While I was doing research on the 1/43rd scale Lotus 56 I pulled this from my stash. I decided to build it too. This is the old MPC kit in 1/25th scale. It will essentially be a curbside so that the body will fit better than having the top sections removable, but I’ll build all the internal stuff too.
I built up the insides, engine and suspension and was able to make it a standalone subassembly so the seam on the nose could be filled. Most of the parts are chrome plated so they were stripped first.
“Veddy Interesting”
The wheels are on the simple side, but a little paint does wonders. The tires on the other hand are not correct but I’ll use them anyway.
Did the 1/25 come with the Wheel Horse tractor too?
Yes, this is the one with the little tractor. I’m tinkering with it too.
Undercoat for the fluorescent red. Yes, it is pink.
The red is Tamiya TS-36. This is about an hour after I painted it. It will now sit in the drying closet for a while.
This little tractor comes in the kit too. I assembled and painted the main components first starting with the wheels/tires.
The engine…
I added some detail to the muffler.
And the frame with the battery and transmission installed. I added a little wiring to the engine and battery.
I went with Tamiya Italian Red for the body parts. Warbird Decals black & brown woodgrain was used for the push board.
This is as much as I can build up of the chassis & suspension until it is installed into the lower section of the body.
The tractor is finished.
I machined new center nuts for the wheels and made some decals. I dirtied up the engine a little more too.
The tractor is a nice addition. Turned out great.
Thanks John!
The decals aren’t too bad, especially considering when they were printed and the process used, but all of the STP logos lacked the white outlines.
So I made new ones.
I cleared it a few days ago. No unexpected negative issues have manifested.
The last photos of the innards before it is sealed up.
Now that it is done I can see how this kit could be built into a really nice model. The main weak points are the suspension that doesn’t line up well causing camber and toe issues, and the fit of the body if you want to leave the top removable. Both issues can be engineered out if one wants to take the time and maybe do some fabricating. The decals and tires should be upgraded if possible too, but I’m happy with this one as it is.
Finished with Tamiya TS paints and urethane clear. Except for the added white decals around the STP logos it is 100% out of the box.
Amazing work Mark![:D[ [:D[ [:D[
Stay safe.
Jim [cptn]
Thanks Jim!