Hello everyone !

As the California seems to be the kit to build of the moment I decided to build mine too ! :evillol:

Not that I like the car, really not in fact, but these last generation Revell kits are really tempting, cheap and well detailed.

I wanted to build something different though, to make me appreciate the car a bit more :biggrin:
Something more agressive, more linked to racing spirit...
So I thought to a kind of "GT inspiration" slightly tuned version. :sly:
Not sure of the result but we'll see once finished !


As I suppose most of you know the box, the content etc let's move to the main thing right now.
I will modify the body by myself, with my own inspiration, moreover the HD Hamman TK isn't really my taste, I like it less than the basic model, so my inspiration will leads the body modifications.
Will only use HD PE sets for brakes or so, and plastic card !

So here we go:


The new body is done, it's slightly tuned as title says, but it's better to me than the original body.
it's still "raw factory" and needs a bit more cleaning :runaround:


http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California001.jpg

subtle rear wing

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California003.jpg

and increased diffusor flaps, better like that as body "corners" are bigger too now.

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California004.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California006.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California002.jpg


Good point before next steps, it still fits well ! :biggrin:

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California005.jpg



I started working on the inside, first step was to rebuild the door pockets and open the plastic where PE will take place.

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California009.jpg


As you can guess from previous picture, I primed everything in black before white primer applied, as I don't want any pinkish effect of white primer above red plastic.


http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California010.jpg



I chose a tan/sand inside mixed with black central console, top dashboard and floor, which will be covered by my own "flocking" technique, will let you see it later, everything is drying by now so last cuttings and adjustments aren't done on floor part.

That's all for now !


Comments are welcome !
Thanks for watching

Interesting! Nice subtle changes...

Interesting! Nice subtle changes...

Thank you ! ;)
I Need to clean the body and put a first layer of primer to really appreciate the changes, I'm satisfied but not completely convinced with this raw body, can't wait for paint, but with this hard winter... :uhoh:
and also definitely need better pics ! :runaround:

It's weired while I saw this thread, what? Phil on a ferrari? And then I saw you said you don't fancy it... lol~~~~~ Anyway it's really interesting to see people build their unusual subject, looking forward to it!

Alright!!!! I can't wait to see this one progress!!!!
Welcome to the club! :iceslolan

Keep it up!
It looks like you're off to a great start.
Great approach to this one.

Andy

Great start Phil, very nice.. i like this one.. California is a very nice Ferrari, and i'm not a big fan of Ferraris, only California, 599 and F430 :)

I'll follow this one for sure!!

Regards

It's weired while I saw this thread, what? Phil on a ferrari? And then I saw you said you don't fancy it... lol~~~~~ Anyway it's really interesting to see people build their unusual subject, looking forward to it!

hehe, it's probably surprising but life would be boring without some surprises ! :grinyes:
I also think that seeing what we can do on what we don't especially like is a good reference to imagine what we could do on what we love most.
Fun and inspiration will be the only lead on this one, that will change me from my rally cars accuracy obsession !! :icon16:

Alright!!!! I can't wait to see this one progress!!!!
Welcome to the club! :iceslolan

Keep it up!
It looks like you're off to a great start.
Great approach to this one.

Andy

Thank you, yeah I'm part of the club now ! :biggrin:
Just hope to be at the level, you and Kris and other pics seen in your thread are putting the bar really high...!


Great start Phil, very nice.. i like this one.. California is a very nice Ferrari, and i'm not a big fan of Ferraris, only California, 599 and F430 :)

I'll follow this one for sure!!

Regards

Thanks Cris, I like 599 and F430 far better than the California which shape and lines make me think to the ugly Alfa Romeo GTV !! :eek7: :screwy: :icon16:

But it's a Ferrari and it's a Revell kit, so let's see what I can do.

And to be honnest this will also be a laboratory of some technics and material for my other projects I'm more attached to as some Porsche builds.
The new body and shape already pleases me more than basic one, who knows I may end up liking the model !! :icon16: :lol:



Soooooooo here is tonight update !

not much done, as I spent some time trying to clean the body, and I noticed a broken corner on the rear so there will be some more puttying and sanding tomorrow, and cleaning after that !


