Eighties Contest Entry: BMW 635CSi

[MPWR]

I've had the intention of entering the 80's contest since it was decided on. I knew immediately what kit I would build. But I just wasn't sure if I could realisticly finish it in time.

I've had Tamiya's BMW 635CSi Group A kit in my stash for about 7 years now- it was one of the first kits I got when I first started seriously building cars. It is of course an original release, from back when Tamiya was MRC-Tamiya in the US. It's an all time favorite scheme on an all time favorite car of mine. (I also have an original issue of Tamiya's equaly gorgeous M635- they'll make a terrific road & track pair!) I've been holding on to it all this time, looking forward to building it, and having it finished, but I've always put it off- intimidated by the decal scheme, I guess.

The 80's contest finally got me to dig it up, blow off the dust, and sit down to start it. If it hadn't been for the contest, I have no idea when I would have gotten around to it. I really don't know if I'll get around to finishing it in time to compete- but I've decided that that's really secondary for me. I'm enjoying building it, I will enjoy having it built up (on time or a bit late), and some of you may enjoy seeing it as it comes along. Taking home one of freakmech's prizes would be terrific- but it's really the other reasons that I build. I'm glad the contest gave me reason to start this one.

I actually tried to start it over the winter- but the weather prevented me from painting it. Since it finally warmed up and I'm making some progress, it's finally time to show it off.

So, here it is- Tamiya's BMW 635CSi. (Yes, I'm really getting around to building a BMW... )



One of the things I noticed about this kit (and I've been studying it for years!) is that the line of trim down the side was going to interfere with the decals.



I even dug out a Tamiya catalog from the late 80's, proudly featuring this kit built up on the cover, and saw it was true. Whoever built the kit for the catalog cover had to 'tent' the decals over the trim, so they don't contact the side of the car above and below the trim line. So, it's gotta go!



Side cutters and sanding sticks. Not particularly difficult surgery.



Done. So far, so good.



The holes in the boot lid for the fuel system get opened, and the M badge has to be removed. It was almost painful- but I'm not taking the one on the front off!

Also, notice the engraved BMW roundel on the lid? I have no idea why Tamiya did this. It would certainly make the decal more difficult to apply- and not look any better when it's there! OK, so it's a minor point, but it was going to really bug me- so i drilled it out with consecutive drill bits to 1/8" dia. I was able to use the roundels on my 1:1 for a good scale reference!

Then, it all got painted white. CobraColors- finally a good white paint! Funny, it doesn't look all that different from the white plastic, though.

Time to paint the surrounds.



I often like to use black BMF for this, but as it's going toget chrome trimwork, too, I decided it was best to paint it. Gotta love Tamiya tape.



There, ready.

And the results-



Edges need a little cleanup maybe, but looks pretty good.

Now for those roundels.



I turned a couple of domed buttons on the lathe. They press fit nicely into the holes I drilled out. On to the BMFing!





Really a sharp looking car I think. Wouldn't have one in white, but I love the shape of the body. Ready for decalling!

[sportracer02]

Hi,

removing the side trim is important.

Great start on this one

[stevenoble]

Looking good so far.

[ales]

It looks fantastic already, and there's so much potential. Glad you're making this kit as I know you'll certainly make a stunning model out of it. Good luck with the decals!

[skoda_norman]

interesting read and great build

good on you for building a model you've had so long.

[godfather23]

This will be a stunner, I can imagine it already. Be sure to give us all the progress, we deserve!

Great start!

[mickbench]

You know, I really hate what BMW are doing at the moment... They have produced some really ugly cars in the past few years, however this is one I've got fond memories of. As I built the road one when I was like 15. It's long since been smashed up, but I did managed to score these kits off ebay a while ago.

I'd even considered having a go in the 80's contest, and this would have been a good model to do it with, but I backed out. Glad to see someone take it up.

The work so far is stunning, but I expect nothing less from you. Looking foward to seeing it with the decals. Good luck, and nice car you've selected.

[malscar]

MPWR, just so people don't ask the silly question, the photo you have posted is of the team at Spa in 1986. The car you are building is Spa 1985. Different door numbers, without the door trim and different BMW colour stripes. I agree the car looks so much better without it and good on you for getting rid of it. Looking at photos, it seems that the door trim was required from Spa onward in 1986 as earlier shots of that year show the BMWs without it. Anyone know why as here in Australia the 635s ran without the trim for their homologated life?

Mal

[freakmech]

Nice, ive been holding onto this kit for a long time as well. But maybe you will inspire me! Keep it up!

[amusegt1]

lol j/k

keep up the good progress! its great to see someone doing this kit again! i love this! i know this will turn out to be an awsome kit since its in ur hands!

[RallyRaider]

Good to see a late run being made for the '80's comp deadline! Awesome choice. Will be looking forward to seeing it decalled up.

I have the Fujimi version of this kit with the intention to build Jimmy Richards stunning black JPS sponsored car ATCC. Unfortunately the Roodecals sheet is way off.

[klutz_100]

Way to go!
Really smart solution for the roundels in the hood - must be nice having a lathe (and being able to use it).

Honesty I never really liked the look of this car in street version (I much prefer the 850i ) but this interesting livery really catches your interest - for me it's up there with the M1(?) "Map" livery and Mercedes GTR "Blown Engine" livery

[gionc]

Wow fantastic livery choice: I ever loved it, I'm tuned. And good luck to finish until the deadline I'll try to keep you free from TT works

[Nutsforcars]

Great progress so far. Please keep up the detailed posts. I have the Fujimi version of this car for years. I just had to have the car and love the looks but the decals always scared me. Having an experienced builder blaze the trail will give me the courage to follow .

Simply awesome! well done mate.