WIP: #31 PWL Ferrari F430 GT2

Thats right, Im am crazy enough to go for it! :lol2:

As most of us know, while theres tons of Ferrari F430 kits on the market, no ones been able to produce a 1/24 Ferrari F430 GT car? Its dominated the ALMS and LMS all in 2007. 7 F430s ran at this years Le Mans, and only 3 Porsches. Porsches first version of the 997 RSR couldnt touch this car! (With the exception being Le Mans). Porsche had to come out with an updated RSR, which debuted this year, and has found the pace of the F430. And with luck, Risi won the 24 hours of Le Mans this year with the Ferrari. Im sure someone will come out with a resin kit, but I and many like me dont have the money for something like that.

What I have managed to afford so far has been a 1/24 Fujimi Ferrari F430 Challenge kit, along with the Crazy Modeler P/E set for the Challenge, and some very nice decals (more on that later). Im planing on taking the Challenge kit and converting it to the GT2 race version. Bodywork is slightly different, a differend nose and rear will be needed. Cockpits a little different, as is the engine bay. This just might be in my ballpark ;)

The car im going after is by far the best looking of the GT2 F430s. Yes, Risi's Red car is sexy and dominant, Krohn's green Ferrari is interesting, but nothing can compare to that of the Peterson White Lightning Ferrari.

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn111/JTninja/F430GT/1163302007202433343.jpg

The team didnt have much luck in the 2007 ALMS season, got in a bad crash at St. Petersburg, Driver Tomas Enge got in some trouble (which was unfair to say the least...), and some pace issues. But they did win at Miller in Utah :D

Ive taken the Challenge wheels and made a little adjustment. I took some plastic stryenge to make them a little wider. Since no ones made decent 14 spoke BBS (except SMS C6R, too much!), these are the closest availible and will do.

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn111/JTninja/F430GT/P1080699.jpg

Ive started with the rear bumper by widening the openings. They're correct for the challenge car, but not the GT2...

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn111/JTninja/F430GT/3375-15-3.jpg

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn111/JTninja/F430GT/P1080688.jpg

And the front Bumpers another issue. Ive decided to take a thin strip of plastic to the front to extend it down and to redo the intake...

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn111/JTninja/F430GT/P1080691.jpg

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn111/JTninja/F430GT/3375-16-3.jpg

And finally, the decals!

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn111/JTninja/F430GT/P1080702.jpg

Colin King created these for the F430 kit, and I'll be adapting them to the GT2 car.

Only thing I need to figure out is what kind of color should I use for the bright, highlighter like yellow?

Hope you guys like this project! And ideas or tips, please share! :biggrin:

I think that you will test your skills with this one a lot :D

be careful with wheels, front ones are negative one (much more dent in them), while rear ones are almost flat (except the center).

Now I see I really am wheel nazi :D

Keep it up, I am very interested how will it come out.

This will be interesting to follow.
Here's the yellow paint you need from ZERO Paints
http://www.hiroboy.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=1477

Wow! Interesting and challenging project.

JT, not not be picky, but the Challenge shown in your photos is the F430 in the GT3 specification, running in the Fia GT, while the Fujimi model is based on Challenge Press presentation.

Anyway, good luck! I'll follow your progress.

Robi :)

JT, sorry for polluting your thread.

Looking in my parts box I discovered this rim, I guess it comes from a 908 diecast (especially done for the Autodromo di Monza). The design is close to the BBS of the GT2, despite the diameter has to be increased. I've only one and I cannot make resin copy, let me know if you would be interested.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a163/RJ1108/Various/BBS3.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a163/RJ1108/Various/BBS2.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a163/RJ1108/Various/BBS1.jpg

Robi :)

Woho, I love to open up AF in the evening and see one of these very ambitious projects including massive scratch bulding and modifying as well as a hell of a paint job. I´m honestly hooked, good luck with this one and ... give yourself a break on every detail - it will hell nevertheless.

Robert

Thanks for the comments and interest guys!

Sjelic - I need to file sand them down even anyways ;) I added some putty to the parts that needed it.

Robrex - Its a close match, but that flouresent yellow isnt dark enough...might have to make the color myself (Perhaps Tamiya Yellow/Green or Lemon Yellow?).

Robi - Im guessing that the car in the pic is a pre-form to the GT3 car (which has a different bonnet and front bumper). It showed the difference between it and the GT2s side front vents, so I grabed it :biggrin:

The wheels look nearly spot on, the spokes just need to be thinned out. Shame you dont have more :frown:

Heres what Ive done today

Ive taken both front side vents and cut them the correct length. I measured with a ruler to make sure their close to even as possible, and will sand them more. Im trying to create plastic planes to put inside of them...

