Completed: '96 Porsche GT1 CF Test Mule

[bvia]

Well guys, I've finally gotten this one completed and put on the shelf.



This is Tamiya's version of the Porsche GT1 in 1:24th scale, converted utilizing the Scale Motor Sport declkit that turned it into the car that showed up at Le Sarthe for the pre-qualifying day in 1996. It stunned the racing world not only with it's outrageous design, but also that it showed up in bare carbon fiber, kevlar and duroplast with minimal livery.



The SMS kit requires that the base color by changed from bare, white plastic, to semi-gloss black. This was accomplished using Tamiya TS-29 spray lacquer as the base. The only body panel that is not covered in sg-black is the driver side door which was coated in Tamiya Pure White. Every single body panel, save the above mentioned door and the engine access panels, were then covered in pre-templated CF/kevlar decals. Specific areas, such as the fender lips were left in their sg-black state and several panels have multiple decals on top of decals.



Covering the body was a time consuming processes and the smell of Micro-Sol/Set made me the least popular person in the house, but the end result was worth being ostracized, I think. Exhausts where replaced with aluminum tubing and a new tow ring and overflow container were scratchbuilt, but that was the extent of the engine detailing. Wing endplates were covered in sanded Bare Metal Foil to give the appearance of aluminum plates and they, as well as the lower wing supports, were detailed with SMS PE boltheads.



SMS CF decals also cover the visible parts of the chassis as well as the interior walls. While barely visible now, the seatbelt was made using 3M cloth tape, SMS PE hardware and Tamiya supplied decals. SMS Pirelli decals replace the kit supplied Michelins and the wheels were sprayed with Model Master non-buffing Brass for the spokes and the wheel nuts were coated in transparent Tamiya acrylics as appropriate.



Once all the decals were applied and allowed to completely dry, Model Master Semi-Gloss Lacquer was sprayed over the decals to protect them and even out the sheen. The SMS supplied livery decals were then applied and a coat of carnuba wax was used to seal and protect everything.



Final detailing involved making the fuel filler from scratch using sheet styrene, adding Modeler's PE fasteners to the hood and making the antenna using wire.



I'll soon begin creating a base for the model using actual carbon fiber veneer...I think she deserves it.



While not for the faint of heart, SMS and Tamiya combine to create a kit with few pitfalls. Follow the instructions, take your time and you will end up with an impressive model that will leave non-modelers scratching their heads!

Next up (and currently on the bench)will be the '97 Porsche GT1 Evo CF Test Mule...;-)>

As always, thanks for looking,

Bill

[generationx]

Simply superb!

[sportracer02]

Hi,

an absolutely great and impressing model.

Nothing more to say.

I´m looking forward for your current project. ;-)))))

Micha

[SteveK2003]

Wow.

Excellent photography too.

[Vric]

as I said on other forum, this one rocks !

[Cobra Colors]

Beautiful! Very impressive work. It's an interesting well done replica.

[M4tt83]

Oh man, I love this car. If I ever get around to building one I hope it looks this good.

[SchuberT]

Sexy. The only good way a Porsche can be shown is in carbon fiber.

[Technoman]

Mmmmm, yummy. Nicely done.

[lotus_man]

Lovelly work. I agree with your comments on the decals, I built this version several years ago, and given some patience, MicroSol and a hairdrier found the decals a joy to work with. It's not a trivial job, but it wasn't as scarey as I figured it might be.

Saw this car race a couple of time in '96 (Le Mans and as an invitational entry to the BPR race at Brands Hatch). It's still probably my favourite Porsche, I just wish it hadn't been the herald for the demise of that period of sportscar racing. Oh well.

[Spitfire7]

Fantastic work, the test livery looks even better than the race livery!

[Murray Kish]

Beautiful. Nice work as usual....

Murray

[lmdrs22]

nice! I have been waiting to see someone model this car- great job!

[Hyperkinetic]

Absolutely impressive!

[robrex]

Gorgeous work! I've been thinking of doing this kit for ages! You have done an excellent job!