WIP: Tamiya 1/20 Lotus 99T (Senna & Detroit)

It's been 7 months since the little Lotus 25 was done and the last time I built any F1. I have enjoyed my rally builds (even the much maligned Pug!) and my first Le Mans car the Porsche 917K was an absolute joy, but I have to say F1 is still without doubt my favourite subject.

So this is the next project - 1/20 Lotus 99T, driven by the late great Ayrton Senna at the Detroit race of 1987. Paul at Thunder Valley Miniatures has helped me out with the detail kit and I have also ordered the S27 set to depict the Detroit car (larger rear wing, different air scoops etc)

For those that remember my Lotus 25 & last year's Ferrari 310B this is going to be just as detailed and as a result will probably see me through the rest of the year.

Here's what I have so far...

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC03855.jpg

the excellent TVM kit...

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC03852.jpg

S27 Detroit transkit & etch set...

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/st27tk2017cr_med.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC03972.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC03853.jpg

and finally...

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC03854.jpg

http://www.f1m.com/modules/PNphpBB2/images/smiles/icon_eek.gif Take a close look at the Acu-stion set, I know I always go on about how shockingly poor value for money these sets are but this one takes the absolute biscuit (and no I didnt buy it, it came with the kit from ebay ). Now try and work this one out - take away the tyre template (I have one that I use over and over - we dont need one in each set), seat belt hardware (which I never ever use cos its so rubbish) and the radiator grills (which are never as good as S27 or any other etch manufacturer for that matter), and your left with 4 engine badges, 6 fasteners, mirror lenses & a couple of other bits and that it. This set costs more than the S27 set which is £9.01 at MMH, the Perfect Parts set £10 (see pic.). I have seen this advertised on ebay for - and wait for it - £22 plus postage http://www.f1m.com/modules/PNphpBB2/images/smiles/icon_confused.gif , if it wasnt such a rip off it would be hilarious http://www.f1m.com/modules/PNphpBB2/images/smiles/icon_lol.gif If you build this car anyone PLEASE dont waste any of your hard earned £££ by buying this set, there is absolutely no point, there is more detail in a 1/24 scale Burago diecast http://www.f1m.com/modules/PNphpBB2/images/smiles/icon_lol.gif

I will get off my High Horse now http://www.f1m.com/modules/PNphpBB2/images/smiles/icon_rolleyes.gif

I also have a fair few images from the web as reference although not a vast amount, as I'm sure you will agree you can never have too many so if any of you know of any further good sources of reference for this project I would appreciate it. Hope you enjoy the WIP as much as I know Im gonna enjoy building it.

I'm tuned :D

awesome subject can't wait for some more progress pics!!!

I am on! Have the same model on my shelf waiting...

I've never built an F1 kit and probably never will, but watching your builds is always inspiring and amazing. And I have to agree with you--Acustion sucks!

Alex

Can't wait to see what you do with one.

thanks for the interest guys...

first update...

I dont want to jump head first into the kit before I have the Studio 27 transkit with me, however one job that needed doing was to remove all the moulded rivet heads on the monocoque (can you tell how much I was looking forward to doing that :shakehead )

the shell OOB looks like this...

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC04072.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC04073.jpg

this all needs covering in C/F and then the rivet heads replacing with etched versions, the TVM kit includes two sizes of rivet heads for this very task. For those who havent got any C/F decals (or cant be bothered to cover it) then I would suggest spraying it semi-gloss black and then giving it a nice dry brushing with a mid to dark grey, finally pick out all those heads with some aluminium.

To help me remember where all these heads are I drilled out each one...

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC04074.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC04075.jpg

this will now get a good sanding and then I will tackle removing those electrical boxes from the side pods.

I had to include this picture of a quick dry fit, to me this era saw the most beautiful F1 cars of any time in the sport (obviously including the spoiler clad monstrosities we have today), anyway as always with Tamiya the fit is perfect.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC04076.jpg

I also thought about using these wheels left over from my Toyota Celica build, whaddya think :lol: ?

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC04077.jpg

more later today!

I also thought about using these wheels left over from my Toyota Celica build, whaddya think :lol: ?

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC04077.jpg

I think you spent too much time in the pub last night ;) :lol:

update...

finished sanding the monocoque and removed all those 'orrible little mouldy rivet heads...

