In Progress: Tamiya Ferrari F40

[Samurai75007]

Ill see if I can get them up on my server today, there are no registration or licensing stickers on it, I think he would have gotten it in under show/track car because the car was legal to come in Ferrari actually paid for crash testing on the real car there’s no reason a prototype couldn’t come in all you need for a race car is a letter from the manufacturer.

** UP **
http://www.wolfsburgeditionregistry....0/DSCF0564.JPG
http://www.wolfsburgeditionregistry....0/DSCF0565.JPG
http://www.wolfsburgeditionregistry....0/DSCF0567.JPG
http://www.wolfsburgeditionregistry....0/DSCF0568.JPG
These will only be up for a few days then they will be sized down for space...

[assad_l]

Nice work on the windows this is going to be heaps fun following you on this project cant wait till ur next update. good luck.

[druid_99]

I like the work on the windows. I will use your progress as a reference when I build mine Will you be cuttiing the side windows to make it in sliding position?

[tturbozx66]

Here are some really good references of the F40 I found a while back.

http://www.autographmodel.com/Deutsc...eferenzF40.htm

Really looking forward to this built. I hope to start my soon. I have the S27 PE as well. Too bad the body on my F40 kit is warp and the fit of the hatch is off.

[fieldmarshal]

cool! cant wait to see your finished work.

oh btw how will you fix the rear engine cover?
the fit is terrible.

[MPWR]

Hey guys, time for more.

Samurai75007 and tturbozx66- Thanks for the pics. I think I especially like the prototype configuration of the F40. Still deciding, but I may leave much of this build as a prototype. (I like the original style mirrors- and don't even want to think of messing with the US spec bumpers, reflectors, and front spoiler!)

druid_99- I'd thought of cutting the sliding windows open, and then decided against it- the kit window part is much too thick- the window would look like it was made from 2" plexi. But then again, now that I've done the window surgery, I don't really have to use the kit windows, do I? You've got me thinking....

On to-

Turbo Surgery, Part 1:

The bodywork continues, but meanwhile, I've started the engine as well.





That was a quick build, wasn't it? Seriously, whatever else one might say about this kit, the fit is terrific. Every part here fits in place precisely enough that it says- no tricks, glue or silly putty.


And so we come to the intake/exhaust assemblies.



Notice the one part that runs from the top of the engine to the muffler (resonator?)?



It's one single part (part B2), that contains the intake manifold, the mouniting points for the intercoolers, the compressors, the turbines, the intake pipes, and the top half of the muffler. Just the thought of removing the mold seams from it is enough to keep me up nights. Furthermore (and of much more relevance), the compressors and turbines need some serious attention- particularly the right side compressor- notice the teardrop shape? No, this won't quite do.


So- we're ready to operate.

First thing (after alot of plotting and stratigizing), is to cut the thing to pieces.



The axles between the compressors and turbines was cut using a jewelers saw. Then the exhaust lines and muffler were cut off, and the turbines were mounted to the ends of the exhaust manifolds.




The turbines were then cleaned up and detailed a bit. The centerline seam was added with stretched sprue, the mounting flanges for the exhaust lines was added with styrene cut using the punch and die set (such a wonderfully violent name....), and the turbine/compressor axle is added with a short length of cut sprue, detailed again with more stretched sprue.




Next, the compressors and intercoolers.

I have no idea why Tamiya chromed the intercoolers. No matter, a quick bath in CSC fixed that.



The parts themselves needed some more work, though. It looked as though the mold edges didn't line up well, so they took alot of filing and sanding to get right. (The mold seams are visible in the pics above, when they're still chromed.)




They were mounted in place in the intake lines, and then the assembly was alighned and attatched to the top of the engine.



Here, the exhaust manifolds and turbines are test fitted. So, far, so good. They'll be alighned better after final assembly, as everything will be held together with brass pins.




More surgery now, the intercoolers and compressors were cut from the intake manifold.




And of course, the intake pipes were seperated from the compressors.




Finally, the compressors are accesible enough to work on. Part B2 is now lying about my workbench in 8 seperate pieces (I can remove the mold seams now! )



Here compressor shapes have been corrected- particularly the righthand one, which is now round. I used a compass with the pivot point placed in the center hole I drilled to draw a circle on each side for guidance- even the lefthand one wasn't really round. They still need a bit of detail work. Notice that some space has been cleared between the compressors and intercoolers for couplings. The inlet end of both intercoolers had to be altered some and filled with putty to clear this space. The small lenghts of aluminum tubing on the outlet ends of the intercoolers will become couplings to the intake manifolds. Slowly, progress is being made.

Will the patient live? Can I reassemble this mess I've created into a decent looking engine?

Tune in next time and find out!

All this and more in Turbo Surgery, Part 2!

[klutz_100]

but not surprised
I just love your threads and builds. Watching these things come together is like a degree course in building each time.
SUPER STUFF

[Samurai75007]

Looking Sweet dude.

[360spider]

Nice!

[Big Kahuna]

Great work so far.
Keep going!!!!!!

[slk320]

Your entire threads should be save for future How-To's Like Alex's stuff is saved on Italianhorses.net.

Please make a website with all these buildups!!

[tonioseven]

Originally Posted by slk320

Your entire threads should be save for future How-To's Like Alex's stuff is saved on Italianhorses.net.

Please make a website with all these buildups!!

I agree completely!!

[Stickz]

Lookin Nice, Good Luck!

[druid_99]

Originally Posted by MPWR

druid_99- I'd thought of cutting the sliding windows open, and then decided against it- the kit window part is much too thick- the window would look like it was made from 2" plexi. But then again, now that I've done the window surgery, I don't really have to use the kit windows, do I? You've got me thinking....

I think that with the window has been cut, you can always make another set of window using a thin plastic sheet to replace the thick plastic right? You can then use the photoetched sliding window frame from Studio 27 with it (at least I am thinking of doing it to mine if I start it).

Great job with the turbos. I will totally use your builds on the turbos as my reference. Thanks also for the info on the intercooler. I taught that the misaligned half on the intercooler is actually what it looks like on the actual car Guess I didn't make enough reference. By the way, what is the actual colour of the intercooler? Should it be in Flat Alluminium?

I got to get my hands on the "Punch-and-die" set (if it is still available). A lot of use for it that I can see.

Excellent job on your builds. Can't wait for another update from you.

P/S: My 288 GTO might arrive today and I've already got another email from HLJ requesting payment for the F355 Spider...

[tmathew1us]

I like to watch