GB 2009 : WIP Brabham BT46 - Complete!!!

alexpayne · Post by **alexpayne** » Fri May 29, 2009 12:01 pm

Hi Chris, Fab looking engine and drive train,the Tamiya weathering sticks are great and so easy to use and the results speak for themselves.
All the best,Alex.

Post by **CBartholomew4677** » Sun May 31, 2009 11:22 pm

Hello All,
A little update on the Brabham Alfa Romeo for the GB2009. OK, one last picture of the engine, as I added the last touches before assembling to the chassis, which were the following:
1. Transmission line : Fittings (RB Motion) and braided line (Detail Master). [I added a wire to the center of the line, turned out much better, thanks for the tip!!]
2. Fuel Line : Added the fuel pump delivery line (fuel tank-->fuel filter-->pump) inluding fittings and braided line.

Now, on to something different. I started working on the other end of the car, and started to make the front wing mounting and fluid bottles. From all the great pictures you all supplied me, I decided that the kit was woefully lacking in detail and decided to do the following:
- Remake the radiator,
- Add plumbing and connection
- Add protective screen mesh (not in picture, but the mounts are there)
- Add vertical mounting braces (made from sheet styrene)
- Remake the fluid bottles (not shown, primed and drying now).
So, seems I've got a task ahead of me, eh? Again I'll say that my "minor details added, nothing over the top" build continues to blossom into somthing more.
Have look, comments and recommendations always welcome.
Cheers,
Chris

Post by **CBartholomew4677** » Mon Jun 01, 2009 7:09 am

So I'm starting the painting process, and thinking about decals. I have a set of new decals for this kit, but does anyone know if they are any good, not opaque? What I'm concerned about is getting them on and having the red show through the white decals. Any info. or advice would be appreciated before I give a trial.
Cheers,
Chris

Note: Indycals has them!! Ordered a set and looking forward to giving it a go.

Post by **CBartholomew4677** » Sat Jun 06, 2009 11:45 am

Hello All,
A little more progress lately,.....but just a little.
I've been working on the front of the car recently, and beginning on the cockpit.

Got the radiator washed and the front wing mount finished. I remade the fluid bottles from round (bottle) and hex (caps) styrene rod, with aluminum tube for the fluid line. Vertical bracing I made new also. Picture is just a trial assembly.

For the cockpit, I realized the kit has no pedals. Since I am not planning to include the figure, and will likely have the body off for display, I have to make new. Quick shot of the progress and direction.

Have a look, comments and feedback always happy to hear.
Cheers,
Chris

AJP01 · Post by **AJP01** » Sun Jun 07, 2009 1:48 pm

Really nice work you've got going there Chris. My compliments to you man.

I understand the whole scratchbuilding temptation once you've got reference photos - it's a tough decision for me as well to figure out when to stop fabricating stuff to make the car more accurate vs. getting the build done. But you're adding details that really make this car come to life, so great job!

Cheers,
AJ

Post by **CBartholomew4677** » Sun Jun 07, 2009 5:45 pm

Yeah, every time I finish a (small) area, and move on to the next area, I realize some things that could be improved. My planning for this one was way short of reality.
Cheers,
Chris

Post by **CBartholomew4677** » Sun Jun 07, 2009 8:59 pm

One more quick post. I finished the pedal assembly. Pedal faces are from Acu-Stion. I'm pretty happy how they turned out. Comments and feedback always appreciated.
Cheers,
Chris

Icon_Modeler · Post by **Icon_Modeler** » Sun Jun 07, 2009 10:00 pm

Looking good Chris, If I may make a suggestion. Next time on your pedals give the photoetched pad a little curve. These pedals are rarely flat and usually curved so that the drivers foot is always pressing on the pad no mater what the angle of the pedal and so that the driver has more then just the edge of the pad to press his foot on. Hope that makes since. Keep the updates coming!!!!!!!

Icon Modeler

garymc · Post by **garymc** » Sun Jun 07, 2009 11:59 pm

Nice job Chris all your additions are a big improvemnt,looking forward to what you come up with next.

Regards,Gary

Post by **CBartholomew4677** » Sun Jun 14, 2009 11:36 am

Hello All,
Little-by-little making progress on the Brabham Alfa Romeo BT46.

I've finished the front upright assemblies, with modification to the brake ducts. The kit parts are a solid blob of plastic, with no opening for the duct intake. This just can't be accepted, so I cut the opening area away from the part, and remade it with sheet styrene to get some sense of depth. Puttied, primed, painted and assembled now. You can see below. [P.S.- I know the brake caliper has a gap, but it can't be seen, so no issue.]

A little work on the rear wing also. Naturally, the kit parts need some work, mainly on the attachment bolt/rivets. Two (2) things:
1) Molded-in bolts are not good and must be removed/replaced. --> Drilled the holes and cut-away the molded-in bolts.
2) Holes to accept the molded wing "pins" are way too big and look sloppy. --> Filled the holes with styrene sprue and re-drilled the holes to appropriate diameter.

My intention is to use the following for details:
- Wing-plane attachement : Top Studio 0.9mm Rivets
- Mounting "bar" attachment : Scale Hardware 0.5mm Rivets
A couple pictures to show my intentions when finally painted. I think it's a good improvement over the original kit parts.

That's all for now. Comments, feedback and advice always appreciated.
Cheers,
Chris