WIP: McLaren F1 GTR 1995 LM Winner

just when you thought 1/43 couldn't kit any tougher :lol::lol:

the kit is from Renaissance and I'm about to get stuck very quick, since I have a week off, I'll spend the time on all fitups and prep.

heres what I am about to embark in a very annoying and painful journey :lol:

the build will be a fully opened car with all wiring and carbon close to a match

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_0779.jpg

decals: they are pretty much straight forward
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_0780.jpg

Photo-etch: Etienne makes without a doubt, the best PE parts, the detail for 1/43 is stunning
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_0781.jpg

Resin pieces: much clean up is needed, but who cares, this will take months to build anyway :lol: pieces are pretty good no bubbles on the outside which is fantastic
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_0782.jpg

the bag of goodies: like all kits, the machined pieces are also top notch
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_0784.jpg

now I can hang myself before I start :lol:

please stay tuned, alot of updates will be made on this build.

Cheers,
Steve

comments and questions are always welcomed

"Craziness is required before starting this model" should be put as a warning outside the box.

I'm going to like this one. I have the 911 on hold right now. I have too many in-progress builds right now so I want to finish a few of them before going back to the 911.

yes it should DD :lol: for such detail for 1/43 is insane

I also have the 911 in my to do pile, the 97 LM version. If this build goes smoothly, I may have to tackle that one next

Hi Steve,what a kit..................i'm totally speechless........I used to build some Provence Moulage-1-43-kits of the F1 GTR many years ago BUT this level of detailing and amount of pieces and parts is just unbeliavable!!!!!!! I'm really looking forward on your efforts on this CHALLENGE.By the way, this is one of the meanest and hottest GT-racers EVER! I saw them in flesh in several BPR-races and i stood starring and listening at that 12cylinder monster with it's 600+ hp. Brute, low, loud, hard, that's what racing is all about. MMhhhh, bring it to life, i'm with you!All the best for your trip through that plastic maze, Steve!YoursJochen

wow, that is a lot of detail for a 1/43 kit. i would go blind (more than now) doing one of those. can't wait for the progress pics.
do you use a magnifying glass to do these kits?

Hi Steve,

This is a crazy kit. If you are willing to spend a little extra time
fitting parts Renaissance kits are great. Even the 1/43rd curbside models
are very well detailed. I just finished his Ferrari/Lancia D50. Fit was poor but the kit has alot of nice touches, juts like the F1 GTR kit.

GOOD LUCK. I think you will enjoy the end results.

Tom Tanner/Scale Designs/Ferrari Expo 2009 model contest-Chicago April 25th 2009

Really excited to see this!

Go Man, go!

Hi Steve,

This is a crazy kit. If you are willing to spend a little extra time
fitting parts Renaissance kits are great. Even the 1/43rd curbside models
are very well detailed. I just finished his Ferrari/Lancia D50. Fit was poor but the kit has alot of nice touches, juts like the F1 GTR kit.

GOOD LUCK. I think you will enjoy the end results.

Tom Tanner/Scale Designs/Ferrari Expo 2009 model contest-Chicago April 25th 2009

oh you bet, this maybe the longest build to do yet for me, I've got quite alot of bit of detailing to do, I am so glad Etienne added more pics on his site on the completed build and builtupmodels also added a few pics of theres also, so I can get alot of help where everything goes, cause I would've gotten lost without it.

will you be bringing the build for us to see next month, I can't wait to see all the new builds people have coming in. should be a great event

if anyone wants to see what the build will be like and how insanely detailed they are, go to this site (you will not be disappointed, I can only hope I can make it just as good as them)

http://www.renaissance-models.com/Superintegral/si03.htm

Steve

now I can hang myself before I start :lol:

No! :D

You are insane! This is going to be awesome to follow no matter how long it takes.

The kit looks really impressive. I have always liked Renaissance's subjects but found the kits themselves a little disappointing - this one looks like it might be different...

Considering the scale that level of detail is boardering on insane. I hope your eyesight is up to the challenge! :)

I once had a West version of this kit in my pile and was impressed with the number of parts and completeness of the kit. It even had carbon decals included. I eventually sold it figuring my eyes couldn't handle the strain but it will be fun looking over your virtual shoulder as I get to see what I missed out on. Keep the camera close!

