Audi R8 - Le Mans 2000

[klutz_100]

Speed build to celebrate the Le Mans 24 hour race over the weekend 14/15th June, 2008

It's the Le Mans Miniatures 1/24 multi-media curbside kit of the incredible Audi R8 (2000)

My original plan was to complete the kit over the same weekend as the race. I started at 06.00 on Saturday morning and aimed to finish by 23.59 on Sunday.
Unfortunately, I didn't make it - mainly because I fell in love with this kit/car along the way and did not want to spoil it by rushing just to meet a deadline

I gave myself a second deadline of completing it in less that a week and I made it across that "finish line" with one minute to spare (email proof available! LOL).

I built the kit straight from the box although I used the extra time to add a little detail to the cockpit in the form of some carbon fibre decal, a few wires, Sakatsu racing antenna and a safety harness (kit hardware and decals combined with craft ribbon). The car was airbrushed with automotive metallic silver and clear coated with Mr. TopCoat from the spray can.

With regards the kit, I must say that I was VERY impressed. All parts were cast very well with very little flash, mold lines or air bubbles and the fit was just about perfect. The p/e parts are simple compared to some more exotic kits but do not suffer in any way for it - in fact, I think it is a plus. The wheels are cast in resin in one piece and required very little effort to clean them up. I only have 2 negative things to say about the kit: 1. the instructions are pretty bad and include awful decal placement help; 2. The tire casting is pretty bad with a huge mold line which is just about impossible to completely remove (although TBH it doesn't really matter because you can't see it in the finished kit).

Thanks to everyone who was sheering me along during the build - I hope you enjoyed the race as much as I did!

See you next year!

[robrex]

That looks great! I missed the WIP, but I'm glad I saw the finished model! I may have to have a go at the LM 24hr build next year!

[ales]

S-man, you've built a great model.

[jano11]

Great model! Nothing short of what I was expecting from you!

PS: Where did the Michelin decals go?!

Next year I'll try one of these 24 hours builds too. I don't know yet what model it will be, but surely not that P905!

[jaykay640]

Nice job! Great model.
24h builds are nothing for me....i'm strugling with 24 month builds :-)

[bigfrit]

Wow, splendid model again from you, mister Ski!

Have to say, this design of this car is so pure, so simple and so elaborate at the same time. I really love the look you've achieved with it.

Congratulations on another superb car.

[quadzero]

For such limited building time you sure cranked out a beauty. Excellent clean build and the dark background makes this even more spectacular.

[JTninja]

Very nice! Not my favorite year for the Audi, but you make it look a lot better than it was!

I wanted to try the 24 hour build...but I wanted to watch the race more! Not to good at that multi-tasking yet...

[ZoomZoomMX-5]

Looks fantastic

[gionc]

Very nice Steve. The trim job on headlights looks superb, perfect. The finished product and picts (mainly 2nd) great. Bravo.

[Eric Cole]

I love it. It looks great and the photos are very well done also.

Great Job!

[sportracer02]

Originally Posted by quadzero

For such limited building time you sure cranked out a beauty. Excellent clean build and the dark background makes this even more spectacular.

... just my thoughts, well done

[sjelic]

Well done, I must say (slap me next time for that ) that you will not finish it .

Really good for a quick build.

[klutz_100]

Many thanks Gents

@ Rob, go for it!! I'll definitely be doing this again. Can't always let those boys from ACME be the only ones to cross the line in regulation time

@ Oli, I agree with you. The look is simple power - almost "Chapman-esque"

@ Ioan - I'm afraid that the Tamiya masking mouse ate them on the final lap!


I took some more photos in less of a rush




















Thanks again!

[cyberkid]

Absolutely beautiful build Stevenski, just wish that I could churn out something like that in less than 2 months.