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC04078.jpg

now call me sick but I also added 4 more which I noticed have been omitted. These live just in front of the driver. Sucker for punishment I know!

also removed the two moulded electrical boxes from either side, these took a little time as care was needed not to damage the shell.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC04079.jpg

checking out my reference pics my heart sank when I realised that the rivet heads on the yellow bodywork have all got a small hole in the centre of each one, you cannot see very well on the two parts in the pic as my camera wouldnt pick it up, however all these will need a tiny hole putting into each one. I will get them drilled and then you will see what I mean.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC04080.jpg

I have had to do a bit of searching to find the right Carbon weave for the Monocoque however I think I found the right one finally. I sent an email to ScaleMotorsport with a reference pic of the monocoque and they have suggested this...

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/cfpattern.gif

looks about right to me, I've got my order in with Hiroboy today and hopefully that will do just fine!

so its back to more drilling for me... sigh!

just quick one to show the drilled side panels. I have decided to remove the mouldings altogether and will replace these with more etched versions (I'm pretty sure I have enough - gulp!)

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC04081.jpg

Also while ordering the C/F decals I have also picked up the Camel Lotus Yellow by Zero Paints from Hiroboy too, I did read in a thread somewhere that this was an excellent match for the actual car and after my experience with the Subaru blue I hope it will be just as good.

Looking forward to seeing more on this build :)

guys,

I found this pic in my folder of reference pics, does anyone know who this build) belongs to and if so where I can see more pictures? It looks absolutely stunning. I had to look twice to check it wasnt real!

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/016.jpg

a quick update...

added the rivet heads to the side panels. I'm much happy with these now - it was worth the effort in the end as the moulded versions were pretty plain in comparison.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC04082.jpg

*settles in to watch and learn*

guys,

I found this pic in my folder of reference pics, does anyone know who this build) belongs to and if so where I can see more pictures? It looks absolutely stunning. I had to look twice to check it wasnt real!

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/016.jpg

I think it was Sennake, but I'm not sure.

Don't think it was Sennake; the only build I found on his website (sennake.be) shows a version of this car with text written on they tyres...

update...

here's what I will be using for the paint - fingers crossed I get as good a result as I did with the Subaru...

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC04089.jpg

as for progress on the build, well like a numpty I ordered the wrong C/F decals from Hiroboy (my fault completely) - I ordered the Amber ones instead of the pewter ones so I'm stuck until they arrive, knowing Hiroboy's service that will probably be tomorrow - he's lightning fast that guy!

The good news is the Detroit GP conversion set arrived from MMH so I have everything I need now apart from the decals.

In the meantime I removed the moulded seatbelts - no dramas here...

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC04090.jpg

this needs to be covered in a different weave C/F so that's my task as I type this.

I also scratch made these two Master cylinders which poke out of one of the holes in the monocoque, all made from the spares box but I turned the actual cylinders using my dremel (it's as close to a lathe I can get at the moment ;-)

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC04091.jpg

more updates later hopefully and thanks for following, still need to find out who built that other Lotus though.

Still following you on this one. ;)

Formal that it's not Sennake's 99T. I know his collection and though his 99T is also nice, it's definitely not his.

O Boy... this is another thread I will be glued to... and another 1/20th F1 model that I will need to purchase and add to my every growing pile :)

Great work so far... and yes, mid-80s to mid90s F1 models are the most aesthetic.

Bill

Looking forward to following this one.

Very nice so far Sean.The rivet heads look 100% improved.I'm also looking forward to seeing the Zero Camel yellow in action.

Great start Sean. I have the original issue of this lying around so will watch with interest.

Are you going to display the car like this?
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m225/malscar/photos/th_Scan10007.jpg (http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m225/malscar/photos/Scan10007.jpg)

Here are a few shots that may help you.

http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m225/malscar/photos/th_Scan10012.jpg (http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m225/malscar/photos/Scan10012.jpg)
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m225/malscar/photos/th_Scan10014.jpg (http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m225/malscar/photos/Scan10014.jpg)
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m225/malscar/photos/th_Scan100021.jpg (http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m225/malscar/photos/Scan100021.jpg)
http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m225/malscar/photos/th_Scan100141.jpg (http://i105.photobucket.com/albums/m225/malscar/photos/Scan100141.jpg)

Looks like quite the project, keep us posted!

Seeing those reference pictures made me realise that the engine and transmission are almost exactly the same as the William FW11... so if you are struggling for reference pictures of the Lotus, you could always refer to them.

Some interesting reference material being added. Thanks!

It must have taken alot of patience to drill out all the rivets. Just a clue as to what else is coming on this already clearly fantastic wip.

update...

and the prep work continues :rolleyes:

front wing as it is in the kit and with the p/e end plates which will replace the kit's smaller versions.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC04124.jpg

after removing the old end plates with the trusty ole' Dremel...

