[BAracer]

Looking to complete my stable of 'Regulation' rally cars with this Modern example... 

Where I am... 
   


Where I hope to get to... 
   



Just got to paint and add water slide decals. Things I've not done for 45 years!

[rallyhub]

Hi Jeremy,

That is an amazing project.
I'm looking forward to your progress.

Hub

[BAracer]

Having asked the question about 4wd vs 2wd on here, and looking at the 4wd set up on the car, I have opted to go with 2wd. So replaced the plastic front wheels with metal, and removed the pulleys and belt. It all seemed very basic, so I thought I would start with what I am familiar with, but maybe add 4wd back at a later date should I feel like experimenting.

Off to Halfords at the weekend for some primer and paint.

Decals are on their way from 'rallye-miniature' in France. 

Wheel inserts are going to be borrowed from my Scaleauto Z4 white kit. 

Was going to keep the tyres as provided to see how they perform.

Have upgraded to a SRC sprung guide. 

Lexan interior sorted.

[rallyhub]

That is a good idea!
In this way it easy to compare 2WD with 4WD, if you like.
Citroen did once the same with their Xsara (Kit Car & WRC).

Hub

[BAracer]

Only 11 pieces of plastic to glue together to get the body shell ready for painting (and that includes door handles and mirrors).

   

That's my kind of kit!

[BAracer]

Just need some warm, dry weather and I'm good to go (I think...)

   

[BAracer]

Some comprehensive transfers arrived this morning from Rallye Miniature in France...

   

I am presuming I cut around each item, float it on some water and then slide and adjust it into position. Is that correct?

How do I know when they have been soaking in the water for long enough?

[woodcote]

Yep, cut round with scissors or a scalpel. I use lukewarm water and soak for about 30 seconds, then gently see if the decal is released. If yes, good - if no, back in the water for another 30 seconds.

I also use Micro Sol and Micro Set...

   

Micro Set is brushed on to the surface where the decal will go - it softens the decal a little and helps you move the decal around so it's perfectly in position and gives a good stick, avoids bubbles forming and creates an almost seamless transition with the surrounding area.

Micro Sol is brushed over the decal if it needs to go round a large contour on the car or slip into panel lines, show rivets etc. The decal may wrinkle to begin with, but then goes nice :-)

Finally a clear coat over the top to protect the decals. I use Tamiya TS-13 Clear in a spray can, but it's always a good idea to test on a spare decal first - some clears can be too 'hot' for the decals and ruin them. Like with the Halfords paint, a few very light coats and then a wet coat.

[BAracer]

Right... Lets get this straight from the start, this is the first time I have done this. Hopefully if it goes well, it will give other learners the encouragement to have a go.

Watched a few YouTube videos of people who definitely know what they are doing, and read up on some threads here.

So this is me...

Rubbed down the body with some 800 grit wet and dry to form a key for the primer
   

I bought one of these crocodile clip stands in anticipation of using it to hold a body whilst painting it. 
   

Wrapped the stand in newspaper to reduce the paint going on it, held it at arms length and gave the body a first coat of primer. 
   

For the second coat of primer, I put the stand on the lawn to avoid getting primer all over my hand...
   


So now I leave it a day before doing the top coats tomorrow evening.

[BAracer]

Could someone confirm the sequence of things for me, is it...

• Paint the body,
  
• Add the decals,
  
• Clear coat over the decals,
  
• Add the glassware to the decorated and coated body?