1/20 Studio 27 BMW Williams FW24

Modeling Descriptions and Photos
Jul-14-03

Floor Work
I see many builders neglect to check the angle of the front wing before it is too late to adjust... And be sure to check it with the floor mounted to the chassis...

Overall View
The most of the hard work is over once you are done with the painting and polishing task. The white decal films (to ease the masking job) are evident here and it really bothers me. I should have trimmed them off, but I wanted to play safe. Now seeing the result, I was being too cautious.

Side Aerodynamic Components
I have my own personal feeling regarding the use of carbon fiber decals on models. I just don't agree that it is necessary. I rather use "semi gloss black" instead of carbon fiber decals. Of course, a bigger scale model might make sense to have carbon fiber decals to accurately represent the actual car, but it makes "less" sense for 1/20th or 1/24th scale models...

However, I do see the need when it comes to accentuate certain areas. Having said that, I am going use carbon fiber decals on the floor surface; starting with these side aerodynamic wings!

The Exhaust Requires Some Correction
The exhaust pipes need somework... The diameter is not big enough...

Cockpit
White films, white films, white films, white films!

Seat Harness
I need a change of pace here. I got sick of looking at the white decal films. A lesson learned; need to acquire precision masking technique and do not rely on decals to cover up masking lines...

I used the supplied Studio 27 P/E harness for this model. No need to use other aftermarket parts; this will be good enough even though it doesn't have to correct fabric texture. Since the seat and the harness are in similar color, I outlined the harness.

Seat Harness
This will do. Nothing complicate. No emergency pull tags, no arm pads, no communication link cable. And no carbon fiber decals around the seat! Just a simple seat and its harness! "Simplicity" is the best policy.

Carbon Fiber
I made some mess applying the decals... These decals might look acceptable to our eyes, but I think the need to be much darker and glossier. I will address that at the later stage. For now, I need to learn how to apply the decal on a large section!

Carbon Fiber
It is almost automatic that I need to repeat some of the steps because I always have more energy to do the same task the second time.

Carbon Fiber
I brushed over the decal to one direction to flatten the surface after a decal solution tendered up the decal. It is not advisable to touch the decal while the softener is working, but this is the only time where I can flatten the decal effectively...

The Rear Wing Assembly
The rear wing assembly requires some work to be perfect. Measure and align as many times as possible to ensure the correct fit before committing for a final assembly.

Testing Fitting Session

Testing Fitting Session
I think my car is now ready for suspension work (again)... The way I build these kits is basically to repeat a given step as many times as possible and refine it before moving onto a next step...

The Front Suspension

The Front Suspension
Verifying the front suspension parts. I am trying to decide if I want to detail the brake system?

Clear Coat

Clear Coat
Two more heavy clear coats went on just because I wanted the car to look really really really really really really, and really good. I am not finished with the coat yet. Will probably trace the panel lines again and polish the surface out later. Ah, this is definitely a never ending process.

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