Audi R8

Hi guys,

It's been a while since my last project. I've been building on and off, busy with my studying. Since I've started my Easter break, I've decided to start up a build thread for my Audi R8 and hopefully finish it before my break ends in about 2 weeks.

Inspiration:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/DSC_0033.jpg (http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/?action=view&current=DSC_0033.jpg)

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/DSC_0034.jpg (http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/?action=view&current=DSC_0034.jpg)
Top Gear Magazine, March 2009


I really liked the colour and the closest colour match I have is my Zero Paints Yamaha Gauloises Extreme Blue. A beautiful mica blue with a hint of purple.

I love the look of this car but was never comfortable with the front spoiler lip or rather a lack of one. So I took a little inspiration from the GT3 race car and made this.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/DSC_0012.jpg (http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/?action=view&current=DSC_0012.jpg)

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/DSC_0014007.jpg (http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/?action=view&current=DSC_0014007.jpg)

I also bought the Hobby Design detail-up set which includes PE side vents and brake disks which was what I wanted, but they lack a PE front grill. So I decided to open up the moulded plastic kit part which I shall paint in Alclad chrome.

Original
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/DSC_0003.jpg (http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/?action=view&current=DSC_0003.jpg)

Cut-out
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/DSC_0004.jpg (http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/?action=view&current=DSC_0004.jpg)

Drilled out
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/DSC_0005.jpg (http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/?action=view&current=DSC_0005.jpg)


Planning on using these Trafficstar RTM 20" because they look awesome :cool:

Puttied front bumper
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/DSC_0020.jpg (http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/?action=view&current=DSC_0020.jpg)

Sprayed colour coat (2 mists. Started having spurting problems with my airbrush :headshake)

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/DSC_0021.jpg (http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/?action=view&current=DSC_0021.jpg)

Cleared with Halfords Clear Lacquer

Orange peel
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/DSC_0025.jpg (http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/?action=view&current=DSC_0025.jpg)

Roof polished with Micromesh 3600 then Tamiya coarse, medium and fine compounds then waxed with Tamiya wax.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/DSC_0030.jpg (http://s17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/?action=view&current=DSC_0030.jpg)
Sorry for ugly mug...thought it would show off the shine really well.

A few minor scratches from the Micromesh when seen up close so I'll try and do the rest of the body using only Tamiya compounds & wax. I also have Meguiars Scratch X but am not too sure at which stage I should introduce it. From previous experience it seems slightly finer than the Tamiya coarse compound.

Now I need to figure out how best to assemble the PE vents then start on the interior.

Thanks for your interest.

Nice work so far, and I like the color. Amazing that you neatly opened up the grill without breaking any of the slats!

ya I was curious as to how you opened up that grill so nicely?

Nice work on the grill, beautiful colour!

looks good, i really like that blue!!!!!

Love the car Kev!

That blue is amazing, and you seem to have the polishing covered...
Sweet build....will be fun to see how you progress!

Cheers!

Emil

Hi guys, thanks for your comments!

BVC500 - If you look closely you might be able to see on the upper left corner of the number plate the white styrene I used to replace a piece that snapped. Not a perfect job unfortunately :banghead:

Wolf95 - I used a 0.55 & 0.65mm drill bit to open up each hole and then using a new no.11 blade, carved away the excess plastic. The deep holes were hard to move the blade in so I had to thin the part too by shaving off a few mm from the back.

das_auto - Thanks! I think this is my best paintjob to date. I never laid down enough clear coats before so I'd always get frustrated burning through my paint layer when polishing.


I've finished polishing the whole body now and am just trying to piece together the grills....an absolute nightmare! Also preparing the body for Alclad as I can't find any BMF anywhere so I'm a bit nervous about that. Pictures up soon. Thanks again.

A small tip for you Kev!

If you´re going to use Alclad to make the silver boards on the sides, be careful and try to remove the wax from those areas. If you apply Alclad (which is a lacquer) onto a waxed surface you run a very high risk of getting a phenomenon called "fisheyes" the paint will pool, almost like water on a waxed car. Removing the wax will also make the paint adhere better and minimize the risk of pulling up the paint when removing the masking.

Try to scrub the wax from the areas to be painted Alclad with an old t-shirt or similar rag and some dishwashing liquid and water. Hopefully that will help you from getting into trouble.

Cheers!

Emil

I never laid down enough clear coats before so I'd always get frustrated burning through my paint layer when polishing.

This happens to me too. Looking good, i really like the front lip.
Now you have a big polishing project.
Good luck.

A small tip for you Kev!

