You might want to try this car modeling forum for additional advice:

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/f927/

 

Thanks, everybody. Those are some great advises.

I have the second version, with the plastic hardtop and extra wheels. And the wheels are already chrome, so I won't need to paint them. I only peeked inside the box once because I didn't want to handle the pieces too much (otherwise the pieces start falling off the tree and I'd lose the part numbers).

What is this "toothpick off the excess" method? Can someone describe this in more detail please.

No, not at all. I appreciate all the detail instructions.

Luft46, you got PM from me. Thanks.

 

Lets see some pics!!!

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by WhiteS2k
[B]

What is this "toothpick off the excess" method?

 

I have been building models for years and have built the first and second versions of the kit. The first version featured a convertible top with right-hand steering only. The second kit included the hard-top and the left-hand steering arrangement.

For glue, I use a combination of super glue (cyanoacrylate - CA) and Elmer's white glue. The CA is used for glueing every part EXCEPT the clear parts. The white glue, applied with a piece of tiny brass rod, is used to attach the clear parts to the car since it dries clear.

The Tamiya kits are really nice, especially since they include die-cut painting masks for the front and rear windows. However, if you look really close, there are mold seams on the front fenders and the rear bumpers that depending on your discriminating tastes need to be removed. Being somewhat of a picky model builder, I removed these by sanding them off. As a result, I had to repaint the entire body. If you are painting it white, my advice is to put down a primer coat of a light grey (Testor's Light Aircraft Grey for example) then put on thin layers of white. Air brushing most always produces a clean finish but spray painting can also yield good results.

Below is my white S2000 model (the second kit version that has a left-hand drive). I airbrushed the body white and all of the black parts. I used Testors Red in a spray can for the interior. Before I installed the mirrors, clear parts, emblems, and headlights, I put several coats of Testors Gloss to give it a good shine. The interior details were painted using fine-tipped brushes and toothpicks (for the really small details).

Enjoy.

 

If you airbrush over the masks, you shouldn't have a problem with paint seaping in under the mask. Another way to remove painting imperfections is to use VERY, VERY generous amounts of paint thinner. Once the paint is removed but before the thinner dries, the residual thinner needs to be wiped away with a clean rag or tissue.

As for the hardtop, I used the hardtop on the first kit version. After screaming and yelling at it since the fit was a little off, I actually got it on right the second time (it was a very good thing i was using Elmer's glue for that). It is a very snug fit, so snug that it has to be on just right or it won't fit. Where are you having fit problems?

 

WOW! Great job with that! I know it's not easy to get such a clean, uniform finish like that.

I used to love doing model planes when I was a kid, and just started up again with the Gundam series. I have a Testors Aztek compressor + dual action brush... still getting the hang of it. I doubt I'll ever use a brush again.
Here's the last one I did. I love how easy it is to do subtle shading with an airbrush.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by summas2k
[B]
As for the hardtop, I used the hardtop on the first kit version.

 

OMG, you are not going to break the plastic wrap and actually build this kit are you? You will distroy it's collector value! Just kidding.

Some great tips.

Nice to see there are more S2000 model collectors and builders now. At last count I had over 40 S2000 models but many were duplications or variations in color. Here's a list of my collection:

Scale/Mfg/Style
1/18/AutoArt/Diecast - best model
1/18/Maisto/Diecast - Japanese engine layout
1/18/Maisto/Kit - diecast
1/24/Tamiya/Kit - plastic, Japanese layout
1/24/Maisto/Kit - diecast
1/24/Maisto/Diecast
1/24/Motor Max/Diecast
1/32/New Ray/Diecast
1/36/Maisto/Kit-diecast
1/36/Maisto/Diecast
1/36/Road & Track/Diecast
1/65/Maisto/Diecast
2-1/4"/Hobbico Micro Sizers Tomy/Radio Control
6"/Tyco/Radio Control
4"/Papercraft/Kit - paper

Like many of you, I've been building models for longer than I can remember. I have 1/24 sportscar collection that I've been accumulating for longer than many of you probably have been on this earth. While I use love to make plastic kits, I've become frustrated with their poor longevity. Many of mine just have not withstood the test of time, i.e., over quarter of century. I have switched my interests to disassembly of diecasts or diecast kits (if available), when I really want to do a top notch model.

A couple of years ago I tried to drum up interest in a Model Cars and Collectables Forum but it didn't get any support. Wondering out loud... Any interest, anyone?

 

I have 168 of them which I won't bother listing here... (about a quarter of them from diff color, LHD/RHD, wheel combos). The kits still boxed - mainly because I don't have the time (or skill to build to the quality I'd like).

A Collectables forum would be a great idea... I have yet to catalog my brochures and non-model collectables... including a set of S2000 watches (S2000 colors on the face that has an etched S2000 image and logo)...