1/20 Ferrari F189 F1 Car

[StuartClark]

For my entry into the GB, I asked some of the gang in the hangout for what they would like me to build out of some of the older Tamiya kits I have. This was the overwhelming choice.



I've had this in the stash for quite a long time, probably the mid 90's The kit came out in 89 and I always like the look of it. It's going to be my first car build in about 30 years and my first F1 build. From reading reviews it looks like it's a fairly simple kit to put together. The secret will be preparing things in subassemblies.

First thing is to deal with the very ugly seam right down the middle of the otherwise excellent looking rubber tires. About 10 min per tire with Ultimate sanders (just the right flexibility) and they are looking much better.



Next stage is working on the first sub-assembly. In this case the engine area. Used some Ultimate primer which sprays very well.





Next will be more assembly of the engine and priming some more parts.

[arilo76]

Cool car mate!!!

[Twokidsnosleep]

Awesome, some Tamiya F1
Wooohooo

[Lysus]

Sweet!

[gaz45]

Nice looking kit there mate

[StuartClark]

Some more work on the F189 over the last few weekends.

Got the first two coats of red on many of the major components and started to work on the engine and rear suspension. It is a bit fiddly but goes together rather well in the end.

[kiwigav]

Nice progress such a classic F1 shape

[StuartClark]

A bit more work on the engine and the front suspension. I'm still very impressed with the build quality of the components. Here's a progress pic.

[SergioSolo]

That looks superb!

[Lysus]

That is a really nice looking engine, A+!

[StuartClark]

Not a lot of progress this weekend due to other things. But I did get a quick test fit done and am pleased with the results.



Also got the drivers seat basecoat airbrushed on.

[StuartClark]

Still trying to recover from this damn cold so not much progress, however, I did get the sides put in and started to detail front and rear suspension.

[StuartClark]

A quick video update as well.

[youtube]y4U4lW15QOg[/youtube]

[NorthernModeller]

that is looking awsome great work so far

[Johnj]

Another lovely clean build stuart.

[StuartClark]

A bit more work, hoping to have this done by the end of the group build.

I'm going to have to get a replacement for tire decals as they fell apart due to age, so I'm looking at some stencils.

[StuartClark]

Front and rear spoilers are now on. And a final test fit of the top shell. some small adjustments to be made to get a better fit. Then a coat of aquagloss to prepare for decals.

[StuartClark]

Got the last of the details on and did the first coat of aqua gloss prior to decals.
1 question: Do people tend to leave the top shell off so the engine etc can be looked at, or do many just glue it on? Just curious as I'm going to have to make some adjustments to the fit for it to sit loosely on.

[Twokidsnosleep]

Got the last of the details on and did the first coat of aqua gloss prior to decals.
1 question: Do people tend to leave the top shell off so the engine etc can be looked at, or do many just glue it on? Just curious as I'm going to have to make some adjustments to the fit for it to sit loosely on.

I would leave it loose so as to see all the engine details you put in there
The real cars have the shells lifted off most the time when they are in the pits and sitting.
I am dying to see some decals on the beauty!!!

[StuartClark]

Decaling has started. Also found another use for the Mr. Paint Station. It keeps the car from rolling away



A bit more in my bench update.
[youtube]d43DiuTOI_4[/youtube]

[StuartClark]

Decals are just about done. I'm very pleased considering the age of the decals how well they are settling down on the kit.

A few more to go then a sealant coat then I can call it done.

[StuartClark]

Calling it done. I just wish the top piece would fit tighter to the lower section. For now, I haven't glued it down so you can see that gap.
Overall I'm pleased for my first attempt. I still have to buy a tire stencil to replace the very old rub down decals that were well passed their time.

[Twokidsnosleep]

It came out great, nicely done