiators, even though they are rather weird and unrealistic. Here's a quick comparison:
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP7/P10100181.jpg

I cleaned up the engine where the finish had rubbed off in places. Just some dry-brushing, etc. It came up quite nicely I think and has the look I was shooting for (for better or worse...)
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP7/P1010006.jpg

Interior and engine mounted. I used the Tamiya exhaust staining kit. I had the blue part looking perfect, but then I screwed it up a bit - it's still fine though, and not that visible anyway.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP7/P1010015.jpg

More details added to the interior. I wanted to just use a pin for the shifter, but I couldn't find the right size, and they all have pretty trashed up heads on them. So I made my own by dipping a smaller pin in thick CA a few times and shaping it on the Dremel. The CA was polished and Alclad chrome applied - the super smooth polished CA brought up an intense shine in the chrome finish. The smaller details are all hand painted. Also added seat belts.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP7/P10100151.jpg

Suspension and radiators added. And this is why I like the PE radiators... (but they're still ridiculously weird)
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP7/IMGP0107.jpg

I added some small harnesses and wiring/tubing detail to the engine as per the 1:1. Obviously I could add braid, etc, but I'm happy with just an overall level of moderate detail for this build.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP7/P1010009.jpg

Also added some details to the air pickups. Again, I went for subtle textures, shades, etc, for realism. I really like this piece, it's classic Tamiya I guess. The hose is on the wrong side of the tank because amazingly, the cap partially melted when I drilled it :screwy:
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP7/P10100241.jpg

Here's how that looks...
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP7/P1010003.jpg

Then temptation got the better of me, in the following pics you can see that I added a second wire/tube to that harness as per the 1:1. Notice how the right radiator and suspension frame are relieved to fit the trunk properly. Also both radiators are mounted further back than usual to make room for the trunk.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP7/P1010005.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP7/P1010010.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP7/P10100061.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP7/P10100081.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP7/P10100082.jpg

The exhaust staining kit gives a great finish, but it is a bit inflexible.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP7/P1010022.jpg

The trunk tucks in between the radiators.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP7/P10100132.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP7/P10100152.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP7/P10100153.jpg

The seat belt socket thingies are PE, but it would be far easier to just use plastic. The metal clip on the actual belt is also PE of course (painted).
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP7/P1010021.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP7/P10100231.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP7/P1010026.jpg

A few painting touchups needed here - I had to redo the wheel mounts to solve a wheel alignment problem.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP7/P10100261.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP7/P10100271.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP7/P10100301.jpg

Here's some details of body work.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP7/IMGP0142.jpg

Windows glued in with clear parts cement - jees, I hate that stuff.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP7/IMGP0143.jpg

You can see where the side window trim joins the unpainted roof trim. These have to be blended together.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP7/IMGP0129.jpg

Trim complete, looks a bit shaky here, but they blended nicely.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP7/IMGP0218.jpg

Here's a quick and very premature mockup. The trunk just sits in place.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP7/IMGP0015.jpg

My first passenger :smokin: Gotta love Ferraris...
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP7/IMGP0217g.jpg

Thanks for reading, please don't send me your ISP bill :grinyes:

Hot!

I mean,your model. Not the model. Nah,anyway,you knooow... :p

Looking very awesome! :eek:
Makes me want to give up on my models :screwy:

Really outstanding job :thumbsup:
Super clean and detailed additions on your part.


http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP7/IMGP0217g.jpg

:rofl: :rofl: :thumbsup:

WOW! :eek: :eek:

And it's not about the girl (OK, not only ;) ) I'm talking here!
This model of yours looks better than a 1:1 Ferrari. Amazing!

This is turning out to be an amazing build!

nothing else to say but this is one Italian beauty

Very nice work! the trunk looks perfect in there, like the way it should be. everything is excellent!! too bad for the strange radiators though still looks great !

Nice diorama! :-)

"She's a beaut Clark!" lol (movie quote). I can't help but imagine how much time that took you to Chop her in there. Damn that is a beautiful woman in a beautiful Ferrari. This build is just amazing. I cannot get over the quality of the brakes especially! I know we already know what the finished product will look like but I can't wait to see it!!!

WOW! :eek: :eek:

And it's not about the girl ..... Riiiiiiiiighttttt.... :grinno:

I won't forget the trunk details for those interested, I'll try to finish the model first.

