Lotus 25 British GP Aintree 1962

This is the second part of a project I had planned for this year – The cars that Jim Clark would have driven to the track and on the track in 1962. The Elan has been completed (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=962455) already.

The ‘62 car was somewhat different from the famous championship winning ’63 car that is the base for the Tamiya kit but I will restricting modifications to the most visually obvious: no yellow stripe, different windshield etc. (lazy, I know… ;) )

I have borrowed heavily on SeanyG’s shared experience in his build (thanks, Sean!) but hopefully I will also add some thoughts of my own to the subject.

I started with the engine block which was drilled out, painted and washed.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_12.jpg



And then metal bolts from RB Motion and Scale Hardware were attached.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_21.jpg



The body was painted with Tamiya TS paint through my airbrush. Unfortunately, I got quite bad orange peel which was wet sanded out with 1200 grit and micromesh.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_08.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_09.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_13.jpg




British GP decals from F1 Specialties were then applied.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_40.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_41.jpg




Wheels have been painted and detailed with air valves from Aber (excellent BTW).

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_10.jpg



However I am planning for this car to be displayed open on stands. Something like this….

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/dio_03.jpg




Kit rotors are being replaced with white metal alternatives from the Thunder Valley transkit which were drilled out to accept some bolts.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_16.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_22.jpg



Thanks for looking :thumbsup:

Ah yes. I have been waiting for this. Glad to see you have your Thunder Valley parts, I have been waiting 2 years for mine. Well done.

I always enjoy seeing builds like this, where the builder pays attention to the details. I'll be watching this for sure, it looks really cool.

Great work

I'll be watching this one. :bigthumb:


Trevor

A haa, one girl of your years... must be like look at an old school's picture to you :D J/K

Fantastic job Sir, I like the engine appeal also, it speak by itself : clean but abused old school!

Neat and clean! I like it! Have one lying around half done since years :-)

Thanks guys.

@ iharos - TBH the TV kit isn't really worth it. The only things that are truly nice to have are the turned trumpets (available cheaper elsewhere) and the pre-shaped mesh cover. Otherwise, 90% of the parts seem to be simply white metal copies of the Tamiya kit parts which can all be made realistic enough with paint IMO. I only used the metal rotors because of the way it will be displayed - otherwise the kit parts are more then sufficient. However, if you really want one, I have a second transkit that you can have :)

@ Gio - Yep :) That was the point of choosing the '62 cars LOL The Aintree race numbers are even the same as my birthday :D

@Jaykay - God, I am glad you haven't finished! It's bad enough following in Sean's footsteps but if you had done it already, I'd never have posted LOL




Anyway.....Some detailing was made to the chassis/tub/

I removed the plastic blob from the oil tank and replaced it with a piece of alu tube and a cap made from styrene rod and sheet.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_24.jpg




Cooling pipe was detailed with a brass nut, some wire and insulation made with heat shrink tubing.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_26.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_25.jpg





The seat was modified, pre-shaded and painted with Vallejo acrylics and then detailed with stretched sprue.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_27.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_32.jpg



The control panel was painted and detailed.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_28.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_29.jpg



And then wiring was applied.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_37.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_38.jpg




The braking system was modified and detailed with plumbing and brackets made from scrap p/e parts.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_33c.jpg




The kit part for the pedal assembly was completely cut up, thinned out and re-worked.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_34.jpg




The callipers were plumbed and detailed with a brass bolt attached upside down to accept brake lines. I really regret that I was too stupid to fill in the join between parts before painting - too late now :(

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_35.jpg




Bolts salvaged from some old clocks and watched were glued into the rotors and then leveled off with a grinding disc in my Dremel.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_44.jpg




Rough assembly to see how it looks

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_42.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_43.jpg

Very nice...and getting even better! :-)

Very nice...and getting even better! :-)

I agree, I love the seat very very much!!!!

