Aston Martin DB4-1/25 Revell Monogram...a detailed story!

This will my build on the 1/25 Revell Monogram Aston Martin DB4. Although it's one of the most exquisite sport luxury car of all time, at the hobby stores shelves is almost a none exist subject. Despite being a 40 years old design already, this little 1/25 little friend gives plenty of possibilities and space to our mind's creativity. This is not common on those old days model cars, where were not today's fine standards like the ones from Tamiya and Fujimi, just to name a couple.

There have been several releases on this Aston Martin Db4, a couple from Monogram (different box art) and also a couple from Revell itself. Mine is the 1997 one. I'm also including a couple of pictures of the DB5, the real James Bond's car. I found doing my research that sometimes the DB4 is also named as the Bond's car. They are almost the same car, what better identify one from the other are the head lights buckles.


Here are a couple of pictures of the art boxes.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/284858689_o.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/dd_1_b-vi.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DoyushakitNY01-2.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/AirfixDB5kit07402-2.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/REV-56220Large.jpg


My goal is to make a high detailed version of it, since there is of the lack of buildings on this Aston, most of them Box Stock with an upgraded wheels set from Tamiya's Jaguar MK II and the Aoshima MGB. The version I selected will be the DB4 Series 5. Although at first sight one can say they all look the same, they have significant differences. Here's a picture of a nice preserved and aggressive look silver DB4 Series 3 and another for the one I selected, a red Series 5 one.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/pp82.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/AstonMartinDB4Series51963.jpg


Ok, now let's go to do some modeling....

Opposite to basic model car modeling and to the instruction sheet itself, I will start this model coming from the chassis and suspension components going up to the interior, body, ending at the engine bay...What an odd way, isn't it?:confused:


Here's a look to the chassis and interior components. Typical from those old days, several parts are used to do one component. Among the several nice features of this model, the seats have some reclinable movement.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0331.jpg


The chassis and spare tire compartment has been glued together:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0314.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0319.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0323.jpg


Moving on now to the underside of this model, since I've been doing a lot of research for this model lately, so I found that the swing link is too large, so, I cutted it, shaved the simulated plastic bolt and glued a real aluminum one. Another alteration I did was in the rear axle cover, were I added more aluminum bolts from R&B Motion, aluminum sheet for the Watt link assemblies connectors, and aluminum tubing for the Watt link assemblies itself. I found that the rear axle cover comes as a separate part and it will be great at detailing paint time, since it's supposed to be painted in a different color than the axle itself and this will eliminate future tricky masking there.



Real part:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/UnderR122.jpg

altered part:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0371.jpg


I taped down everything together on the chassis along with the Radius Arm assemblies..Let’s see how it looks...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0619.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0622.jpg


I like how it being, buuuut, to me something is still missing...I made the road springs out of solder ans its bases from plastic sheet
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0619.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0619.jpg



Now...we have a complete family:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0625.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0629.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0631.jpg


Here I even added the aftermarket wheels and they fitted perfectly without any alteration!
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0635.jpg

This looks like a promising little kit-the reclining seats are a nice touch.

Today I have a quick update. After being working in the rear suspension components, now I’m moving to the front. Like in the rear, box stock suspension is OK but, I feel it allow space for something more.

I started gluing together the engine bay and cutting the attachment ends to the plastic sway bar with some brass tubing I did a new one.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0760.jpg


Same method was done with the steering rack, rolling some thin solder around the tube to simulate the boot.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0764.jpg


The shocks and spring plastic combo also suffer a transformation with some solder, plastic rod, aluminum tubing, and aluminum sheet. I didn’t put much attention on the exposed epoxy since it will be later covered by the brake disc and the wheels.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0771.jpg


Everything was installed and this is how it looks:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0726.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0736.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0759.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0746.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0724.jpg


After carved a bit of plastic rectangle bar, I did a chassis bar where I mounted the scratch built brakemaster cylinders.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0779.jpg


I also did a tryout to see how they look.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0785.jpg


Now I just need to shoot some paint to the parts and do final adjustments. Then, I will complete everything with wire and nuts in order to complete the plumbing.