Rear view is already better.


http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California021.jpg


http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California019.jpg


Primer and paint should cover my skids in scribbing panels lines deeper... :loser:


I hope not to regret it, but as I really want to modify the car to better like it, I decided to add fog lights...

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California022.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California017.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California018.jpg

Shouldn't be bad, will see once painted and detailed... But I like fog lights :icon16: :iceslolan


I could finally finish my work on giving texture to the floor "flocking it without flocking" !
I'm pleased with the result, as it takes some time to do (most to wait for it to dry) and requires a lot of masking and templates (you'll understand later) but I really think it worses the time and effort !
What do you think ?

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California013.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California012.jpg

I modified the space under dashboard to make "flocking" easyer doing a straigh panels.

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California011.jpg


A overlighted view to appreciate it, as it really seems regular and clean (pic show after painted - Citadel black primer from can) not to say I'm happy with the result ! :sunglasse

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California014.jpg


So now the question is what is this special flocking technic which isn't flocking...?!? :sly: :confused: :confused:

Well, the first to guess earns free material to test himself !! :thumbsup:
would someone guess ? :lol: :lol:

Of course I will give you the answer tomorrow, just have to take pics of the process as I didn't during the build.

Tell me what you think of it regarding usuall flocking method.


thanks for watching ;)

Phil

PS: Phil (another one do'nt worry I ain't gone crazy talking to myself), you can't play if you're reading !! :icon16:

Is it the carpet material like MFHs leather sheets? Either way it came out just as good as flocking.

Is it the carpet material like MFHs leather sheets? Either way it came out just as good as flocking.

No it's not an aftermarket stuff (would be too easy to guess :naughty:) it's a tip I immediately thought about when having this material in my hands...
I think it's even better than flocking, to me it is, pics don't really show it but it's inevitably homogen and it's very thin...!
It's simple to use (first flocking experience isn't really convincing...) and can be painted.
I'm really convinced by it. :grinyes:

Nice start Phil, and cool to see you build a California also!

The ''flocking'' looks very good. Maybe it's the bakingpowder method? I'm curious to see what technique you used.

Kris.

Good start on this project and smooth additions on body work...
I finish my California yesterday (soon in complete gallery :smokin:), so it is interesting to see your turn...
The flocking looking good... For your quenstion, I think it is micromesh or some similar sandpaper, isn't it?
Good luck until the end...

Nice start Phil, and cool to see you build a California also!

The ''flocking'' looks very good. Maybe it's the bakingpowder method? I'm curious to see what technique you used.

Kris.

Hi Kris,

thanks for your words !
I consider you as a flocking and texture specialist so I'm really pleased mine seems good to you. :grinyes:
and no, it's not baking powder ! :biggrin:

Good start on this project and smooth additions on body work...
I finish my California yesterday (soon in complete gallery :smokin:), so it is interesting to see your turn...
The flocking looking good... For your quenstion, I think it is micromesh or some similar sandpaper, isn't it?
Good luck until the end...

Thanks also for your words George ! :cool:
and no have I to say too, neither micromesh nor sandpaper, but we're getting closer, it's not paper... (and not to sand)


Answer soon, I didn't work on the model yesterday and didn't take pics.
I admit it's hard to guess if never having had some in hands or just by looiking at the pics, but you'll see it's not impossible to find some in your home, as you probably already have some (or very close) almost under your eyes without realizing it. :sly:



A clue: say your wife you want to use the vacuum cleaner yourself today ! :cwm27:

Hi Phil..

Really nice model, i like the new shape!!.. and the fog lights as well.. is this the top secret flocking? :) looks really nice!!!

What about the body color??

Hi Phil..

Really nice model, i like the new shape!!.. and the fog lights as well.. is this the top secret flocking? :) looks really nice!!!

What about the body color??

Thanks for your kind words Cris ;)

Hehe it's not top secret, it's just that I'm late giving the tip, haven't worked on the model these last three days, but yes I got the paint, and it will be "ice blue", it's the paint shwon on the Tamiya 360 modena spider box if not wrong, it's a metallic light blue.

And oh yes, can do better than explaining:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4c/Ferrari_California1.jpg/280px-Ferrari_California1.jpg

not sure to have the exact corresponding color but a very close one for sure.

