WIP: McLaren builds

[lezdep]

I did not want to start separate WIP threads for these builds. Both are common subjects here. However there might be some
value for others in describing my work. Besides I think the more WIP work is shown, the better it is for forums.. More entertainment
for readers, sort of. Also these two took time from my other projects and were the reason other builds are delayed. Enough
exercises for me show off more builds

Both builds started a while ago. So posts will be back dated. I have documented both builds in my blog, but exposure is much bigger
here, of course. I will just reuse posts from the blog. All my progress is usually documented in that blog. Address is in my signature
- http://lezdep.blogspot.com

Fujimi MP4/6 was started in September of 2015. Ebbro MP4/30 was started in December.

[lezdep]

September 17, 2015 - Started Fujimi MP4/6

With FW16B in sort of limbo state, because of paint issues. I've decided to start new Formula 1
build instead. I've wanted to build Fujimi MP4/6 kit since a while back. I think main reason is that
this kit is a scaled down version of 1/12 Tamiya kit and is a great subject to model. I've actually
been working on it for a couple of weeks now, but there isn't much to show. It is in stage of preparation
steps. Detached parts from trees and performed test assembly. Also started gluing some parts together
before primer. My kit is full view version, however I decided to not have any parts left transparent on
my model. Want to build it mostly OOB with addition of some Studio27 PE parts and brake detail set
by Hobby Design. With all other projects on the go this one will be slow moving.

[lezdep]

November 16, 2015 - Almost ready for primer

Spent weekend cleaning up and mounting parts on toothpicks and sticks. Almost all are
mounted by now. Few wing parts just wouldn't glue to toothpicks for me. Before that I have
attached part D3 to the rest of the body. Instructions say to mount it onto chassis as separate
piece. But I saw it as part of main body on real car and glued and puttied it upfront. Look ok,
but it might require more work after primer shows quality of seems.

There are some many parts in this kit, that even for out of the box build it takes a long time
to prepare, mount and paint all of them.

[lezdep]

November 18, 2015 - Primer is on

Had a long priming session last night. All parts, I was able to clean and mount, are primed.
Some very small parts remains to do. Will let parts dry and then start painting on actual colours.
Body will need more work around glued in headrest. Then body and wing parts will receive
white primer coats, before base white colour could be applied. Here is quick shot of parts drying.

[lezdep]

November 22, 2015 - Started colour painting

Completed couple more painting sessions over the weekend. All parts that required semi-gloss
black are painted - floor, monocoque, seat, engine and wing elements. Painted various Alclad colours
on suspension and engine parts. Radiators, brake calipers, shocks and many other parts are painted
as well. Body and wing parts received coats of white primer in preparation for base white and fluo red.

[acer709]

Wow Sergey!
Great progress looks like a surgeons operating table!
Thanks for the pics

[lezdep]

Nobember 30, 2015 - Assembly started

Small update. Brush painted some detail on suspension elements and started assembly steps.
Engine/gearbox assembly first. I'm already frustrated a bit. It looked like a great, well detailed kit.
Yet Fujimi engineering level lets it down again. They are still far from Tamiya in that. Again fit of
the parts is not perfect. Many detail parts have quite small attachment surfaces and don't want to
glue well with plastic glue. Alignment of suspension parts is not well fixed and there is real chance
I will end up with misaligned suspension arms. Of course all could be probably worked out with
extra effort from builder, but it drives me a bit mad at times.

[lezdep]

DECEMBER 6, 2015 - Small progress

Didn't have much time this weekend, only small update. Continued assembly of engine/gearbox
accessories and started assembly of cockpit items. Fit is better for cockpit parts. Also test fitted HD
brakes and modified wheels to accept them. Detail painted steering wheel and switches on side
panel for cockpit. And attached electronics boxes to side pod panels

[lezdep]

DECEMBER 30, 2015 - MP4/30 mid season build started

Received my copy on Ebbro MP4/30 kit and could not resist starting it. Kit is very basic and simple. I anticipate
no issues with kit and hopefully can get it done relatively fast. Only 2 concerns to address. First is missing brake
detail - no rotors, no calipers and no covers. I'll have to scratch build covers and use resin copies of rotors and
calipers from another kit. Second is the choice of proper colour. Neither TS40 or TS14 seems to be correct. If I
cannot find better match in my own stock, I will probably go with recommended TS40.

First step is traditional test fit assembly. Fit is very good on this kit.





Next step was to glue together as much parts as possible before paint. Assembled floor parts, upright details,
gearbox and exhaust pipe. Then assembled all body parts into curbside shell. Kit does not have any engine at
all. Next step will be putting seams and injection marks and preparing surfaces for primer.

[lezdep]

JANUARY 13, 2016 - Putty work started

After most of PE items were glued on, I've stated putty work on both F2008 and MP4/30. Few PE items are left to
attach to nose, but I can only do it after I finish putty work on it. I expect lots of sanding/puttying iterations ahead.