This is a real quick update. Jerry Quick, my good friend from the T.A.M.S. club in Norfolk, VA, give me an important advise in order to get this right. The solder I used to recreate the boots at the steering rack was to thick. I used another that is a little bit thinner and the look changed.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0793.jpg


Simón P. Rivera Torres

Very nice start. Keep us updated.


Tom Tanner/Scale Designs/Ferrari Expo 2010 model/photo contest-Chicago April 24th 2010

Nice work on a very iffy kit. Good luck.

Cool upgrades you got done. Looking forward to more. Its unbelievable that i've seen the airfix model on ebay for $249.00. :slap:

After I checked the steering boots scale, I also noticed that the brake master cylinders also needed some attention. After I measured, I saw that they were out of scale and that instead being attaching master cylinders I was attaching flashlights!


Here the face to face comparison.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0809.jpg


I also did again the chassis part were they will be mounted.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0802.jpg


How they look from some distance.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0794.jpg


Chassis received an airbrush coat of Faux Fabric in order to replicate the rust undercoating. Aslo a close up of the part.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0814.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0820.jpg

Here I shooted a coat of Tamiya Semi Gloss black lacquer at night time and with the doors of my garage open to eliminate of some of the high gloss this tamiya spray has. Precisely, I selected Tamiya semi gloss black, because is not as satin as other semi gloss are, it has a little bit more shine and the aston martin undercoat is like this. The cylinders already on the chassis.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0885.jpg

My favorite part of the chassis, the rear end. I liked a lot how the Watt link assembly being with the so in scale semi gloss from Gunze Sangyo Mr color #92. The rear axle cover was treated with the rare seen aluminum from the mr. color metalizer line. After I shooted Gunze the semi gloss black to the suspension components, I airbrushed a light coat of the same mr color lacquer gloss black to give it the scale look. Everyting during nightime to avoid excessive gloss caused by warm temperatures. The last detailed I give to this section was some Boyd's enamel clear to the springs, I also did the same with the front ones.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0858.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0868.jpg


Some bolts from Galtran and washers for detail. Here can be seen the almost dull effect over thte chassis, but, with some gloss.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0879.jpg


The whole rear chassis/suspension components together finally.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0887.jpg

For the front suspension tubing I painted the with the Gunze Mr color gloss black, but, the steering boots that received the semi gloss black, but, from Gunze not the Tamiya.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0822.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0825.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0837.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0853.jpg


Everything is mocked up to see how it looks.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0899.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0907.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0912.jpg


This parts now will received complete wiring and plumbing detail.

In this update I will covering the plumbing of thet brake system under the car.

I started working on a scrathbuild caliper, since the model comes just with a engraved over the plastic disc. I cutted it in order to used it as a template to make new ones from a plastic sheet.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0960.jpg


After I discarded the plastic disc, I picked up a Detail Master solid one which I chucked to my Dremel in order to have a better used look.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0950-1.jpg


After I did the Dremel treatment, this is how it looks in comparison to an untreated on. Looks more real.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0952-1.jpg


Using a plastic rod, I sliced it to make discs that will simulate the piston housing. Then, I primed them and painted them closely so the paint cover the crack between the caliper and this housing so it can be shown as just one part.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_1046.jpg

Worked an aluminum sheet to make the caliper

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_1054.jpg


Some primer

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_1061.jpg


A silver paint base

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_1063.jpg


Finally the silver-gold color

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_1066.jpg


The bridge pipe assembly made out of cooper wire and tiny nuts.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0392.jpg


I used this picture in order to make the rear emergency system.

Plastic sheets, wire and plastic rod used to make the system..uff..lots of work!

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0352.jpg


Already in place along with the calipers.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0402.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0404.jpg


Another view

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0391-1.jpg


This picture was used to make the three way union for the brake fluid feed.
I used plastic rod, cooper wire and nuts.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/UnderR1221.jpg


The parts in place.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0394.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0397.jpg


The connector for the brake master cylinder.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0400.jpg


The hardest part to design..the mechanism that action the emergency cables by the handbrake lever. In the red circle section the part intended to replicate.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/UnderR122-1.jpg


I started using a guitar string that has the perfect scale look and grooves. Aluminum sheet again to replicate the connectors.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0353.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0355.jpg


More plastic using to make the other unions...ufff more, and more trying and hard work with so small parts!