Hey Steve you "was" great with models but now you're showing quite superior skills... I'm wondering if you closed up us some dozen builds since last years :D

great stuff, Steve!

Hey, I´m glad to see you back here with some work you´re doing! I really like what you´re doing here. The brakes look amazing and using clocks and wachtes parts if the klutz-input in this build I like to see.

Seeing the backside of the control panel with all the wiring it makes me wonder how you do that. I mean it is a 1/24 scale build and all the small details...that is awesome.

Way to go and good luck with the rest of the kit.

Robert

WOOOOW. STUNNING. Simply stunning:licka:.
Only complain is the green, which in my opinion should be darker:uhoh:.
And I agree - The TV "detail kit" is IMHO a disappointment. I do not want to spend (waste) money on metal copies of Tamiya plastic parts. I am looking for parts which are really much better than delivered by Tamiya:nono:.

Very clean and precise. Clearcoat looks really great - what have you used?

fantastic Steve!!!!!!!

the detail is stunning

Very glad to see an update on this & very impressed by the extra detail work!

Thank you guys :)

@ Gio - you've seen everything I ever built :evillol: Only the Tyrrell and Lotus Elan this year

@ Maciek - The clear is Hiro 2K. Purists will (rightly) say that the finish is too glossy for a period F1 car. But you know what? I dont care. I think it looks great like that :biggrin:

@ allnie - You could well be right :thumbsup: I did however use the recommended Tamiya TS color. Also photography, lighting etc really change the color from shot to shot. I'm happy though ;)

@ Robert - This is actually 1/20 so it's much easier LOL j/k this thing is pretty darned small! it's like the Tamiya mkI Mini next to a regular modern 1/24 kit! This might give you an idea of the size compared to the Tamiya Tyrrell and a 1/43 Delahaye 135

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/KITS/DELAHAYE%20135/dalahaye_135_43rdscale_08.jpg





Some modifications to the steering column assembly.

I felt that the kit plastic column was a little too chunky so I replaced this with a length of steel rod.

The steering wheel was modified to accept the narrower diameter rod by attaching a small slice of aluminum tubing and I added some bushing to the column using wire insulation to provide a tighter fit where it passes through the instrument panel.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_45.jpg


The new metal steering column made the kit attachment system impractical so I attached a brass boss to the chassis made with a piece of tubing. The result is not only practical but I think it actually looks nice visually.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_46.jpg


A couple of shots of the finished assembly:

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_47.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_48.jpg




I started working on the rear suspension which was really quite an interesting bit of engineering on Mr. Chapman’s part IMO

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_49.jpg



A dry fit with the engine block in place.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_50.jpg



Everything in this car is VERY open and very visible so there was never any intention on my part to have plastic kit dampers on this build. I invested in some RB Motion coil dampers and they are truly beautiful and well worth the (reasonable IMHO) price.

Each damper is made of 7 parts (including an optional extender). The pieces are superbly machined and fit together like a glove. It’s not often that I am quite so impressed.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_51.jpg



To assemble them you need to make a very simple jig to keep the spring drawn back while you glue the top in place. I used a tiny drop of 5minute epoxy. They only need gluing in one place - the rest just slides together.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_52.jpg



While the glue was curing, I suspended the part inverted so that the glue would be inclined to flow back into the joint and not down the shaft. This maybe unnecessary but God looks after those who look after themselves ;)

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_53.jpg



This is a finished damper. BTW the dampers actually work and flex like a real one! The kit will need some minor modification to fit these in place.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_54.jpg




Some modification is required to fit the RB Motion shocks to the kit suspension assembly.

IMO there are 2 options:
a) remove the bottom part of the kit shock and mate it to the RBM part; or
b) modify the attachment point on the assembly.
I couldn’t bring myself to “pollute” those lovely metal shocks with a bit of painted plastic so I took route b).

