Honda takata dome nsx 2005

I just had to have this kit! Just one more I told myself when my local Hobby Shop had a 40% off sale. Of all the Honda NSX that Tamiya has produced this one is my favorite. This is a newer issue as it has the metal base plate. This has been a real love or hate feature among our modeling community. I don’t dislike it that much and it sure made my decision easy to build box stock and end up with a nice shelf model. Cartograph beautifully produces the decals, which are top notch. The other complaint I hear a lot about now is the photo-etch set, which is not included. Adding another 20 USD to the cost of these kits makes it even more of an ouch factor. If the photo-etch set were to be included you could still qualify for the O.O.B contest category. Other then that the kit is the usual high quality we have all come to expect from Tamiya.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s11/KorkyOtt/Honda_NSX/IMG_3517_C.jpg

So on with the build. Parts are pruned from the trees. I spend a lot of time carefully cleaning up the parts and test the fit of each one. Instructions are reviewed for possible stumbling blocks and last minute surprises.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s11/KorkyOtt/Honda_NSX/IMG_3298.jpg

I found this tool in the nail care dept of Wal-Mart. They are sold by Revlon and are called cuticle trimmers. As weird as they might look they do a fantastic job of trimming the small excess bits of plastic from parts.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s11/KorkyOtt/Honda_NSX/IMG_3303.jpg

I also buy a lot of the nail care polishing sticks from Wal-Mart. They are cheap, easy to cut up to make custom sizes and come in a lot of different grades of abrasive material.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s11/KorkyOtt/Honda_NSX/IMG_3308.jpg

Here is another tip I would like to pass on. I have seen many W.I.P.s where to much putty is used to fill in pin release marks. I have done this myself. I got this idea from a Japanese modeling magazine. Using Tamiya’s basic putty just add a few drops of acetone to thin it down. You can mix a small batch in a small cup and use a brush to apply it. In this photo I’m filling the pin release marks on the back of the rotors.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s11/KorkyOtt/Honda_NSX/IMG_3310.jpg

Sanding is much easier as there is much less putty to remove.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s11/KorkyOtt/Honda_NSX/IMG_3313.jpg

More often then not, these pin marks are where contest judges can spot them easily. On this model I found them in a hard to reach area of the running boards. Less putty less work hiding them.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s11/KorkyOtt/Honda_NSX/IMG_3320.jpg

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s11/KorkyOtt/Honda_NSX/IMG_3323.jpg

Ok that’s it for now. Stay tuned there is more to come

Cool, thanks for the tips... Got the arta version laying around here waiting to be build so ill be following this one :) good luck!

Nice tips! I'm also guilty of scouring through the ladies' nail enhancement section :D

Hi KorkyOtt,
a superb idea to let us have a look "over your shoulder"!
This thread seems to become a real lesson for tips and hints!
Thank you very much for your efforts, and btw i'm with you on your wip through a killer looking GT-car-build.
Yours
Jochen

I've got this stashed away in my to-do pile so I'll be following this wip closely. I'm sure everyone will find your tips and guide through this kit very helpful. Looking forward to seeing more.

Great stuff. I don't know why we don't see more of these kits being built. First time I saw it I thought it was the best thing ever. Can't wait to see your build.

Thanks for the feedback Gents. SuperMele the ARTA NSX was my favorite until Tamiya released this Takata Dome livery. I believe they are the exact same kit just different decals.
With all the parts cleaned up I then mounted each one to a thick round wood toothpick with super glue. Using my airbrush I cover each part with Tamiya light gray primer. All parts are inspected again for any flaws that need to be fixed. I found that the front diffuser needed extra work. It is 2 separate pieces glued together which created an ugly seam that needed putty.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s11/KorkyOtt/Honda_NSX/IMG_3345.jpg

After primer all parts that need to be painted with semi-gloss black were sprayed

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s11/KorkyOtt/Honda_NSX/IMG_3347.jpg

Using the kit supplied window mask and sealing the edges with clear I painted the front window with semi-gloss black before cleaning up the airbrush.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s11/KorkyOtt/Honda_NSX/IMG_3359.jpg

After the semi-gloss black had completely dried I separated the wheels, brake rotors, calipers, roll cage and other parts, which will be sprayed with Alclad metal finish lacquers. Here is how the wheels look after Alclad pale gold has been sprayed.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s11/KorkyOtt/Honda_NSX/IMG_3350.jpg

Cheers

Using the kit supplied window mask and sealing the edges with clear I painted the front window with semi-gloss black before cleaning up the airbrush.

You seal the window mask with clear to avoid the running of color while spraying, right? Do you thin the clear or do you use it straight from the container? I think it´s a great idea and I will try this out. Never thought of that, actually...