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0357.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0359.jpg


All the the components before painting.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0361.jpg


This photo etched alternator bracket was used to make the connector to the whole assembly with the tube that comes from the lever.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0388.jpg


Already in place.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0417.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0418.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0409.jpg


I use THE DETAILER black ink to enhance the grooves in the guitar string.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0419.jpg


Plastic squares used to make the brake fluid line on the chassis.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0359.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0406.jpg


The caliper section.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0413.jpg


Gereral view of everything together.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0414.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0415.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0412.jpg

Really nice work. The brake lines look almost real.


Tom Tanner/Scale Designs/Ferrari Expo 2010 model/photo contest-Chicago April 24th 2010

Stop it! I don't know how much more of this I can take, Simon. You are driving me nuts with your awesome scratch building and detailing. And you are making me feel like an inadequate modeler as a result!

By the way, great job finding a way to use guitar string.

That's awesome, Simon... incredible scratch building work! Where did you find all these amazing detail pictures of the prototype?

bestest,
M.

If you PM, I can send you some of them and even the factory parts book.

That's awesome, Simon... incredible scratch building work! Where did you find all these amazing detail pictures of the prototype?

bestest,
M.

Amazing building so far, great project, Cant wait to see more!!

man oh man, that is some nice detail. looking really good bro.

Before the new update, I have to give credit to my good friend Dave Morton who pointed me a misplace of the rear brake lines to the correct master cylinder. After had spent so much time looking the underside upside, I forgot what goes up and what goes down:tongue:

Here's the correct placement, thanks Dave!

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0547.jpg

Ok, here I will go from the downside to the cockpit of the car. Like I said at the beginning, I won't follow the instructions order due to a modification I did to the body.

I started painting the two basic shades for the carpet and leather upholstery. Light blue for carpet, dark for the leather.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0442.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0444.jpg

I did two simple floor carpets from sandpaper and wire to replicate the molding. Everything was treated with white primer in order to give a light shade of color for the base of the light blue that will be used as a base for the flocking.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0420.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0421.jpg


The protective carpet guard was made out of plastic sheet. I lightly scribed them in order to replicate the lined pattern on them

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0423.jpg


Same treatment for the carpet guards.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0428.jpg

Masking tape was used to do the shift stick boot and the emergency brake level boots. The shift stick is a Sakatsu one that I altered its shape with my Dremel and the Emergency level with metal tubing.


http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0555.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0557.jpg


The side floor panels also were treated with flocking and also were scribed in order to get the lined pattern. Vents controls were made out of thin wire and the knobs are white glue with semi gloss black paint.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0559.jpg


General overview of the seats area.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_05542.jpg


A last time view to the out of the box dash look.


http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_05012.jpg


The Dremel and this tiny polishing swabs help me to open the enclosing for the gauges and toggle switches.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_05092.jpg


I chucked in my Dremel a Sakatsu toggle switch and re-shape it in order to make the glove box lock.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_05112.jpg


Some bare metal foil to the molding and this is how it looks now.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0533.jpg


Model Car Garage black gauges faces and its bezels made the perfect combo for what I had in mind. In order to get the deep look of the bezels, I stocked them one over the other and have what I wanted.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_05182.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0525.jpg


Toggle switches from Sakatsu, their knobs made out of metal tubing and photo etch washers and photo etch bolt heads made everything look real different. Here's how the final dash looks.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_05262.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_05282.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0531.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0530.jpg

One of the main attractions of the cockpit is this correct great Derrington Steering wheel kit from Replica & Miniatures of Maryland. I thought to use a Renaissance Nardi one, but, it would be completely incorrect. It comes with the two real wood halves, the photo etch rim, and metal line to make the rivets.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0483.jpg


I started sanding it until I could see the light through the inner part of the wood halves.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_04842.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0486.jpg


Finally, the wooden parts for the steering wheel are off.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0488.jpg

The rim was perfectly polished, but, I had to hold the temptation to leave as it is, because the correct factory stock look is covered by satin black paint.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0490.jpg


After glue the halves, the metal lines are placed trough the rim and the wood. After that a nail cutter is used to give it a flush cut.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0491.jpg


Uffff, after 4hours!!!...I finished the part. Next, masking and paint the center.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0494.jpg


I take out some old cans of real wood paints and make some tries to see which color I would use. The upper right corner was the winner, after I painted it, I should use the upper center minwax one, but, it was already painted!:confused:

Final look:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0537.jpg


For a last alteration of the out of the box components, I cutted the turn signal switch and place instead a metal pin length. Again, with glue and satin black paint made the knob.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0535.jpg


Finally, everything is together in place...