In the photo below you can see how I cut out and replaced the part of the assembly where the bottom eye of the damper is attached. The kit part is simply too thick to work in any way.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_55.jpg



In this photo you can see how the shock will be mounted - this is all dry fitting at the moment. I also took this opportunity to do some more metal bolt detailing that I had not originally intended to do (practice makes perfect as they say… ;) )

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_56.jpg



30-50% of the rear suspension assembly.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_57.jpg



With the engine again in place to check for fit issues.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_58.jpg



Overview.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_59.jpg

I thought you wanted to just finish this kit - but the more I see, I´m getting convinced that it is impossible for you to just put a kit together. It seems as there is living a small man inside of your head screaming: "Modify, modify, modify!" and you´re just to weak to stand up against him...

The modifications are well done and nicely explained. What else to say? Oh yeah, doing this in 1/20 scale is fairly easy...isn´t it?


Robert

Very nice Steve, the modifications add a lot of realism to the model.

The original photo is a nice idea for display.

Your building speed in this thread is amazing, it won´t be long until you overtake James T. ;-))

Great, clean build....those were the days...great cars in that time :)

Your building speed in this thread is amazing, it won´t be long until you overtake James T. ;-))
:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :biggrin:

I admit that the first posts were of work done earlier in the year but then I didn't touch the model for 5 months until last week. Everything shown from adding the bolts to the rotors onwards is since November 3rd - honest! LOL

I have more done but I am not goning to show it to yuo now :p

Yes, James is very fast isn't he? ;) But I would be happy to settle for being half as good as him.
I just wish he would share more about his techniques in his WIPs :( For me, that's the whole point of a WIP i.e. to show how you did something, not just that you did it.

Really like what your'e doing with this kit, lovely work.

Cheers, Lee

Son of a Bit*h! Another update!!! :evillol::loser:


I admit this is a bit insane but I couldn’t resist them when I saw them in the RB Motion catalogue – 1/24 spark plugs LOL

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_60.jpg



I think you can imagine just how tiny they are – about the size of tire valves – but look how beautifully detailed they are!

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_61.jpg




By the time they have boots and wires on them and the air trumpets etc. are installed, I imagine they will be completely invisible but these are one of those things that fit in the category of “I know you can’t see it on the final model but at least I know it’s there”.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_63.jpg



I have plumbed and wired the engine using various bits of wire, insulation, solder and stretched heat shrink tubing.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_64.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_65.jpg



I have the shocks fixed in place. The extender shafts needed shortening by a whole 0,6mm.

I also made some styrene brackets and added plumbing for the rear brake calipers.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_67.jpg



The headers have been fixed in place and given some very slight heat stressing with various Tamiya weathering kits. In reality, the headers on the L25 were really gunky and rusty but I didn’t want to take it quite that far.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_68.jpg



In between waiting for 5 minute epoxy to dry during fitting the shocks, I started making the stands for the display. A very simple ad hoc construction made out of styrene sheet, tube and rod which was painted and then dirtied with various MIG pigments.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_69.jpg




The engine has been installed in place and the rest of the rear suspension and rear rotors have been added. Just the rear brake lines to plumb in place now and this sub-assembly is finished

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_70.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_71.jpg

I must say that I like the final affect with all those metal bolts around the engine block, drive train and suspension. Not a lot of effort to do but the end results are very pleasing, I think.


http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_72.jpg




I have finished off the stands and added some short lengths of 1mm threaded bolts for the height adjusters.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_73.jpg



This is a very rough, sort of, kind of , more or less idea of how it would look when displayed,

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_74.jpg




Water temperature sensor wiring was installed together with the fuel line (stretched clear heat shrink tubing) from the tanks to the engine.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_75.jpg




Roll bar was installed and I added some wires that can be seen in my reference photos. Rear callipers plumbed (again stretched heat shrink tubing!), Thunder Valley turned intake trumpets were detailed with Tamiya masking tape and some thin wire. The final suspension rods were detailed with Scale Hardware bolts and installed.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_76.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_77.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_78.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_79.jpg




This is how she is looking at the moment on her stands.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_80.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_81.jpg



Next is to do something to replace the ugly kit gear lever part, install the exhaust pipes and prepare a replacement wind shield (if I can manage it).


