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1948 MG TC long term build
Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2014 4:07 pm
by Twokidsnosleep
I am starting an old kit I got off of E-Bay and moving back into building my true love....cars
The kit is a 1/16 scale and was super cheap at $30 shipped from Victoria BC area; so I could not resist it!

Unfortunately, the kit was started and I was in for a few surprises when I opened up the box
More soon, gotta go do some work
Re: 1948 MG TC long term build
Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2014 4:13 pm
by JayCub
Look forward to your build, and its a bargain for that price, I haven't seen a 1:16 build before, I appreciate the builds although I have worked on cars most of my life, its great to be able to watch someone else for a change Scott
Tom
Re: 1948 MG TC long term build
Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2014 4:16 pm
by Belmosan
Nice find! Looks like a fun build. I have a 1/16 auto in my stash... don't know when I'll get to it. Thanks for posting this.
Re: 1948 MG TC long term build
Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2014 5:04 pm
by Twokidsnosleep
Hey guys thanks for commenting
I haven't even got going yet and a support group is forming, love this site
Re: 1948 MG TC long term build
Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2014 5:13 pm
by Twokidsnosleep
Re: 1948 MG TC long term build
Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2014 5:16 pm
by Twokidsnosleep
So my plan is to fully strip everything back to original or a close to as I can get it without destroying the kit
I have a small particle sandblaster at work I am going to use to strip the painted wheels and made a start on the bonnet cowlings last night



Will open up the side vents on these cowlings and focus work on them for now. It will be a slow build I am thinking
If anyone has a suggestion for a source for small hinges for the bonnet to replace those nasty ones, that would be great. Found some @ LeeValley tools...a Canadian company too!
Re: 1948 MG TC long term build
Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2014 5:18 pm
by Twokidsnosleep
This is a gorgeous picture of what I am hoping build with this kit. Really a lovely little car; nice P51 as well

Re: 1948 MG TC long term build
Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2014 6:32 pm
by Yevgeny
Oh wow, the hinges

Re: 1948 MG TC long term build
Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2014 6:54 pm
by Twokidsnosleep
Yevgeny wrote:Oh wow, the hinges

Ya I know, I was a little

when I opened the box up
I picture the poor guy walking around with all his fingertips glued together for a week
I am sure that was the breaking point for him and he chucked it back in the box...we have all been there in modelling
The CA was really weak and came off rather nicely...proof that MORE glue isn't STRONGER glue
Re: 1948 MG TC long term build
Posted: Thu Nov 20, 2014 7:18 pm
by Twokidsnosleep
Some reference pics from a restored car
None of these images are mine, though I wish they were...really love to be restoring the real thing!







I have two other hobbies I might apply to this car
Am a bit of a wood worker so thinking about a real wood dashboard carved from the plastic original as a pattern and something like that wooden steering wheel in the pic above
Have a leather working hobby as well, so could use a fine grained, thin leather on the seats, interior and roof
Just thinking out loud so I can record it for my poor memory

Re: 1948 MG TC long term build
Posted: Sun Nov 23, 2014 10:15 pm
by Twokidsnosleep
I opened up the vents on the side of the engine cowlings.
Few scratches with the first one on the left, did better with the right one. Learned the back of an Exacto blade works like a little plane and takes of nice shavings. Still some Mr Surfacer and sanding to do.

Re: 1948 MG TC long term build
Posted: Sun Nov 23, 2014 10:24 pm
by Twokidsnosleep
So next was stripping the wheels with a sandblaster.

I have a small air abrasion unit at work that I use to blast the internal of crowns to clean them before they are glued into someones mouth.
It uses about 80 psi I think and 50 micron aluminum oxide powder. Pretty quick and leaves an slightly matt surface ready for primer
Half way done

All stripped

I also used a bit of rubber restorer on the tires to shine them up a it more

That's all for now
Re: 1948 MG TC long term build
Posted: Sat Nov 29, 2014 8:42 pm
by Twokidsnosleep
Lovely model and display... very professionally built, well beyond my level

Re: 1948 MG TC long term build
Posted: Sat Nov 29, 2014 8:54 pm
by Twokidsnosleep
My friday night effort on the exhaust system. I think I will modify the car to what I might actually do to one if I had the real thing
So Holley carbs, suped up engine and cooling systems, disk brakes and custom exhaust
The tail pipe mods start this off. I sanded and thinned the end of the silver pipe, Ca glue to the brass, then flared it out with pliers and a pencil end

Added a little hockey tape to hold the bits together for the mock up

Not bad flare there
I have unassembled the framework as some stuff was upside down. Then scraped the paint and polished everything.
Will probably get going on frame assembly then engine...looking for a good photo reference for the Holley or Webber carbs on a MG
I think I will sub assemble things, then bring them together so that I can modify ride height and component fit
Thanks for looking, sorry it ain't a tank

Re: 1948 MG TC long term build
Posted: Sun Nov 30, 2014 6:39 am
by Twokidsnosleep
rubegoldberg wrote:that little bead blaster is super cool!
Ya it is. It worked quite well on such a complicated shape as the wheel spokes, but is a bit messy
Thanks for looking

Re: 1948 MG TC long term build
Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2014 12:39 am
by Twokidsnosleep
Working on engine block and tranny, it is coming along
Tamiya red, metallic grey and chrome the color scheme here


Some card stock to mimic the exhaust gaskets, hockey tape for the thermal shield on the exhaust

Re: 1948 MG TC long term build
Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2014 3:03 am
by UKguyInUSA
Beautiful car.....would love one of those in my garage!

