Tamiya Nissan Skyline GTR R34

After making 4 Revell models it was time for a change so I built this Tamiya Nissan Skyline.  And it was a bit of a revelation.  The quality of the parts and decals is a level above the Revell kits and everything goes together so well with very clear instructions.

I think this car races in the Japanese Touring Cars and Tamiya make quite a few of these in different Nissan models all with the Calsonic branding.

It does make everything a lot easier when the parts don't really need cleaning up and just fit together well.  And Tamiya kits don't really cost any more than other kits so if a car is available from Tamiya I would certainly not hesitate to recommend them.

When I saw the following decals for the grill I thought I was in for a bit of a nightmare - but in fact they went on well despite them looking tricky to get lined up well.

There was even some nice underside details.

Strangely this was also the first time I had managed to attach the wing mirrors to one of my cars! (The ones on the Ferrari were done - eventually - after this car had been finished)

Revell Sauber C9 Mercedes

After the disappointment of the Ferrari here is another Revell kit - but this one is a cracker:

I've always like the look of Le Mans type cars and this one is a beauty.  The kit itself is quite basic with no engine at all and only a basic cockpit but the outside does have some lovely details and all the decals were easy to fit.  Unfortunately some of the decals have cracked after they have set in place...not sure what caused that - maybe old decals?

Sometimes it's nice to have a simple, good looking kit like this to have some fun with - I would even like to get another like this and do it in the Kouros livery which was also included with the decals.

The pictures on the blog should be a bit better now that they have been as I have got a new camera (an Olympus VR-310) which has an excellent macro mode.

Revell 360 Modena

Ah - the Revell 360 Modena - in theory a stunning looking car - but not when you rush it to get it done...this one has ended up as the model I'm least pleased with.  One day it may get a complete re-paint but for now it will just serve as a reminder to never rush a job if you want it to look good!

From afar it looks ok in a nice metallic teal - but close up it goes downhill fast!  Under the headlights has not been painted and no window surround has been painted so you can see the glue that holds in the windows.  There is some nice details of the engine bay though. 

The above shows my fist use of transparent paint on the rear light clusters.  It does take a few coats for it to show well but it is a lot better than using plain red paint for lights and well worth the effort.  There was some black gauze on the bottom below the number plate and near the exhausts but this fell off and never got replaced!

Even the fit and finish is not so good on this one as you can see on the rear where the body shell is coming away from the bumper!

Revell Chevrolet Corvette C5

After the AC Cobra I got a bit more modern and purchased a Revell Chevrolet Corvette C5.  I didn't know much about the real car.  I just liked the look and that was good enough for me!

It has full cockpit and engine detail and I display this with the body off so that you can see inside and outside.

This was my first...and so far only attempt at using an airbrush.  I used a cheap Revell one with their Aqua Color paint.  It came out OK.  Not the best as it did not cover too well, although I don't think I had the consistency right and so one day will get round to trying again!

This time round the decals went on really well without a hitch and I then  gave it a few gloss coats to seal them in.

Revell AC Cobra

Well...welcome to my blog and my first posting. 

For as long as I can remember I have enjoyed building models.  Starting with Airfix model planes I quickly moved on to cars where I have been ever since. 

I thought I would start the blog off with a picture of the first car that I still own which I have put together.  This was the first car that I had done after quite a few years of not building any models so it was fun getting back into it all.

It is a Revell AC Cobra and a very nice looking little sportscar.  Not one of my best - some of the decals split when they were being put on and some of the fine details are not so fine.  I do like it though and would get another one and paint it in the more traditional blue with a white stripe.

Revell kits are generally good, although, not up to the high standards that Tamiya have set.  There is usually more work to do in getting the pieces cleaned up and some of the fit and finish is not quite as good.