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn111/JTninja/F430GT/P1080710.jpg
Ive opened the other side of the rear lower vents, though its a little too jagged in some parts, so I added putty. I also did a rather poor putty job on the rear bumper, closing up the rear holes.

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn111/JTninja/F430GT/P1080714.jpg


Question to those who know the answer. Is it a good idea to prime most, if not all of the plastic pieces that will be painted another color? Havent done it before, didnt know if anyone else does...

Robi, how the Challenge coming along? I want an update! :D

Well, since no one replied to my question about priming the parts, I went ahead and did it anyways :biggrin: . Any ideas on how long I should let the parts dry before painting them?

Ive worked on the rear bumper a bit, cut out the "netting" fujimi put in on the rear window deck. Most of the work as of late has been on the front bumper. The plastic peice I had to wrap around the front to extend it looked like it was perfect during the test fit, but glueing it was a whole 'nother stroy. It ended up being too small height wise, and wouldnt glue when bent properly. So after 2 hours of attemps, I finally cut up the side parts, and then divided one side into 4 parts, and then glued them one seperately. I then got another peice of thin plastic and tried again for the wrap around. I found it could work if I had a strong glue. Since Im still an amauter at modeling, IVe been using Testors glue. I tried using the "non" toxic liquid glue, but it wouldnt hold. I then tried Tamiyas super glue, and that didnt work either. So I then tried using my old Testors liquid glue (Didnt have a non-toxic logo, so might have been unsafe :lol: ). It worked!
This was the pic from last night.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn111/JTninja/F430GT/P1080716.jpg

Now Ive more defined the bumper, and have started applying putty on the inside. I will soon apply a light amount on the outside to get a proper shape...



One last question....how can I achieve this color for my headlight?
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn111/JTninja/F430GT/alms-2007-seb-eg-0008.jpg

Do I need something like clear yellow and apply on the inside???

wow, your taking a big jump on making the car, so far its lookin good. I'm too lazy and most likely getting S27's version of the car

clear Yellow would work to achieve that look

Sweet, thanks!

Tonight Im letting some putty dry, as well as starting to open some of the front hood inlets....

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn111/JTninja/F430GT/P1080810.jpg

Robi, how the Challenge coming along? I want an update! :D

Well, since no one replied to my question about priming the parts, I went ahead and did it anyways. Any ideas on how long I should let the parts dry before painting them?

Do I need something like clear yellow and apply on the inside???

So JT, my Challenge is sleeping, honestly I lost a bit of motivation with it and I'm slowly working on other subjects.

Then, concerning me, I do not prime all the parts in a kit. I normally prime bodywork and accessories, wings and cockpit floor. On the rest I spray on directly the color. Priming ALL the parts could make easier the molding seams removal, and for sure a better base for the color.

Primer Drying Time: with average climate condition, I usually wait for a couple of days, since I'm using cans and not airbrush.

Clear yellow: you could apply it from inside, slowly and carefully if done with a brush to avoid bubbles. Tamiya's clear are the best for me.

You're doing a fine job on this 430, take your time and carefully refine the openings on the hood and front bumper.

Ciao: Robi :)

JT,

I've just been reading an article on coloring aircraft canopies and it's possible it'll work for the headlight covers

http://www.swannysmodels.com/Tinting.html


HTH,

Andy

I have tried to tint windshield on F430 I will show you the result tomorrow. I used Gunze clear.
The thing is, it would probably be good for lights but for windshield no, because it distort the seeing through (hope you understand this)
But pictures will follow.

That's an interesting project you got yourself into! I'm following!

Nice, good luck on this one. Love the ambitious ones. =)

Okay, time for a good update! Got some great news here.

Andy, great find! Ill probably test this rought with other clear parts first, just in case, but Ill most likely use this method.

Robi has helped me out hugely by offering to send me the correct wheels for the Ferrari. With a little work, they will be perfect!

Also, Ive asked around on the ALMS forums, and many members have happily sent me pictures of the car! Included help has come directly from members of the team :D

The hard part is, now that im getting the proper equipment, theres no acception expect perfection :banghead: :lol:

Thanks to my new pics, Ive had to re-shape the hood inlets with some putty. Once it drys, Ill sand some more underneath and continue making the inlets.
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn111/JTninja/F430GT/P1080830.jpg

The front opening on the bumper is off, so I have to redo it. Im working on that right now.

Ive also glued the roll cage, and will sand it down a little, re-prime, and spray it a form of silver. Ive also started on the cockpit, the p/e parts from CM Challenge set has been put in. The dash will have to be majorly worked on.

