Fujimi Gulf Porsche 917K Le Mans

Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Wed Feb 28, 2018 7:45 pm

Here my entry into this Sig.

I've gone for a car this time,

the GSX-R sapped my bike mojo a little.

I fell in love with 917 after seeing Le Mans with "Mr Cool" Steve McQueen as a young teenager, like no doubt many of you did too. I've never built this type of car before, I've only built 2 cars and the last was oh 40 years ago my be that was a Tamiya 1/12 Tyrrell 003 and that took me a year to save for, before that was a Airfix Humber staff car.

Here's the car and its another Fujimi, it was the only 917 I could find that was in stock, not too complicated and had good reviews. It will mainly out of the box but I may have a go at some mods here and there.

And a change of paint and another first for me.

Post by **Tay99** » Wed Feb 28, 2018 7:54 pm

Great subject, love the 917 and the Steve McQueen film Le Mans. I've built 2 of these, if you need any help just ask,

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Wed Feb 28, 2018 8:33 pm

I have Gulf envy

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 5:04 pm

Tay99 wrote: Wed Feb 28, 2018 7:54 pm Great subject, love the 917 and the Steve McQueen film Le Mans. I've built 2 of these, if you need any help just ask,

If there were dvds or video players in my youth, I would have watched that movie thousands of times

In a completely boneheaded move, I ordered Mr MQueen last month

......only to find I have a Gulf GT 40 and not the 917 Porsche

I wonder how far I would have gone along before realize my mistake???
Well timed thread so I can hunt the proper kit now

Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 5:37 pm

Great figure Scott, he was just Mr Cool

YouTube · Post by **OlaHansson** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 7:08 pm

Nice choise!
I just got it 1-2 weeks ago

Post by **DrSprue** » Sat Mar 03, 2018 7:10 pm

Looks like a nice kit!

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Sun Mar 04, 2018 4:22 pm

Ok experts, Fujimi or Heller kit???
The Heller is older and likely more temperamental, but the box art kicks azz!!!

Clearly I am not the most patient dude in the world...I got a ‘71 Fujimi 917 Martini for $26
Vs a >$100 Heller kit it was a no brainer. But the Heller box art is magnificent and must be found for my wall

Post by **Tay99** » Sun Mar 04, 2018 5:09 pm

Twokidsnosleep wrote: Sun Mar 04, 2018 4:22 pm Ok experts, Fujimi or Heller kit???
The Heller is older and likely more temperamental, but the box art kicks azz!!!

Clearly I am not the most patient dude in the world...I got a ‘71 Fujimi 917 Martini for $26
Vs a >$100 Heller kit it was a no brainer. But the Heller box art is magnificent Nd must be found for my wall

I've built the fujimi Porsche twice now it's a nice kit but dose have its issues take care with the front suspension and front roll cage where it joins with the dashboard and also all the rear roll cage in the engine compartment test fit and test fit again before you commit to glue, I've the union kit in the stash which I think was made heller but haven't built any of there kits yet.
If it was me build the fujimi.

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Sun Mar 04, 2018 5:35 pm

Tay99 wrote: Sun Mar 04, 2018 5:09 pm
Twokidsnosleep wrote: Sun Mar 04, 2018 4:22 pm Ok experts, Fujimi or Heller kit???
The Heller is older and likely more temperamental, but the box art kicks azz!!!

Clearly I am not the most patient dude in the world...I got a ‘71 Fujimi 917 Martini for $26
Vs a >$100 Heller kit it was a no brainer. But the Heller box art is magnificent Nd must be found for my wall
I've built the fujimi Porsche twice now it's a nice kit but dose have its issues take care with the front suspension and front roll cage where it joins with the dashboard and also all the rear roll cage in the engine compartment test fit and test fit again before you commit to glue, I've the union kit in the stash which I think was made heller but haven't built any of there kits yet.
If it was me build the fujimi.

