Not so quick build: Vertex Soarer

[mrceej]

I picked this model up a few weeks ago as a "quick build" to get me back into modeling. The plan was to build it straight out of the box, no extra tweeks or custom modifications. Upon taking a closer look at the hood on the box, it was a definite darker color than the rest of the body. I researched some pics online and found that it was suppose to be carbon fiber, red carbon fiber specifically. The decal sheet did not include this. As I looked at more pics on line of the car, it has a custom carbon fiber dash and door panels along with a full roll cage. Again, not included with the model kit. A regular interior is included though. So here we go, I wasn't really content with building it straight out of the box anymore. I painted the body Tamiya Mica Red and applied some Tamiya Clear followed by a wet sand and polish session. It looked beautiful! I applied a carbon fiber decal sheet to the hood and let it dry for a day. Later, I cleared it with Tamiya clear...so far so good. I took my time with that part. A day later, I masked off the body and painted the hood transparent red. Still looking good. More clear, wet sand, polish. Still in good shape. Then I applied the decals. I took my time, spent roughly 5 hours on the decals. Did the same thing, dry for about two days, light mist coats of Tamiya Clear and then...they all wrinkled. BUMMER. So much for a quick build!! I was able to repeat wet sand/clear process a few times and work the surface to a shiny smooth surface again, but you can still see the wrinkles under the clear on the decals themselves. Well, since this is no longer a quick build, I'm going to try and replicate the interior. Wish me luck on that (if anyone has any reference pics and/or links, please post). Thanks for looking, more pics will be posted soon, but for now this teaser shot will have to do.

[mrceej]

New pics:

[stryfe101]

thats a great color!, sucks about the decals and the tamiya clear, I've heard about that before, which scares me about when I want to do some cf and graphic decals on future kits. what color did you use as a primer under the mica red? Overall it looks like its going to be a great build, good luck with the rest of it, and kudos for not letting the decals set you back too much on wanting to finish the build.

Gray

[mrceej]

Thanks for the kind and encouraging words. Usually I use silver leaf (I think) or some sort of silver base but since I wasn't expecting much of the kit, it was just wetsanded to remove the mold lines and then covered with Tamiya White Primer. I've had the same thing happen before with the carbon fiber and Tamiya clear but this time I was able to pull it off. Well, after this build is completed I'll be building the Kunny'z Chaser model to compliment this one. I'm going to try Mr. Hobby clear instead though.

[NissanSkylineGTR98]

Great work so far, i'd like to build this kit someday myself, its a shame that they didn't include the rollcage.

[V1nce]

I have a bunch of photos you may find useful...

Click Here

[mrceej]

Originally Posted by V1nce

I have a bunch of photos you may find useful...

Click Here

Sweet!! It's very much appreciated!! The rear interior shots are what I needed most. It's not completey pictured but it's enough to get a good start, thanks again!!