How to detail racing brake discs?

Hey all,

I'm doing a thought experiment here. My next kit is going to be a 1/24 car, probably either an R34 GTR or a DTM car. Both of these use the single-nut hubs for wheels. This is the dilemma for detailing I have.

I *love* the Crazy Modeler detail set for 4 or 5 lug hubs for street or rally cars. However, they don't make anything to fit a single lug hub. I really want to make a "wheels off" version, but don't want to use the OEM tamiya brakes, as they're often lacking in detail.

What do you guys suggest? What have you guys done to get around this? I know some aftermarket kits have this stuff, but there isn't too much for the R34 or some of the DTM cars. Assuming there isn't anything aftermarket, what would you guys do? (If you know of a great PE set, please point me in that direction.)

Thanks!

Daniel

I depends alot on the model you're building. Sometimes the Tamiya kit parts are a very good starting point for detailing. Especially on a car like an R34 that has closed wheel arches- most of what you can see is the face of the rotor and the caliper. Often painting them up right can look spectacular, and adding just a little bit of detail (like a brake line, or a length of thread for a safety wire running along the rotor/hub bolts) is all you need to add.

Some prototype cars with removable cowling can show the brakes in much more detail, and thick solid rotors look wrong when you can see them edge on. But it depends on what you have to work with, and what you want it to look like in the end.

I understand that there may be a very nice PE detail set including brake parts planned soon for Tamiya JTCC R34s....

I depends alot on the model you're building. Sometimes the Tamiya kit parts are a very good starting point for detailing. Especially on a car like an R34 that has closed wheel arches- most of what you can see is the face of the rotor and the caliper. Often painting them up right can look spectacular, and adding just a little bit of detail (like a brake line, or a length of thread for a safety wire running along the rotor/hub bolts) is all you need to add.

Some prototype cars with removable cowling can show the brakes in much more detail, and thick solid rotors look wrong when you can see them edge on. But it depends on what you have to work with, and what you want it to look like in the end.

I understand that there may be a very nice PE detail set including brake parts planned soon for Tamiya JTCC R34s....

Ok. I've seen some pics of the '01 R34's brakes and it seemed pretty straightforward. However, it seems you can always detail something further... :grinyes:

Who's making the R34's PE set? I may have to skip that build until it comes out! Any time line?

Thanks for the thoughts!

Daniel

If you're looking for single hubs and nuts, try the railraod section of your local hobby shop. They usually have a stand with very small brass nuts and bolts. You can find the right scale for your car there I imagine...