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As some of you know, I'm building Kyosho's 1/8th scale McLaren MP4/23 F1 Championship winning car. Parts for the model are being released in issues together with an informative magazine.
The basic quality of the model is quite good and components such as the engine, suspension arms and wheels are metal-cast.
Here are some pics:
Ugly Mould Lines
Engine and Gear Box
Scale compared to my 1/48 Fw 190
The main issue I have is the fact that for such an expensive model (EUR 11 per issue
) it definitely falls short in some areas such as unsightly mould lines and gaps which need to be filled. Problem is that the parts are already painted, decals already applied so fixing these issues is not exactly straight forward.
I've been rummaging around the internet and found a brave fellow that went ahead and sanded the whole thing down and re-sprayed it using Halfords colours. I've also read on the same thread that AlcladII Chrome is also a suitable match. Decals are available from Japan and Carbon-Fibre look decal sheets are also available. The latter can be used to wrap components such as the suspension arms to add a more authentic feel.
I must admit that although it's a monumental task it's beginning to sound quite tempting. The carbon-fibre decals are a no brainer as they can be applied with no damage to the model. Sanding the whole thing down is more risky so my approach will be to get some Alclad Chrome and try it out. If it's a close enough match, I will just re-touch those areas that need correcting.
Comments / opinions / suggestions are welcome as always
The basic quality of the model is quite good and components such as the engine, suspension arms and wheels are metal-cast.
Here are some pics:
Ugly Mould Lines
Engine and Gear Box
Scale compared to my 1/48 Fw 190
The main issue I have is the fact that for such an expensive model (EUR 11 per issue
) it definitely falls short in some areas such as unsightly mould lines and gaps which need to be filled. Problem is that the parts are already painted, decals already applied so fixing these issues is not exactly straight forward.I've been rummaging around the internet and found a brave fellow that went ahead and sanded the whole thing down and re-sprayed it using Halfords colours. I've also read on the same thread that AlcladII Chrome is also a suitable match. Decals are available from Japan and Carbon-Fibre look decal sheets are also available. The latter can be used to wrap components such as the suspension arms to add a more authentic feel.
I must admit that although it's a monumental task it's beginning to sound quite tempting. The carbon-fibre decals are a no brainer as they can be applied with no damage to the model. Sanding the whole thing down is more risky so my approach will be to get some Alclad Chrome and try it out. If it's a close enough match, I will just re-touch those areas that need correcting.
Comments / opinions / suggestions are welcome as always
