Tamiya AMG Mercedes C-Class DTM D2

[modlman17]

Here is my latest build. Tamiya kit built box stock. Paint is also Tamiya. The build went together really well. I had a few issues with the decals which dissapoints me. I love these big decal jobs and usually have few problems with them. However, this time I had to experiment with different setting solutions and couldn't really find a happy medium. My trusty Walters Solvaset was too strong and Microscale Microsol and Microset wasn't quite strong enough. I should have tried my Badger solution or maybe some mild heat. That may have been just right.







Rob

[rollover]

It looks great to me, hard to see any flaws in the decals.

[modlman17]

Thanks for the comment Rollover. You have to look close but there are a few places that I am not completley happy with. Then again, I'm a bit of a stickler on my decalwork.

Rob

[MidMazar]

Looks like a nice build.

As far as decals, mild heat works great. Hair dryer, and a hot water cloth works really well for me. With the wet cloth what i do is soak a piece of it in running hot water then squeeze it so most of the water drains, but is still damp. Then run it across the decal while holding it in place. I actually sometimes like it more than decal solvent because some old decals get ruined by them, and or leave spots sometimes.

[modlman17]

Thanks for the tip on the warm towel. I hadn't heard of that one. I will try it as well as pulling the hair dryer out of retirement on my Schnitzer Original Teile BMW CSi build. I'm hesitant to put solvent on 20 + yr old decals and they will definitley need some encouragement.

Rob

[HamburgerHead]

Wow, really nice decal work! And the rest of the model looks great as well! Could you tell me how you did the radiator grill? You did a great job on it and I am soon to build a mercedes myself.

[modlman17]

Originally Posted by HamburgerHead

Wow, really nice decal work! And the rest of the model looks great as well! Could you tell me how you did the radiator grill? You did a great job on it and I am soon to build a mercedes myself.

Thanks!

I used the Detailer Black-it-out on the grill. It took a couple of coats to get good coverage and I ended up touching up a couple of places with some Humbrol Matt black and a fine tip brush. After looking at the photos, I see a couple of more places that need touched up. I'll use the same technique on my next Mercedes builds.

Rob

[AAlmeida]

Very nice, I love DTM cars. Rob, how did you paint the black rubber on front lights lens? How did you mask it? Looks really straight and clean, I have to paint mine too but I can figure out how to do it like you did it. Thank you!
Almeida

[modlman17]

Originally Posted by AAlmeida

Very nice, I love DTM cars. Rob, how did you paint the black rubber on front lights lens? How did you mask it? Looks really straight and clean, I have to paint mine too but I can figure out how to do it like you did it. Thank you!
Almeida

I love the DTM cars as well. If it wasn't for them, JGTC and Prototypes, my modeling would be over.

As for the black on the lights, I used a fine tip brush and some Humbrol Matt Black paint. It turned out very good. Luckily the borders are well devined and it makes it easy to conform to them. A tip that I alwas use is to paint the edges of the lense as well. It makes them not look quite so thick and adds some uniformity to the lenses. To prevent the paint from marring the surface when I attach them, I use a clear watch makers cement. It makes it a lot less worrisome to attach the lenses, door handles, etc. Hope this helps!

Rob

[Mojo_stevo]

I love these older DTM's. Great job!

[AAlmeida]

Originally Posted by modlman17

As for the black on the lights, I used a fine tip brush and some Humbrol Matt Black paint. It turned out very good. Luckily the borders are well devined and it makes it easy to conform to them. A tip that I alwas use is to paint the edges of the lense as well. It makes them not look quite so thick and adds some uniformity to the lenses. Hope this helps!

Rob

Thank you, I will try that. Almeida

[Voljeepx]

Rob, it looks great! The decal work is first rate. Great to see another Kentucky boy on the forum!

[modlman17]

Originally Posted by Voljeepx

Rob, it looks great! The decal work is first rate. Great to see another Kentucky boy on the forum!

Thanks for the comments. Based on the lack of hobby shops in the state, there are just not enough Kentuckians modeling these days.

Rob

[gasdriverca]

Excellent work!!!!