Okkkk, so here is the new update.
Haven't worked much on the car these last days but did some paint test I will show you later, have to take pics...



Let's start with end of suspense concerning the flocking-not-flocking material and here is my tip to reproduce floors, carpets, seats etc...
I Will show more in other threads and if expected I will write a complete how-to thread with detailed pics of process steps, just let me know.





The material I use is vacuum cleaner filter material, which main interest is not to be paper but tissue material and It's very thin, close to paper thickness.



http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California028.jpg


I cut templates and use them to cut in the material sheets what I need.
I apply them with white glue spread on the parts to cover, once they are in place I use a white glue and water mix to "force" them to the parts with a large brush, close to what we do for decals using softener.

When the glue dries (don't be hurrying, could take a few hours if you're generous with glue and water mix) the material is strongly attached to the part, and glue is totaly invisible, moreover you can paint it without any troubles.

It's a perfect material for that purpose to me.
It's also perfect to reproduce the big air filters use on some F1 engines or in the Metro 6R4 for example.

I also did some test to cover seats, it works well. Will show it in my probable next build, the Porsche GT3 in which I replace all the tamiya floor thick carpet material by this filter material.


Most of you should be able to find some similar material in vacuum cleaner filters range. But may not be cheap to sacrify somefor modeling purpose...
I had mine in a former job, it's a demonstration stuff rest I had in my bag when leaving the job, so I don't have enough to send some to everyone asking but if someone is really in need to such material and have difficulties to find some, I may help.


So the California...

Not sure I had the idea of the century but I decided to push further the "GT inspiration" and modified the bonnet, opening vents...

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California027.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California026.jpg




Not completely convinced by the result, it may still require a bit of work, but the overall look pleases me much than regular California look.


http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California025.jpg

I went on on the seats too, rebuilding the belts clips.

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California024.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California023.jpg

Since pictures, seats received black primer. Next step is white primer then the final tan color.



Thanks for watching ;)

Wow I love the vents on the hood, kind of Dino-like, and the subtle mods you've done, all very tasteful and fitting of a $300,000. car!

You're hitting a home run with this one!!!!!!
I love the fog lights and the louvers on the hood look awesome!!!!!!!
This will be a great result.
..and all while keeping it a California.
This is great man..
Andy

Wow I love the vents on the hood, kind of Dino-like, and the subtle mods you've done, all very tasteful and fitting of a $300,000. car!

thank you for these words, very encouraging for next steps :smile: :cool:


You're hitting a home run with this one!!!!!!
I love the fog lights and the louvers on the hood look awesome!!!!!!!
This will be a great result.
..and all while keeping it a California.
This is great man..
Andy

Wow thank you very much too, I'm pleased to see the modifications are kept in the original car spirit while modifying enough to make it different and that it's appreciated like it is.
Louvers still need a few work, I measured where to cut but cutting and sanding were not enough regular and symetrical, so have to fix it a bit more.

I don't think I will modify more of the car appearance. It's also at my taste now :naughty: :biggrin:

Next will be painting the body, and finishing the inside detailing and paint it.


Thanks again for your words !

New update !

I spent a few time to improve hood louvers, they are now more regular and symetrical.

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California030.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California029.jpg

Still need some putty and sanding on right bottom one and it's finished ! even if not perfect, will do with it like it is...



Black wouldn't be too bad for this new body...

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California031.jpg

But I have another plan !

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California032.jpg


I'm working on a few details I hadn't touched till now like side vents (shitty part of the kit !!) and finishing paint tests.
I use Motip can so I tried to combine it with TS-13, seems to work well on my test...

So tomorrow may be the first layer day ! :)


thanks for watching, comments welcome ! ;)

Looking very good! I really like the mods you've done on this

Looking very good! I really like the mods you've done on this

Thank you ! ;)

Black primer on the hood revealed some flaws (traces of sanding skids :icon16:) I will have to correct... But body work is now almost finished !!