Thank you for taking us on this trip through the build of the NSX. That is a different kind of WIP.


Robert

Yes that's absolutely correct Robert. After you place the window mask and rub the edges down use TS-13 or Future Acrylic and brush just a thin coat all around the edge. This helps to seal the mask and prevent paint from bleeding underneath.

Very nice NSX.
That a green&white paint drop in CD?For what?:confused:

Green and white was used on the steering wheel control buttons. I have not finished painting it yet.

looks awesome so far. i will be following this one closely...thanks for the tips.

After the Alclad dried decals were added and TS-13 clear coat to protect them.
I used the kit supplied tire markings which work OK but as careful as I was I chipped a couple. Not to worry though I used flat white to touch them up.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s11/KorkyOtt/Honda_NSX/IMG_3527.jpg

Next I have added two coats of Testors Dullcote to help seal decal to the tires and remove the shine from them.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s11/KorkyOtt/Honda_NSX/IMG_3530.jpg

A flat black wash was added to the center hubs / wheel nuts.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s11/KorkyOtt/Honda_NSX/IMG_3533.jpg

I do not like the bright white of the tire letting so I use a black pastel powder to tone it down and give it a weathered look.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s11/KorkyOtt/Honda_NSX/IMG_3535.jpg

So now all four wheels are ready to go!

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s11/KorkyOtt/Honda_NSX/IMG_3540.jpg

Thank you all for fallowing this build.

Wonderful update and I like how the photos show you working on it. Those wheels look great. You can't tell the tyre logos were decals, your pastel powder technique works a treat. Did you notice any dulling down of the gold though, after spraying TS-13? I know Alclad chrome dulls and I'm trying to find alternative ways to seal it.

You should rename you're hread to Honda takata dome nsx 2005 TUTORIAL :lol: Nice how you show step by step your'e progress...
Keep them coming!

Hello kevHw
I have done extensive testing with Alclad metal lacquers and there is no clear that can be put on top of the chrome or bright aluminum. I have used TS-13 and Future Acrylic floor finish on top of other (gun metal, light alum, dark alum. steel, stainless steel, pale gold, burnt metal) without changing their properties. Hope this helps.
:cheers:

Very nice work so far wheels look great keep it up

very nice kit
and great tips !!!
i like it

I used Alclad aluminum on the brake rotors, gun metal on the calipers and Tamiya titanium gold with a hint of brown on the center hubs. Decals were added to the calipers and then a clear coat of TS-13 to protect them. A black was applied last.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s11/KorkyOtt/Honda_NSX/IMG_3547.jpg

Thanks for looking. Stay tunned more to come.

very nice:

just one question
when yuo clearcoat decals on tires and callipers using ts-13, do you brush it or airbrush it
i like the finish :grinyes:

very nice:

just one question
when yuo clearcoat decals on tires and callipers using ts-13, do you brush it or airbrush it
i like the finish :grinyes:

I use a Badger 200NH single action airbrush. You could use a brush I have seen some very good results. Future floor acrylic is very easy to use with a brush I would recommend you start with it first and experiment on a few test projects.

Very nice perspective to show a progress, I like it !

Clean execution, nice wheels :)

Robi

I have finished up the interior. Nothing very exciting as it is box stock with just detail painting. The safety cage is the same mixed color I made for the brake calipers and seat belts are kit decals.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s11/KorkyOtt/Honda_NSX/IMG_3413.jpg


http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s11/KorkyOtt/Honda_NSX/IMG_3415.jpg

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s11/KorkyOtt/Honda_NSX/IMG_3412.jpg

The body is one of the best moldings I have ever seen. There was only the faintest of mold lines to clean up. I had to use a pencil to help find them on the rear top deck and front fascia.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s11/KorkyOtt/Honda_NSX/IMG_3325.jpg

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s11/KorkyOtt/Honda_NSX/IMG_3329.jpg

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s11/KorkyOtt/Honda_NSX/IMG_3330.jpg

Nice tip for finding the hidden moldlines... Cant wait to see some paint on this body :smile:

one day i too will spend that amount of time and really build that way also..didnt do nearly as much work on mine as you did.but im not entering a contest..tell me what you think
http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/ww151/guiwee/100_0898.jpg
http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/ww151/guiwee/100_0928.jpg
http://i715.photobucket.com/albums/ww151/guiwee/100_0929.jpg
i know yours will be 10 times better...i should have cleared my tires too as the stickers are peeling off

Looks pretty good. What green did you use?

just what the kit called for ts-20 metallic green..thanks but his will look even better..that alclad is the "good stuff" his wheels are sweet.great looking tires

