WIP: Tamiya Lamborghini Countach

[MPWR]

It's about time for me to start my Super Seven- after all, if I'm going to host this party, I have to attend! But, I've sworn to finish something else (anything else!) that I previously started first. The F40 and Mythos aren't going to be done this month. The 360 is being held up for a brake job. So, time to take on another of the long forgotten builds that has been shuffled around the back of my bench for years and years- something I can finish up quick!

This is Tamiya's Lamborghini Countach LP500 kit.



Something of an oldie but goodie. I can't find a copywright on it, but I believe it is only Tamiya's sixth 1/24 car kit (and they're past 300 or something now?), from back when they motorized everything. Decent kit, but definately dated (perhaps like the Countach itself nowadays- anyone else remember when this was the hottest car ever?).

I can't really say how long I've had this one 'in progress'. I think I found the kit about seven years ago, and probably started it soon thereafter. And didn't get very far with it, for whatever reason. I've been feeding my addiction for CobraColors lately- and it occured to me that I never really did paint this one- so it got declared a learning project.

I'd been meaning to keep this one close to out of the box, but that doesn't mean I could let it go totally unmolested. To start off, I decided that the wing had to go. For many years that wing and those swing up doors made the Countach the ultimate dream car for ten year old boys the world over. But I've aged a bit since then, and now find it really rather gaudy. It also completely ruins one of the car's nicest aesthetic features- the gentle downcurve of the back deck. So, hack that damn thing off- really just a matter of taking off the wing supports and sanding them smooth. I wasn't thrilled about the fit of the engine lid, and decided to glue it in place so the seams could be filled and rescribed. Tamiya includes a 'facade' engine- just the carbs and valve covers. But that's about all that can really be seen of the Countach's engine with the lid open anyway. I did sand thin and open all the engine deck mesh grilles.

I've also been curious if BMF applied on logos before body paint could be successfully revealed afterwards. The logos on the back end are nicely engraved, so I decided to give it a try.

Here's the back end of the body, liberally slathered with MoonMud. The BMFed logos were cleaned off with a toothpick soaked in 99% isopropyl alcohol.



Now for paint. Even when I first started it, I always knew this one was going to wind up black. Partially because I think it gives the Countach a nice subtle look, but really more because Taimya cut a bit of a corner in molding the body. There's no space at all between the window surrounds on the A pillars. If you do the body in something other than black, you either wind up skipping the surrounds, or there's no body color on the pillar- either way, it's going to look strange. So, black it is- but it doesn't absolutely have to be plain black. I chose CobraColors Lambo Nero Osyris Pearl. Yeah, so it's a Gallardo exclusive color (Leon doesn't have any Countach specific colors! ), but at least it's a Lambo color- and it looks coool. So, here's the body....



I did the fenders in flat black (together with the mirrors and airscoops) for some contrast and visual interest.



The nose decal was taken from Hasegawa's Jota (which has a number of extras)- the original kit decal wasn't well printed.



And here's the back end, with the logos revealed. I cleaned the body color off before I clearcoated. So it can be done- I'm happy with the results.



There, I'm off and running. I've been tempted to do a Klutz_100 style speed build- or at least my best attempt at it. I don't know if I can manage an update every day or to finish it in a week, but I'll try.

[countach79]

Looking good so far MPWR, can't wait to see the final product!

[nugundam93]

wow. definitely an oldie but goodie!

[debersole]

The Countach is one of my favorite lamborghini's. I have been interested in trying the BMF for scripts but have not had a chance. Seeing how well it worked for you i think i will have to try that on my next kit. Is looking great so far and am anxious to see it completed.

[SkylineFan]

off to a good start Sir!!!

DaveT

[Cobra Colors]

It may not be a Countach color but that Lamborghini black pearl still looks great on it. Nice progress!

[klutz_100]

The clock is ticking......

I think you were right to adios the rear wing. How did you tackle removing the CC paint from the BMF?

[winstona]

I like the flat black/pearl black contrast. Also, I don't quite understand how the BMF is applied? It looks really good!

Winston

[CeeElle]

another build to watch!

[porschenut]

Looking super, cant wait to see the interior.
Euan

[Ferrari TR]

Very nice!
What! it's not done yet!
I know how you feel, I'm in a 'just finish anything' mode too.

[eph2]

Bella macchina!

Looks great... Lambo is everything!

[gionc]

Originally Posted by eph2

Bella macchina!

Not: macchina fantastica!!!

Really a great start, and fiuuuuw at least you haven't choose some green or brown for it Not really: awesome.

I don't know if someone of you seen one from naked eyes but it's a perplexing experience: she is tremendous low and haven't any common thing whith all other cars: I'm sure our dear Marcello Gandini done his masterwork (with the Stratos) with those. I love almost all Lambos but Countach! (as say the name a kind of surprised, astonished) is something special. And i'm sure you'll render she justice

[Samurai75007]

Nice start!!

[Merkava]

Beautiful work, Andy! As a ten-year-old boy, I idolized Lamborghinis, especially the Countach, until I thought no other car could ever be as incredible. I know you will do justice to the car this boy once loved!