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_05682.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_05622.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_05482.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0561.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0563.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0565.jpg

That's a great tip for using sandpaper as carpet

Excellent work!

Stunning work! You have a wonderful sense of details and your scratchbuilding skills are just awesome.

At some point on the pictures of under the car, it's hard to say which one is 1:1 and which is scale model :)

Looking forward to see it complete.

Again…after sometime without any posting, but, working with it, this is it…something more…a loooooong update!

Last time I forgot to add some details that will give the interior some more realism.

As you guys can see in this picture, the steering wheel has a blue horn button, the model’s one doesn’t come with it…so let’s scratch build it!
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/_AMJ1236.jpg


I started with a rounded plastic piece that I got after punch out a scrap of plastic sheet. Then, I made the dome of the button with some epoxy and after it I painted it gloss black. When it dried out, I masked the center with a 1/72 planes scribing template, then, painted white for the base, then clear blue for the tint.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0494-1.jpg


Something else that I forgot last time was the upholstery lining. I did it using some fine solder.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_04892.jpg


With all the “new” parts are in place, the colored circles shows where are them.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0713.jpg


I decided to use this Scale Equipment LTD luggage set:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0680.jpg


The resin kit needs some cleaning, but, after sometime, you get a nice luggage set:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0686.jpg


Already paint detailed luggage set:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0687.jpg

Already in place at trunk’s space:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0719.jpg


After I finished with the interior, I moved on to the body.

In these pictures can be seen the basic body and all the parts that will complete it:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0335.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0339.jpg

An idea of what we will see:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0343.jpg


As in today model cars, lines all over:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0357.jpg


The door, nicely molded, but, handle lacks of some detail…it will go..
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0471.jpg


The same thing with the molded in wipers:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0476.jpg


As it happened back in the 60’s with model cars, you guys had to build even the body. This model car has a front and a rear section that should be added once you paint the model, but, as a result, an ugly seam line will be seen. What I did to resolve it?

As I said at the beginning, I won’t follow the steps of the instruction sheet in order to get some more real results and this step will be a clear example. I started putting together those parts with super glue, then, instead use any putty, I mixed super glue with micro balloons in order to get a plastic past that in the long run will give me an smoother surface:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0486.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0488.jpg


Here, the results, a nice and even surface without any use of putty or primer:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0484.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0514.jpg


At the front, there’s some incorrect detail. The headlight buckets are too square shaped as you guys can see in the red circle. After some light sanding, now it show a better rounded look, as it shows the blue circle:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0494.jpg


Here with the bezels in place, you can have an idea of how out of shape look it will have at the end:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0502.jpg


Here, both sides now have the same shape:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0511.jpg


The rear bumper was drilled out in order to make some room for the rear reflector lights:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0520.jpg


The front grill needs some make up to wear a better look. I drilled out the plastic part starting with some wholes abroad, and then I substituted it with some Detail Master Rectangle grill:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0522.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0526.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0528.jpg


Now, everything starts to look more or less in shape. I added the hood to complete the body:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0546.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0541.jpg


Speaking of the hood, in order to get the correct Series 5 look, the scoop in this model also has to go. It has the prior series higher and wider shape as can be seen in these to comparison pictures:

Incorrect (for series 5):
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/1.jpg

Correct:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/pp4.jpg


Now it comes a part of this build up that gave a rear headache…the making of this correct scoop...

