Brabham BT45

[Chris Smith]

Off onto another large scale project ?

I will be working on the Model Factory Hiro 1/12 Brabham BT45 press release version. 
Hopefully you will join me in on this and enjoy what I hope will be a great project.

I decided to start on the monocoque first, instead of the engine and gearbox. As usual lots of drilling and dry fitting. I probably have a few hours of polishing some white metal.

thank you all as always.

Chris

[Pierre Rivard]

Extra, extra cool project Chris. 70's F1 were all wonderful in their now way (they all looked different from each other) but these early Alfa flat 12 Brabham were very special. This car + MFH kit + your skills will make this a must follow!

[Dave Van]

Cool!! I have a 1/20 version on my stash. I'll be watching 

[Nacho Z]

I’ll be following along for sure!

[Chris Smith]

As per usual, this kit needs a lot of dry fitting to make sure everything lines up. Or I will be wondering why things don’t line up correctly later on down the line. I must have spent 5 hours yesterday just to double check everything before I start painting the monocoque cover, I’m almost there. I have some bodywork to do then hopefully I can get some paint on it.

I do have a good portion of the cockpit polished and installed, so this is a positive sign. I have to remember, it’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon ??

thanks for looking….

[Chris Smith]

Some progress, I do have quite a bit of time into this and it doesn’t look like much. I had the miss fortune of tearing one of the large decals and had to order another set. But I will say I had them at my door in 2 days. As usual awesome customer service and support.

I got some body work done, laid down some gravity color titanium white. Sprayed a mist coat and a wet coat of clear, then I put on some decals. All I need to do is seal everything with some 2k and then I can move forward on the cockpit.

thanks for looking….

[Chris Smith]

A very productive day ?

[Chris Smith]

Just a weeks worth of work…. lol

 

[Chris Smith]

A little more progress 

[SpikeSchumacher]

This is coming along really nicely Chris.

[Bainford]

Man, that's lovely stuff. Interesting subject and looking great. I love watching these MFH builds. I do wish they did more 1/24 stuff these days.

[Chris Smith]

More progress 

[Chris Smith]

So who’s up for a lot of pictures?!

I have been busy doing quite a bit of work. I finally finished the front radiators and frame to hold the nose on. I got the cockpit cover and engine cover painted + the front nose. I also started the engine. 
The valve covers took a bit of work, lots of drilling and a lot of rivets.

enjoy ? 

[Pierre Rivard]

Beautiful stuff. Definitely up to your very high standards.

[Chris Smith]

Some engine assembly 

[Nacho Z]

This one, somehow, dropped off my radar.  I’m glad I found it again.  Really wonderful work going on here, Chris!  It is always a pleasure to see your updates.

[Chris Smith]

1 hour ago, Nacho Z said:

This one, somehow, dropped off my radar.  I’m glad I found it again.  Really wonderful work going on here, Chris!  It is always a pleasure to see your updates.

Thanks , it’s much appreciated.. I am a little perplexed as to why I have over 700 views and such little comments. I would like some feedback, just saying.

Hope you’re doing well and building something cool as usual ?

[mrm]

Great stuff from the golden era of F1, when real men raced real cars. 

[rrb124@sbcglobal.net]

Huge Alfa Romeo fan since 1975. So good to see this build. Have owned 6 Alfa Romeo street cars. Your model will need a lighted glass case of its own!

[Codi]

Hi Chris,

I agree with your comment btw.......you should 7,000 views and at least 50 comments on this thread.  Your paint btw is just fantastic on her.  White might now be the most "spectacular" color but the way you did and the clear & decals just set her off!  Keep the posts coming and yes, I'll be certain to check in too! 

Cheers, tim

[Chris Smith]

4 hours ago, Codi said:

Hi Chris,

I agree with your comment btw.......you should 7,000 views and at least 50 comments on this thread.  Your paint btw is just fantastic on her.  White might now be the most "spectacular" color but the way you did and the clear & decals just set her off!  Keep the posts coming and yes, I'll be certain to check in too! 

Cheers, tim

Tim!, it’s so good to hear from you!

 I really appreciate your support and comments, hopefully I’ll see something soon from you. It’s been a while 

[Codi]

Morning Chris,

I always liked your build choices and the Brabham cars always fascinated me.  The fan car was the one model I wanted to try but MFH doesn't make it in the scale I prefer anymore.  cheers, tim

[Bainford]

That is looking fantastic. The cam covers are a jewel.

[Brudda]

Good morning sir. Great job! Looks fantastic. 

[Chris Smith]

16 hours ago, Bainford said:

That is looking fantastic. The cam covers are a jewel.

Thanks, so much drilling and riveting, well worth the effort ?