Micha - this is now FULLY up to date :icon16:

Cheers :thumbsup:

This is sick beyond belief! The steering linkage looks awesome, as does the rest of it. Truly amazing work.

Klutz thanks for the offer. Without highjacking your wonderful work, I'll keep playing the silly game that Paul at Thundervalley wants to play. Your work on the seat is great (good use of aircraft techniques there?) and the body is beautiful. Look forward to further updates. By the way , are you planning on building the Honda?

Oops, missed your latest update. Beautiful.

fabulous work!

Man....the art of perfection!

whoa... where'd this come from?
if you don't also build a Honda RA272 now, I'm going to have to send the boys around.

Great work, very nice detailing!

Charlie
Pro Tech

nothing short of a masterpiece Steve

Wow nice!!! I have missed some updates....

All the little details are great. Love it.

Nice work on your 25! I enjoyed doing this kit though i didn't take it as far as you are. Here are some heads ups to watch for:
* The TV trumpets are big so make sure the cover w/screen will fit before final assy.
* Tamiya left a very conspicuous hole in the body on each side of the engine compartment that I wish I had filled. It's supposed to locate a tab on the engine cover.
* The windscreen is pretty good but has another locating tab that looks bad and again, I wish I had removed.
* You might consider replacing some suspension links with straightened paper clip wire. It's a bit thinner and looks more scale.
Thats about all I can think of right now. Hope I didn't share this too late. You suprised me with how fast its going together.

Hey, Steve is building something! :p

Fantastic. My friend, it is always a pleasure to watch you build.

Thanks again guys! :thumbsup:

@ DM - I'll PM you my address for the boys to visit ;) :D I can imagine that the Honda RA272 is also a really sweet kit/subject but I don't have it in my stash and I have no plans to buy it ;)

@ CrateCruncher - Thanks for the "look outs". I agree with you on the engine bay holes but too late I am afraid. As for the windscreen, you will see below I had other plans for that anyway LOL

@ Andy - :D You know how it is: nothing, nothing, nothing...and then all of a sudden you hit a sweet spot and you want to build again... :naughty:



As I mentioned earlier, the kit part has an incorrect windscreen for the 1962 car.


http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/62vs63windscreen.jpg


I am trying to make a more accurate representation using clear acetate rescued from a box of chocolates. Sadly, this meant I had to eat the chocolates first …hum hum

Using a template, a very fresh blade and a couple of trial runs, I cut out the new piece from the acetate and, after polishing and waxing it, fixed it in place with masking tape.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_82.jpg




I fear it would be totally impossible to fix this cleanly in place using glue so I am going to do it the way Mr. Chapman did it – rivet it in place.

While the part was flat, I drilled 0,3mm holes around the edge to accept some brass rivits,

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_83.jpg




I am now in the totally nerve-racking process of one by one drilling through the guide holes and INTO the main cowling, fixing the rivet with CA and then moving on to the next one.

If this comes off without a major disaster, I shall sacrifice one of my rarest kits to the modeling Gods! LOL

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_84.jpg



Cheers :thumbsup:

A couple of hours and one chicken Chassuer later….

I am taking this very slow and taking breaks along the way but it seems to be working fine. After placing one rivet on each side, I am re-adjusting the masking tape to ensure that the new windscreen is perfectly aligned and flat.


This is what I am using – BSI non-fogging thin CA

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_85a.jpg



About 50% done…

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_85.jpg

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_86.jpg




This is how it looks on the other side. Needless to say, these stubs will be trimmed back pretty much flush to the cowling.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_87.jpg

That is fantabulous. Great idea and you have the balls to go for it. Respect. What i ask myself since you started this kit... Did you actually quit your job to be a fulltime modeller - you seem to have so much time for this. Every morning, when I check there is an update. I might need to talk to my Boss.