I'm looking forward to this W.I.P. I can barely deal with 1/24 scale. 1/43 ???, I don't think so. You made an excellent choice, good luck with this one. May the force be with you.
:rofl:

Wow, that is a fitting nightmare....Good luck!

thanks gentlemen for all the luck, I'm gonna need it,

the fit actually is not all that bad, the rear was the easiest, the rear hatch needs to be heated and flattened just a little bit

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_0787.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_0788.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_0789.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_0790.jpg

cheers,
Steve

Here is one that I completed - this was a very difficult kit to make look right and decals I had were terrible - should have painted the red areas - the doors actually worked for a while before one fell off - still love the detail on these kits - I have the 911 GT1 STP car 75% done somewhere - just need to finish it

Alex Hague

http://i615.photobucket.com/albums/tt233/usqp/1181892_IMG-vi.jpg

When looking for a long time project this one was a possibility.. I choose a easier one... 1/12 Tamiya Caterham JPE. Make a VERRY detailed W.I.P. please....

must - resist -temptation - to - buy

Man, that is an insane build. I thought 1:24 was fidly & small, good luck with your build Ill be watching

ok, easy part done, Tires all set to go, although I'm tempted to make some tire markings on them though

Rims are Gunmetal
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_0797.jpg

and its size comparison
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_0803.jpg


thanks for looking,
Steve

ok, easy part done, Tires all set to go,
Wuss!! Starting with the easy stuff, huh? :lol2: ;) j/k

You aslo need to use a Euro for comparison because a dime doesn't mean much to many of us.

Seriously though, it's good to see that you are progressing on this. Personally I am waiting for you to get to the body and interior parts ;)

hmm, a Euro??? j/k sorry though I'm afraid I don't have one, I can only say the dime is our smallest currency, a penny just a tad bigger

actually, I do have 4 exterior pieces already sprayed (only ones that fit), clearing later tomorrow. after I carbon the bottom of the pieces, I'll put them up, I'm still working on fitting the doors to the main body, just little heating and bending and it will be ready, the front piece is being alittle more of an annoyance.

so another update will be up this weekend :)

good news, all pieces all fit to make it look like a car, spent last night heating and shaping the front to get it to fit with the doors, and it was a good success.

so that means painting has begun, I've decided to use Tamiya's TS-38 Gun Metal and TS-40 Metallic Black as my 2 colors, I don't know how correct they are but I like the colors and they go well together.

Several exterior pieces have already been painted and cleared, Clear is from Zero. carbon fiber decal is from SMS.

day and night front piece
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_0828.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_0829.jpg

the most annoying part to the event was the vents on the rear. I had to spend about 30 minutes with a very fine pin to open up every little hole :screwy:, but it looks much better now.

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_0827.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_0833.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_0834.jpg

look at that fit, (and I thought Renaissance kits had horrible fits :D )
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_0836.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_0835.jpg

but like all car kits in 1/43, the windows are an absolute pain to do, I got it the best I got

The front end has already been sprayed with the Gun metal, I am letting it sit until monday before I mask and spray the black. the doors will be following suit once I get the mirrors set and glued.


alot more to come,

cheers,
Steve

comments and questions are always welcomed

Steve
Good luck this is going to be fun to watch!
Chris

small update:

I have the entire front end prepped and now in the decal process, I though can't get started until I dry-fit the rear.

front shocks, like all renaissance kits, you have to make your own, found the thinest wire I have and went at it

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_0841.jpg

this is my first 2-tone livery in a long time, Renaissance supplied decals for the grey, but I thought it would look better painted, and it was a great success

I still need to clear and Carbon the front and doors :smile:
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_0860.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_0862.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_0863.jpg


engine work has also begun :lol2: lots of work to do, like everything else
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_0856.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_0858.jpg

more later,

Cheers,
Steve

C&C are always welcomed :smile:

Steve, that looks AMAZING!

Amazing work you're doing here.
Almost hard to believe that this is a 1/43.

This really is a pleasure to watch, and I'll definately stay close to this one, although I'll never try my hand on a kit like this myself.

seat is finished. I used SMS Faux Fabrix paint, along with painter tape painted black (found in reference photos so I thought I'd try it out), hardware comes from Acustion, and the coin comes from Steve (klutz) who was very generous and sent me a Euro to help out for size comparisons for you guys outside of the states

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_0865.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_0876.jpg

cheers,
steve

OMG that sucker's tiny!!! :o

:thumbsup:

Bloodly Hell!!!! That is amazing, stunning detail for such a small kit, great work

front end is now finished, everything went together good except for those glass, I still have alot of trouble figuring out how to do it correctly,

also getting better photos now :p I'm waiting for better weather (snow in april), but the main body is finally prepped and ready for paint :sunglasse

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_0892.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_0891.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_0889.jpg

with night front plate (the day plate has a large gap in the front, looking how to possibly fix it, but will most likely leave it :shakehead )

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_0893.jpg

must say Zero clear is without the best clear I've ever used very nice shine, really brings the metallic black and gunmetal out.

underneath is completely done with CF also, no pics to show though but will see in final assembly

cheers,
Steve

Fantastic build, but the latest photos are not showing up!

