Le Mans Minatures 1/24th 69 GT40

[LeeABC]

Thanks for the interest, the hose clamps are from Crazymodeler (EP-0106)
,this is a kit containing several sizes and Stephen, yes they are tricky to get together I think it's important to cut them very cleanly from the sheet and I use a Jeweller's headset to see what I'm doing; could drive us mad this modelling obsession couldn't it!

Cheers, Lee.

[klutz_100]

Thanks Lee. I just couldn't get the little buggers to bend smoothly into a round shape. I tried using a toothpick...needle...Uri Geller...everything I could think of

Originally Posted by LeeABC

could drive us mad this modelling obsession couldn't it!

Could?!?!? Don't you mean "did"?

[LeeABC]

I didn't try to get them to bend smoothly Stephen, I put them round threaded them through and gently pulled the loose end, like you would do with a real tie-wrap and they pulled up tightish enough to look realistic.

Don't want to tell you how to suck eggs but have another go on a piece of wire or something, worth sticking with I think.

Cheers, Lee.

[klutz_100]

Thanks for the tips

Originally Posted by LeeABC

Don't want to tell you how to suck eggs but have another go ....

OK, I'll give it a go. How's this?

[LeeABC]

After months of clean up, fitting and refitting I was began the painting process. All the panels were given around three coats of Alclad grey primer & microfiller, between coats imperfections were filled and cleaned up with 3500 and then 6000 micromesh.



Next I applied five coats of Zero paints Gulf blue.




The thick decals were difficult to apply and didn’t adhere well, the Gulf logos on the doors were printed upside down and had to be spliced and I was unable to use a hair dryer with Microsol setting solution to set them down as the body is too delicate.








Despite misting on five or six coats and to add to my despair the decals lifted & reacted with the lacquer and I had to use a damp cotton bud between coats to smooth them down when the lacquer was touch dry. Eventually I decided to add more lacquer and polish back.



Finally I’ve started the assembly process.

[allnie]

Fantastic. Looks like a million dollars.

[CrateCruncher]

Nice progress! I know first-hand how crude this kit is making the level of work and determination to complete it all the more impressive.

[LeeABC]

Thanks Cratecruncher, This kit is a horrible piece of C**P but I'm stuck with it and as you've had personal experience of it I appreciate your comment very much.
Cheers, Lee

[sam01contact]

Man, I really admire what you are doing with such an awful kit...The model is looking very good!

[dlphnfn]

Looks awesome Lee!! I have most of the same stuff for my kit (except the LMM "kit") so your WIP will be priceless! Thanks for that!
Erick --

[F1Tommy]

Lemans Minatures tried to model way to much into to few parts, but otherwise alot of the detail is there. The other problem I found were the machined wheel rims have the wrong step. They also used the Fujimi MKII roof as a base, wich is slightly to low profile.

The biggest problem with my kit is the resin parts warping.

Looks like a very nice build. Mine is still sitting in a box getting more warped

Tom Tanner/Scale Designs/Ferrari Expo 2010 model/photo contest-Chicago April 24th 2010

[alex156]

Lee, You have made a superb job of a very difficult kit(mine went belly up! and is the only kit I,ve failed to complete)
Hat,s of to you sir.
Atb,Alex

[LeeABC]

Thanks for your Kind words Guys.
Just a small update, I've finished the doors with the addition of scratch built locking pins and side windows.






The roll bar made from some alloy welding wire has been fitted with a sigh of relief.



And finally for today I've started to build the font end and added the windscreen, steering rack and some wiring.
Cheers, Lee.

[allnie]

SUPER work.

[klutz_100]

Lee, you are proving the truth of the adage "No pain, no gain"

Looking very nice