1/20 Tamiya McLaren MP4/4 - Senna.

[R36adelaide]

That's an insane amount of brake details, great work!

[Hawkmoon]

Some top detail work going on here Nice work sir and keep it coming

[LWWales]

Awesome work!

I'm getting one photo etch set for mine so I won't be quite going to the same level of detail, but it's so interesting seeing your progress.

Awesome! What colour red did you go for?

That's an insane amount of brake details, great work!

Thanks man! Still sounds good! Can't wait to see the videos!

I look forward to making them too! The fluorescent red arrived yesterday so now it's just the photo etch!

Thanks mate!

Some top detail work going on here Nice work sir and keep it coming

Thank you! I'll be starting the engine today, that'll be a long one, there's so much detail!

[LWWales]

Got a little further recently! The front end, apart from scratch built shocks and nose cone is complete. Quick test fit before putting the parts away in a box until final assembly!






Started putting a surface on the tyres, too. They were very shiny!



These radiators had to be repainted. I used the Alclad black base, but it didn't come out glossy, it was quite matte. Sprayed the chrome anyway and looked like flat aluminum, so redone with LP1 gloss black then chrome!




Flat black acrylic was used for the pods, with a dash of ultimate white primer to make it a little grey. I them carefully sanded the bolts.



Here you can just about see the steering linkage. It has some PE bolts.




Loads of PE bolts up front! I'll be darkening them up a tad so they won't stand out as much.



Thanks for looking in! I'll be starting the engine today!

[Gary30]

I've had issues with the Alclad black base too, you have to get everything spot on (pressure, distance, coat thickness etc) in order to get a smooth gloss coat, just takes a little practice to find what works for you.

It is easier going down the LP-1 route though probably!

The alclad base does look nice if you get it spot on though, then your top metal coats can be nice and thin and misted on and it comes out beautiful.

Front end looks mint!

[Bdiddy]

Great progress Luke, looking awesome!

Yep Alclad can be a bit of a pain, as Gary said you need a really good surface for the gloss black and then mist only a couple of light coats of chrome or else if it’s to heavy it ends up looking like aluminum. I’ve had issues with it rubbing off aswell, I’ve started using aqua gloss clear on top and it’s come out really nice, hasnt dulled the chrome much at all

[LWWales]

I've had issues with the Alclad black base too, you have to get everything spot on (pressure, distance, coat thickness etc) in order to get a smooth gloss coat, just takes a little practice to find what works for you.

It is easier going down the LP-1 route though probably!

The alclad base does look nice if you get it spot on though, then your top metal coats can be nice and thin and misted on and it comes out beautiful.

Front end looks mint!

Thanks mate! Yeah I think I sprayed it wrong. Turned out nice with the LP-1!

Great progress Luke, looking awesome!

Yep Alclad can be a bit of a pain, as Gary said you need a really good surface for the gloss black and then mist only a couple of light coats of chrome or else if it’s to heavy it ends up looking like aluminum. I’ve had issues with it rubbing off aswell, I’ve started using aqua gloss clear on top and it’s come out really nice, hasnt dulled the chrome much at all

Good idea! I'll have to try that. I buffed it afterwards with a cotton bud and it helped.

Got the engine started today. Lots of stuff to do. I've got some stuff ready to paint and some PE added ready for paint. Some tiny connectors and wires added.





Didn't take many photos today. Thanks for stopping by!

[Hawkmoon]

Nice start on the power train and looking good

[BOABModels]

Wow! So many fine details!

My PE parts came today. They are Perfect Parts.


I won't start it just yet, I think I need to work up the confidence to start!

[LWWales]

Wow! So many fine details!

My PE parts came today. They are Perfect Parts.


I won't start it just yet, I think I need to work up the confidence to start!

Thanks man!

Ah that's cool! I was wondering what came in the perfect parts set!

Nice start on the power train and looking good

Thanks mate! Theres so much to do! Gonna get some in depth detail shots tomorrow, but I precariously placed everything I've done so far just get have a look.