Yes Heller was taken over by Union from Japan. They both have their good and bad.
So I got both

And will be dead by wife in a few weeks

Post by **Tay99** » Sun Mar 04, 2018 5:55 pm

Tell her that the heller is a investment I brought mine 20 years ago for £12, just looked in the stash some how I have 3 of them
Oops oh and the Ferrari 512s

Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Mon Mar 05, 2018 1:55 pm

After a busy weekend, I finally got a bit if bench time this afternoon and almost as soon as I started I stopped, the kit is missing the poly caps for the wheels

I've raided my spares box, none of the poly caps I've got will fit not even close either too big OD/ID or both

I'll have to make them out of spure and go for a tolerance fit. Or try and get some replacements anyone had any luck getting missing parts from Fujimi?

Post by **Tomcat64** » Mon Mar 05, 2018 3:27 pm

That's a bummer Kev - do you know roughly how big the poly caps are? I know I've got some buried in the spares bin somewhere and happy to take a look if you can give the outside diameter and height?

If you've got some that are the right outside diameter can you not drill out the centres or is that just not going to work?

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Mon Mar 05, 2018 4:15 pm

Kevthemodeller wrote: Mon Mar 05, 2018 1:55 pm After a busy weekend, I finally got a bit if bench time this afternoon and almost as soon as I started I stopped, the kit is missing the poly caps for the wheels

I've raided my spares box, none of the poly caps I've got will fit not even close either too big OD/ID or both I'll have to make them out of spure and go for a tolerance fit. Or try and get some replacements anyone had any luck getting missing parts from Fujimi?

Mine is on the way...I will compare and have a look and see if I have any ones that would fit for you
Don't let it stop you, build to where to where you can...I have two kits at that stage right now

Stash · Post by **bfrd** » Mon Mar 05, 2018 4:40 pm

Kevthemodeller wrote: Mon Mar 05, 2018 1:55 pm After a busy weekend, I finally got a bit if bench time this afternoon and almost as soon as I started I stopped, the kit is missing the poly caps for the wheels

I've raided my spares box, none of the poly caps I've got will fit not even close either too big OD/ID or both I'll have to make them out of spure and go for a tolerance fit. Or try and get some replacements anyone had any luck getting missing parts from Fujimi?

Dealing with the same issue for my Porsche build. Only exception being I saw them once, so it wasn't a Fujimi problem. I found a potential replacement in wire insulation. It isn't perfect, but close.

Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Mon Mar 05, 2018 5:01 pm

"That's a bummer Kev - do you know roughly how big the poly caps are? I know I've got some buried in the spares bin somewhere and happy to take a look if you can give the outside diameter and height?"

Cheers

mate I'll give them or rather try and work out what the dimensions are

Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Mon Mar 05, 2018 5:23 pm

Tomcat64 wrote: Mon Mar 05, 2018 3:27 pm That's a bummer Kev - do you know roughly how big the poly caps are? I know I've got some buried in the spares bin somewhere and happy to take a look if you can give the outside diameter and height?

I need 4mm OD, 2mm ID, 3mm long.

Tomcat64 wrote: Mon Mar 05, 2018 3:27 pm If you've got some that are the right outside diameter can you not drill out the centres or is that just not going to work?

Unfortunately no, everything I've got all the ID's are too big as is the OD's

Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Mon Mar 05, 2018 5:25 pm

Twokidsnosleep wrote: Mon Mar 05, 2018 4:15 pm Mine is on the way...I will compare and have a look and see if I have any ones that would fit for you
Don't let it stop you, build to where to where you can...I have two kits at that stage right now

Yes I'll just have to leave out fitting the wheels, it would just have made painting easier.

Post by **Tomcat64** » Tue Mar 06, 2018 11:59 am

Kevthemodeller wrote: Mon Mar 05, 2018 5:23 pm
Tomcat64 wrote: Mon Mar 05, 2018 3:27 pm That's a bummer Kev - do you know roughly how big the poly caps are? I know I've got some buried in the spares bin somewhere and happy to take a look if you can give the outside diameter and height?
I need 4mm OD, 2mm ID, 3mm long.

Tomcat64 wrote: Mon Mar 05, 2018 3:27 pm If you've got some that are the right outside diameter can you not drill out the centres or is that just not going to work?
Unfortunately no, everything I've got all the ID's are too big as is the OD's

Sorry mate - I've had a look this morning and can't find anything; they've either been binned or most likely put somewhere safe

I have a feeling they'd all be smaller than what you're looking for in any case but if I have a flash of inspiration as to where I might have put them I'll let you know.