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC04125.jpg

and with the new p/e plates attached...

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC04126.jpg

I have two further small pieces to add from the TVM kit however I just need to clarify with Paul a couple of points before I do so.

Onto the rear wing...

as you can see from the pic I have used the S27 p/e end plates, 2 of the white metal cross pieces from the TVM kit and I decided to stick with the plastic kit main centre section. I was a little worried about all the extra weight on the tail by using the White Metal pieces so I made a compromise and used a mix of both. The fit of the white metal parts was excellent and there were were no gaps in any element. I also added a p/e gurney flap to the top wing element from the TVM kit.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC04130.jpg

Onto the driver's seat, in the TVM set there is a turned alu gear lever.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC04118.jpg

All that needs to be done is to cut off and drill out the old one in the plastic part and replace it with this. I also drilled out the moulded nuts and replaced them with Calibre 35 plastic versions.

Where this lever assembly attaches to seat surround I added four washers as per my reference pics.

On the opposite side of the seat you can see one cable added with fasteners, there is also another lever and cable to add here

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC04122.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC04123.jpg

Seat belts are from the Perfect Parts set T2A

I have covered the monocoque in Scale Motorsports C/F Plain Weave 1420 and as I type this am in the middle of 'washering' the monocoque, I think I may be quite some time, phew! :frown:

Guess what, I ordered the kit and it's on the way, thanks for that :smooch:

great CF work and the seatbelts look very realistic!

...'washering' progress so far...

OH MY GOD! who's idea was it to remove all those lovely moulded rivet heads!?!?!?!?!

reckon I'm about halfway there, my backs killing me, my eyes havent blinked for at least two hours and if I lose one more etched rivet I will seriously lose the plot! :runaround:

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC04134.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC04133.jpg

Great CF work. What decals have you used (brand)?

Great CF work. What decals have you used (brand)?

Scale Motorsports C/F Plain Weave 1420

I love that seat.
The build also.!!
Nice.

Cheers,

Jamme

final update of the evening...

finished the seat and added the lever to the left of the driver, as I understand it this adjusts the active suspension settings of the car. I made this from spares from the box and added a couple of washers where it attaches to the surround.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC04135.jpg

Also completed 'washering' the monocoque and added a few details to the front including the cylinders, bodyshell catch and antenna. The cylinders and antenna were scratched and the catch is from TVM etc set.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC04137.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC04138.jpg

more to come tomorrow and thanks for staying tuned.

This is riveting stuff... or is it washering?

:)

Washering,rivitering,whatever it is it looks pretty good to me! Seriously nice job on the monocoque the carbon fibre work and the rivets look great.

This is riveting stuff... or is it washering?

:lol: :lol:

Great detail as always, Sean. I hope you didn't "lose your plot" in the end! :evillol:

Excellent work on the mono looks great.

Amazing patience is shown here in placing so meticiously all these rivets. Well done!

more progress...

I have completed decaling the monocoque. The more common C/F weave is used on the sidepods and makes a nice contrast against the centre section.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC04142.jpg

Moving onto the dashboard, this is the kit version, ok but not 100% accurate by any means...

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC04139.jpg

These little boogers are going to be the replacement switches, ... thin wire for the actual switch and... yes you guessed it - more washers for the backs!!

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC04140.jpg

Completed deashboard...

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC04144.jpg

I picked out the switch labels in yellow and kept their positions as close to the real thing as possible. The centre LED displays was painted dark metallic grey and a little wash was added around each display to create a little more depth, four p/e screw fasteners were added around this section. All the lights were painted with Tamiya Clear colours over polished chrome.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC04147.jpg

Steering wheel next... coming soon!

Beautiful dash... attention to detail is great.

Excellent work on the dash it looks sweet

Dash looks fantastic.Great little switches.

Wow,

great job so far

I have to agree with the others. Dash is simply stunning!

Why did you built the exacto knife in scale 20/1? :grinyes:

Absolutely stunning

:eek2:

What an incredible work of art !!!
I cannot think of more to say, I'm actually quite speechless...

Fantasic WIP! Detail work is amazing!!:thumbsup:

update...

firstly thanks very much for the encouragements and nice comments, really appreciated as always.

Over at F1m this WIP has caused a bit of a debate regarding the composite monocoque. Basically on the real car it had a texture to it as wel as a weave. I didnt think it was possible to replicate however one of the guys sent me this link...

http://www.sankaido.jp/f/f1modeling/m_factory/12/06/img/005.jpg (http://www.sankaido.jp/f/f1modeling/m_factory/12/06/img/005.jpg)

the model is absolutely stunning and if I had seen that pic before I had started I may well have given it a go, however no use crying over spilt milk as they!

so onto the update...

here's the kit wheel

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC04148.jpg

and what I have done to it...