Honny, the PE vents could probably be squished in there with some surgery, but if you look at the vent spacing of the 1:1, you will see that the PE is wrong and the kit is right. I'm not convinced the PE vents look better anyway - YMMV. As to the CM 360 PE, this is a great kit, and you can no doubt get a superb OOB result, so don't stress on the PE, you don't really need it. There might be a simpler set available for this model too. This was really an experiment for me, but I enjoyed messing with the PE, so I would use it again probably. The brakes and the engine hood add to the model imho. For me, if it takes weeks or months to build a model, then the cost is not a big concern, it's more about the look of it, or the extra modeling it brings. Mind you, I'm not exactly a student living on noodles :) Some would say it's all junk and OOB is preferable. It's just personal taste I guess. Be warned that some of the PE might be unusable due to poor design, compromised looks/contruction, etc.

Joe_Blythe, the future idea sounds good. Do you use it like a paint on glue, or can you run it into the joints while the parts are held together? For the former, would a thicker acrylic clear work even better (X22A)?

jmwallac, I assume you mean acrylic paint to stop the white glue from beading. I will definitely try that - I can't go through that crap again, it was awful. Btw, I did scuff up the surface but it still happened. Thanks for the tip. I might also try soap to reduce the surface tension, just as an experiment. Maybe there's a much better glue to use, I dunno...

or can you run it into the joints while the parts are held together?

That's exactly how I do it! I assume X-22 would work too, but I've never given it a try. I don't know why it wouldn't work.

Wow that's really impressive... both models of course :iceslolan

Fanástico that his work, I would like to know what paint you used to cromar the exhausts ... :iceslolan

Thank´s

I really love the pic with the girl in it!!! :)

Ro

A random grab-bag of items tonight.

Here are the 360 tail lights. (Euro-look, no amber, the turns have amber bulbs probably)
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP8/40137878-12sm.jpg

My first attempt at these lights was disappointing, flat looking with no real detail. But I finally got an ok result, ymmv. I'll clean up those paint lines later...
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP8/IMGP0170.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP8/IMGP0178.jpg

Finished painting the inside of the doors. Tamiya screwed this up somewhat - the line where the black meets the leather is not right, I corrected it here. (sorry no ref pic, just look at a pic to see what I mean) I faked the appearence of the grab bar with paint - it's tempting to cut off the molded plastic blob and reshape it correctly. I might add more details later, not sure yet.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP8/IMGP0254.jpg

The line goes up here, at the front/left. Tamiya has it going down.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP8/IMGP0255.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP8/IMGP0258.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP8/IMGP0278.jpg

Some random body pics...
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP8/IMGP0260.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP8/IMGP0273.jpg

EJAN sticker
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP8/IMGP0291.jpg

Here are the hybrid kit/PE wipers again.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP8/IMGP0047.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP8/IMGP0052.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP8/IMGP0052a.jpg

I didn't like the Tamiya setup for the wipers, I redrilled the holes to move them up higher into what I believe is a more correct position.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP8/IMGP0074.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP8/IMGP0076.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP8/IMGP0077.jpg


God, does this ever end??? Infinite kudos to everyone who ever finishes a model!!

Joe, I'll do some experimenting with the Future idea. How would you deal with this kit, where there are body moldings inside the headlights which I think touch (or almost touch) the glass? I'd be worried something as thin as Future might run all over those internal parts. Just use a light touch I guess?

Studio-VS The exhaust was stripped of kit chrome, then Testers black enamel, then Alclad II chrome, then Tamiya Weathering Master (Kit D) for the stained parts.

This is absolutely great. I think one of the best builds i have seen if not the best.

Some random body pics...


http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP8/IMGP0273.jpg



:eek: Where's the girl??? :smokin:

Seriously, you're doing a wonderfull job with this model!

Joe, I'll do some experimenting with the Future idea. How would you deal with this kit, where there are body moldings inside the headlights which I think touch (or almost touch) the glass? I'd be worried something as thin as Future might run all over those internal parts. Just use a light touch I guess?

When I built my 360 spider, I didn't really have a problem with the Future getting everywhere, I just went slowly and used small amounts of Future.

http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh215/joeblyth/IMG_0580.jpg?t=1202441994

When I built my 360 spider, I didn't really have a problem with the Future getting everywhere, I just went slowly and used small amounts of Future.

