#22 1951 Barcelona GP Alfa Romeo 159 J.M.Fangio

[jj66]

I will try to convert a Merit Alfa Romeo 158 kit into the Alfa 159 Barcelona GP winner driven by J.M.Fangio. This is the target:

The Merit/Smer/Atlantis kit is very known, good shaped kit by the age. Starting with the worst part of the kit, wheels and tires. Recently I bought a 'cheap' 3D resin printer ($300) and started to design my own parts. For this build, tires, rings and hubs. With a jig, wired wheels in two steps, one for rear wires, second to front ones. All rings glued with epoxy, then wires cut and tires mounted.

Next step were brakes. Cut from kit tires, and adapted to hubs shape.

Now the body. First step was to glue engine, dash, rear and front axles. Primed, painted and washed. Next, 3D printed side panels with edge vents, new hood too. Side panels were fit with epoxy putty, and rear low body with Apoxy sculpt. Tail was trimmed and rounded. Added details on the grille with aluminum sheet. Finally gray primmed to verify general shape and issues.

Opening front cockpit intake, added windshield supports and fuel cap with brass sheet. Rear cockpit body reshaped. 159 type is lower than 158 type. New windshield with acetate sheet. Kit windshield is too thick.

Pre-assembly before painting.

Detail view of 3D printed tire.

For painting, I will try to give it post-race weathering effects.

[jimhamill]

I really enjoy watching your WIPs - you make it look so easy!

What software do you use to design your parts for 3D printing?

Jim

[Gary Davis]

Juanjo...your work is pure pleasure to watch. Jim is 100% nail on the head...you do make fabwork look easy.

[jj66]

Apr 3, 2021 15:24:02 GMT -5 jimhamill said:

I really enjoy watching your WIPs - you make it look so easy!

What software do you use to design your parts for 3D printing?

Jim

I use FreeCAD. This is free software and there are many tutorials on Youtube .

[Gary Davis]

Juanjo...thanks for the heads up on the 3D info. Santa brought me a 3D printer for Christmas and I have no idea how to use it. This will give me something to go by.

[indy]

Several makers and modelers that I like talk about 3D printing being another tool in the belt, more than a replacement for other skills. I love your integration of kit parts, 3D parts, and scratch building to make something so much better than what came out of the molds. Keep it up Juanjo.

Jordan

[jj66]

Another 3D printed part was exhaust, 2 pipes in the 159.

For painting, Fangio nose marking was masked in two steps, first one over yellow, second over blue. Finally acrylilc red applied, and 2K clear coat.

Upholstery added to the rear of the cabin with Apoxie Sculpt

And final pics before race.

Then, weathering was applied, with brushed acrylic washes, first white+medium rust over all, second black+medium rust on low areas, wheels and exhaust, varying shades, and finally airbrushed dust. May be excessive, but it's difficult to modulate.

[pje]

I fully expect that if you pick up the model there is a small puddle of oil underneath it.
Outstanding work!

Paul Erlendson

[alwaysindy]

Juanjo:
Another killer build! Kudos! The weathering looks fine to me...the tracks back in the day were dirtier, engines leaked oil, and radiator’s leaked water...Fangio has to be considered one of the GOAT’s as he won 46.15% of gp’s he entered...
As always: thanks for posting! I love to watch your WIP’s!
Tim

[Art Laski]

More Juanjo magic! Fantastic stuff.

[Gary Davis]

What a GREAT looking piece of automotive ART. Your work is a pleasure to look at Juanjo.

[tatocorvette]

Hermoso!
Beautiful job!
I have this kit as well and I was looking at it earlier today.

Thanks,
Ismael