[AF aircooled GB] Tamiya 1/48 Split beetle Kdf

Winter's nearly there! So, to bring me back in the mood and bring some new models to my collection for the Aircooled Model Meeting #3 I had to start a new aircooled model.

I bought this one in an exhibition for €9 and it will be quickly built, perfect choice to start over. I know it's a military model but it's a car ! :evillol:

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A single evening was enough to prepare all sub-assemblies for paint. It's incredible the level of details Tamiya brings to his models even at 1/48!

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And there it is, less than a week after and it's at 99.99% finished, it will be finished at 100% when it will be integrated to it's mini diorama. I used this sunny day to take some outside shots, not easy to have a correct light to enlight the shades of paint when you're not professional.

The chassis before final assembly.

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And the Kdf...
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And now start some vacuform Vw Type 181 'Thing' laying in a corner :biggrin:

Great to see you posting another terrific VW build, Xav! The detail on that thing is awesome!!!

Lovely build - and quick too!

TBH in some places the body seems "flat" in the photos. It's probably a monitor effect but I was wondering of some panel lines etc wouldn't bring the shape to life a bit?

Thanks guys :)

TBH in some places the body seems "flat" in the photos. It's probably a monitor effect but I was wondering of some panel lines etc wouldn't bring the shape to life a bit?

I did a black wash and a grey drybrush all over the body to make all the details appear: panel lines, grills and all the tiny details but it's true that the sun 'kills' all the effects.
When it will be instaled on it's small diorama, I'll make new pics, I hope with a better lighting to show exactly how it is in real.

Curious, are the headlight covers molded in, or are there clear lenses as well. I think this might be a cool kit to do a street version of!

Curious, are the headlight covers molded in, or are there clear lenses as well.

They are separate parts, you also get clear lenses with the kit.

They are separate parts, you also get clear lenses with the kit.

Thanks I am looking for a quick cheap build and that might just do the trick!

Diorama finished, better pics when sun will shine...

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Love it.

I really like the almost disturbing balance between the VW and the tree/bush behind it. Congratulations on another fine project :thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

Impressive!
Given the small scale I'm speechless about the looks of your diorama. That tree is so real! :thumbsup:

Very nice!

Everything looks in scale, mind taking pictures with 1/24 cars for comparison purpose?

Thanks guys :cool:

The tree comes from www.mininatur.de , a bit pricey (€7.50 the pair) but worth 1000 times the price. The branches are weed (yes, pot/weed/ganja :iceslolan ) small branches , fallen leaves are spices

About the size, imagine it 1/3 smaller as a 1/24.

Today I immediatly took pictures when sun came through the clouds between two showers :iceslolan

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