New builder first build :1/12 Lotus 72 JPS from Tamiya.

[Deleted]

Hello Guys,

I've finaly decided to go on and build a Lotus 72 1/12 scaled from Tamiya.
I'm 40 years old, and since i'm a young boy, i see my fathers models.
He has built a Mc laren m23, an 312 t ferrari, an Matra and a Porshe martini prototype.
The point is that he has nearly 15-20 vintages kits from the 70's and early 80's from Tamiya, but did not want to give me one to build.

So i decided to buy a Lotus 72 re-issued.

Why the 72 ? because its a so beautifull car, 72 is my year of birth, and because it has been a big part of the history.
I have pretty much no experience in building kits, even if i've been racing radio controlled models for years ^^.

What kind of advises would you give me ?

One in my mind is the boby work, do i'll need to polish the body before painting ? do i need to prepaint it with white or something else before applying the final black color ?

Do i need to follow tamiya advices for painting parts (color codes, brand).

I'm going to need a JPS decal sheet because the tamiya kit is not complete naymore due to tobacco laws, i'think i'm going to order from Indycals.

Thanks for you help and the wonderfull builds that motivated me.

[Patrick]

You are taking the first good step by getting your decals from IndyCals. They are great and the service is excellent. As this is your "first" model started I would advise enjoying your build and learn as you go. Your experiences with your RC cars will do you great service as you build and learn more. I would use a grey or even a black primer and not polishing the plastic beforehand, even with a light sanding to give the paint something to "bite" into. I think all of us have their nuances as to preparation for painting.
I agree with you about the 72 being a beautiful car (I wish for a 1/24 not a 1/20!). Have fun and enjoy your build. Give us some photos as you go!

Patrick

[Deleted]

I should receive my Kit in a week or two from Japan, so i'm preparing the built by taking advises, looking into builds already done by other.
So for the body, you would paint it as it is out of the box with black primer or grey and then black ? no job on the body ? not sur i used the right word with polishing, i was meaning to paper it in order to have a clean surface.

Thanks for the replies.

[indy]

Oct 18, 2013 13:32:18 GMT -5 @remydio said:

I should receive my Kit in a week or two from Japan, so i'm preparing the built by taking advises, looking into builds already done by other.
So for the body, you would paint it as it is out of the box with black primer or grey and then black ? no job on the body ? not sur i used the right word with polishing, i was meaning to paper it in order to have a clean surface.

Thanks for the replies.

If you have access to Tamiya products, their grey primer and TS14 black would work well on this car. It is always best to use the same brand primer and paint just to avoid a potential reaction between the two. If you buy the same brand you take out another variable.

You are correct that it will be best to rub down the body with a fine grade sandpaper before primer. Nothing too heavy, as you just want to take the shine off the plastic.

I recommend those IndyCal decals, too.

Jordan

[Deleted]

Thats what i mean, sandpaper ! thanks for the tip with the grey.
Having dealt with hundreds (?) of polycarbonate transluscent body for my rc cars, i had in mind not to use different brands...i had major issues doing this in the past. thanks anyway !