Hood done !!
still a few dust to sand and polish but main work is done.


http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California034.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California033.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California035.jpg


Not perfect but it will do the trick especially once painted body color.
Which is the next step as I also finished to work on the side vents... At last !

that's all for today. :icon16:
thanks for watching, comments welcome ! :)

Great job so far Phil. loved the whole car.. also the hood.. i think you make it all fit great together.. it really looks like a GT car..

Loved this black one, even knowing that is not the final color..

About the flocking-non-flocking, i would never guess!!! a filter of vacuum-forming ? damn! :)

What about the rims??

Great job so far Phil. loved the whole car.. also the hood.. i think you make it all fit great together.. it really looks like a GT car..

Loved this black one, even knowing that is not the final color..

About the flocking-non-flocking, i would never guess!!! a filter of vacuum-forming ? damn! :)

What about the rims??


Cris, thanks for your comment ! :wink:

Black is a tempting color and I will build one soon (have a plan for a VW cox :icon16:) but the california will keep the planned blue and sand mix choice.

You'll see very soon what this material is in real and all possible applications but shhh... :lol:

The rims, well, not definitely decided yet, thought to the Wald Renovatio...

http://www.japanesesportcars.com/photos/d/95899-1/lexus-ls460-wald-executive-line-renovatio-wheels-3.jpg


But they don't really seem "Ferrari spirit" to me...
Not sure they may be the best choice, I want to avoid BBS design as it's my usuall favorite choice for Ferrari and my 599 and 458 may get some, so want other ones for the California.
Am trying to find something more "GT" than the Wald rims... but don't really have ideas, moreover I'd like to use some I already have home, so finally don't really know yet... :dunno:
Main problem with Revell isn't the rims but the tires, and in fact my final choice may be lead by the fact I have matching tires to the rims chosen...:rolleyes:
Will see later, any suggestion is welcome ! But for the moment I'm concentrating my attention on body and paint work.


Thanks again for watching and for your words. :wink:

I will go on today with first coat of this blue I can't wait to see on the model !! :naughty: :naughty: :icon16:

Oh yes, my lady got a dress !! :icon16:


I promissed a first layer of paint, here it is !!

The idea of taking pics through window light to get a nicer backgroung than desk may not be my best idea today as it made camera flash worked or pics being too dark, but it's enough to let you have a first sight on the color that will dress my gal even if a bit overlighted ! :naughty:


http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California040.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California038.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California039.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California037.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California036.jpg


It's how it is after two mist coats, second a bit more generous than first one.
I must say I'm positively surprised by how the paint is getting smooth and regular while spraying from can and being a metallic color...
I'm pleased with the result so far. :sunglasse
Hope you like it too, do you ?



Hood is getting same treatment, but my first mist coat wasn't so mist :icon16: so I have to deal with a few paintslides... :uhoh: Nothing hard but a new coat is needed.


I haven't build anything since a loooooong time neither paint anything but I'm happy so see how this one turns out. :iceslolan
May end up as one of my best paint if it goes on on this way til the end. :bananasmi


Thanks for watching, don't hesitate to comment and give your opinion ! ;)
I would be curious to know how you get the color yourself.

Great color choice Phil!!.. i really loved the new shape!!..

Did you painted the hood separately? why did you get different result?

Great color choice Phil!!.. i really loved the new shape!!..

Did you painted the hood separately? why did you get different result?


Thanks for your kind words Cris ! :cool:

Yes I painted the hood seperately, as I put each part to paint on a "tree" made of plastic or big barbecue stick to be able to move them and paint on every angles. So I can paint each side and above and under at the same time, but that implies to seperate openable parts.

What happened is simple, I was too generous and the supposed mist coat was too thick, so had to let it dry, sand, and paint a second layer above to cover paintslides.
That's what I did and it worked well (so much I'm almost surprised, paint isn't my most noticeable skill if only I have a skill) and to day I'm back home with clear, so may do it this evening, haven't dare yesterday as i was on the end of the can...

A last task with the hood will be the hinges to scratch, as you probably noticed I'm not fan of the Revell assembling concept (cut off the dashboard support) and hinges are too toy like to me...
Just hope not to ruin all the work done with a stupid mistake rebuilding them...

May clear the car this evenind,nad perhaps paint the inside (got my tan can too) but won't work a lot I'm too tired today to concentrate on wrking on parts...


