1/14 Burago Ferrari 312 T5 - Modified

[DRUMS01]

This car started as a humble die-cast toy. Some of the updates I have done include...

- sanded and painted the wheels and tires. The chrome plating from Burago was poor as it did not completely cover the rims. What did cover was spotty gloss and flat. Painted the front centers gold. Painted the rear part of the wheel as it was previously molded into the black plastic of the tire. After sanding the contact surface of the tire to remove the mold lines, I painted it flat black to remove the plastic look. I thick (small hole) sponge does well on adding the flat black on the contact patch and also adds the stipple or grain effect of the soft rubber. Did pretty much the same on the rear wheels.





- I decided to keep the one piece plastic engine and transmission. I was originally just adding plug wires to the flat 12, but now I have decided to build the area up over the engine to include the battery, black boxes, ignition coil, oil filter, alternator, fuel injection system and wires, etc. (WIP)

- cleaned up the exhaust mold lines and painted it light ghost gray as seen in several pictures. detail painted some of the transmission. totally reworked the rear suspension and painted it accordingly. Added attachment points to the shocks and suspension arm. completed the connections beneath the car to include mounting brackets for the shocks and suspension brackets. I will still add the brake lines, the trans cooler lines, overflow lines, electric wire to rear light, cleaned up the area behind the rear wheel hub and added a rubber boot for where it would cover the CV joint, etc.



- created the remaining part of the center chassis spine (covering the fuel cell and cockpit area). My plan is to scratch build the intake runners to the the radiators. I will also add wire screens to the intakes; add rivet details, wiring, etc.



- created gages and corresponding wiring for the trio in the dash. I also created the control box that sits to the bottom left of the dash based on actual photos. When working in the front I also finished the chassis spine, and added the master cylinders for the clutch and brakes (it was difficult finding detail information for this area). Still have work to do in the cockpit for the controls and harness (it will cover the old plastic one), etc. (I know it does not look like much just yet, but there is much more detail to come)...



some updates:

Cockpit details, close but not finished just yet. The dash is totally new as well. Fuel cell beginning details (rivets and bolt heads, etc.), front spring bolt heads, updated front bulkhead, etc.





Another angle which also shows the front foot box exterior details, shifting box, center spine rivet details, removal of center molded brace over engine, drilled out fuel filler with reducer, etc.



Here is a small update, the fuel cell details are nearly done. The first picture is the basic mold after I enclosed and painted it ; the second photo is the transformation with the center spine removed; the rear bulkhead completed in front of the engine; the fuel filler drilled out; a reducer and filler neck added, bolt heads and rivets added to the top of the fuel cell, fuel sender fitting added to the back of the cell, and fire safety system installed.





This view shows a better angle on the engine air intakes I created, along with much of the detail previously explained. Soon I can begin on the intake screens, injection, plug wires, and many other bits above the engine. I hope you like it, and constructive critiques are welcome.



Corrected the front coil over shock mounts to the upper suspension arms and cleaned up the front bulkhead "v" foot box cover to a more scale shape and thickness. Photo of new front coil over shocks (scratch built)



right intake runner; also showing some of the scratch details beginning to be added to the engine and rear bulkhead



beginning of distributor, oil filter, battery, alternator, black box, and other items



Well, today I started detailing the engine area; all of the parts are made from scratch (plastic, brass, aluminum, etc.) I still have much to do with decals, weathering, hoses, fuel injection system, ignition coil, bolt heads, catch can, and more.



Moving forward, I've finished the front suspension by adding front brake disc's, calipers, and hoses. I also finished the engine detail, most importantly the fuel injection system; received some excellent decals from Michael for the chassis tags, prancing horse in the steering wheel, battery, fire suppression, etc.. I did not like the Burago transmission cooler, so I created one and plumbed it; completed numerous other items....I still need to finish some minor hoses and wires, finish the top exhaust, rework and add the rear spoiler, paint and decal the body, rework the front spoiler, weathering, and stuff.
Hope everybody had a great new year. My next photos will hopefully show the completed car.



Here some additional photos of sections of the rolling chassis. Scratch front brake calipers, flex hose, and P.E. disc brake:



Front chassis tag (from Michael's decal sheet); modified suspension, etc.:



Cockpit details (all scratch built except the decals and P.E. belts)



Left rear detail view of the engine and transmission (scratch, no kit parts):



top view of engine / transmission / fuel cell:



rear view, showing the scratch built brakes, painted exhaust, upgraded suspension, etc.:



FINALLY... Ladies and Gentleman,.... for your viewing, here is the 1/14 Burago Ferrari 312 T5.

I am putting a fork in it and calling it done. Paint is Tamiya Italian Red, with decals scaled by Michael at Indycals. Thanks to everyone who provided resources, suggestions, and motivational comments....

[Twokidsnosleep]

This is an interesting project
You have done a great job rebuilding this into something more than it was originally
Excellent scratch work
I have a couple metal die cast models that I plan to tear apart and remake into better versions
Good stuff

[DRUMS01]

Thanks for the kind words Scott.

I noticed after posting the message that I still need to add rivets to the front spoiler and apply flat to the tire outside sidewalls....

[DRUMS01]

Based on some good suggestions from others, I added the front spoiler side plate rivets, dull coated the tires, and I also chose to clear coat the decals. Here is the finished product:







comments are welcome....