Re: 1948 MG TC long term build
Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2014 2:31 pm
by Twokidsnosleep
UKguyInUSA wrote:Beautiful car.....would love one of those in my garage!

You and me both!
It would be a blast on a nice spring day with a curvy road and nowhere to go in particular
Re: 1948 MG TC long term build
Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2014 2:37 pm
by UKguyInUSA
Twokidsnosleep wrote:UKguyInUSA wrote:Beautiful car.....would love one of those in my garage!

You and me both!
It would be a blast on a nice spring day with a curvy road and nowhere to go in particular
Absolutely!

Re: 1948 MG TC long term build
Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2014 4:09 pm
by Twokidsnosleep
rubegoldberg wrote:great work! the heat wrap and gaskets are very cool.
Thank you muchly!
I don't think there are any aftermarket resin or PE stuff for this kind of build, so I am trying to research the real car and use what I can find to replicate it.
Just gonna take my time and see what I can come up with
Re: 1948 MG TC long term build
Posted: Sun Dec 07, 2014 9:36 am
by Twokidsnosleep
Onward we go, more frame work this weekend
Front suspension assembled and strengthened with tan styrene so front wheels don't sag or break the steering assembly

Rear bumper attachments re-worked as I destroyed them on disassemble
Flat brass u bar cut and CA glued

Now bumper tabs fit nice and tight onto frame
Opening front grill with Exacto knife back

Re: 1948 MG TC long term build
Posted: Mon Dec 15, 2014 6:36 pm
by Twokidsnosleep
Small update, first time up on her wheels
I have the chassis painted and done, thought I would dry fit the engine block, wheels and tires and sort out the mods to the exhaust.
The wheel gap and angles look ok when I trial fit the fenders, but I am sure it will need some fiddling in the end
Added some brass extensions for the front cross bar to fit properly

It is coming along slowly

Re: 1948 MG TC long term build
Posted: Mon Dec 15, 2014 10:23 pm
by felisbarcinonensis
It's looking cool mate! waiting for more

Re: 1948 MG TC long term build
Posted: Mon Dec 15, 2014 10:42 pm
by Twokidsnosleep
felisbarcinonensis wrote:It's looking cool mate! waiting for more

You might need a bigger bag of popcorn!!
Trying to take my time and be patient, research the real car and build it up rightish
Re: 1948 MG TC long term build
Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2014 12:48 am
by Tarasdad
Love this car. My dad raced one in local SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) events in Louisiana when he worked for the dealer back in the 50s. Have pics somewhere in the mass of boxes from his house that are in my garage.
Re: 1948 MG TC long term build
Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2014 3:53 am
by UKguyInUSA
Nice start completing the Chassis....looking forward to seeing the body go on her now

Re: 1948 MG TC long term build
Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2014 4:50 am
by Twokidsnosleep
Thanks guys! Would love to see one bombing around a track

Re: 1948 MG TC long term build
Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2014 5:15 pm
by Twokidsnosleep
UKguyInUSA wrote:Nice start completing the Chassis....looking forward to seeing the body go on her now

Test fitted the fenders and body on the chassis last night...it is going to be a struggle, may have to warm up the plastic to get it to fit.
I have some leather for the seats and interior.... black calf skin, red kangaroo or tan cowhide. I have to decide colour and what grain looks ok for scale
Will take some pics and show you all soon
Re: 1948 MG TC long term build
Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2014 4:56 pm
by Twokidsnosleep
Been trying to customize a bit, making Weber carbs for the engine
This is try #3 with metal tubing and some styrene. Lots of fun getting the fit and the proper finish

Hopefully will get some good modelling time with a holiday starting tomorrow
Cheers

Re: 1948 MG TC long term build
Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2014 5:09 pm
by jbellos1
This is fabulous! Thanks for sharing all of it.
Re: 1948 MG TC long term build
Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2014 5:12 pm
by Twokidsnosleep
No worries, thanks for looking Jon
I will take some photos and show what I used to make the components, still lots to go
Re: 1948 MG TC long term build
Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2014 7:02 pm
by Twokidsnosleep
I got a muti-pack of small metal tubing etc at my LHS for $5
There is brass, aluminium tubes, rods, flats.... a real assortment
I call it the "box of many tubes"

Re: 1948 MG TC long term build
Posted: Mon Dec 22, 2014 10:12 pm
by Twokidsnosleep
Wife just told me we won't be travelling to the inlaw's for Christmas
That means more time at home for modelling

