WIP: Tamiya 1/20 Lotus 99T (Senna & Detroit)

[SeanyG]

It's been 7 months since the little Lotus 25 was done and the last time I built any F1. I have enjoyed my rally builds (even the much maligned Pug!) and my first Le Mans car the Porsche 917K was an absolute joy, but I have to say F1 is still without doubt my favourite subject.

So this is the next project - 1/20 Lotus 99T, driven by the late great Ayrton Senna at the Detroit race of 1987. Paul at Thunder Valley Miniatures has helped me out with the detail kit and I have also ordered the S27 set to depict the Detroit car (larger rear wing, different air scoops etc)

For those that remember my Lotus 25 & last year's Ferrari 310B this is going to be just as detailed and as a result will probably see me through the rest of the year.

Here's what I have so far...



the excellent TVM kit...



S27 Detroit transkit & etch set...







and finally...



Take a close look at the Acu-stion set, I know I always go on about how shockingly poor value for money these sets are but this one takes the absolute biscuit (and no I didnt buy it, it came with the kit from ebay ). Now try and work this one out - take away the tyre template (I have one that I use over and over - we dont need one in each set), seat belt hardware (which I never ever use cos its so rubbish) and the radiator grills (which are never as good as S27 or any other etch manufacturer for that matter), and your left with 4 engine badges, 6 fasteners, mirror lenses & a couple of other bits and that it. This set costs more than the S27 set which is £9.01 at MMH, the Perfect Parts set £10 (see pic.). I have seen this advertised on ebay for - and wait for it - £22 plus postage , if it wasnt such a rip off it would be hilarious If you build this car anyone PLEASE dont waste any of your hard earned £££ by buying this set, there is absolutely no point, there is more detail in a 1/24 scale Burago diecast

I will get off my High Horse now

I also have a fair few images from the web as reference although not a vast amount, as I'm sure you will agree you can never have too many so if any of you know of any further good sources of reference for this project I would appreciate it. Hope you enjoy the WIP as much as I know Im gonna enjoy building it.

[klutz_100]

I'm tuned

[Decs0105]

awesome subject can't wait for some more progress pics!!!

[Macio4ever]

I am on! Have the same model on my shelf waiting...

[924_CarreraGTS]

I've never built an F1 kit and probably never will, but watching your builds is always inspiring and amazing. And I have to agree with you--Acustion sucks!

Alex

[davesans]

Can't wait to see what you do with one.

[SeanyG]

thanks for the interest guys...

first update...

I dont want to jump head first into the kit before I have the Studio 27 transkit with me, however one job that needed doing was to remove all the moulded rivet heads on the monocoque (can you tell how much I was looking forward to doing that )

the shell OOB looks like this...





this all needs covering in C/F and then the rivet heads replacing with etched versions, the TVM kit includes two sizes of rivet heads for this very task. For those who havent got any C/F decals (or cant be bothered to cover it) then I would suggest spraying it semi-gloss black and then giving it a nice dry brushing with a mid to dark grey, finally pick out all those heads with some aluminium.

To help me remember where all these heads are I drilled out each one...





this will now get a good sanding and then I will tackle removing those electrical boxes from the side pods.

I had to include this picture of a quick dry fit, to me this era saw the most beautiful F1 cars of any time in the sport (obviously including the spoiler clad monstrosities we have today), anyway as always with Tamiya the fit is perfect.



I also thought about using these wheels left over from my Toyota Celica build, whaddya think ?



more later today!

[klutz_100]

Originally Posted by SeanyG

I also thought about using these wheels left over from my Toyota Celica build, whaddya think ?

I think you spent too much time in the pub last night

[SeanyG]

update...

finished sanding the monocoque and removed all those 'orrible little mouldy rivet heads...



now call me sick but I also added 4 more which I noticed have been omitted. These live just in front of the driver. Sucker for punishment I know!

also removed the two moulded electrical boxes from either side, these took a little time as care was needed not to damage the shell.



checking out my reference pics my heart sank when I realised that the rivet heads on the yellow bodywork have all got a small hole in the centre of each one, you cannot see very well on the two parts in the pic as my camera wouldnt pick it up, however all these will need a tiny hole putting into each one. I will get them drilled and then you will see what I mean.



I have had to do a bit of searching to find the right Carbon weave for the Monocoque however I think I found the right one finally. I sent an email to ScaleMotorsport with a reference pic of the monocoque and they have suggested this...



looks about right to me, I've got my order in with Hiroboy today and hopefully that will do just fine!

so its back to more drilling for me... sigh!

[SeanyG]

just quick one to show the drilled side panels. I have decided to remove the mouldings altogether and will replace these with more etched versions (I'm pretty sure I have enough - gulp!)



Also while ordering the C/F decals I have also picked up the Camel Lotus Yellow by Zero Paints from Hiroboy too, I did read in a thread somewhere that this was an excellent match for the actual car and after my experience with the Subaru blue I hope it will be just as good.

[Hiroboy]

Looking forward to seeing more on this build

[SeanyG]

guys,

I found this pic in my folder of reference pics, does anyone know who this build) belongs to and if so where I can see more pictures? It looks absolutely stunning. I had to look twice to check it wasnt real!

[SeanyG]

a quick update...

added the rivet heads to the side panels. I'm much happy with these now - it was worth the effort in the end as the moulded versions were pretty plain in comparison.

[CeeElle]

*settles in to watch and learn*

[Ghost Dog]

Originally Posted by SeanyG

guys,

I found this pic in my folder of reference pics, does anyone know who this build) belongs to and if so where I can see more pictures? It looks absolutely stunning. I had to look twice to check it wasnt real!

I think it was Sennake, but I'm not sure.