As it can be seen in the next pictures, it has the incorrect look for what I want:

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0547.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0549.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0550.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0554.jpg


I started scoring the section to be removed, then, I cutted the section, added a piece of plastic sheet, glued everything up with the super glue/ micro balloons mix, then sanded it smooth:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0562.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0560.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0564.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0568-1.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0569.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0570.jpg


A piece of aluminum sheet was used for the new scoop...oh God!...lots of time and trials trying to get the correct shape:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0694.jpg


After I got the correct shape for I wanted, I cutted again the new hood in order to adapt the aluminum part:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0695.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0699.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0700.jpg


Trying to sand smooth these new parts I was aware off, the super glue/ micro balloons mix wasn’t strong enough to hold sanding and I didn’t want to have any surprises as some cracking at paint/clear sanding and polishing stage, so…I asked for some backup.

After used the super glue/ micro balloons mix, I covered everything up with Evercoat Polyester putty to give the new part some strength:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0194.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0195.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0197.jpg


Everything sanded nice and smooth, but, some micro holes that appeared on the surface off the new hood. Lots of primer and sanding resolved it!
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0200.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0202.jpg


But still, there’s some funny things showing from beneath of the surface...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0163-1.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0165-1.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0166.jpg


Due to that, I had to start all over again, using this time a wider plastic piece:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0169-1.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0173-1.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0178.jpg


This time, I didn’t use the Evercoat Polyester putty, I just airbrushed some Gunze Sangyo’s Surfacer 500 and 1000:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0220.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0222-1.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0223.jpg


Some Gunze Mr. White Surafacer 1000 to give the final white base for the color I had in mind:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0226.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0233-1.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0234.jpg


Looking to some pictures of the real car, I noticed that this model has some incorrect panels in the body as for example in the wheel wells panels. Would you guys imagine a car body panel with 1” thick, certainly it could hold some bullets!


Here is what I meant:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_1085.jpg


Corrected at the front:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_1073.jpg


The circles shows the comparison better:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_1099.jpg


Now I finished with the corrections at the front, let’s move to the rear…
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_1086.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_1089.jpg

At the rear there’s a detail in the body where the rear lights cluster has to be placed. I started drilling the bucket hole. First of all, if you look to rear car, it has a more detailed shape at the bottom part of the bucket for the lights:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/pp20.jpg


In my model, I carved and sanded it smooth giving it the correct shape:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_1119.jpg

You guys can see here the two versions, before(red arrow) and after(black arrow):
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_1113.jpg


The transformation in detail:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_1110.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_1106.jpg


Besides that correction, the model was designed to wear the lights cluster with the part over the bucket and as you guys saw in the picture, they come from behind.


Both are already cleaned:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0236.jpg


After some time, the body was primered with the white Gunze white primer as the final primer coat, now, we have a body with the true legendary Aston Martin lines… Sorry for this blurred picture:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0241.jpg


All the parts ready for paint:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0247.jpg


After this bodywork procedure, I had to deal with maybe the most tedious stage of this built…chose the body color!...It cost me lost of money and I even contacted Aston Martin Auk for this(thanks Dave Morton for the tip to get their help)in order to get the color codes, I mixed different kinds of paints, different ratios, etc,etc,etc,etc….

After spend some time on the internet looking for colors, there was a color that gained my attention, this light blue, named in some sites as Caribbean Pearl Blue Metallic:

This is the color:
(Here, the sun makes it look like a metallic blue)
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/1.jpg


Another variation:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/pp4.jpg


Finally, this one gave me the idea of what I wanted:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/db420030.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/db420037.jpg


This army of colors would help me to get the desired final shade, among them I had some tamiya Lacquers, Duplicolor spray, nail polish, powders, PPG, R&M and Dupont paints:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0463.jpg


I used this spoon with three different bases to see if I can get what I was looking for. On it, I shooted silver, light gray and white primers:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0467.jpg


After so much color experimentation, finally I got some paint on the model. I chose the Duplicolor Metallic Light Blue(for some reason I couldn’t get the same shade decanting it and shooting it through the airbrush) and give it an Aqua pearl blue with a nail polish.