Believe it or not quiwee your model is the first one that I have seen completed. Congratulations for a job well done. You have to be proud of that one because as far as I'm concerned the decals are not easy to apply. Thanks for the positive feed back and keep up the good work!

yer right about one thing k..those decals are a bit tiresome..take care when you paint..my advice would be to cut out the decals and size them on the car so you know where to put your masking line..the last pic you can see where i tore the decal near door handle also careful with the rear window piece..it is a great kit though..i think people shy away from the kit because its somewhat simplified..and no engine..these guys on this forum seem to like doing those superdetailed boys..with all kinds of p/e and aftermrkt stuff
http://s715.photobucket.com/albums/ww151/guiwee/

Excellent work and some great tips shared during your build.

Moving forward I have given the body a through scrubbing using a tooth brush and comet mixed with water.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s11/KorkyOtt/Honda_NSX/IMG_3406.jpg

Here is a sneak peak at what lies ahead. Body has been primed with Tamiya light grey and checked for additional flaws, none found so TS-26 was airbrushed on the bottom half.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s11/KorkyOtt/Honda_NSX/IMG_3427.jpg

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s11/KorkyOtt/Honda_NSX/IMG_3429.jpg

Looking good. Very nice photography showing all your stages.

really love your wip,

just like reading magazine :)

Great build, love the tutorial, very informative, can't wait to see the body painted and decals on.

Another step forward, I carefully masked using a combination of gold Bare Metal Foil and painters tape as per the instruction to airbrush TS-20 Metallic Green. I also masked the trim around the windows and the back glass. I think it only glass for the street edition. I’m not sure what the back panel is made of on the race edition. They call for a semi-gloss black finish on the instructions.


http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s11/KorkyOtt/Honda_NSX/IMG_3436.jpg

It must have taken just under 2 hours to mask everything off and all of 15 to 30 minutes to apply the TS-20. I think the effort was worth it. I should be able to move on to the decals next.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s11/KorkyOtt/Honda_NSX/IMG_3457.jpg

Good luck. I'm working on this one too. Getting the white decal to match up is troublesome. I think I will have to clear to seal, then shoot white again to blend

Good luck. I'm working on this one too. Getting the white decal to match up is troublesome. I think I will have to clear to seal, then shoot white again to blend
I'm wondering how this goes too considering you've painted over grey primer. Still looking fab though.

I'm wondering how this goes too considering you've painted over grey primer. Still looking fab though.

Not trying to thread-jack but to get back to KevHw, my decals did not match up so I did end up shooting clear 2k to seal the decals from the tape, masking off the green and coming back with white to blend the decals. Still no where near perfect but much better than original.

I'm curious to see how Korky makes out. Nice tutorial.

Thats looking clean... nice tip on the bmf... Why didnt i think of that :lol2:

A perfect masking job.

Looks stunning. A very nice WIP to follow.

This past week has been both a nightmare and a blessing. The kit decals that were going to be used to simulate the fading from white to green were the big problem. I should have taken more photos but as progress became very intense and plan B, C, D, had to be implemented I had forgotten to. I ended up using my air brush to solve the problem.
Here is how I did it. First I had to add more TS-26 to bring it up higher than the instructions indicated. I used spray blinds / masks so that a sharp edge would not be made.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s11/KorkyOtt/Honda_NSX/IMG_3487.jpg

This was done all around the body.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s11/KorkyOtt/Honda_NSX/IMG_3488.jpg

Then I glued small pieces of 1.5 x 1.5 mm square styrene to .25 x 4.8 mm styrene strips The brown patches you see are small strips of double sided tape to stick these spray masks to the body.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s11/KorkyOtt/Honda_NSX/IMG_3495.jpg

The masks were then stuck to the body in just the right spot. Sticky notes were used to help mask of other areas. I loaded my airbrush and set it to the finest setting. Practiced on several other scrap pieces and then did the real thing. Each area had to be done individually that is the front bumper, left and right doors and then the rear quarter panels.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s11/KorkyOtt/Honda_NSX/IMG_3498.jpg

Two light coats of TS-13 was airbrushed on the body before all areas which according to the instructions are to be semi-gloss black This also included the areas that the kit supplied decals would be added.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s11/KorkyOtt/Honda_NSX/IMG_3572.jpg

So here is the end result of my efforts. I have added a few of the kit decals and it looks like I’m out of the woods for now.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s11/KorkyOtt/Honda_NSX/IMG_3695.jpg

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s11/KorkyOtt/Honda_NSX/IMG_3693.jpg

This has been rather a short story of what has happened to get to this stage. Basically I replaced kit decal numbers 1, 2, 11, 12, and 7 also 3, 4, 9 and 10 with paint. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask them. Thanks for viewing this W.I.P.
Stay tuned there is more to come.

great result, worked out really well. I do like that green.

