S27 MP4/22 re-build

First step - removed old decals.

S27 MP4/22 re-build

Got started Studio27's MP4/22 early season kit from eBay. Thought I got a good deal until I saw how much S27 wants for new set of decals. Well, I need new decals for my rescue build, so had to bite the bullet. Here is picture of the kit in its current state. Beside new decals, full re-paint for painted parts is required. Also number of parts has to be completed and then kit needs to be assembled properly. It's going to be fun project for one of my favorite cars. I plan to build Alonso's winning car from Malaysian GP. Even if there are some inaccuracies, I'm ok with what kit provides.

Photo Studio setup

Changed setup a bit. Got two lights now. Nikon D70's auto program thinks exposure should be a lot darker than I need. Switched to full manual and got more light. Need quite a bit of experimentation.

Soft light box

Following DIY guide from strobist's blog I've constructed my own box. Took about 1.5h. Not the nicest one, I guess, but should do the job.


First test shoots aren't very exciting. Probably still not enough light. Going to try two lights on each side of the box next.

Still down

It's been a while. Got 2 different saddle nuts in a mean time - wrong first and then correct one. Took weeks of waiting. Installed correct one last week, but issue isn't fixed completely. Saddle moves nicely when headstock is off, but as soon as I put headstock on, it starts to squeal. This suggests that alignment goes off under weight of headstock. Not sure what to do about it. Attempt to use it like that will most likely lead to damage of new saddle nut. Heard about some people using counter weight to balance headstock. Looking for solution at the moment. All milling and scratch building effectively remain stalled for now.

Failed attempt to machine R25's diffuser

I've tried to machine a diffuser for R25. Miscalculated stock size and ended up with no support outside frame at all. But actual problem appeared when my mill stopped to make moves on Z axis. Looks like saddle nut got damaged, because I failed to adjust backlash lock. Didn't realize it wasn't setup at all, when milling column arrived new. Waiting on for new saddle nut to arrive from Sherline.

Here is the picture of machining process before part was ruined.


Correct roughing toolpath was generated using PyCAM. It was not optimized and lot of movements over Z axis were required. But job could have been done if mill hasn't failed.

For my second attempt I'm going to use bigger stock and generate more optimized toolpaths.

Paint booth finished

Fitted clear acrylic door to the front of paint booth. It's ready to use now. Going to start 3 new modeling projects - F248, 641/2, 126C2.