[LWWales]

Got some closer shots of the detail! A little tidying up to do, though.



Had to make some bolts for the engine mounts. It's just two photoetch nuts and a little bit 0.3mm solder!



You can't see it here, though throttle linkage consisted of 15 parts, all no bigger than 3mm, is under the intake plenum.



Some detail on the injector harness/fuel rail.



Some dry runs. There's a lot of shimmying persuading to.do, though all the parts are currently not fixed in their final place.





The Alclad polished brass looks great on the electrical connectors, with a little Tamiya panel liner!



And another sneaky brake shot because I love them



Thanks again for taking a look!

[BigWall]

Super nice detail!

[LWWales]

Super nice detail!

Thanks mate!

[Gary30]

Wow! All looks great, those brakes are pornographic to a strange man like me

[Twokidsnosleep]

Outstanding work!!!

[BigWall]

Very nice detailing!

[LWWales]

Wow! All looks great, those brakes are pornographic to a strange man like me

Don't worry, I feel the same! Thanks!

Outstanding work!!!

Thanks mate! Nearing the end of the little bits on the engine now, hopefully get some pictures up this evening!

Very nice detailing!

Thanks for looking in!

[LWWales]

Couple of engine bits done today and, the rear suspension is complete!



Got the exhausts and turbos painted too. Mocked them up on the engine.



Almost done with this. Added the yellow tape, just need to do the silver bits and it's ready to install!



Thanks for dropping by as always!

[BigWall]

Very nice. The rear end detailing is amazing.

[LWWales]

Very nice. The rear end detailing is amazing.

Thanks man! Seems your enjoying this one. Thanks for keeping an eye on it!

[LWWales]

A few pictures of where I'm at!

[Hornet78]

She's a beauty...

[LWWales]

She's a beauty...

Thanks man!

Sorry it's been a while, guys, I've been having problems with not just mojo, just everything, not fancied doing anything except sitting in front of the TV. Feeling better now and got the cockpit, belts and wheels done today!

The buckles on the seat belts work, amazingly!





The steering wheel was fun, as was the instrument panel.



Tyre stencils were brilliant, looks so much better than decals, in my opinion!



Thanks for stopping by guys! I'm on the home stretch, it seems!

[BOABModels]

Tyre stencils were brilliant, looks so much better than decals, in my opinion!



Thanks for stopping by guys! I'm on the home stretch, it seems!

Sorry to hear about the mojo. I've been there myself.

Those tyres do look excellent! Did the stencils come with the PE set?

[LWWales]

Tyre stencils were brilliant, looks so much better than decals, in my opinion!



Thanks for stopping by guys! I'm on the home stretch, it seems!

Sorry to hear about the mojo. I've been there myself.

Those tyres do look excellent! Did the stencils come with the PE set?

It sucks! But, all good now.

Thank you! The stencil came with the detail set, yes, and one also came with the Hobby Design decals

[BOABModels]

Tyre stencils were brilliant, looks so much better than decals, in my opinion!



Thanks for stopping by guys! I'm on the home stretch, it seems!

Sorry to hear about the mojo. I've been there myself.

Those tyres do look excellent! Did the stencils come with the PE set?

It sucks! But, all good now.

Thank you! The stencil came with the detail set, yes, and one also came with the Hobby Design decals

Nice! There aren't any stencils in the photo etch set I have but I'll probably just use the decals.
Keep up the good work! Looks worthy of Senna and Prost themselves!

[BigWall]

those tires do look great!

[LWWales]

Thanks guys!

Got the suspension adjuster in and finished some wiring in the cockpit today. Back to work tomorrow, so things may slow again





Thanks for stopping by!

[BigWall]

Nice! The cockpit is looking sweet

[LWWales]

Nice! The cockpit is looking sweet

Thank you!

I'm.going to get the front end buttoned up today and start the wiring!