Ok, I'm convinced. That looks absolutely flawless! Thanks again.

How on earth did I miss this???? Now I spent some time checking it out and I must say a big WOOOOOW. Such a clean and precise work all over, amazing.

This model is so amazing its ridiculous! Can't wait to see the finished result.

:eek: Where's the girl??? :smokin: :rofl::rofl::rofl: I'll have to look into that :grinyes:

Thanks for the nice comments guys, I really appreciate it. And please don't be shy on criticism, suggestions, building tips, etc. jmwallac asked what is a good rim color for a silver car. I was asking myself the same question, so I tried a few obvious options, but none of them are doing much for me. What do you think?...

Kit chrome:
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP9/IMGP0171.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP9/IMGP0176.jpg

Aluminium:
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP9/IMGP0179-1.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP9/IMGP0179.jpg

Black:
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP9/IMGP0170.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP9/IMGP0172.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP9/IMGP0175.jpg

I know, not the best pics, doors are being serviced :)

I'm not too thrilled with any of these. I used to think the kit chrome looked great but now I feel it's a bit toy-like. The black looks wicked but may be best suited to a different car. Aluminium seems a bit bleh. Any other suggestions? I suppose I should try to reproduce the Ferrari metallic/cleared finish, which is very nice for sure.

That's all I have right now, been some distractions here, but I'll have something else soon.
Happy modeling everyone :popcorn:

I would go with the black, but with a semigloss finish.
Otherwise try with a darker shade of gold, you know the one on the older Ferrari race cars! Paint should be readily availabe for this one.

I would try polished aluminum, nice gloss black as a base and then very very thin coat of polished aluminum (Alclad of course).

Yeah, I was going to suggest polished Aluminum, as Ferrari does offer "ball-polished" wheels as an option. You could also use some metal black powder, for example "Kosutte-ginsan" brand, over a black gloss base to create a dark chrome look

I've just read throught the whole thread completely and I have nothing but great things to say about the whole build! :sunglasse

I think polished aluminum would look the best.

Have you thought about color coding the rims to the exterior color? Perhaps with a silver lip?

I agree....Color match the rim spokes to the body color, with a chrome or aluminum lip.

great job so far!

Thanks for the nice comments guys, I really appreciate it. And please don't be shy on criticism, suggestions, building tips, etc. jmwallac asked what is a good rim color for a silver car. I was asking myself the same question, so I tried a few obvious options, but none of them are doing much for me. What do you think?...
It's not easy, is it? I love black rims, but they aren't suited with this "classy" job; it would look better on a red, yellow or white car. What about XF-56 with a semigloss clear over it? My other favorite is X-11:3 / X-10:2 / XF-56:1. Has a perfect sheen to it. The tires pictures in this thread (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=887562) are painted with that mix. Since your car is darker, maybe make the rims a little lighter? I'm also a huge fan of body colored rims. My F430 in my sig has matching rims (although it is no where near the quality of your build...)

I used model master metalizer plate aluminum on some mustang cobra wheels, and quite honestly I think they turned out better than the real deal.

Thanks for the great suggestions for the wheels, I like them all! Actually I've already gone ahead with an idea I had for the wheels, I hope you will like them (later).

I finished some work that I was really looking forward to. Tamiya's engine bay includes some well molded areas where the engine hood gas springs mount. Seeing that, I could not possibly finish this model without making my own gas springs. So here are the hood and springs in detail...

I installed very fine brass bushings. The rod runs all the way through to keep things aligned.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP10/IMGP0314.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP10/IMGP0317.jpg

Here is the piston arm of the gas spring. It really has to be one piece for strength, hence the bend. But this makes it more difficult to install the boss, which I also wanted to do in one piece...
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP10/IMGP0326.jpg

But look mom, it might squeeze around the corner :naughty:
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP10/IMGP0327.jpg

Yes! That saves messing around with shaping, aligning, and attaching some super small pieces.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP10/IMGP0329.jpg

So far so good.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP10/IMGP0331.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP10/IMGP0330.jpg

The sleeve end. The solder fills the inside to make the corner solid.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP10/IMGP0332.jpg

Test fitting.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP10/IMGP0334.jpg