More to come soon, starting by new pics of the color now all needed layers are on and before clear coating it (never trusting this step...).

thanks for watching :smile:

Looking very nice! I think some bright mesh grills would look neat underneath those hood vents with that blue :)

Color looks very nice Phil.

For your wheelchoice.... maybe you can try some Hobby Design wheels? They make a lot of cool wheels that would fit under this car. Maybe some Hamann wheels?

Kris.

Looking very nice! I think some bright mesh grills would look neat underneath those hood vents with that blue :)

Thank you ! :)
Yes there will be mesh grills under hood, I thought black but bright is a good suggestion, will test both and see which one pleases me the most. :naughty:

Color looks very nice Phil.

For your wheelchoice.... maybe you can try some Hobby Design wheels? They make a lot of cool wheels that would fit under this car. Maybe some Hamann wheels?

Kris.


Thank you Kris, you're right, HD has a good range, and I already have some, but there are only rims, I would prefer replacing tires too but except if taking them in another kit... :dunno:
So I may follow your suggestion as I've just seen the Hamann T2M wheels set with a discount price, that may be my choice.
Will see for the tires if I can find some without stripping another kit ! :biggrin:

So I may follow your suggestion as I've just seen the Hamann T2M wheels set with a discount price, that may be my choice.
Will see for the tires if I can find some without stripping another kit ! :biggrin:


Hi Phil,

Perhaps i can help you with the tires, i have the Hamann T2M at home, I'll check if the tires i have available fits with the rims then i let you know ok!

Regards

Hi Phil,

Perhaps i can help you with the tires, i have the Hamann T2M at home, I'll check if the tires i have available fits with the rims then i let you know ok!

Regards

Oh yes would be great to know before ordering them, because if I can't have tires to fit on them...
Nice attention, thank you ! :cool:

A very small update...

Had to fight with paint and clear while wanting to correct a few flaws (when better is good enemy) all the weekend till finally stripping the paint and repainting the car !!
So I'm now where I was on friday with the body...

Only inside has some progress to be shown.

For the moment I can show a first tease of what would be the tan/black mix.
I think it won't be bad, now it's inside detailing work time...

So just a single pic for the moment, sorry, hope you like the color (not very visible on the pic, too much light I think)

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California041.jpg


I firstly thought to a carbon back seat, but testfitting the black primered part on the seat I quickly saw it would be ugly, so back seats will be tan too.
Just have to scratch the seat folding back handle.

There is also a handle on the top corner of the seat, bt I plus or minus voluntary forgot it... nevertheless I think I may try to add it as it has to be there. It will require seperate tan painting but I want a perfect match if I add it...

Thanks for watching, next update should be more important. :)

Hello all,

First, even if I don't know who did it, I would like to say thank you to who rated my thread 5 stars ! :worshippy
Not sure to really deserving it but will try my best to honor this vote ! :icesangel


So here is tonight update !


Finally, I got a new paint, here how it's stating before clear coat.


http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California048.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California047.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California049.jpg


Not perfect, but no major different shades problem either so won't touch it anymore (except dust cleaning of course) before clear coating, this time hood and body together.



I did some work on the inside too, and I can show a little progress.

Central console (supposed to be black leather so being gloss black), rear seat bottoms and their belts clips.


http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California045.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California044.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California042.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California043.jpg


Once more not perfect details painting, but will do with it.
I want to go on... :biggrin:


I'm now working on the dashboard and a few details, but I'm not in a good details painting day due to a big headache since I'm back home today...
May delay it to tomorrow or later.
Next important step will be applying clear on the body... Will at last let stress leave me only when done... :runaround:



Thanks for watching, comments welcome ! :grinyes:

Looking good. I've had to remind myself a few times lately that I build models to relieve stress, not create it!

Great job Phil!!.. honestly.. it's perfect!! liked the interior a lot.. how did you make that belt clips on the back seat? .. it looks really good!! i'm really sorry .. i had no time to check the tires, but i promise I'll do it today!!..

