Ligier JS41 Academy Benetton B195 conversion
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Topic author - Backmarker
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Ligier JS41 Academy Benetton B195 conversion
I've decided to tackle something that requires a little more than a standard out of the box build. I had started this kit maybe 10-15 years ago and it had been sitting at my parents house. I've since gotten a hold of it and want to convert it to the Ligier JS41 which was virtually identical to the Benetton B195. I also saw this car live at the Canadian Grand Prix which was my first ever F1 race experience so there's a bit of nostalgia behind this build.
I will be using Scale Finishes RAL 5002 Ultramarine blue and aftermarket decals by Museum Collection. Luckily I was able to buy the last one from HLJ.com.
The kit is OK but it needs a lot of work:
- I started by gluing the engine cover to the monocoque as this will be a curbside build.
- The headrest doesn't even span the entire width of the airbox behind it so I enlarged it with filler (15 years ago) and sanded it down. I also used plastic card to add the missing side cushioning on the sides of the cockpit. I'll probably need to clean this up as the filler has some pinholes.
- While doing research and looking at other builds, I saw that the bulge on the top of the nose needed to be sanded down. I used 100 and 220 grit sandpaper followed by vigorous applications of 800 as I ran out of 320/400/600 grit.
- I also used a trick I saw from a build by Ron_Killings on another forum by cutting plastic card in the shape of the airbox step and filled the gaps with milliput.
- I re-scribed the panel lines but I think some of the panel lines next to the cockpit need to be filled.
- The bargeboards need to be smaller, but more research is needed for the exact size/shape.
- I will probably also drill a hole for the fuel filler cap which is represented by a 2D decal in the Academy kit.
I will be using Scale Finishes RAL 5002 Ultramarine blue and aftermarket decals by Museum Collection. Luckily I was able to buy the last one from HLJ.com.
The kit is OK but it needs a lot of work:
- I started by gluing the engine cover to the monocoque as this will be a curbside build.
- The headrest doesn't even span the entire width of the airbox behind it so I enlarged it with filler (15 years ago) and sanded it down. I also used plastic card to add the missing side cushioning on the sides of the cockpit. I'll probably need to clean this up as the filler has some pinholes.
- While doing research and looking at other builds, I saw that the bulge on the top of the nose needed to be sanded down. I used 100 and 220 grit sandpaper followed by vigorous applications of 800 as I ran out of 320/400/600 grit.
- I also used a trick I saw from a build by Ron_Killings on another forum by cutting plastic card in the shape of the airbox step and filled the gaps with milliput.
- I re-scribed the panel lines but I think some of the panel lines next to the cockpit need to be filled.
- The bargeboards need to be smaller, but more research is needed for the exact size/shape.
- I will probably also drill a hole for the fuel filler cap which is represented by a 2D decal in the Academy kit.
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Re: Ligier JS41 Academy Benetton B195 conversion
Alsways nice to see that my work inspires someone.CTurbert wrote: - I also used a trick I saw from a build by Ron_Killings on another forum by cutting plastic card in the shape of the airbox step and filled the gaps with milliput.
I will follow this with interest. Some day i will do this conversion too.
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Topic author - Backmarker
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Re: Ligier JS41 Academy Benetton B195 conversion
Thanks! Yes that helped to get the correct shape for the airbox.ron_killings wrote:Alsways nice to see that my work inspires someone.CTurbert wrote: - I also used a trick I saw from a build by Ron_Killings on another forum by cutting plastic card in the shape of the airbox step and filled the gaps with milliput.
I will follow this with interest. Some day i will do this conversion too.
Re: Ligier JS41 Academy Benetton B195 conversion
Need decals? I DO have
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Topic author - Backmarker
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Re: Ligier JS41 Academy Benetton B195 conversion
I appreciate the offer but I already purchased a sheet from HobbyLink Japan. If I mess them up I'll know who to reach out to!JamesB wrote:Need decals? I DO have
Re: Ligier JS41 Academy Benetton B195 conversion
OK, just whistle if needed
BTW, some of those ut there are not fully complete.
BR
James
BTW, some of those ut there are not fully complete.
BR
James
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- F1 Test Driver
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Re: Ligier JS41 Academy Benetton B195 conversion
Are the decals complete with ciggie sponsors James? If so, please DM me, i have two of this kit and may well do the same conversion as the OP
appreciated
appreciated
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Topic author - Backmarker
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Re: Ligier JS41 Academy Benetton B195 conversion
I managed to sand and shape the airbox step fairly successfully. I could probably extend the step backwards by a few mm. The headrest support filler fell off though so I'm redoing that with milliput, and also filling in a long NACA duct that appears at the tail end of the engine cover. That doesn't appear to be present on the Ligier JS41. I'm also planning to drill a hole for the fuel filler cap. Does anybody have advice on what to use for the cap itself?
There is also a long oval shaped bulge on the sides of the airbox right under the white Mugen Honda logo. I noticed that on the Ligier the bulge horizontally aligns with ground level, while the Benetton B195 bulge is slanted downward, probably due to the different engines. I think this might be a little too complicated to reshape so I'll leave it alone and hope it doesn't bother me later down the road!
There is also a long oval shaped bulge on the sides of the airbox right under the white Mugen Honda logo. I noticed that on the Ligier the bulge horizontally aligns with ground level, while the Benetton B195 bulge is slanted downward, probably due to the different engines. I think this might be a little too complicated to reshape so I'll leave it alone and hope it doesn't bother me later down the road!
Re: Ligier JS41 Academy Benetton B195 conversion
Yes, yes. Not just that: I also put the tyre decals. I remember I took special care in including all that others had forgotten. I remember myself digging into the books... I also put some minor sponsors that others overlooked.kimi_8 wrote:Are the decals complete with ciggie sponsors James? If so, please DM me, i have two of this kit and may well do the same conversion as the OP
appreciated
I'll take a look on availability and PM you
Ed:
that's what I have, and yes they may be done.
Makes me want to make the car too...
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Topic author - Backmarker
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Re: Ligier JS41 Academy Benetton B195 conversion
Wow that is awesome! I want to make a Canadian GP version of this car and I see your sheet includes the Pharmaprix logo (Quebec pharmacy), and others. I'll PM you.JamesB wrote:Yes, yes. Not just that: I also put the tyre decals. I remember I took special care in including all that others had forgotten. I remember myself digging into the books... I also put some minor sponsors that others overlooked.kimi_8 wrote:Are the decals complete with ciggie sponsors James? If so, please DM me, i have two of this kit and may well do the same conversion as the OP
appreciated
I'll take a look on availability and PM you
Ed:
that's what I have, and yes they may be done.
Makes me want to make the car too...