MFH Ferrari 250 TRI '61 WIP & Review

[nniemi]

I just finished my GTO build (pics will follow when there is some daylight), so it is time to start something new. Now it is time for something a bit more challenging, my first Model Factory Hiro Kit: Ferrari 250 TRI '61

Since this is a first of these in AF, i thought i'd try to write a small review before i start.

Standard MFH box contains resin body, white metal chassis plate, five beautiful 12 piece per wheel wire wheels, vacformed clear parts, three sheets of decals and small "lunch box" full of white metal and turned parts. White metal parts are divided into two bags, one for larger and the other for smaller parts. There is also a small bag that contains screws for chassis attachment, ignition wiring material and springs for dampers.

The body casting is very good. Minimal amount of flash around wheelarches, simply no pinholes or any other faults. After a quick check it seems that the body shape is correct. Vacuform windows are clear and scratch free. Most of the whitemetal parts are also totally flashfree and looks that they are ready for assembly with minimal work. PE parts are etched on a backing plate so that there will be no cleaning required before assembly.

Decals are for three different versions of this car and they seem to be perfect. There is also a set of MFH vinyl Ferrari Scuderia shields and other logos.

There is atleast one problem though: it seems that the body/chassis needs a bit of work to fit on right position. Other possible problems will be reported as the build progresses. I'll let the photos do the rest of talking:

Resin body and white metal chassis plate:


Large white metal parts:


Smaller white metal parts:


PE parts:


Wheels and tires:


Decals:


Turned aluminium parts:


Screws, springs...:


Instruction manual:


-Niko

[ScanmanDan]

Wow, what a kit. I can't wait to see how this one builds. Thanks for the review. Maybe one day I'll get brave enough to try one of these mixed media kits as the look quite exciting.

Dan

[CeeElle]

beautiful kit.

[klutz_100]

Rock and Roll, Niko!!!

Will be following this like a hawk.

[Decs0105]

this looks like another awesome MFH kit, can't wait to see progress pics.

[auw12]

wow i love this car very much!!! hope to see great WIP soon~~

[Gamerxz]

WIP ! please!

[KevHw]

Wow this kit looks like fun! Can't wait to see this beauty come to life. Good luck.

[gionc]

This kit seem awesome Niko: just I'm wondering how Hiro done those backing tape PE parts: I done someting in those way but just etching by 1 side only, and those seem etched by 2 sides. Can't wait for more.

[klutz_100]

Originally Posted by gionc

just I'm wondering how Hiro done those backing tape PE parts:.

rubber-backed like SMS et al. perhaps?

[nniemi]

Originally Posted by gionc

just I'm wondering how Hiro done those backing tape PE parts: I done someting in those way but just etching by 1 side only, and those seem etched by 2 sides. Can't wait for more.

They are on very thin, almost transparent, red plastic plate. I think that they are etched twice from the same side (?).

But what i can tell you for sure is that first PE parts that i did attach did fit perfectly. As usual i started by preparing the body for primer and painting. Two of the parts that will be painted in body color, are the rear grilles. They are glued to a recess on the body, and based on previous resin kit experiences I was afraid that they wouldn't fit. But as you can see they fit perfectly:



And no, i won't write a separate message on every part that i glue on the kit

-Niko

[klutz_100]

Originally Posted by nniemi

And no, i won't write a separate message on every part that i glue on the kit

Thanks for that j/k

Certainly IS a perfect fit !

[nniemi]

A little update,

I started by building and painting the main parts of the engine assembly. All parts went together relatively well. A little bit of cleaning here and there, but only one "major" issue: the block was 0,5 mm too long so a little bit of extra sanding was needed. I painted the engine aluminium with black bolt heads and titanium header flanges. The instructions asked to polish the whole engine, but i've never seen a polished Ferrari engine





Main parts of the chassis are also glued together. Only problem with these parts was rough surface of the transmission tunnel, so a lot of sanding was needed. Interior part is again aluminium color and the rest is flat black:



The differential:



-Niko

[klutz_100]

Nice detail painting, Niko

Originally Posted by nniemi

but i've never seen a polished Ferrari engine

That's because you haven't seen mine!

[CeeElle]

Originally Posted by klutz_100

That's because you haven't seen mine!

how do you keep yours clean? mine gets so dirty.