Toyota Celica GT-Four Monte Carlo'93 – full-open (ModellingMaster/Tamiya)

[firun]

After finishing up with full-open Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VII, I decided to continue with rally theme -- they are mind-blowing cars for sure. And besides I have in my stash ModellingMaster aftermarket parts by MotoMetalix for Toyota Celica GT-Four, so I was eager to try it out.







At first I've corrected giant gaps between underbody and body itself in wheel arches:


As usual I plan to build full-open model, including opening trunk lid. I haven't forgotten about engine though -- Romic505 has given me a nice engine to start with and build a proper rally stage version one.

Cheers!

[rallymaster]

Ohh yes, another great build from you to follow !!
I myself have three MotoMetalix's PE sets and Celica to build and just received the new Studio27 decals and a set from Shunko to build them.
A full opened version is a great challenge, I also thought to add an engine (sourced in Tamiya ST205 kit, that's you plan...?) but for the moment I only have time to count my to-build boxes piles growing...!!
And Watch AF kings build what I'd like to build myself !!

[firun]

Phil, thanks for your kind words! I appreciate it.
I guess it's engine from ST205, because Romic505 said that it fits GT-four nicely.

Meanwhile i've cut out left door – 3 cuts to go.

[generationx]

Great project, watching with interest!

[malscar]

Will be watching this as much as the Lancer build.

Are you going to attempt opening the rear hatch?

[stevenoble]

This is one of my favourite rally cars, nice work so far. I'll be watching closely..

[firun]

malscar, I've already cut rear hatch:

[malscar]

Nice, will be even more intrigued to see the finished build. That must have taken a while to get the cut accurate without breaking the edges.

[firun]

Some progress before engine transplantation:





As a prototype I will be using this engine configuration:

[zim produc]

Superb job.

Zim

[firun]

Work with engine bay continues and i've built something that looks familiar with firewall and side walls:

Also i'm playing with garage copies of ST205 donor engine and i've sketched a cutting line:


A lot of time takes adjustment of body and interior parts, but i've found time to cut out fire extinguishers which were casted right on the interior floor and were quite flat:

[rallymaster]

Great work, the engine will be a great addition.
One thing your probably have already noticed, if you open the side vents in front bumper you will have to relocate assembly pins.
I did it on mines.
Also I suppose that you will use ModellingMaster PE and correct the fuel tank ?
Mmm that will be another incredible masterpiece !!
and a great reference for all who plan to build a Celica !
thanks for sharing your work with us.

[firun]

Phil, you are absolutely right about assembly pins – they are in pipeline :-)

The fuel tank in Monte Carlo looks the same as the kit one – we've discussed this issue with MotoMetalix (author of PE), and he said that P/E fuel tank is better for 92 season, and not for 93.

[sportracer02]

another interesting project !!

[rallymaster]

Originally Posted by firun

Phil, you are absolutely right about assembly pins – they are in pipeline :-)

The fuel tank in Monte Carlo looks the same as the kit one – we've discussed this issue with MotoMetalix (author of PE), and he said that P/E fuel tank is better for 92 season, and not for 93.

Yes, PE fuel tank is for 92 version, but the one made in this tamiya kit is the safari version with the extended tank (same in 92 and 93 for safari version, and Tamiya didn't correct it to make 93 season car after having made 92 safari kit) so it's not the same than in MonteCarlo.
in fact it's the same but shorter, you have to suppress the rear part of it.
In the ModellingMaster News thread you'll see a pic of the usual 93 fuel tank and some work done by one of his friend correcting it.
(was discussed there too as it's really not simple to identify all different options)
I say that, but it's not my kit !
I would probably not insist if you weren't building a pure fully opened jewel !!