It's a goer - just need to clean up the ends. Those are small brass tubes soldered to the inside of the hood.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP10/IMGP0337.jpg

The bottom end complete.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP10/IMGP0340.jpg

Top end.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP10/IMGP0338.jpg

Final check. It works nicely - a miniscule kink in the rod creates enough friction to hold the weight of the hood.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP10/IMGP0343.jpg

Finishing off the mess where the PE is attached to the plastic. Should have used polyester here, but Mr Dissolved Putty is nice to work with. You have to wait a few days for it to fully stabilize.
http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP10/IMGP0391.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP10/IMGP0410.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP10/IMGP0408.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP10/IMGP0401.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP10/IMGP0402.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP10/IMGP0403.jpg

http://i186.photobucket.com/albums/x97/mrmodels/Ferrari%20360%20Modena/WIP10/IMGP0404.jpg


Still a few loose ends to tidy up before it's finished, but getting close now!

:eek2: I'll have to search for my jaw first, than I'll try to find the right words to describe your work!

Simply amazing, did you have any problem soldiering brass to PE parts or PE is brass also, can't really see from the picture.

Insane! Incredible work :worshippy

Come clean - this might be your second plastic model but it's hard to believe that you are new to this kind of small scale, detail work ;) What's the story? :lol:

PS If this IS all new to you, change your screen name to Micheal Angelo - because you a genius! :)

This is exactly why I love this forum... just sensational!!!

Simply amazing, did you have any problem soldiering brass to PE parts or PE is brass also, can't really see from the picture.
Initially yes, I did. It's stainless steel PE, which makes it more difficult of course. I am experienced with a soldering iron and fine electronics work, but I don't have any decent equipment here, so I tried resin core solder and a crappy 2$ iron. This usually works ok if you just heat it until it almost glows red, but not with stainless steel or CA'd PE. I needed a new iron anyway, so I got a temp-controlled iron. I also switched to plain solder with a separate paint-on flux. This works beautifully. If you have the iron at the right heat it will solder cleanly and quickly. I did get slight separation of the PE laminations in a couple of small spots, but it was easy to run some thin CA back in there. So, it's tricky but not impossible.

Come clean - this might be your second plastic model but it's hard to believe that you are new to this kind of small scale, detail work :wink: What's the story? :lol:
:rofl: I grew up with a soldering iron in my hand, built several electronic projects, even R/C radios at the component level, etc. Try soldering up an old style servo board, now that is smaaaaalll, and fun!! I had a brother who used to smash our slot car motors and I would try to fix them, rebuild/rewind the armatures, etc. Lol, those were the days. The smallest and most difficult thing I ever attempted was to rewind the heads of a VCR recorder. You have no idea what small is until you try that!

It seems to me that modeling is a pretty simple equation of care and detail vs time - you can do as incredible and detailed a job as you want, but it will cost you in time. I actually want to do a whole string of easy OOB builds just to become more efficient, in fact this build was supposed to be one of those.

I take my hat off to the master modelers on this site - the work and artistry is just unbelievable, much of it far beyond me at this stage. Everyone here seems to share a pursuit of perfection, I think we must have been exposed to some nasty chemicals or disease as kids :eek7:

Lovely work on the engine cover 'struts' (is that the right word ?) They look so real....:smokin:

Holy crap man, those hinges are wonderful.

I take my hat off to the master modelers on this site - the work and artistry is just unbelievable, much of it far beyond me at this stage.

Um... shit... where does that leave us average modelers?

Um... shit... where does that leave us average modelers? Hey!! I said everyone, and I meant it. If you've read my inane comments on AF you know I love all the models on this site, regardless of level. And I think we all pretty much feel that way, that's one of the best things about this hobby. Anyway, you are just about the best photographer here, and your models don't exactly suck either, except for the time you disintegrated that Ferrari in the oven! :evillol: I don't know what makes a master modeler, I think those guys have some sort of disorder or something!

except for the time you disintegrated that Ferrari in the oven!

My wife did that (along with my Cliff's DTM)!!! :naughty:

What's next? I'd love to see what you can do with a Revell kit. Maybe the 599, Superamerica or 430?

I am experienced with a soldering iron and fine electronics work

Ok this explain a lot :D I must practice a bit (few years) more :D