Tamiya 1/24 Mercedes Benz AMG SL500

[CifeNet]

Hi everyone,

I wanted to bring a model to 2009 Ferrari Expo show to participate the contest and started to build this one two weeks ago.

To be honest, it has been a bad year for me in terms of model building; I have not been building for almost one year and kind of drifted away from the hobby.

I built this one rather quickly and was able to just complete it for the show.

After participating the show, I have been doing nothing but regretting that I should have spent more hours and efforts to complete a better result.

You can say that I was motivated by so many fabulous models at the show! There were just amazing and it was a fantastic event where you also get to check out exotic cars(and get to ride one!).

I also bought 1/12 Tamiya 312T4 for $30 (yellowed decal though) and two 1/43 kits at the event.

Anyway, I brought the model back home and started to put some time to bring out better shine. I guess the motivation is all I needed to get back to the hobby. I am hoping it is more present-able now...

A trip to a fantastic show like that, it wasn't hard for me to start my motor again.

The building went quite straight forward. I smoked the corner lights, added BBS CH wheels (Alclad alum. + dark smoke), some P/E parts here and there, and used Benz emblems.

The hardest part was to attach the front windshield (fit wasn't good) cleanly and also painting the front Benz three pointed star logo.

Sadly, I really didn't spend good effort to complete this model. The engine bay can use some details, but I just went with semi gloss black ignoring what the instruction indicated.

I have also not used any of the AMG body kits including the spoiler to cut down the build time... Bad me...













At the end, I think the kit is a very good one, I am wanting to make another one better!

[The Modeler]

Beatiful car and beatiful end. The wheels are fantastic for this model

[nakadds]

Good to see a new build from you. Hope to see some new update to your website.

[BVC500]

Looks good! Nice paint, and I like the car's stance with those wheels. A few of the painting details are inaccurate, such as the engine bay and tonneau cover. The engine bay is body color (you said you went with semi-gloss black). The tonneau cover lid edge isn't body color. It's actually a black chrome (Tamiya's instructions are wrong here...calling for chrome). Same for the top edge of the windshield frame, and the window trim running along the A-pillar.

[ddtham]

It's always a pleasure looking at your completed models. I like the wheels, stance, colors, interiors and finish, very nice photography too!

The only thing that bothers me is the exhaust tip, I think it would look much better with two square tips (just like older AMGs).

[CifeNet]

Thanks guys. This one is rather quick build. It was satisfying to finish something fast.

Originally Posted by BVC500

Looks good! Nice paint, and I like the car's stance with those wheels. A few of the painting details are inaccurate, such as the engine bay and tonneau cover. The engine bay is body color (you said you went with semi-gloss black). The tonneau cover lid edge isn't body color. It's actually a black chrome (Tamiya's instructions are wrong here...calling for chrome). Same for the top edge of the windshield frame, and the window trim running along the A-pillar.

You are absolutely correct on this one, the paint isn't accurate nor the kit instruction. There are more of inaccurate details; no AMG body kit, no hard top (never painted one), and also if you guys have never noticed it, I have not attached the rear view mirror! The rear view mirror part is still on my desk waiting for me to glue it to the car.

Originally Posted by ddtham

The only thing that bothers me is the exhaust tip, I think it would look much better with two square tips (just like older AMGs).

Yeah, it bothered me a little bit too after putting one there. I did try to make it somewhat oval, but it never looked right... But the original pipes weren't good either, they were bent pointing downwards.... I don't like that.

[sportracer02]

Very nice, super clean finish !!!

[topgearrr]

2 CifeNet
You to no purpose so badly speak of this work, very beautifully and painting is realistic, disks - super!!! Very beautifully! Only with headlights something did not turn out...

[janositamas]

Very nice build, the paint looks so smooth!

[KevHw]

It's got a mean stance and those wheels look practically machined. Interior looks simple and clean. Good job.

[F1Tommy]

Steve,


That paint looks really nice!! You really polished the hell out of it!!!

I cant wait to see what works of art you bring with you next year.

See you at the Ferrari Expo 2010.

If you do the big model you were talking about, with your skills
a few jaws will drop next year.

Tom Tanner/Scale Designs/Ferrari Expo/Strictly 43rd revival 2010

[m@ster k@frer]

Excellent job. Loved the rims

[OWhite3]

Fantastic looking Benz! Like what you did with the rims and the lens.

[hirg]

Beatifull!

[Jaymes]

coolest one I've seen for this car