Falling behind in builds of modern cars

I still have quite a bit of work to do on my Tamiya SF70H build. But already I have 3 more kits of modern F1 cars. One red one from 2018 (not pictured) and silver and blue ones from 2019. And my own project of 3D printed blue car from 2018 on top of all.

Started livery decals on SF70H

Also continued with decals work for SF70H. After semi gloss black was painted, I have started and completed most of CF decals on the floor. There are many more to do for body and wings. But I wanted to switch to livery. I enjoy applying livery decals much more then CF ones. I still have to do some CF decals along the way. For example, before I could put sponsor decals to the bottom part of engine cover, I had to place CF decals there first. Similarly, I want to do all the CF on the bottom of cockpit, before livery decals go on. Reason is different - I don't want to damage livery decals later, while I am applying CF. Couple of quick in progress photos of engine cover below.

Masking, masking and more masking

Spent over 8 hours on masking parts for SF70H and BT46 builds. Most on SF70H. Never have done so much and so complex masking before. Prior to that clear coat was applied over livery decals for BT46 and over main colours for SF70H and MP4/6. At least builds will be unblocked for decal application after that.

Primed parts of SF70H model

Last weekend I started to prime parts. Decided to go with light layers of grey first. Will need to smooth these coats a bit and then get white primer on the parts, which will be white and red later. First photo shows well how much pre-assembly I've done for the main shell of my model. On second photo it is possible to make out what other pre-assemblies I've done before primer for other parts.

Putty work started for SF70H build

Lots and lots of seems and injection pin marks to fill in. Recent Tamiya kits seems to have an excessive number of injection marks. I wonder how is the kind of injection process they use different from other manufacturers. BeeMax and Fujimi kits for example, don't seems to have as many. I've even decided to leave some of them, which will not be very visible under black paint and in some hard to see places. Don't like those prep steps much, so trying to avoid any extra work.

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.

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.