I started on the spots where the paint could been sanded away at polishing stage in order to compensate the amount the flatter panels will receive later:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0250.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0251-1.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0252.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0253.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0254.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0258.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0261.jpg


As you guys can see in this workshop picture, is the same shade I started to get:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/_AMJ0301.jpg


Doors, hood, and trunk received its misty coats:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0258.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0261.jpg


I was lucky enough to get dustless, flawless Duplicolor Light blue coat:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0264.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0266.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0258.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0271.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0272-2.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0276.jpg



The Aqua Pearl Blue enters in action:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0284.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0285.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0286-2.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0287.jpg


Then I topped everything with Finisher’s GP-1 Urethane Clear and easily could polish it with the same Finisher’s three steps compound system:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0292.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0298-1.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0299.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0302.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0304-1.jpg


A close up of I got without too much effort:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0320.jpg


Light reflection test:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0347-1.jpg


After the painting section, I started the add-ons to the body. First thing was the light bezels.


At very early stage of this build I decided to used the one that comes with the kit, but, I had to scrap some plastic from the bucket in order to get a flusher headlight, because, if not, I would ending with a gold fish like look!
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0518.jpg


Then I send them along with bumpers to Chrome Tech USA for chroming and by the time I received them everything was OK, until looking around on the internet for some more details I discovered a part from Sakatsu that blew off my head.

I got this Sakatsu turned aluminum headlights that even come with a part that doubles as the light bulb.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0370.jpg


In order to complete this part, when I place the order to Hapico, Motoi told me that the Modeler’s Lens kit will the right one to complete the Sakatsu part. Then I discovered something even more real.

As you guys can see in this picture of the real car, the front headlight beam has a Y shape engraving on the glass:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/Series42.jpg


For my surprise, the modeler’s lens kit comes with one that has the same engraving on and for my luck, it’s the same size that the Aston model wears:


The kit’s clear parts tree and the Modeler’s lens kit:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0372.jpg


At the left, the Moldeler’s lens, at the right, the kit’s lens:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0376.jpg


Even with the new chroming on the altered part, there’s no chance for the plastic part over the turned aluminum one:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0363.jpg


I accented it even more giving it a polishing session with Blue Magic metal polishing cream and my Dremel. At the left the already polished part, to the right, the unpolished part:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0385.jpg


Here, pictures of the finished part:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0721-1.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0725-1.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0731-1.jpg


To be continued……..

outstanding dude

Just awesome! Is that an original factory Aston colour, then? It just looks rather brighter and SoCal or "Riviera" than I'd have expected from an early-sixties Brit classic...

Don't get me wrong - I think it looks great, and the pictures clearly show that there ARE cars that colour, I'm just wondering whether they ever emerged from the factory that colour...

Keep up the great work, Simon, it's inspiring me for my Maserati (as are Skip's references!)

best regards,
M.

Hi Matt, about the color, you're right, I don't know what happened that in these pictures it turned out a little bit more metallic than the classic colors, but, in person it looks real close to the color I had seen on the internet. The same thing happened to me, your great DB5 build and the goodies you sent me for the decaling, alsi, inspired me to work with this one. Actually, I have an out of production real old MPC DB6 kit on line to work with aswell.


Best Regards
Simón




\
Just awesome! Is that an original factory Aston colour, then? It just looks rather brighter and SoCal or "Riviera" than I'd have expected from an early-sixties Brit classic...

Don't get me wrong - I think it looks great, and the pictures clearly show that there ARE cars that colour, I'm just wondering whether they ever emerged from the factory that colour...

Keep up the great work, Simon, it's inspiring me for my Maserati (as are Skip's references!)

best regards,
M.

I can only say a coupke of things, Awsome awsome asome awsome awsome and AWSOME!

Incredible!!!!

Amazing!!!

I was wondered with you passion with your build!!!

Thanks for share us!!!

Cesar Bossolani

You said it was a while for the update - It was definately worth the what, INCREDIBLE!

wowowowowowowowow.

Amazing work mate!!!

Keep on with the excellent job!!

Nice to see your still working on it. Keep it up, should be stunning model once done.

Thanks my friends...I have to tell you guys that I actually finished this project, took it to the GSL, but, never had the chance to make an update and post the finished pictures...let's see!

Massive work! God I love it!

After so much time with no updates, I have some more pictures...