Robert

Done! Phew!!

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_88.jpg



What i ask myself since you started this kit... Did you actually quit your job to be a fulltime modeller - you seem to have so much time for this.
LOL!! No, I'd die starve if I did that! ;) You will find me at work from 8 a.m. to 6-7 p.m ;)
I have been thinking about this build for nearly 3 years now so I had a lot of it planned out well ahead. Also, I am a VERY early riser so, if I am in the mood, I can usually get in 2 hours in the morning before life takes over.

LOL!! No, I'd die starve if I did that! ;) You will find me at work from 8 a.m. to 6-7 p.m ;)
I have been thinking about this build for nearly 3 years now so I had a lot of it planned out well ahead. Also, I am a VERY early riser so, if I am in the mood, I can usually get in 2 hours in the morning before life takes over.

I wonder how you manage that.

I need to wake up at 6:30 to be at work at 8:30 and I get home usually at 18 - 18:30 and than the miss has almost always some plans for the evening. :(

If there is a secret to a happy modeling than you sure have teh key to it, so let us all know.

And before I forget: wonderful project and great work on it! :thumbsup:

Tough work well done!
If you let me "count a rivet or two"....the shape of the windscreen base could be a bit rounder at the front :-) The general shape is quite good though. I thought it was wrong doing it from sheet plastic but after checking my book i have to say you're right :-)
I did a new windscreen for mine too...but the airjet version like in the kit, only thinner and a bit longer at the rear for a corrected cowling. The difference is, i made mine from a solid block of plexiglass.....i had way too much time then :-)

@ Jaykay - You are absolutely right about the shape :thumbsup: It was just that much easier for me to do it this way :uhoh: How on earth did you make that out of a solid block of plexiglass??? :o On your mill? Now you can see why I was glad you haven't done a WIP yet on your build! :evillol:


@ Ioan - Today is Polish Independence Day today so I got a day off work ;)
I am pleased with what I managed to get done all in all.



After I had cleaned up the rivets with snippers and a grinding stone in my Dremel Stylus, the wing mirrors were drilled out to accept an RBM aluminium bolt and p/e washer.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_90.jpg



The windscreen was sandwiched between the mirror and the bolt with tiiiiiiiiiiiny plop of 5min epoxy on the end of the bolt. This makes for a clean and realistic looking finish IMO

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_89.jpg


My highly specialized and soon to be patented drying jig :p

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_91.jpg



Air intake mesh was trimmed to size and installed.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_92.jpg



Unless I am mistaken, all I have left to do is the gear lever :D


Thanks for your interest :thumbsup: :cheers:

No, no mill. Didn't have a mill or lathe back then. Just the Dremel, files, sandpaper and a whole weekend of steady filing :-)

No, no mill. Didn't have a mill or lathe back then. Just the Dremel, files, sandpaper and a whole weekend of steady filing :-)

:runaround::runaround:

That, my friend, is what sorts the men out from the boys! :worshippy

Or the sane from the nerds :-)

Or the sane from the nerds :-)
Well there is that I suppose....:rofl: :smooch:

Another beautiful build klutz!

Fantaztik, man. Shaped mesh is to die for. Bravo!

Fantaztik, man. Shaped mesh is to die for. Bravo!

Well Sh*t dude - that's the only friggin bit I didn't make myself! It came pre-shaped from Thunder Valley :rofl: :rofl:

Now please say something nice about the windscreen :p :evillol::evillol:

Acetate man!
This windscreen is stunning also, but sadly I can't locate it in the Thunder's catalog.... is it OOP?

:D great

is it OOP?
Clearly :D :p

I am winding this one up now.