If you´re going to use Alclad to make the silver boards on the sides, be careful and try to remove the wax from those areas. If you apply Alclad (which is a lacquer) onto a waxed surface you run a very high risk of getting a phenomenon called "fisheyes" the paint will pool, almost like water on a waxed car. Removing the wax will also make the paint adhere better and minimize the risk of pulling up the paint when removing the masking.

Try to scrub the wax from the areas to be painted Alclad with an old t-shirt or similar rag and some dishwashing liquid and water. Hopefully that will help you from getting into trouble.

Cheers!

Emil
Thanks for that tip! I had the body all masked up and was about to start. Good thing I checked on here first :). I'll be sure to try and rub the wax off more before I continue. I'm hoping Zero Gloss Black should be an ok barrier even if there is some residual wax.

A few quick updates:
Sorry for the poor lighting. Not used to taking pictures as I work.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/DSC_0036.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/DSC_0037.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/DSC_0039.jpg


Normally for PE parts I use superglue but this proved to be extremely difficult for the grill as the surface area of each blades' edge was tiny. Using shoe glue helped as it was thick enough to hold them up while setting. I'm sure superglue in gel form would work too.

Stunning colour, very eye-catching. The small spoiler was a good idea, I like it.

Normally for PE parts I use superglue but this proved to be extremely difficult for the grill as the surface area of each blades' edge was tiny. Using shoe glue helped as it was thick enough to hold them up while setting. I'm sure superglue in gel form would work too.

I always have problems with this kind of photoetched
and the super glue causes me a lot of problems
but you used "shoe glue"
please could you take a photo?, maybe in Mexico i can find something similar
it will be very helpfull

Cheers

I always have problems with this kind of photoetched
and the super glue causes me a lot of problems
but you used "shoe glue"
please could you take a photo?, maybe in Mexico i can find something similar
it will be very helpfull

Cheers
Hi alviga69,

The glue I use is this:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/271539_0.jpg


I drag a thin strip to the bottom edge of the blade

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/DSC_0042.jpg

Then put it in place on the grooves on the grill. While it sets I have to support it, making sure it sets straight and perpendicular. Once it's dry the glue has a sufficiently strong enough bond but means I can only work with one blade at a time. Photo below only shows how it looks after the glue has dried.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/DSC_0041.jpg




A little update:

I've painted Alclad Chrome onto the side blades and rear vents but there is some very slight bleed from the masking tape :banghead:. Hmmm....just as I am typing this I've run along the panel line a wooden toothpick which seems to have helped slightly. Not quite as shiny because I didn't wait long enough to make sure it had a very glossy black base, but good enough. If I could I'd have covered it with BMF instead but I don't have any. Alclad has not been cleared to preserve it's shine.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/DSC_0045.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/DSC_0046.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/DSC_0048.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/DSC_0050.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/DSC_0044.jpg


Front grill has also been chromed and work has begun on the engine bay and working out how to connect rods to the engine lid/hood. Bodywork is pretty much 98% complete. I just need to spray black the window surrounds and finish off and attach the grills.

Thanks again for the interest. Please do let me know what you think.

That my friend looks excellent!!!

Remember that the silver sideboards on the real R8 are not chrome IRL. They are very polished aluminium. So your model (with the scale effect taken into account) looks spot on! Good Job! Dont worry about the bleed, you can use some compound and a Q-tip to rub it away very carefully, as Alclad is very thin I don`t think it will be much of a problem.

Good job on the PE aswell!


Cheers!

Emil

Looks sweet. Take care in assembling the chassis, a lot of test fitting is involved. Reminds me of their 360 modena kit which was aweful.

I really like the color you chose. Any chance on telling us what wheels your going to use? And what pe are you using?

@MidMazar
Q: Any chance on telling us what wheels your going to use? And what pe are you using?

A:
Planning on using these Trafficstar RTM 20"(wheels)

also bought the Hobby Design detail-up set which includes PE side vents and brake disks which was what I wanted, but they lack a PE front grill.

:biggrin:

This is what happens when you don't fully read. Sorry boys n girls stay in school.

that blue is really COOL! the pe grill is nicely glued :icon16:

Very quick update.

Lost my PE saw blades for a few days and other things kept me away from the desk so I haven't been able to do very much lately. Still going to try and finish it during the weekend though.

Before:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/DSC_00039.jpg

Grills installed:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/DSC_00040.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/DSC_00041.jpg

Bigger update next time.

Grilles look good

:iagree:

Good Job Mate! :smile:

Nice job so far :thumbsup:

However, those aftermarket items ... here the etched parts: it shows, that the aftermarket companys have lots of unnecessary items among their etched parts, like this one:


http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/DSC_00041.jpg


99,9% of all built Audi R8 will have closed doors, so who will see it later :dunno: ?