Regards

Thank you guys ! ;)

Yes modeling is supposed to be a quiet hobby ! :lol:

Cris, I made the seat belts clips from plastic card, and painted them.
Did the same for front seats.
Nothing special :dunno: so I am happy it looks good :grinyes:
No hurry for the tires don't worry, I won't have to deal with the wheels very soon... Still a lot of work on the engine and around and several inside details (belts, etc) which consume time...

Phil,

You've just inspired me with these seat belt clips!!.. :) thank you

Phil,

You've just inspired me with these seat belt clips!!.. :) thank you

You're welcome ! :biggrin:

I like your paint job a lot... More from mine...
You take more blue, I think, in final result...
The interior is very clean and well painted, also.
PS. Do, you clear coat the seats? They looks very interesting!

I like your paint job a lot... More from mine...
You take more blue, I think, in final result...
The interior is very clean and well painted, also.
PS. Do, you clear coat the seats? They looks very interesting!

George, many thanks for all these good words ! ;) :cool:
I might like my blue tint more than yours but your paint work surely is better than mine...
Haven't been home this evening so no more progress today, but tomorrow will be clear coating the body. Truth moment ! :runaround: :evillol:

The seats haven't been clear coated, no, only polished, I painted them with automotive paint, the glossy effect comes from it and I better like it than with a visible coat of clear or an ugly mirror effect due to cleat.
I think I will keep the reference for my next tan inside if ever I build other ones.

thanks again for following and for your kind comments.

more to come soon... :biggrin:

Another small update with some work already done but still not shown...

A few work on the chassis and exhaust, not my most inspired paint and weathering... :disappoin
But it's under the car, and everything else catches enough of my energy and efforts !! :icon16: :rofl:


http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California051.jpg



Thanks for watching.

PS: clear is on and drying, no major incident, just a few dust in it, mostly one particule in the middle of the hood which makes me nervous :runaround: :uhoh: sanding, not sanding... :rolleyes:
I'm so afraid to ruin the paint once more than I will only polish trying to remove dust with polishing, sanding is too risky...!!


I will probably update this evening with the body clear coated and finally finished !!
I'm pleased with the overall look, the modification look fine, and the paint is nice.
So stay tuned thread followers ! :smile:

Hello Phil!!!..

Progress is progress no matter how extensive it is.. yesterday i made some fitment test with Aoshima tires on the T2M rims, that Hamann for 458 Italy to be more specific and it fits perfectly!! So if you decide to go on this way.. don't need to worry, you can buy with your eyes shut :)

Regarding to sand or not, you said that you use automotive paint right? what about the clear? is it automotive as well? i use to paint and also to clear with automotive products, which allow me to sand, removing orange peel aspects and also some small dusts, and polish with also automotive products, mostly 3M products.

How many clear coats do you use to apply?

Regards

Hello Phil!!!..

Progress is progress no matter how extensive it is.. yesterday i made some fitment test with Aoshima tires on the T2M rims, that Hamann for 458 Italy to be more specific and it fits perfectly!! So if you decide to go on this way.. don't need to worry, you can buy with your eyes shut :)

Regarding to sand or not, you said that you use automotive paint right? what about the clear? is it automotive as well? i use to paint and also to clear with automotive products, which allow me to sand, removing orange peel aspects and also some small dusts, and polish with also automotive products, mostly 3M products.

How many clear coats do you use to apply?

Regards

Hi Cris,

thanks for your encouraging words, rims informations and advices. :wink:

I finally didn't purchase the T2M Hamann rims yet and went for the Light Alloy ones from HD I added to another purchase... As anyway, T2M or HD rims, my main problem is to take tires out of one of my Aoshima wheels sets and let the rims nude...
Thanks to you I know that these tires perfectly fit the T2M rims so if I can't find tires to fit the HD rims, or if HD rims and aoshima tires don't fit well, having to take these tires out of a wheels set, I will come back to the T2M idea to get the most perfect combination. Thanks again for the fitting test ! ;)


Well, it's automotive paint but it's acrylic paint though, that's why I can clear with TS-13. I use cans from Motip range.

The problem isn't any orange peel, I'm pleased with that point, and it's this paint most interesting advantage, but a sort of "rough sanding trace" I probably haven't cleaned correctly before and which is in the paint and not in the clear, I didn't really pay enough attention to it before, limiting my sanding steps not get same paint ruin twice, and I may have repaint a bit too fast after first paint failure and cleaning, so I'll live with it...