I noticed that the glass for the doors is too thick in scale for the model, I tried to scale it down sanding it, but, I didn't get the size I want. I got a better result and size using K&S plastic clear acetate.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0482.jpg


For the bumpers reflectors, I drill a hole and placed a plastic rod that I painted red.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0477.jpg


At the rear I noticed the lights cluster in unreal, the plastic part goes over the hole and the correct is supposed to go inside. Here you guys can see both versions:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CopyofHPIM005702.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/P5204583.jpg


I reworked it using a piece of aluminum sheet, tubing, and Ka Jinkers links (a plastic pinhead used in handcraft) for the lights:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0787.jpg


This is what I did; it's much better now and more real than the stock kit parts:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0728.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0790.jpg


Here, you guys can see what I really wanted, the correct lights ensemble and the corrected bumpers:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/am001531.jpg


Here I installed the front grill using the Detail Master's Front Grill Rectangle #2585 that has the same rectangle pattern, all the chromed details, glass, the tiny Model Factory Hiro "Superleggera" scripts, and the chrome foil.
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_08792.jpg


Same view, but, at the rear:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_08953.jpg



Everything opened, notice the correct scale thin of the doors' glass:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_09013.jpg


A detail that much modelers has questioned me: What set of Borranis I would use? Well, with the arriving of the Hasegawa's Ferrari 250 Testarosa and the different 250 GTO's, there's plenty of Borranis to chose, but...Does anyone has the correct features I was looking for?...15 inch and the all 4 narrows tires and wheel combo, who's is the one that makes the correct ones?...Reinassance!...The only thing is the high price. Since I live in Puerto Rico, I was charged from France to here a shipping quote of 100 dollars!...The real fine artwork of this borranis really worth it, and besides its the only set available in the 15 inch measurements, but, I considered it myself real expensive.

Starting with the wheels, there's no doubt is a perfect job and they come already assembled:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_09042.jpg


The only problem are the tires, they need some good time of sanding and trimming to get it right. I consider that for that real high price tag they should come real perfect:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0913.jpg


To complete the perfect look of the tires/wheel combo, I used the Sakatsu Knock offs that are thicker than the Reinassance photo etch style part, but, for the center nut, I decided to use the Reinassance one. Sakatsu parts at the left, Reinassance parts at the right:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0915.jpg


Here we can see at last, the model started to look like a real car and show us the beauty of an Aston Martin DB4:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0781.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0783.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0784.jpg


For the engine, as I did until now with body, a lot of work has to be done to take this model to the real car standards. I consider the engine the feature and the most detailed part of this model car.


Here you guys can see a picture of the stock engine of the model:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/HPIM0382-vi2.jpg


These are pictures of where I would like to take this engine:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/bigd.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/bige.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/Aston2-vi.jpg


Let's start...

The engine block was sanded and reworked to accept some items:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0801.jpg


The cylinder head has to be reworked too. What I like is that, like the engine block, maybe it doesn't have the complete detail, but, it comes with al the guides to do the correct alterations:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0799.jpg


These pulleys where altered to double as the camshaft cover's
Breather cap:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0803.jpg


On the cylinder head, a length of aluminum tubing, photo etch hose clamps, Model Factory Hiro white metal spark plug boots and distributor, solder for the headers, R&B Motion acorn nuts, and a syringe needle(for the ignition lead tube) was used for the complete detail:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_08972.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_08952.jpg


General view of the main engine:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0885.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0891.jpg


Some other parts have to be scratch built in order to complete the engine bay.

I will start with the washer fluids bottle. As you guys can see here, the model's stock part is far away from the actual part:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/WASHERBOTTLE.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0605.jpg


I will do the part using an acrylic glass rod:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_06033.jpg


I sanded it using different sanding sticks, then a final buff using my Dremel:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_06373.jpg

For the cap I used some plastic and then painted the part at the bottom with some Alclad II blue tint. Also used a fishing line for the connector line:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_06113.jpg


The completed part:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_06393.jpg


Same thing happens with the water tank, the model part is far away...
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_06453.jpg

Real part:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/120704db41.jpg


Using some Milliput, wire (for the molding), and a turned radiator cap I transformed the part to the actual part standards:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0656-1.jpg


This is the scratch built voltage regulator:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_05473.jpg


Real Fuses boxes and parts I did:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/FusesBoxes.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0654.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0660.jpg