Nice job so far :thumbsup:

However, those aftermarket items ... here the etched parts: it shows, that the aftermarket companys have lots of unnecessary items among their etched parts, like this one:



99,9% of all built Audi R8 will have closed doors, so who will see it later :dunno: ?

Maybe it's for those who will build it with open doors.
More is better than less when it comes to details.

Nice job so far :thumbsup:

However, those aftermarket items ... here the etched parts: it shows, that the aftermarket companys have lots of unnecessary items among their etched parts, like this one:

99,9% of all built Audi R8 will have closed doors, so who will see it later :dunno: ?
That's very true which is why for those parts that I know won't be visible, I don't bother trying to clean them up perfect. I always think the same when I see some people do super detailed builds where some parts are just going to get covered up by body panels or are just in places where you wouldn't know about unless you saw the WIP. I think it's just part of the fun when building and the personalisation of each build to say "that is my own" and how proud you are of the fact it's detailed down to the last screw/rivet :p. I'd much rather I get those details considering some PE sets cost the same as one kit. Plus it gives you the choice to open doors etc or not.

Thank you everyone for the comments!

PE pedals vs kit pedals

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/DSC_00084.jpg


Worked on hood hinges/rods. They're a little too big in diameter but these are the smallest I could get my hands on. I tried to drill into the brass rod but my drill bits didn't quite bite and I thought it would be a nightmare to get them dead straight just by hand.


Drilled holes into engine bay

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/DSC_00082.jpg

Pivot points on hood

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/DSC_00083.jpg

Piston breakdown. Made using 1mm brass rod and a 2mm aluminium tube. Top of tubing was pinched in pliers to flatten the end allowing me to drill into it. Pin connecting it to the hood is capped off with a small piece of shrink tubing.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/DSC_00085.jpg

Together. The bottom, bent bit hooks through the engine bay holes so they won't be visible.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/DSC_00086.jpg

Don't have pictures of it all mounted yet because I'll need three hands to take the picture :smile:

Working on painting the interior now.

Hey guys,

Since getting back to uni, coursework and preparing for exams has taken over all my time. Only recently I've had a few hours to get something done so I'd like to post a small update of progress so far.


Interior is pretty much done now.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/DSC_00091.jpg

Engine is also 'complete' as I've lost the airbox thingy that sits ontop of the engine :banghead:. So I've lightly smoked the rear windscreen to help draw less attention to the missing piece. SMS CF decal applied to engine bay. You can also see the assembled hood hinges.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/DSC_00094.jpg

CF fuel filler

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/DSC_00098.jpg

The Alclad on the side blades is also slightly wearing away due to handling so I'll be touching that up as a final step.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/DSC_00097.jpg

Side windows are also very bad fitting. I've only really got the brakes and wheels to put on then hopefully I can call it complete. It seems there's always something that goes wrong in my builds :( It's very demotivating and now I just want to finish this off as soon as possible. Thanks for your interest.

I know how you feel, with so much school work and I mean 4 assignment due in the space of 2-3 days and also an exam, all my modelling has lost a modeller to complete!

The R8 is looking really good. It's a pity about the lost airbox!

Nice work so far. I love blue. Your hood hinges are awesome. Keep up the good work.

[quote=KevHw;6323605]Hi alviga69,

The glue I use is this:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/271539_0.jpg


I drag a thin strip to the bottom edge of the blade

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/DSC_0042.jpg

Then put it in place on the grooves on the grill. While it sets I have to support it, making sure it sets straight and perpendicular. Once it's dry the glue has a sufficiently strong enough bond but means I can only work with one blade at a time. Photo below only shows how it looks after the glue has dried.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/DSC_0041.jpg



/quote]

Great Build, those slats under the lights are gonna look awesome!!

thanks!

speaking of the slats,

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/DSC_000101.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/DSC_00099.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/DSC_000104.jpg

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b69/M40A1/1-24th%20scale%20models/Audi%20R8/DSC_000103.jpg

The side windows were a real pain to fit. The whole kit really doesn't fit that well together. Right now I'm trying to work out a circuit for the LED's.

Nice!! The only car ive ever managed to put LEDs into was the 89 Batmobile, only car with a massive bonnet to hide batteries!! You could use fibre optics to light the lower LEDs in the lights, maybe

Sweet progress, Its not problems you have its flaws made with the kit. This one needs extra,extra test fitting. The light looks great.

Only thing thats going to take away from the build is the front lenses, whoever made them with fiber optics is a genius.

Good luck.