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn111/JTninja/F430GT/P1080822.jpg

Also started the process of cutting up the brakes and adding the p/e's. Sadly, I started school again today, so it slows my progress a little.

Thanks for looking,

JT

Studio 27 just announced 3 different F430GT kits.

Here you go JT

Gunze clear yellow+blue, so it is a bit not to yellow.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y27/sjelic/DBR9/P8281723.jpg

360spider - Yes, heard about it to. Also heard it was resin....then I saw the price :crying:

Sjelic - looks fantasic. Excuse my noobish question, whats gunze? Never heard of it....


Small update. Ive started school again, very busy now. I finished with adding the shape to the nose, so Ive been putty'in it up. Slow and long process...I hate this part....
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn111/JTninja/P1090039.jpg
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn111/JTninja/P1090049.jpg

Also working on all the p/e parts from CM (Challenge), as well as starting on the dash. Scratch building the airbox, found some great tubing to help.

Sjelic - looks fantasic. Excuse my noobish question, whats gunze? Never heard of it....


Gunze or GSI this is the bottle only

http://www.californiamodelworkshop.org/tutorials/acrylics/gunze.jpg

But you can use Tamiya clear also

Okay, time for small update!

Ive done lots of putty'n and sanding lately when I have free time...tried wet sanding for the first time and now currently curse myself for the wasted time not doing it :banghead:

Still working hard on the interior and details of the car. Here are the wheels I will use, huge thanks to Robi here for supplying them. Theyre the closest availible to the real ones, just tire mods and they sould be good...

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn111/JTninja/F430GT/100_7276.jpg

I decided to do a little priming today, since the weather was good. Its hard trying to see what you need to do when your grey putty distracts from all the red...everything felt smooth but didnt look too right, so by priming it looks like I can find all the flaws (Theres lots :D)

Preview:
http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn111/JTninja/F430GT/100_7293.jpg

Still need to work on the nose. it gives you the basic shape so far, lots more sanding to do this week :D

Until then,

JT

small tip:
make yourself a sanding block.

get a small bit of timber or plastic or anything that is cuboid that you can wrap a sheet of sandpaper around and have a good 2 inch by 1 inch of flat surface. This will make sanding things flat much easier and will help you get them sharp edges back and make shaping a curve easier.

small tip:
make yourself a sanding block.

Yes, great suggestion !

JT, you're doing a fine job ...but you put A LOT of putty on this F430. I know sanding it is a tedious task, but it's mandatory. Take your time and sand gently and carefully.

Wheels look fine :grinyes:

Robi

JT, I see your question about the side mirrors. If don't have the 360 CS items, check this link, with some minor sanding you can reach what you need

http://www.automobilminiaturen.de/product_info.php?language=en&info=p1341_Spiegel-Version-3.html

and with regard to the BBS wheels, our volcanic Gionc designed these beautiful rims for Scale Production, available soon
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a163/RJ1108/Various/BBS430.jpg

Bravo Gio !!!

Bye: Robi :)

So I tried the sanding block, and wow! Helps so much! Have also take some flat and very thin nail filers from my mom (like .5 in), put 1000grit over then and sanded for tight corners.

Robi, those wheels look good. Will probably try those mirrors when I have enough money for them to be shipped (buying a car at the moment)

Okay, time for a small update. Ive sanded the crap out of the front end, worked on the side skirts, and kinda the rear. Ive started working on the interior, scratch building the funky airbox and gearing center console. Brakes still working on, and soon to start engine bay. The body still needs good work. Heres some pics from the priming I did today, almost there with the nose...just a few more spots...:D

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn111/JTninja/F430GT/P1090067.jpg

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn111/JTninja/F430GT/P1090084.jpg

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn111/JTninja/F430GT/P1090086.jpg

http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn111/JTninja/F430GT/P1090088.jpg

So JT, nice progress!

Not to be picky, I do not know what you're using for the opening but their shape is not "fluid". You're putting a lot of effort in this project, try to refine the openings on the hood, those on the front bumper and, you know it, you should sand again the front bumper in the lower area and above the right intake.

Anyway, many compliments, a lot better than expected. Bravo JT :biggrin:

Robi

Oh yess, defiently have work still to do on that front bumper, on the front by in the openings, as well as the side. But they're getting a lot better! Still have to work on the openings on the hood, the inside needs to be sanded down so its thinner, and the the cutting more defined. Its a long progress, and with my busy schedule, hard to work on. My local hobby store sells primer at $9.25, the Nazis! :(, and are still out of clear yellow...

Wait till you get to see the inside ;)

Any updates???

