D2 DTM Benz build...many pics

[spidereddie]

This is my new baby. I'm so excited about this build. I'm very happy with this kit. If anyone wants a crash course in decaling then get this kit and some carbon fiber decals for the int. I've already made alot of progress but I just haven't had a chance to put it up till now. So sorry it's kinda long but I just wanted to share with you guys the significant points in this build up.

first 2 pics show the body with just a couple of coats of aluminum. No priming not much prepping no wet coat. Didn't worry about the shine so much because of the upcoming decals. I just made sure the surface was nice and smooth




This pic shows the decal on the hood immediately after I applied some decal solvent (god it's sooo tempting to want to just give those wrinkles a nudge...but I kept hands off!)


the next 3 show the body with a good amount of decals added. Used the same procedure for everyone: Placed decal in water almost too hot to touch, wet the spot to apply the decal slightly and just slid the decal into place. I bent into shape with a moist towel and a wet brush. Then after it was decently smooth, I applied the Mr. Mark Softer. Works pretty well on these Tamiya decals...however I have the feeling I could have done without it. Clear coat to come later after all decals have been applied






This is the interior after some detailing. I used alot of the pics from this site as reference. Thanks for the help guys! I used a paper clip as the metal rod attached to the shifter, detail master wire for the ones coming from the floor and stripped mouse wires for the thicker ones you see.


This is the seat, nothing special...just added the sms decals. These are the only decals I've worked with that I can conform to fit AFTER I apply the softner (crazy right?)


notice the doors have a 2-tone look. I just got lazy and decided to use cf on the top part of the door and just lightly mist spray some ts-42 (light gun-metal) over black on the bottom part.


After looking at some reference pics, I noticed that the steering wheel columns/posts had pads on them. So I took some white electrical tape and painted it flat gray. Then I just wrapped it around the posts. The red tape in the corner will be for the pads on the roll cage


Here is the interior with some more detail. Including flocking on the seat and studio 27 harnesses. I never really saw many good reference pics for the harness so I just tried to copy the decals that came with the kit (can you believe the seat belts came as decals?)






Now the engine. Again, used SMS cf and applied over slightly wet surface. Applied Gunze Mr. Mark Softer and THEN I nudged and worked it smooth


The engine is pretty much done according to the instructions to a "T" except for the hoses coming from the (radiators maybe...I'm so clueless)
I took 3 strands of metallic knitting thread and braided it myself. I can also do this with 5 strands to make thicker, but I thought I could get away with just three. I can post a how-to for making the wire itself if anyone wants. I learned how to braid the hose a long time ago at day camp.hehe



Here's a couple of pics of the engine pretty much done. Just need to add a couple of wires. I know the decal placement isn't right but I thought it would be useless to put those under the (air cleaner I think) as they wouldn't be seen at all

[SchuberT]

BEAUTIFUL build man, the detail is profound!

[Spitfire7]

Stunning!

[Bas Carwash]

Looks very good.

[freakray]

Stunning!
Absolutely inspiring work!

[customminatures]

I Like!

[SonyMobile]

WOW...your attention to detail is amazing, everything looks soooooo perfect. Please post a tutorial about these wires, I know how to braid, my sister showed me, but what do you use? Where do you purchase these SMS Cabon Fiber Decals?

[Turbo Monster]

very nice DTM! Can't wait to see it finished!

I wonder when the german touring car championship starts again....?

[stisnan]

Soo much CF!

[GT-Alex]

Originally Posted by Turbo Monster

very nice DTM! Can't wait to see it finished!

I wonder when the german touring car championship starts again....?

There's a race on 27/06. And i agree this car is going to be awesome !
I know what you mean with SMS cf: it's amazing how you can work it when it's softened, it come very flexible without cracking.

[tonioseven]

Excellent work!!

[Afrofent]

Wow, that's about all I can say.

[mike united]

Great modeling, fantastic detail work.............

Mike

[nismo man]

great detail those decal are lookin good. I'm thinking about
gettin the original-teile version.

[Cychalen]

Great job. CF everywhere!
This is one of those kits I am afraid to do.