Progress on BT52

I am making good progress on this build. Worked on engine wiring and detailing over past weeks. Completed radiator assemblies as well. On the weekend I was able to start putting it all together. Installed engine/gearbox and radiators onto the floor. Added electronics box too. Still have to route wires and some additional hoses. Last weekend I put clear coat over body parts and wing elements. On Friday masked off and sprayed semi-gloss black inside those body panels. Then installed side panels onto main monocoque shell. Hope to attach monocoque to floor next and then work on front suspension assembly.

Suspension re-build completed

Used brass rods, brass square stock, aluminium pipe and styrene to re-build damaged suspension arms. Fortunately I was able to save some bits and pieces from damaged ones. I think it turned out ok. Not 100% identical to right side, but good enough for recovery. After suspension was reassembled, I continued working on engine and monocoque details. Some photos of the progress below.

Pre-assemblies for SF70H

Spent some time looking through my reference photos and contemplating a way to eliminate the seam that would be present if side pod front parts are glues later as instructions suggest. I don't see this seam on real car. In attempt to eliminate it I've decided to partially assemble side pod front parts and glue then in. Same applies to all nose and parts of monocoque under side. And to roll hop as well. I also don't see any seams around it on real car. Below is a photo of the pre-assemblies I've done so far. Prior to that I have painted semi-gloss black inside body panels. It would not have been possible to paint it later.

Big disaster

I've done the most stupid thing to date in my model building hobby. I've decided to apply heat to shrink tube "in place". Used matches and melted left side of rear suspension in an instant. Fortunately I was able to contain my anger and have not thrown it against the wall. Kept myself calm, thinking "You cannot change past, so move on". Next 2 nights I spend re-building suspension arms and rods from scratch. Good, but unexpected exercise in scratch building for me and kit is becoming multi-media, because of all the metal I've used to re-make parts. It's not completely fixed yet and my scratched parts will not look the same as kit parts. But I think I will be able to recover and hopefully scratch built suspension will be strong enough.

Tamiya SF70H WIP started

Received my copy of this kit this week. Wanted to start it right away. Starting with usual test assembly and parts preparations. So far it feels right at same high Tamiya standard engineering level as other Formula 1 kits from them. Made some photos with S27 W08 and Ebbro MP4/30 in the frame for comparison.

Simulated rivets added for BT46

I've decided to add simulated rivets for this model, using Archer fine transfers. This is first time for me. Watched video tutorial at decals maker's site and followed process almost exactly. Only deviation was use of Miro-Set to help decals settle better. Without Micro-Set it was difficult to move and position decals and they did not want to stick well. Over all result is satisfactory, even if it may not be 100% accurate. Got as close as my patience allowed me. There are many more rivets on real car. But I was not willing to spend extra time on those less visible. It's a time consuming process and I'm not even sure rivets will show that well on finished model. We'll see.

Assembly started on BY52

Started assembly process with engine. Completed routing of ignition wires. Used some TopStudio straight A/N fitting to simulate spark plugs. I think they look close enough, even it not 100% accurate. Also added couple of PE detailing items.