I did find this in my travels https://www.scalemates.com/kits/323022- ... -set-20pcs but can't see the sizes of what's in the bag.

Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Tue Mar 06, 2018 1:05 pm

Thanks for trying mate much appreciated.

Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Wed Mar 14, 2018 5:14 pm

Up date time

work has kept my away from the beach and the site to a large extent over the last couple of weeks.

But on arriving home this afternoon there was a brown envelope on the mat. oh it's bill again I thought ..............................how wrong was I

I'd gone onto Fujimi website the same day I discovered the sprue was missing and used their contact page, all very easy to follow, it tells you you'll be sent a confirmation email etc, I never got one so thought oh well.

Well they got it and to their great credit sent me the spure, top marks Fujimi

I'm certainly going to reverse my decision about not buying another of their kits, top marks guys

.

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Wed Mar 14, 2018 7:12 pm

Good to see service like that, glad it is sorted for you
Going to check my kit when I get home

Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Wed Mar 14, 2018 8:19 pm

Twokidsnosleep wrote: Wed Mar 14, 2018 7:12 pm Good to see service like that, glad it is sorted for you
Going to check my kit when I get home

I was really surprised I can tell you

Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Wed Mar 14, 2018 8:37 pm

At least some bench time

Started to clean and dry fit in preparation of assembly and priming

Some parts have heavy flashings

With some challenging sprue attachment points, these were in an area too small for cutters and difficult to get even a chisel blade in.

The 4 holes for the seat fame needed to be enlarged to accept the mounts.

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Wed Mar 14, 2018 8:47 pm

Ok here we go

Post by **Tomcat64** » Thu Mar 15, 2018 11:34 am

Great to see that you got the replacement caps Kev!

Hope you'll be able to get properly stuck in now

Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Thu Mar 15, 2018 8:24 pm

Tomcat64 wrote: Thu Mar 15, 2018 11:34 am Great to see that you got the replacement caps Kev!

Hope you'll be able to get properly stuck in now

mate

Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Thu Mar 15, 2018 8:38 pm

Some more bench time this evening

More cleaning up, some of the sprue joining points are quite heavy.

Others are very flimsy

With the yet more flashing

More cleaning mostly spure joints and mould lines

Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Sat Mar 24, 2018 10:24 am

I was somewhat busy again and been away away on a family holiday all this week. This is last weeks small update a week late

Main body

The body has a few fit issues at the rear.

I've used sprue used to fill the large gaps, filling will be used for the smaller join areas and with a little felting all should be well.

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Sat Mar 24, 2018 2:02 pm

I suppose all this flash and heavy sprue links show the age of the mouldings
You are doing well to dry fit everything

Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Thu Mar 29, 2018 10:12 am

Twokidsnosleep wrote: Sat Mar 24, 2018 2:02 pm I suppose all this flash and heavy sprue links show the age of the mouldings
You are doing well to dry fit everything

I think you're right Scott, as the GSX-R it's not Tamiya standard that's for sure.

Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Thu Mar 29, 2018 10:23 am

This weeks bench time, dealing with body panel fit.

Filling

There's isn't a window on the film car not even a infill panel, little more filler

Post by **Tay99** » Thu Mar 29, 2018 6:43 pm

Great start on the build. The panel in the roof was for the Dayton 24 car so the drivers could see the high banked corners

Post by **Shunter** » Sat Mar 31, 2018 4:21 am

Loving the start i have one of these so very interested to watch your progress.

Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Sat Mar 31, 2018 9:20 am

Tay99 wrote: Thu Mar 29, 2018 6:43 pm Great start on the build. The panel in the roof was for the Dayton 24 car so the drivers could see the high banked corners

So I've read there's also different front panel cover and rear wing

Shunter wrote: Sat Mar 31, 2018 4:21 am Loving the start i have one of these so very interested to watch your progress.

It's a nice kit but old so you have to work harder

YouTube · Post by **NorthernModeller** » Sat Mar 31, 2018 4:30 pm

Looks to be a bit of work. Cant wait to see how this comes along

Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Mon Apr 02, 2018 7:13 pm

NorthernModeller wrote: Sat Mar 31, 2018 4:30 pm Looks to be a bit of work. Cant wait to see how this comes along

Thanks mate.

Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Mon Apr 02, 2018 7:17 pm

Managed to get a couple hours on the bench today
Rear end is all sorted now and started to attach the adjustable spoiler vanes

and starting to assemble the body ready for priming

Post by **Tomcat64** » Tue Apr 03, 2018 10:16 am

Nice work with sorting out the bodywork Kev, this is coming along well even if it is fighting back - looking forward to seeing it painted & decaled.

Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Fri Apr 06, 2018 2:54 pm

Works been getting in the way again

but I managed some time this week
The primer is on

Odd bit of filling still to do

Colour starting to go on

I've got a quite weekend planned and the weathers not looking that great so hopefully more bench time

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Fri Apr 06, 2018 4:17 pm

Keep plugging away mate bit by bit it is coming along
I hear you about no time to model, work and life in the way
I won't join 'The Lazy fatherless person Group' for many years I fear

Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Mon Apr 09, 2018 9:15 am

The weekends up date

Interior and under body gets it colour coat

Fibreglass rear inner wing and other fibreglass components get their colour, this was the closes match I could get the the pictures I'd seen and the paint I have. Fujimi could really have done better here with both the choice of material and their thickness, but this another sign of the kits age.

Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Tue Apr 24, 2018 9:52 pm

Ok work has been crippling my ability to get bench time of late

I managed to get some time over few days and I'm going at it hammer and tong now, with a view to hitting the deadline

I'm not calling it an engine but you know what I mean

Cabin starting to go together, just about every hole/peg and rod doesn't line up even after dry fitting most parts some are just too flimsy to really do anything about. It's a poor fitting kit

The assembly could be better too I've damaged the painted finish on quite a few parts

Some of the more obvious fit and misalignment issues the struts are supposed to fit in the inner wing reassesses

Masking for the seal colour

And Colour

The body is ready for it's first colour coat

First

Second

And third the Zero paint is a dream to use went on lovely, the pictures really don't do it justice.

And the wheel/tyres these tyre decals where a real pain, they're reverse type. The top side is slightly sticky and the backing paper you can't see through properly to position them, they are all individual letters so once on there's almost no chance to reposition them

There's loads of tidying up the do and then first clear coat, decals, final clear and probably polishing, the body is going to be a real pain to fit

More tomorrow with luck

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Tue Apr 24, 2018 10:08 pm

Awesome progress, paint looks lovely

Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Tue Apr 24, 2018 10:30 pm

Twokidsnosleep wrote: Tue Apr 24, 2018 10:08 pm Awesome progress, paint looks lovely

Paint is really good to use no problems what so ever, out of the jar into the colour cup 25psi, about 10mins between coats, job done

The kit's a real disappointment though, I think this really will be my last Fujimi kit well certainly an old one, I know their customer service is really good, but for what you pay compared to Tamiya, in my opinion not value.

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Tue Apr 24, 2018 11:19 pm

Kevthemodeller wrote: Tue Apr 24, 2018 10:30 pm
Twokidsnosleep wrote: Tue Apr 24, 2018 10:08 pm Awesome progress, paint looks lovely
Paint is really good to use no problems what so ever, out of the jar into the colour cup 25psi, about 10mins between coats, job done

The kit's a real disappointment though, I think this really will be my last Fujimi kit well certainly and old one, I know their customer service is really good, but for what you pay compared to Tamiya, in my opinion not value.

Yes, they are a bit hit and miss kits from Fujimi.
Anything "enthusiast" is awesomely detailed
Tamyia didn't make a Porsche 917 that I can find

weird not to, such an iconic car

Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Tue Apr 24, 2018 11:28 pm

I agree Scott, same with the GSX-R it's an icon but only Fujimi make a plastic kit. Well that I could find Tamiya certainly don't.

Post by **Shunter** » Wed Apr 25, 2018 9:43 pm

Excellent work...love these colours.

Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Wed Apr 25, 2018 10:15 pm

Shunter wrote: Wed Apr 25, 2018 9:43 pm Excellent work...love these colours.

Thanks mate

Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Wed Apr 25, 2018 10:22 pm

This evenings bench time

Started sorting the chassis fit problems, fitting more parts and generally tidying things up

First painted fitting of the body

Hopefully the last of the fit issues, think this one is going to be a pain

Put the wrong decals on the tyres yesterday, got the right one's now