These coils served as the staring point for the brakes reservoir tanks:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_053830.jpg


The model's servo unit was used as a base and detailed with plastic and bolts to do the new part. Here you can see the real and model parts:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/31904db7.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/121104db48.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/9316_12.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0857.jpg


Real air cleaner and scratch built parts:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/015_423.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/020-008-0125AWNEW2.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0652.jpg


The engine bay until now. In the first picture, at the upper right corner you guys can noticed the scratch built brake master cylinder already connected:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0846.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0844.jpg


The exhaust system also had to be updated:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/UnderR122-2.jpg


New parts:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0916.jpg

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0921.jpg


Great difference:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/DSC_0909.jpg


Plumbing for the brake system:
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y288/Porsnatic/CSC_0869.jpg


This is it for now...

This is simply the most impressive build up of an Aston Martin model I've ever seen. Every single component is being worked on as a work of art all by itelf. Astonishing. I've attempted this kit twice (albeit as a youth) and found it impossibly hard. The work you are doing shows that with the right skills and time, the kit can yeild a fantastic model of the DB4. An inspirational build up. I will get this kit and components to try an emulate you one day.

Superb work, my hat is off to you!

:screwy: i am really really really speechless... your detailing work are really superb. :iceslolan i have so much to learn.

Friggen' photobucket....:thumbsdow

Does anyone can explain me what happened here?

Photobucket allows a limited amount of bandwidth for hosting pics- something like 10 gigabytes a month.

Every time someone looks at a pic in your post hosted by Photobucket (or someone else), a bit of bandwidth is used. The larger the pics are and the more pics you post, the more bandwidth is used. And of course the more people view your posts, the more bandwidth is used. So Photobucket adds the small amount of bandwidth used by each pic viewed by each person, and if/when it reaches 10Gb or so, they cut you off for a month- the bastards. To avoid this, Photobucket would be very happy if you gave them money- for which they would remove the limitation.

So essentially they punish you for exactly the thing that we all want you to be doing.

Photobucket allows a limited amount of bandwidth for hosting pics- something like 10 gigabytes a month.

Every time someone looks at a pic in your post hosted by Photobucket (or someone else), a bit of bandwidth is used. The larger the pics are and the more pics you post, the more bandwidth is used. And of course the more people view your posts, the more bandwidth is used. So Photobucket adds the small amount of bandwidth used by each pic viewed by each person, and if/when it reaches 10Gb or so, they cut you off for a month- the bastards. To avoid this, Photobucket would be very happy if you gave them money- for which they would remove the limitation.

So essentially they punish you for exactly the thing that we all want you to be doing.

RIGHT....
Just have to install PICASA, which have no limits (I guess) as photobuckets, is very easy to use , fast and so and so....
This WIP seems excellent, can't wait one month to see it :icon16::icon16:

I've just won the Monogram Aston Martin DB4 on ebay - completely new kit. This will be my third attempt to build this model (the first and second were childhood botch ups in the 70s).

But I really need those progress pictures back uploaded - it's your build that encouraged me to buy the kit again!

OK, I will waituntil tomorrow to see if they allow the pictures can be seen again, since I have a 1/43 Reanault RS01 F1 already in progress with lots of pictures waiting to be posted. That PICASA sounds like a great alternative, too.

We are back!!!

Stunning work so far. IMO the wheels were worth the price. I love the color too. Can't wait for next update!

We are back!!!

Well done. Looking forward to more pictures, especially of the complete model.

the work's pretty amazing, to understate it. :)

Well the original Monogram kit of this model arrived today and I opened the box and immediately realised that the kit looks nothing like as good as you're making yours. You must be a magician to turn the kit in my box to the model that's on your bench. More details please?!

Give me a sec. Have to find my jaw, dropped here somewhere...

Really stunning.

absolutely impressive work!!! oh man~!! =b

As I started looking at your beautiful work I felt it looked familiar. Then I saw you started back in 2010 :icon16: After that "ahh" moment, I began to enjoy your work some more. Thanks for sharing this gorgeous piece

Beautiful scratch building....
spoiled by the paintwork which looks far too heavy like a large overcoat worn in summer.