cockpit finally after endless decaling of CF is ready for assembly,

seat and gearbox both in, now its will be the fun part of wiring :iceslolan

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_0905.jpg

trying to get the belts around the holder was quite fun :disappoin

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_0906.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_0908.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_0910.jpg

as for the main body, the paint is finished have only the Clear to put on, but the two tone match came out perfect, I'm very happy with the color, then its back to the end decaling with CF for the body :crying:

time for a rest, my eyes are getting killed :cool:

enjoy,
Steve

update:

the cockpit is nearly finished, all electrical is done on the right side of the driver, I need too a look a few other pics to see the left side

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_0931.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_0932.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_0934.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_0935.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_0943.jpg

I hate wiring, its so nerve racking in 43rd scale :sunglasse

the body is also finally finished in getting dressed in CF, so be on the look out for the next update for something that will start to begin looking like a racecar.

thanks for looking

cheers,
Steve

C&C always welcomed

Whoa!
Awesome work in that scale :thumbsup:

small update will I once again begin on the Mclaren.

I also have decided to leave the finished product as an all open car in a display case

rear end finished
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_1495.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_1494.jpg

front end suspension fitted
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_1496.jpg

engine compartment started
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_1497.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_1498.jpg

all pieces that are completed or near completed
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_1493.jpg

thanks for looking, comments and questions are always welcomed

cheers,
Steve

Very nice job with a beautifull 1/43 kit

all decals are finished, the hardest ones to do were the #59 decal, the rest were simple

enjoy.

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_1499.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_1500.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_1501.jpg

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_1502.jpg

thanks for looking, C&C always welcomed

cheers,
Steve

Steve,
this is amazing for 1-43, rarely seen such detail obsession, especially the cockpit is awesome!
Fine work, you're entering the finish line! You can almost see the chequered flag........

Yours
Jochen

I admire your attention to detail in this scale! Excellent work!

thanks gents

the engine fitted and some wiring but not a whole lot, did the brake lines also. for how bad normally renaissance fitups are, the whole thing came together surprisingly well, only had to file down the exausts quite abit but the fit was great.

but its coming to an end, which so far has been a fun build.

enjoy, thanks for looking

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_1508.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_1509.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_1510.jpg

attached to the body (this looks so cool)
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_1514.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_1513.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_1515.jpg

C&C always welcomed

Cheers,
Steve

Stunning. I collect 1:43 diecast so am used to the small scale and I can appreciate the sizes you are working with. It also makes the sheer detail you have adde all the more awe inspiring. My two cents - run with the night panel on the front with the driving lights. Makes it peculiarly Le Mans for my mind.

Overall, what can be said that hasn't already been said by others? Just outstanding.

Looks great :thumbsup:

I've finally got some 1/43 kits of my own now so I can even more appreciate just how small these suckers are!! :D

about time Steve :lol: which kits did you pick up.


it also looks the way I'm progressing through the build, it will be done before the 24 Hours of LeMans (hopefully) so look for maybe one more update before the finished product

about time Steve :lol: which kits did you pick up.
I picked up these. I chose mostly curbsides so as not to overly complicate life (except for the 550 Spyder which is pretty hard-core detailed and I just couldn't resist :D)

Tameo - Peugeot Jordan 196 German GP
Renaissance - Lancia D50 F1 Barcelona GP
SLM 43 - Delahaye 135
Tin Wizard - Pegaso Z 102 Berlineta Enasa
Feeling 43 - Porsche 550 Spyder James Dean "Little Bastard”

Looks good on my monitor; must look fantastic in the flesh. looking forward to seeing this one done. Maybe one day I'll do a 1/43 :rolleyes:

thank you Lee. you should try a 1/43 model, actually every modeler should, you'd be very surprised when you go back to 1/24 scale how much more you can do when you back to a bigger size.

very nice list Steve, can't wait to see your work on the models :D

another update:

The front-end work has been completed and went together pretty smoothly

http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_1592.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_1591.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_1590.jpg
http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh152/Spike2933/Mclaren%20F1%20WIP/100_1589.jpg

the blue line for the radiators is braided wire colored with a blue sharpie, the decals are all SMS, with the front diffuser in renaissance Carbon

C&C are always welcomed

cheers,
Steve

Still very pleasant to read!

I find your build very clean. Even if I don't like very much CF templates in 1/43...
Anyway great work.

Keep posting many pictures.

Regards

Olivier.

I just stumbled upon this thread as I don't usually check in the Modeling forums. I moderate the McLaren F1 forum here so this is right up my alley. In fact you may recognize the car in my signature right now. ;)

Very impressed with the quality of the work here. As others have said you attention to detail is fantastic! Thanks for sharing the progress!

>8^)
ER

thank you peloton, you can see the completed pics by clicking on the Mclaren pick in my sig or going to the completed builds section