Topless Trio: 348ts

[gionc]

This thread is part of a joint venture with Klutz_100 and MPWR (no, we are not trading in cannabis!) so please check out their “topless” threads too! ( yes Steve I stolen your kind phrase )

Well this is the Hasegawa 348, great firts impression whit a quetly detailed kit and some awesome PE grills and badges.

from the start some fitting test, all ok, some part need to be cleaned, not for sure at actual Tamiya level, at least this kit should have 15 years?




After primed all, I paint engine block with black alclad base followed to AlcladII Polished Alu. I cover that shiny color with Modelmaster Alu Metalizer due to the fact I need a "casted appeal" for the block. Buffed and sealed. Mufflers painted with Alclad Polished Alu over black. Covers painted in X8 over MM alu. Air duct with a mixed tone of 90% flat black+10% alu: I need a shade lighter than black.



So some turned parts: injectors (brass) , oil filter, pulleyes, alternator.



In the following pict you can see some fuel rail drilling trought mill (I hope Mike or Mark aren't able to see how I lock the rod: I was too lazy for unmount rotating table )



Injectors was glued with a bit of CA on the fuel rail (Tamy kind>no white smoke and holy dentist who give us stuff like microbrush )



just for reference rail dimension:

[gionc]

Some work on fuel connectors (Sakatsu) and line (brass rod)



Some spring flowers Sakatsu connectors was primed (Gunze Mr Hobby metal primer) and painted with transparent red and blue:





Working steps for electrical cords:



Alternator turned and decaled (home printed) I had a trouble: I crop this little decals over the ink (sealed with TS) and water melt colors. Well it's 3mm diam, at naked eye it's ok: I noticed it by picts



Pulleye assy: I need to touch up or remake with elecrical tape the belt





The air duct assembly is the most visible part in this engine: I tried to detail that with some home-maded decals for air mass sensor etc.



Also air duct, like in the real car, was remaded with rod and a surgical tape wrapped around

[gionc]

And finally some few finished pics:

[auw12]

just unbelievable what you've done!epic buildings!

[drnitrus]

Wow

[sjelic]

crazy work, you are killing me with all of those details.

[klutz_100]

Stupendific-orous-fantaic-olous!!!!
Totally mind blowing Gio

BTW Do you remember Matrix?
Your engine reminds me of some of those machine-bugs that attacked Neo's ship!!

[willimo]

Perfect!

[sportracer02]

Stunning work !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[mike@af]

Killer engine work Giovanni. You are really putting that mill and lathe to use. Although, I do question the way you fixtured the fuel rail. Hey, if it doesnt need to be super precise, then whatever works. I call it being innovative.

Man I need to get my own mill.

[MPWR]

Brilliant work Gio! The air filter and intake assembly looks spectacular. I love the bit with the medical tape.

I've been ondering for a while how good this kit is. I worry you've added it to my 'must aquire' list.

I'll be keeping an eye on the post for that box of chianti!

[agamo]

Awesome!!
Car model engines are very enjoyable, and you're doing it for good

Congrats!!

[D_LaMz]

that engine is secks!

[WRC_413X]

Very nice work, hats off to you. Only thing i think is the belt, seems a little weak idk. I love the idea with the medical tape- very creative, ill definatly have to try that. But great job

[eph2]

This engine works too??

Wonderfull Work!!!