WIP: Toyota Celica ST185 Monte Carlo Rally 1992

[ng_nmda]

Hello Everyone:

This is my latest wip, the Toyota Celica ST185 from the 1992 Monte Carlo Rally. I’ll use Tamiya’s Celica as the base kit and modify it into the version as raced in the 1992 season, using Studio27’s metal wheels and fuel tank, as well as Museum Collection’s decals (as I couldn’t find the Studio27 set).

The decal sheet looks so good in person that I’m a bit reluctant in using it!



Here’s what I’ve done so far:

I removed the back of the cockpit (where the original fuel tank is located) and scratchbuilt the base for the transkit’s fuel tank using styrene plates and rods.













I’ve also scratchbuilt the roof vents (it took me quite some time to get the shape and size right):





Enjoy!

Nam

[tuned.by.twenty]

You're off to a good start! I await more.

[potsie]

Great start. And you are correct, those decals almost look too good to use. As I said in your other thread, I will check on the missing decals for you.

Grant.

[stevenoble]

One of my favorite rally cars from the 90's!!! Nice work so far, I'll keep an eye on your progress.Looking forward to seeing it come together.

[ng_nmda]

Thanks for everyone's comments.

stevenoble: Your ST185 from the 1992 RAC looks spectacular! I hope mine will end up looking as good as yours.

Just finished spray painting the body, chasis and wheels yesterday. I'll start decalling some time early next week.













Thanks for looking.

Nam

[ng_nmda]

Update:

halfway through decalling
Although Museum Collection's decals are a bit thick (even thicker than Studio27's), they conform
to the surface very well with the help of a hairdryer









Thanks for looking.
Nam

[126c2]

Hi,

The decals seem to be thick because they are the so called "Hi-Tec" type.
Here is how to handle them:

How to apply decal of Clear Film Separation type

It look like it has been printed directly on the surface of the model !!

1. A glossy suface and smooth coating obtain the best result to apply decal.
2. Cut the decal out of the sheet and dip the decal into a cup of water.
3. Slide the decal off the backing paper and into the position on the model.
4. Use the soft tissue paper (or brush) to move the decal into exact position.
5. Push out any air bubbles and water under the decal by soft tissue paper.
6. After dry decal for 48hrs to 72hrs( one week is the best) ,peel off clear film and color film remain on the model.
Can be appliedDecal Softening Solvent to the surface of the decal.
Depending on the desired finish, apply a clear top coat to the entire model

[stevenoble]

Looking great with the decals!! I could be wrong but from the packaging I don't think these are the Hi-Tech variety of decals, just the ordinary kind.Those Hi-Tech ones are a right pain to apply!!!!!

[126c2]

Originally Posted by stevenoble

Looking great with the decals!! I could be wrong but from the packaging I don't think these are the Hi-Tech variety of decals, just the ordinary kind.Those Hi-Tech ones are a right pain to apply!!!!!

Well, ALL Museum Collection decals are Hi-Tech! Don't let the packaging fool you!!

[stevenoble]

Originally Posted by 126c2

Well, ALL Museum Collection decals are Hi-Tech! Don't let the packaging fool you!!

I think you may be right!!! I just checked the sets I have mainly for Formula 1 cars and they look thick like the HI Tech ones.I tried using them before on my McLaren and I hated them.I have the feeling I have wasted a whole lot of money!!!!! Thanks for the heads up

[126c2]

Originally Posted by stevenoble

I think you may be right!!! I just checked the sets I have mainly for Formula 1 cars and they look thick like the HI Tech ones.I tried using them before on my McLaren and I hated them.I have the feeling I have wasted a whole lot of money!!!!! Thanks for the heads up

They stopped putting a Hi-Tech label on the packaging when they stopped making "normal" decals....

Like I said, nowadays ALL their decals are Hi-Tech....

[ng_nmda]

Stevenoble and 126c2:

Thanks for the information about the Hi-tech decals, but unfortunately some of the decals have been overlapped (such as the
bubble surrounding the rear windscreen) so it’s a bit too late to peel off the transparent film . Will try that for my future models though.

Some more progress: just finished putting all the decals on. I’ll let it dry for about a week or two before clearcoating. On to the pics:
















I screwed up the decal for the spare wheel a bit , but nothing major.

Thanks for looking.

Nam

[stevenoble]

Really is shaping up very nicely, decals look fantastic!!

[davezilla]

Looks beautiful!

May I ask where you bought the Museum Collection decals? I have the same Tamiya kit and would like to replace those barcode marks. Also, is there a set available for the Safari Rally?

[ng_nmda]

Thanks for the comments!

Davezilla: I bought the decal set from Hobby Link Japan. Here’s the link:

http://www.hlj.com/product/MCLDC-434

It includes all the decals from Monte, Tour de Course and the Safari rally.

Some more progress: Finished clearcoating the body earlier last week. While wating for it to dry, I finished putting together the drivetrain, drilled holes on the seats and put Kevlar decals on the seatback. Here are the pics:















Also started detailing the cockpit.





Thanks for looking.

Nam