I will never attend perfection anyway. It's not really visible without sight just above, but I know it's there, that's what annoy me most !! :icon16:

On 1/24 models I usualy put 2 or 3 mist coats of clear + one final one a bit thicker, but I rarely clear to say the truth. I polished without clear coating especially if using Tamiya TS colors, but Motip paint are made to be clear coated, and sincerely, the tint is better with clear on ! :iceslolan
I also clear coat my 1/43 models when using white primer instead of TS-26 for a white based livery model and if so I usually put 1 or 2 layers only.

I'm not looking for any mirror shine effect, just want the paint to be "fixed" and protected for time lasting.

I will polish to enhance shine and smoothen the surface enough to look nice and clean, but I don't expect more than this on the California. :biggrin:

I've just put the final clear layer a few minutes ago, I will let it dry a few hours before final polishing, and I will try to take pics before sunset to still get natural light on it.

Well, clear having dried enough for a quick but careful first polishing session, I couldn't resist taking a few more pics before night comes !! :naughty:
Too late for sunlight (gone !! :crying: :crying:) but not for day light ! :biggrin:


I firstly took a few inside pics trying to avoid camera flash...
not good...


http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California052.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California053.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California054.jpg


So I tried outside pics...


http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California056.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California058.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California059.jpg


... and realized that without sunlight it's about the same than inside and not much better than with camera flash artificial light !! :eek7: :rofl: :rofl: :lol: :lol: :lol:


Soooo will wait for sunlight for next body pictures ! :cool:


I tried to add the fog lights, but I'm wondering if I should paint the small extension where they fit above silver as it's often the case for such parts, or if I should let them body color and just put lens above... :confused:
I'm more tempted not to paint... :sly: What do you think and would suggest for it ?


Thanks for watching ! Comments always welcome ! :smile:

If you can get it painted cleanly, I think it would look good that way

If you can get it painted cleanly, I think it would look good that way

thanks for your answer, do you mean with the silver I suppose...? :confused:
or that I should keep what I have but make it cleaner ? :cwm27: :lol:


Got another idea...
I've just tried to make rings from plastic rod to have a silver ring behind the lens...
If it's convincing I may chose this alternative option between two previous choices.
The reason is also that made like that I can change my mind without unpainting anything if the silver ring isn't convincing !! :grinyes:

Will let you see it in my next update to get your opinion. :smile:

I was thinking if the silver was painted cleanly. I'm not sure I could paint it convincingly but you probably have better skills than I do ;)

I was thinking if the silver was painted cleanly. I'm not sure I could paint it convincingly but you probably have better skills than I do ;)

:biggrin: :cool: hehehee that's how I understood it, honor is safe !! :lol: :lol: :lol:

Thanks for your suggestion and your words but I'm really not sure I have better skills to paint anything !! :confused: :dunno:
I'm so ankward, only stubbornness saves me ! :runaround: :evillol:

I took a closer look at it and realized that the successive paint and clear layers have made the rod part and body junctions less neat and visible, so painting the part will probably never be clean enough to be convincing...
That's why I decided to go with the silver ring idea. :smile:

Also a good idea ;)

Also a good idea ;)

Thank you ! ;) :smooch: :biggrin:



I put some carbon on the top dashboard front part, put clear on it, time to dry and sand and I'll have a new pic to show !


Small details are time consuming but it's not bad either after so much time and effort on the body !
Can't wait for some sun tomorrow to take pics of it BTW, I finished polishing it and I'm really pleased with the result, and the color.


I'm slightly gonna win my bet with myself, making me loving this model that I really didn't particularly like before building it... :sly: :eek7: :rofl: :lol:

Today update, and only one for this weekend as I'm not home tomorrow...



I finished the front seats, adding nicer belts clips (scratched from plastic card) and the swing handles. But I didn't add the shoulder handles as there isn't any space to make them anough accurate in terms of proportions to my taste.


http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California062.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California065.jpg




and I talked about better pics with natural sun light... and sun is there !!
so my pics too ! :)



http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California073.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California071.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California067.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California072.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California070.jpg



Hope you like the color, I do very much even if it's a bit more intense in real than what suggested in the pics. I like the blue metalic, and not that I love self complimenting but it's probably one of my best paint if not the best, I'm not used to such metalic paint on rally cars and I rarely got such a clean result (to my standard and skills) especially from Subaru TS-50 than this one I got from Motip paint ! :thumbsup:



Now, it's detailing time for all that dress the body (lights, etc) and work on the engine I can't avoid do build now I have a corrected hood. :grinyes:



Thanks for watching ! comments welcome ! ;)

Very nice Phil!!.. very nice color and i think that the interior fits perfectly.. you could take some photos from the body with the interior on it!! :)

Regarding to the fog lights.. i think that you should do something different from the body color, maybe rings, as you said, or bare metal, something that make it more visible!

You're building a great car!!.. after a long time without not finishing a model, i hope you get the "finishing pleasure" back!! you're a great modeler for sure!!

Great color, nice work.

You're bloody quick! Can't believe I missed so many updates. Nice work Phil, love the color! The seats might be a bit too glossy, or you intended to make some flamboyant interior?

Love the aggressive look of the car, after your modifications
Go On !!!!

Thank you guys for your words and encouragements ! ;)


Very nice Phil!!.. very nice color and i think that the interior fits perfectly.. you could take some photos from the body with the interior on it!! :)

Regarding to the fog lights.. i think that you should do something different from the body color, maybe rings, as you said, or bare metal, something that make it more visible!

You're building a great car!!.. after a long time without not finishing a model, i hope you get the "finishing pleasure" back!! you're a great modeler for sure!!


Yes I'm also thinking to something different from the blue body, painting the part doesn't really tempt me though, rings seems to be the best idea... But that makes the part outing more from the body... need to test it to decide.


Great color, nice work.

Thanks, I'm pleased with the color, but it's hard to catch on pics, it always seems better in real ! :icon16:


You're bloody quick! Can't believe I missed so many updates. Nice work Phil, love the color! The seats might be a bit too glossy, or you intended to make some flamboyant interior?

thank you, I try not to loose the rythm !! :lol:
The glossy flambpoyant effect isn't really wanted even if tan leather it's supposed to be can be a bit glossy, but that paint and the polishing inevitably brings some gloss, highly increasd by camera flash, it's less eye- catching in real.


As Cris suggested it I will make a mock-up with inside to see the body and inside combination.
I think it will look good once finished.


Love the aggressive look of the car, after your modifications
Go On !!!!

Thank you George, a more agressive look is all I expected so if you see it like that and like it I won the battle !! :icon16:


I'm working on details by now, and engine.
Will update soon, bjut I'm going slowly having to refer to my pics all 5 minutes to verify I'm doing right with !! :runaround:
Didn't want at the start to detail a lot the engine, but I can't resist doing a few thing... :naughty:

Dashboard may be soon finished (still fighting with the PE vents) and after that it will only require a few details more to be finished.
I'm already thinking to a special touch of mine inspired by a pic I found on the Web, but shhh... nothing sure for the moment ! :icon16: :grinno:

Stay tuned buddies !! California story still going on !!

And yes Cris, I want this one to bring me back the taste of a finish model !! :rofl: :rofl: :lol:

Tonight update !



I tried the aluminium rings behind the lens for the fog light...



http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California085.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California077.jpg


I'm not really convinced by the result, it's not enough adjusted to my taste, even if pics show dry fit test without glueing...
the lens seems more adjusted without the ring, and the fog light seems more integrated to the body...

With the ring:

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California084.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California081.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California075.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California074.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California080.jpg


and without:

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California083.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California082.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California079.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California076.jpg


Moreover I don't think the ring is enough visible to justify to be used... :rolleyes:


What do you think guys ? :dunno:


thanks for watching, comments and suggestions welcome :)

Couldn't resist to try to fit inside parts together, even if still missing a few details...



http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California086.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California089.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California088.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California087.jpg

http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n533/pctn67/Modeling/Ferrari%20California/California090.jpg



that's all for today ! :smile:

I like it without the rings. The silver rings makes it look too bug eyed. Interior looks very nice!