Ferrari F1-2000, Michael Schumacher
1/20th Scale Ferrari F1-2000, Michael Schumacher
Modeling Descriptions and Photos
Assembly Preparation
I am very excited to start this kit now. I have been wanting to build this kit, but I just didn't have time to come around to it. The kit itself is configured to build the French G.P. version, but I will
fix that. I am thinking about converting this into a Japanese G.P. version which Michael Schumacher won the race with. This means that
the front and rear wings as well as some of the aerodynamic packages of the car must be modified.
I started the assembly with the wheels and tires (I like to start assembling these and it usually brings a building mood for me). I decided to use the Model
Master's buffing metalizer 1451 Aluminum Plate to represent the BBS alloy wheels.
Surface Preparation
The buffing metalizer works quite well for me, I gave two coats and started to buff the wheels with a soft cotton cloth for about three minutes. I tried not to buff too much as it might damage the coat. I could have
used the wheels at this point as they are, but I wanted to tone down the shine, which will make things bit more realistic.
I used a black wash to tone down the shine. I gave the wash indirectly by performing it from the back of the wheels and buffed the front again. After I repeated this process twice,
I was able to achieve a darker shine.
Decals for the Wheels
The BBS decals were applied and I also painted the lug nuts. The lug nut has a color code (blue and red) which tells the side of the wheels. Once the alloy wheels are finished, I gave a clear coat to the
wheels. This clear coat will seal the metalizer from rubbing out.
The new F1 2000 kit has a pre-stamped tire decals. Unfortunately, I didn't like how they are stamped. Some of them are okay, but some of them are not aligned
correctly... This is what you get when machines do the human work. ^_^ Also the decals aren't as white as I wanted to be. They have more "gray"-ish look. My solution was to rip them off completely and
apply my own dry transfers of "Bridgestone" logos. I had enough "Bridgestone" left-over decals from building MP4/13 kits. If you are looking for some spare "Bridgestone" decals, try to contact Tamiya and they might even send them to you for free.
Inserting a wheel into a tire caused bit of problem for me. The tires fit very tightly, I was afraid that the metalizer might come off while I am inserting the wheels. I added some padding between the tire and the wheel to minimize any unwanted rub.
Finished Applying Decals
The cleat coat was applied to protect the tire decals as well as to provide a smooth side wall surface. Later that day, I applied a flat coat to tone down the shine to be acceptable for
our eyes.
Treating the Grooved Tires
The grooves have bit more shine then the surface. I applied the clearcoat on grooved area and masked them by cutting a mask tape to thin strips. Then I gave a flat coat to finish off the surface.
Finished Wheel
Finally, the wheel has the right shine comparing to the real photo. I still need to make 7 more of these...
Adding Steering Handle Detail
The steering handle looks busy here. I covered with the carbon fiber and painted each knobs with correct colors.
Aftermarket Products View #1
Here is the Studio 27 conversion parts for the Japanese G.P. for the front wing. As you can see, the "V" shaped wing is straight in the Japanese G.P. version to provide a higher down force. There are some minor changes in the mirrors and other aerodynamic settings.
I also acquired the Marlboro decals from the Studio 27 as well. Both of these items are ordered from www.hlj.com in Japan. I ordered several of these just in case I want to make several of them. ^_^
Aftermarket Products View #2
I will also use the aftermarket harness kit from ScaleMotorsport for this Ferrari. The harness kit is a fine one, I have been using them in various models I have built and the finished harness does a wonderful job enhancing the look of the car! The each kit
makes two set.
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