Just started the MG 1/12 Ferrari F1-2000 build. This one is a commissioned build for my buddy Tariq. This is the 1st time I deal with big scale F1 and resin+white metal kit. It is going to be a challenge. I am going to take my time to explore it.

I started with steering wheel part. Looks like the stock steering wheel will have a lot of work to do... I cut off the grip and get rid of all the dials and buttons... White metal is much stiffer than plastic and it took me a while to get rid of them... Buttons and dials will be replaced with styrene rods and some PE soon.

Now I am thinking to get rid of the LCD display, rev indicator and the center map pad too.. will decide soon.

Finally finally finally... my Minardi M193 is completed. After more than 12 months of on and off building, it is finally done. Result is not perfect, but I am happy with it. Check out the images and enjoys. The full building diary will be posted on Modelersite.com soon.




View the full gallery here --> Minardi M193 Gallery

Went to visit Winkinson Automobilia 2 weeks ago in Vancouver. The shop is amazing, a lot of diecasts, books, etc etc. People there are very friendly. They put a real Renault R24 nose cone, Ferrari F1 rotor and a Renault R202 exhaust pipe there.. and they let me hold and touch the parts too... The Ferrari rotor is made of carbon and it is extremely light, like less than 5 lbs or so.. The Renault exhaust pipe's welding work is simply amazing too..

They have some Minichamps 1/18 F1 diecast on sale. I picked up a Montoya's McLaren MP4/20 at CAD$45.. Not bad. I spent few hours to convert this one into a West livery version. Not 100% accurate because the West one is supposed to have a black front wing, but it is fun.. Although this is only a diecast, Minichamps did a good job to capture the accurate McLaren shape... not like Revell 1/24 one where nose cone and front suspension layout are all wrong.




Alright, better get back to finish up the Minardi!!

Happy New Year to all,

I haven't done much modeling for whole last month. I got myself a crazy gift on boxing day. I bought myself a new 2008 Acura TSX... My old 98 Accord will have new owner soon after serving me and my wife for almost 160K miles in the past 9.5 years... including close to 5 round trips to Tamiya/Con too.

As for modeling, hopefully I can resume by end of Jan after my day time work load eases up a bit.

Enjoys,

Finally made some progress on Minardi M193 cockpit. I used Modelers D923 CF decal to cover entire surrounding and coated with semi-gloss coat. Dash was covered with SMS CF decal. Seat was sprayed with SMS texture spray paint and then covered with flat black. Result looks quite pleasing. Seat belt was done with Modelers 1/20 seat belt set. Very minor wiring (only 1 wire ). Next part will be brakes, uprights, suspension, transmission and undertray... Enjoys..