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC04152.jpg

The two switches are done in the same way as the dash but without the washers. The plastic coloured ends are basically a dollop (technical term there) of paint. I replaced the moulded srews with etch parts again and the badge is taken off the web and printed out on my HP. (I have bought an ALPS to do decals with however Im still testing and researching the printer but it wont be long before Im doing my own hopefully!)

Also made a cable from thin wire (Hiro stuff) coiled around a pin and painted the ends silver...

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC04149.jpg

the back of the wheel I just added a couple of wider sections of tubing around the column

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC04150.jpg

cable in place on the dash...

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC04151.jpg

and the wheel, I havent glued it down so the wheel is actually removable, will probably display it like this.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC04154.jpg

The whole seat and dash are now installed in the monocoque, Im just about finished this section now...

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC04155.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC04157.jpg

onto the front suspension now!

thanks again for following. :)

Wow... wow... wow! That is all i can say.

Bill

I don't think there is much spilt milk on the mono. I had seen the picture that you have included before, but I don't find it that convincing. For my taste there is too much structure and depth in it. Remember, it's 1/20 scale, so you need to multiply the structure by 20...

To be right, a model just needs to look right and your CF looks better then the one shown in the link. Just my :2cents:

Cockpit is impressive!

I don't think there is much spilt milk on the mono. I had seen the picture that you have included before, but I don't find it that convincing. For my taste there is too much structure and depth in it. Remember, it's 1/20 scale, so you need to multiply the structure by 20...

To be right, a model just needs to look right and your CF looks better then the one shown in the link. Just my :2cents:

Cockpit is impressive!
I have to say that I agree with Guido.

I also have to say that I don't think it really matters a rat's a$$ :D
Your detail work is stunning by any standards and to criticize it at that level is obsessive rivet counting IMHO (or should that be washer counting? :evillol:)

I have to say that I agree with Guido.

I also have to say that I don't think it really matters a rat's a$$ :D
Your detail work is stunning by any standards and to criticize it at that level is obsessive rivet counting IMHO (or should that be washer counting? :evillol:)

thanks Ste/Guido, I do see the point they are trying to make however, but lm happy with the decal finish and how closely it resembles what I was looking for, its near enough for me anyway.

quick little progress report...

first part of the front wishbones..

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC04158.jpg

I dont know what the two little silver units are at each end of the wishbones, obviously something to do with the brakes I guess, however the moulded ones in the kit looked rubbish. I cut these out and then scratched some more up using bits from the spares box, finally I drilled a small hole to take the cable which runs from these into the monocoque.
The tape fasteners (can you believe that is actually how they were fastened back then) are just thin pieces of... well... black tape funnily enough, hows that for autheniticity! :wink:

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC04161.jpg

Your work always looks as if it is in at least 1/8 scale - depressing really :lol: ;)

more progress...

I cant go any further with the front end until I spray and fit the side panels and I'm not gonna start that tonight.

so on to a job I've been putting off. The floor plan. For the Detroit race the exhaust outlet differed from those of the kit and were much more of a straightforward design, therefore there needs to be some carefull cutting to be done.

here's the kit floorplan...

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC04162.jpg

and these two white metal parts replace the moulded outlets...

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC04165.jpg

along with the two heat protection plates from the TVM set...

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC04164.jpg

I again used the Tamiya saw but it really was tricky to get into all the angles without damaging the rest. There will need to be a little filler here and there but nothing to drastic thankfully.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC04166.jpg

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e331/ohanra/Lotus%2099T/DSC04167.jpg

Painting them however is going to a another problem, a lot of the floor plan is a checked C/F pattern and I am guessing this goes for the underside too as I dont have a single picture of the bottom of the car.

I think tomorrow will be a spraying, filling and sanding day - oh goody! :-(

All looks great,really nice work so far on all the parts.My opinion on your monocoque is that I prefer the look of yours over the one in the link you posted.I just think yours looks more in scale and accurate.

I am currently building the same car, but straight OOB. I thought about posting my WIP but yours make mine look like crap in comparison. :rofl:

hehe, I can see why you have been putting the floor aside. I'd probably do the same... not the easiest thing, but when finished, it'll be worth the effort. Looking forward to see how it'll turn out. You've done great so far!

What else to say other than: Its a great Build and a joy to watch yet another of your WIP's.

Love your attention to detail and patience all around.

How can I put it ... stunning? Amazing? Breath taking? Nah ... perfect!