[LWWales]

Finally got the engine in!




The radiator pods are on, too, though the intercoolers position needs a little fiddling.



Test fitting while I adjust the ride height.

[BigWall]

This is coming along absolutely beautifully!

[LWWales]

This is coming along absolutely beautifully!

Thanks mate!

I was able to sand away the inside of the shell and so far, I've actually been able to make it fit over all the extra PE and resin parts. I was worried it wouldn't fit very well after all the extras and the cutting and refitting of the radiator pods.




It'll be displayed without the body on, but I want to get pictures with it on!

Thanks for looking in

[Mpfiend]

Very nice progress, it's always a nice feeling when the body fits correctly.

[LWWales]

Very nice progress, it's always a nice feeling when the body fits correctly.

Thanks mate! Yeah, I was extremely relived, haha

[LWWales]

Got the paint down today! Love the Mr Hobby colour!



Nearing completion on this, going to have to build a base soon!

[BOABModels]

Got the paint down today! Love the Mr Hobby colour!



Nearing completion on this, going to have to build a base soon!

Very nice! Did you photocopy the decals in the end?

I'll do the same when I build mine except I have the Tamiya TS fluro red. I can't remember the number!

[LWWales]

Got the paint down today! Love the Mr Hobby colour!



Nearing completion on this, going to have to build a base soon!

Very nice! Did you photocopy the decals in the end?

I'll do the same when I build mine except I have the Tamiya TS fluro red. I can't remember the number!

I did indeed! Pretty happy with the demarcation, too.

Made a start on the decals too, hobby design decals are a pleasure to work with.

[BigWall]

That is looking absolutely amazing!

[LWWales]

That is looking absolutely amazing!

Thanks mate!

Almost done with this one! I need to do the wiring and add some final details, then it's time for final assembly and a photo shoot!

Here's a sneak peek.

[BigWall]

Very cool. This is going to look great!

[Tomcat64]

Just caught up with this thread - that's an insane amount of detailing & scratch building

Absolutely awesome work throughout and the bodywork is beautiful.

Top job mate - stunning

[Shunter]

Looks stunning

[digger303]

Marvelously insane detail and paint work

[LWWales]

Very cool. This is going to look great!

Thank you!

Just caught up with this thread - that's an insane amount of detailing & scratch building

Absolutely awesome work throughout and the bodywork is beautiful.

Top job mate - stunning

Thank you sir! It's been super fun, though the scratch building did test me. When it came to fitting it all.together, there was a lot if wiggling and swearing!

Looks stunning

Thanks mate!

Marvelously insane detail and paint work

Thank you, these comments really spur me along!

Well, she's finally done! Detailed photos and reveal thread to.follow, thanks all for the encouragement along the way!

[BigWall]

Dude! That's absolutely sweet!

[LWWales]

Dude! That's absolutely sweet!

Thanks mate!

Reveal is up! viewtopic.php?f=46&t=28938&p=359522#p359522

[pg265]

Hi,

WOW!! ...WOW! WOW!!!!
Impressive build!
Already built one when the Top Studio set appeared and have another one to do.
I really like the way you replicate the carbon aspect on the monocoque and loooove your disc brakes and calipers.
I’ve always been surprised the calipers install on the hub wasn’t better reproduced...

Well done!!

Pascal

[LWWales]

Hi,

WOW!! ...WOW! WOW!!!!
Impressive build!
Already built one when the Top Studio set appeared and have another one to do.
I really like the way you replicate the carbon aspect on the monocoque and loooove your disc brakes and calipers.
I’ve always been surprised the calipers install on the hub wasn’t better reproduced...

Well done!!

Pascal

Thank you, Pascal!

I thoroughly enjoyed the build, and in envious you have the stuff to build another, I'd love to do it all again!

I think the breaks were my favourite part, too. The kit part all moulded as one was rather underwhelming.

[Kevthemodeller]

Superb build, lovely detailing work