Re: 1948 MG TC long term build
Posted: Fri Dec 26, 2014 5:35 pm
by Twokidsnosleep
A Christmas afternoon of building using a MG restoration book I got as reference
Made a little stand for the frame so it is more stable

Body test fit to see what I am adding to engine bay is visible and fits

Reference pic of dipstick location on block
My dipstick out of brass tubes, stretched styrene and styrene circles

CA glued to block, oil pump line added as well

Need a little MG decal for the top of the dipstick
That is all for now
Re: 1948 MG TC long term build
Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2014 7:02 am
by Twokidsnosleep
Ok leather time was today
Chose some boring tan from the scraps drawer

Skived it (thinned the back) with a razor tool
Used contact cement to glue it in
Added thread as pipping for edges and burnished the seat grooves in with a pointed wood stick

Not bad for a first try with this, always room to improve. Would do contrasting leathers next time, maybe a two tone look
Re: 1948 MG TC long term build
Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2014 2:55 pm
by planemaker
Great work Scott!

Will be watching this build. It's gonna build up to a nice looking car.
Re: 1948 MG TC long term build
Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2014 6:56 pm
by trnkepfc
awesome
Re: 1948 MG TC long term build
Posted: Sun Dec 28, 2014 9:35 pm
by Twokidsnosleep
Thanks everyone; it's a little sloppier than I wanted but presentable
I added the darker brown thread as piping and it looks a bit better...will get pic soon, but engine and chassis are gluing up and I don't want to mess with it
Re: 1948 MG TC long term build
Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2014 5:28 am
by Twokidsnosleep
Engine cemented in, so I turned her upside down and got the exhaust system glued
The model stand works well

Re: 1948 MG TC long term build
Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2014 6:58 am
by Lee
Great work so far

Re: 1948 MG TC long term build
Posted: Mon Dec 29, 2014 4:38 pm
by Twokidsnosleep
Thank you gents, off for a ski trip so nothing more for the week
Re: 1948 MG TC long term build
Posted: Wed Dec 31, 2014 6:44 pm
by Twokidsnosleep
It is -15 to -20 C today, nearly froze my kids
Still, very beautiful skiing

Re: 1948 MG TC long term build
Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2015 5:52 pm
by Twokidsnosleep
A little update, I am posting in a model car site and forget what I have updated or not
Been quiet in here anyways
Some engine wiring and full dry fit of the body and interior. Door panels had their leather applied
I stupidly opened the front panel, which should be a stamped metal plate, so will have to cover that up again

I am making dual fuel pumps for the Weber carbs. Black plastic is the stock, mine are brass and aluminum

That is where I am now
Cheers for looking

Re: 1948 MG TC long term build
Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2015 7:45 pm
by CJSomerset
I've built a few full size kit cars in my time, but I've never thought about building a model car. But after seeing this thread I'm seriously considering it. Great work! Love the extra detailed carbs.
And I can't help giggling when ever you colonials call a gear box a tranny!
Re: 1948 MG TC long term build
Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2015 8:48 pm
by Twokidsnosleep
CJSomerset wrote:I've built a few full size kit cars in my time, but I've never thought about building a model car. But after seeing this thread I'm seriously considering it. Great work! Love the extra detailed carbs.
And I can't help giggling when ever you colonials call a gear box a tranny!
Thanks CJ
I just want to hear you pronounce "Aluminium" for me a couple times...love to hear the English say that
I hope my miscellaneous ramblings spur you to do a car. If I see one more tank purchase photo on here I am going to HURL!!
Have been a car guy my whole life, so now as an adult, thought I might build models of those I will never acquire
All the best,
Scott
Re: 1948 MG TC long term build
Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2015 9:03 pm
by Twokidsnosleep
Ooohh, 3D printer, I would like to get into that technology
Been looking into soldering brass as well
ahh so much to learn!!!!!
Re: 1948 MG TC long term build
Posted: Wed Jan 07, 2015 10:48 pm
by CJSomerset
AL - LOO - MIN - EE - UM
Problem is, I've got one of these sat under a tarp in my drive way, and it's been there 14 years
If I started making a model car I'd feel really guilty!
1214027091-Vista Pt. 7.JPG
I think it's safe to assume that you'll get you kit finished before me....
Re: 1948 MG TC long term build
Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2015 12:01 am
by Twokidsnosleep
I laughed out loud at that one!
You are so fortunate to have that car. If you ever want to ship it over to sunny (wet) BC Canada, I know someone who would take it off your hands...even if the steering wheel is on the wonky side
Re: 1948 MG TC long term build
Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2015 5:15 pm
by Twokidsnosleep
Looking to strip the chrome and re paint it.
I have not done this before, so will try out a couple tricks on plastic spoons this weekend if possible.
Anyone with some advice??? Do people do this routinely??
Re: 1948 MG TC long term build
Posted: Fri Jan 09, 2015 8:38 pm
by Twokidsnosleep
How is this for a hint at my newest acquirement
It is a little bigger than the 1/16 MG, this is a Pocher 1/8 Alfa Romeo