Leafing through my reference books, I noticed a small detail on the steering shaft that I thought I could replicate. A thin sliver of hypodermic needle and a 0,5 brass rivet to replicate a joint on the original car.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_93.jpg



The gear lever assembly was scratched from a block of styrene, a spare p/e gate and a piece of wire dipped in c/a glue to make the knob which was then painted and cleared. It was then flooded with black/grey acrylic and when dry, sanded to bring out the gear gate and leave the rest in dark relief.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_94.jpg



Here you can see them both installed in place.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_95.jpg



Exhaust pipes and the supporting strut have been installed (the strut got brass bolts of course LOL)

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/L25_96.jpg




I have also been playing with ideas for a display stand (although why I don’t know….its shoebox is already chosen). I guess I just like playing with these.


One idea is a sort of servicing stand on the track. I used spare resin copies of Jean-Paul’s wheels cut in half and weathered to replicate the track markers I noticed in reference photos that were used in the 60s.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/dio_01-1.jpg



Another idea is to place it over an outline of the Aintree track.

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/dio_02-1.jpg



There was a rather interesting effect when I put one over the other…

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y247/klutz100/WIPs/LOTUS%2025/dio_03-1.jpg


Any thoughts and criticisms are more than welcome as usual.

Cheers :thumbsup:

Tyre marker idea is very cool! Not so convinced by what looks like tiles for the ground beneath though - imho doesn't look in scale, if that makes sense! Circuit outline idea is also a nice touch. I reckon that the tyres, without the gaps on the ground, and then the circuit outline & the title on top would be worth trying :)

I very much like the idea of the circuit outline. Looks great to me and is something special. Since you built this car as a specific "circuit"-model you should go all the way with the theme on the diorama as well.

Regarding the leafing through your reference-books. That makes me laugh, when you declare that yout found a tiny detail on the steering. Seriously, to me it seems as you aren´t going through the reference books looking to find details. The details find you - it´s like they are screaming to be found when get to the specific page...

And it´s nice to see this to be completed soon.



Robert

Fantastic! What a pleasure to look at.

(although why I don’t know….its shoebox is already chosen).


Does anyone else find this really sad...?

Does anyone else find this really sad...?

Yep.
He could invest in some transparent acrylic cases, but who knows maybe S is just trying to protect them from the sun light. ;)

Thanks Paul and Robert :thumbsup:

You are dead right Paul about the scale thing :) It's a 1/72 runway base blown up to A4 size :D

I think you are both right about the track being a better approach and I have an idea that I want to see if I can make work. Hopefully it will be a bit more cool than these two cheesy attempts ;)


maybe S is just trying to protect them from the sun light.
More likely from the three kids, a crazy Labrador and the Ukrainian cleaning lady!! :rofl:

Does anyone else find this really sad...?
It's OK :crying: :) I don't have anywhere practical to keep them on display and I don't know if I really want to TBH. I get the buzz from the actual building of them and trying to make the each one better then the previous. (and at least they are safe and dust free in the shoeboxes hehe)

I like the idea with the track layout. IMHO that's more stylisch than the diorama base approach, but that's a matter of taste.

I have one complaint though....can you please do something about those massive copperish wires/tubes on the dash ( 3rd picture ) they are way too big and if i believe my reference pictures don't look like that anyway.....please, please, pretty please :-)

I love both: diorama base with a small black track's logo in a lower corner ;)

Ok say me where I'll send the designing invoice ;)

More likely from the three kids, a crazy Labrador and the Ukrainian cleaning lady!! :rofl:

It's a though world out there! :D

What if the cleaning lady decides to clean up and throw away all those old useless shoe boxes?! :evillol:

Great result! looking forward to seeing it on it's base, I'd go for the Aintree track plan under the model myself; it just looks right.

Cheers, Lee

It's a though world out there! :D

What if the cleaning lady decides to clean up and throw away all those old useless shoe boxes?! :evillol:

crazier thing have happened :rofl::rofl: