Tamiya Mercedes 500SL Trio

[BVC500]

Ok, I think I've built about 10 of these cars in my modeling life. And I have another 5 to build. The 500SL was, and probably still is, my favorite car (though its showing its age and I really like the newest version).

I'd posit that I'm an expert at the Tamiya 500SL kit! The painting instructions are wrong in a few areas, namely the trim around the tonneau cover. It should be painted semi-gloss black, rather than X-11 silver. If you paint the interior a color other than specified in the instructions, its best to get a brochure (but I'll say that the interiors are pretty monochromatic, i.e. beige seats, carpets, sunvisors, rearview mirror, tonneau cover). The engine compartment is pretty simplified, lacking some of the details Revell's kit captures (though that kit is wrong in major areas, such as the completely wrong underside and suspension from their older 560SEC kit!). Also, there is a couple of small sinkhokes on both ends of the trunklid that should be filled. Seats are two pieces and the seams should be filled.

Here's my version of Smoke Silver, built about 12 years ago. I think its MM enamel Champagne Gold with some silver...and way too green. Over the years, the paint has lost its sheen; I might strip and repaint Cobra Colors Smoke Silver (thanks Leon for fulfilling my request!). Also, the grill broke. It wears Tamiya S600 wheels, which became standard on the 500SL in 1993 (in the USA). The two others (CC Guards Red and CC combo to make Mercedes Teal) are in progress.

[evilbob]

Cool looking build! The engine bay and the dashboard, in particular, look really nice and clean. Can you explain why it's your favourite car?

[BVC500]

I first saw the car in the July/August issue of The Star, the Mercedes-Benz USA club magazine, and really liked the design. Then I saw the car at the 1991 Monterey Historic Races. Its a big, heavy car, but it has an uncluttered, powerful design that, I think, really captured the essence of what Mercedes was back in the day.

[bigfrit]

That's a great model, I like the way you speak of it fondly!

Also, great attention to detail, but, it must be after those dozens of these cars you made!

Oli

[BVC500]

Originally Posted by bigfrit

That's a great model, I like the way you speak of it fondly!

Also, great attention to detail, but, it must be after those dozens of these cars you made!

Oli

Too bad none of them have survived. I only have this Smoke Silver one left. Besides the three shown, I am making a black one, and an AMG version. I might get a couple more so I can make a white (with blue interior) and silver one (gray interior). I think that would complete my favorite colors on this car.