Sorry guys, Ive been very busy lately. Many things have happened since the last update. My school work has been increased, as well as my work hours. Ive also bought a new car, which is the love of my life right now. I have continued work on the Ferrari, a lot of sanding, shaping of the rear.

Most of the work has now turned to the inside. Ive started to re-shaped the center consule and scratched an air box on the right side of the dash. Engine work has been hard as Ive been out of anything red except flat, and have finally got a few nice colors on Friday. Ive had major problem with the headlights however, it seems theres something wrong with the tamiya clear yellow I got, theres tons of little bubbles inside of the paint, and when brushed on it looks utterly terrible! I had to take thinner to it to take it off, and then try dipping the headlights in it. It was a little better, but still little bubbles were there. Im currently looking at alturnatives right now, and should have that fixed soon.

Sadly, a week ago my laptop crashed, which had all of my pictures and references on it. It seems it can no longer start Windows. Ill probably have to reinstall Vista again, and in doing so might lose all of my pics (not sure yet). I had everything from reference pics to secret team personal photos, as well as development shots of the WIP. Not to mention all of the cars I developed for a new BATracer carset and family pictures, and hundreds from the 2008 Laguna Seca ALMS race! Hopefully it can be recovered....:(

I can hopefully get new pictures up soon!

Sorry to hear about your computer crash and loss of data.

I have some reference pics of the Ferrari 430 GT2 that run at the 24h of Spa 2007. Perhaps they can be usefull?
You can find them here (http://picasaweb.google.com/svenquasters/Ferrari430ReferentiefotoS#) .

Greets

Sorry to hear that!

Backup, backup, backup...
Sorry to hear.

I know, I know....:(

Carrer!6- nice pics, the ones with the engine and diffusor will help :)

Just tried to order those 360 CS mirrors from the site Robi gave me. In order to check out, I had to have a total of at least 20euros worth of stuff...what I wanted was only 3. After getting to that amount, I would have to pay 35euros for shipping....so Im looking at $110+ just to get these mirrors over here? Not going to happen...

Anyone know anywhere else I can get the CS type mirrors?

I know, I know....:(

Carrer!6- nice pics, the ones with the engine and diffusor will help :)

Just tried to order those 360 CS mirrors from the site Robi gave me. In order to check out, I had to have a total of at least 20euros worth of stuff...what I wanted was only 3. After getting to that amount, I would have to pay 35euros for shipping....so Im looking at $110+ just to get these mirrors over here? Not going to happen...

Anyone know anywhere else I can get the CS type mirrors?

Hi, do you still need the mirrors? try this dutch guy!
http://picasaweb.google.nl/dewachter.nick/RubberMirrorsProductsListNickDeWachterParts#
He sells stuff for 1/24 slotcar racing but usefull for scalemodeling nonetheless!!
Ordered some stuff and great to work with.

He sells more but the link provided is for the mirrors on some GT1/2 Prototype 1/2
kits. He has got F430GT2 mirrors and F430 challenge mirrors in rubber
Try the Tamara mirrors (GT2 F430) (He gives the kits girl names)
There are also some matching wheel inserts, F430GT2 wing and diffuser)

Ho JTNinja
I'm from Brazil and I'm now on the beggining of the same project. But as I want to make the same car, please where did you buy this decals?
Thanks
Jose

Hello Hello guys,
hi JT Ninja, my name is Paolo and I am an italian modeller.

I made the same work on a similar car, also scratchbuilding the decals to obtain the car racing at le mans driven by Adrian Neway, Joe Macari and Ben Aucott.
U can see all my work in progress at this link.
Feel free to ask me everything u need.

http://www.modellismo.net/forum/statico-work-progress/67286-auto-f430-gt2-lm-af-corse-1-24-a.html

it is 11 pages of step by step model, sorry I just wrote all in Italian, but if u need any tip, just ask me.

I also wanted to open some of my wips here, but is difficult to upload photos.
Right now I am scratchbuilding the BMW M3e92 GTR in 24th scale.

happy modelling from Italy ;)

Paolo

Ciao Paolo

To share link to other forums is not eventually allowed here, the policy is fully understandable and have to do with advertising and rights.
@Andy: he's recognized and great, he wanted just to help, I'm sure you'll find the right compromise.

eheh..ciao Giò

didnt read this rule, sorry all.
I tried share my pics here, and also note there is a size limit of 100k, that anyway doesnt accept my pics anyway.:shakehead

Can I use maybe a photo upload service as flickr or similar?

eheh..ciao Giò

Can I use maybe a photo upload service as flickr or similar?

Yes Paolo you must, feel free to start one your own thread insthead post your images here. If you get troubles sharing hosted pict just PM me, ciao.