Very nice solution to the problem with the decals. You did a great job.

I was thinking if you shoot a hard green/white edge and then use just the "fade" area of the white decals it may work as well.

Wow, fantastic job on the masking and airbrush work! Spraying such a consistent gradient and in the right position is something I've always seen as very tricky but you make it look easy. May I ask exactly what the problem you had was though? Did you mess up the decals by accident or is there actually something wrong with the decals that others might need to look out for?

What I did not like about the kit decals!!
Too much over lap of the white decals over the green.
The decals are not opaque enough and the green shows through
Too much of a compound curve on each door side required a lot of patience
and decal setting solution.
In the end there is a seam, an edge, a lip what ever you want to call it when using
the kit decals.

If I had to use decals only!!
I would not mask the green according to kit instructions
I would mask a hard edge where white meets green just under the
correct location and then trim the excess white from the decals and use
only what is needed.
I would also consider leaving enough extra white decal to over lap the white areas and then use clear to even out the gap and then spray white on top again. I would use extreme caution when using masking material of any kind over decals Even with a clear coat on top of them they can come off when removing the masking.

Did I loose any decals? Yes when I made the decision to test my skills with my airbrush I lost 1 door side and 1 quarter panel removing the decals

Outstanding!
Your crossover from white to green can't be any better, a killer paint job, i love it! It's always nice to see how freaks are handling bad / wrong / mistaken parts / decals / whatever.....thanks a lot for sharing, seriously!
Greetings from a kneeling observer
Jochen

Really a nice result on the livery. Thanks for sharing your technique.

R :)

I really appreciate the positive feed back and a big thanks to all for following this W.I.P. This past week has been spent getting all the small stuff ready for the grand finally. First up is the rear light group. Clear red was airbrushed first, and then the kit-supplied masks were added. Gloss opaque red was then airbrushed. When that was dry I airbrushed two coats of TS-13. Then the small turn signals were brush painted orange. Fist I painted the orange on the inside but when assembled it did not look right. So I painted them orange on the outside. All pieces were put together and the kit supplied Honda logo added

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s11/KorkyOtt/Honda_NSX/IMG_3400.jpg

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s11/KorkyOtt/Honda_NSX/IMG_3751.jpg

Then there is the dash board control centre. The steering wheel was all hand painted except the kit supplied logo. Dash controls are a kit decal. (too bad)

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s11/KorkyOtt/Honda_NSX/IMG_3501.jpg

I used a black wash to high light the panel lines on the body, rear spoiler and engine air scoop.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s11/KorkyOtt/Honda_NSX/IMG_3704.jpg

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s11/KorkyOtt/Honda_NSX/IMG_3700.jpg

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s11/KorkyOtt/Honda_NSX/IMG_3713.jpg

There is no shortage of decals for this kit. As much as I didn’t get along with all of them I sure have to give a big thumbs up for the rest of them. Cartograf really do make a fine product that is easy to use and respond well to decal solvents. In these two photos I’m applying the nine decal hood latches. They look pretty good after the Micro Sol shrinks them down on the molded in dimple.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s11/KorkyOtt/Honda_NSX/IMG_3721.jpg

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s11/KorkyOtt/Honda_NSX/IMG_3718.jpg

Wow! Looks great!

As much as I like this build I can say that the only thing that spoils it for me are the decal seat belts and hood pins. Did you ever consider using pe belts and hood pins?

As much as I like this build I can say that the only thing that spoils it for me are the decal seat belts and hood pins. Did you ever consider using pe belts and hood pins?

OH I gave it much consideration. It's an extra $20 and as soon as you use any PE parts you knock it out of the Box stock / Out of Box category for contest if you are interested in entering such events.

The kit supplied mesh screen was cut using the kit-supplied templates. The screen material is pretty fine detail, better then I have seen before from Tamiya. It was tacked into place using super glue.

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s11/KorkyOtt/Honda_NSX/IMG_3737.jpg

http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s11/KorkyOtt/Honda_NSX/IMG_3745.jpg

Wow awesome thread and GREAT job you are doing on this model.

your project is looking very nice.
i would have to say it's the best takata nsx build i've seen.
so i assume you are entering this in some contest in near future?

looking good ... i like stering wheel Are you entering a contest?..Anywhere near here? As you can see im your neighbor.If so where at?Cant wait too see finished model...

your project is looking very nice.
i would have to say it's the best takata nsx build i've seen.
so i assume you are entering this in some contest in near future?

Thanks for this comment! Yes I do want to enter this one in a local coming up at the end of April.