Nissan 370Z - Tamiya

[CA Whitecloud]

Next up, random stash grab...

[DJMar]

Sweet, another Z car! I love 'em. Two big thumbs up.

[CA Whitecloud]

48 minutes ago, CA Whitecloud said:

Next up, random stash grab...

What model year would you say this kits is? Literature does not specifically say. No biggie. I'm thinking 2010ish...

[CA Whitecloud]

First foible.

I left the decals in water for more than enough time. I could not get them to slide and they fell apart. Don't much care about these particular decals, I just hope they are not all like this.

[DJMar]

2 hours ago, CA Whitecloud said:

What model year would you say this kits is? Literature does not specifically say. No biggie. I'm thinking 2010ish...

I would guess a pre-2013 model, based on the front fascia. So, 2009-2012. The front end is a little different on the 2013-2020 versions. There were quite a few small mechanical changes over the years, but the style redo is the only way I can tell the early models apart from the rest.

1 hour ago, CA Whitecloud said:

I left the decals in water for more than enough time. I could not get them to slide and they fell apart. Don't much care about these particular decals, I just hope they are not all like this.

I'm not a huge fan of Tamiya's decal sheets in general. In my experience, they take a lot longer to come loose from the backing.

[CA Whitecloud]

Progress thus far.

[CA Whitecloud]

1 minute ago, CA Whitecloud said:

Progress thus far.

I automatically went with red brake calipers before I looked at many pics. Not really true to the pics I've seen...

[CA Whitecloud]

Do I really have to "roughen up" such a nice piece of plastic to lay down paint?

[titino]

Hello Calvin, interesting project, the model is from 2009.

[SpikeSchumacher]

Hi Calvin, coming along nicely. For the decals I would recommend using very warm water, it also helps the Tamiya decals conform better when applying them. I use one of those electric coffee mug warmers with a small dish of water (and a drop or two of dish soap). 

For a plastic that is that shiny and smooth out of the box you will definitely want to scuff it up for better primer/paint adhesion. 600 grit should do nicely.

Cheers,

Mathias

 

[CA Whitecloud]

Let me start by saying i actually believed that my builds were improving. Winter is harder because I have to paint outside. Also, I didnt want to get into a "Revell Rut", but swithching brands seems to be a challenge for me. Is this the wrong forum for my skill level? If so, some direction would be helpful. Nuff said.

So, going with left hand drive.

Lesson 1.  Acetone and nail polish remover are not the same. 

Ok, rignt hand drive it is. I went about flocking and interior color. It's not as pink as it looks. Aubergine. 

Tiny gearshift in the backgroud. Built up the courage to decal again. Warm water, dish soap, a $%& load of patience, and this happens...again!

I had these on hand, which shocked me a bit, so we'll see.

Not an easy fit and already cracked one. I wasn't really that jazzed about this kit to begin with. Is that why it hates me?

Edited December 11, 2024 by CA Whitecloud
Sp

[stitchdup]

i can rarely make tamiya decals work either. i recently built the toyoda aa and every decal fell apart. your first dash will clean up with some isopropyl alcohol and a couple q-tips

[CA Whitecloud]

Tub Done.  What's with the four pedals?

[Funkychiken]

Yeah, seems like this kit is fighting you, but looking good so far despite the decal woes

[CA Whitecloud]

I had to rethink the gauges...

[CA Whitecloud]

A couple of OOPSIES on the clear parts.

[CA Whitecloud]

I didn't stand a chance.

I'm hoping this is a one-off with this kit as far as decals go and not a trend with Tamiya kits. How could I duplicate that tinting around the rearview?

Edited December 30, 2024 by CA Whitecloud

[CA Whitecloud]

Tamiya TS-38 Gun Metal.

 

[SpikeSchumacher]

Hi Calvin, haven't checked in on this build in a while. The troubles with the decals, aside from being on the thick side with Tamiya, may be due to the fact that they are old. Additionally, if the kit was unsealed and stored somewhere with drastic temp/humidity changes, it could affect the decals as well. Ask me how I know... 😉

Some kits are just like that, I don't think it has anything really to do with your skill level, after all, each kit is just practice for the next one, right?

I hope this does not put you off on the Tamiya kits as usually, they are very well engineered and a joy to build.

Keep at it, you are doing good!

Cheers,

Mathias

[CA Whitecloud]

Should I add the etched parts and badge inserts before or after clear coat?

[CA Whitecloud]

Time to put this one to bed. I'm still sad the decals didn't work out. Especially the little NISSANs on the hood and boot.

[CA Whitecloud]

Listen to me all cocky, "Put it to Bed". Ha, sill lots of opportunity to FUBAR. What I meant was it seems like this build has drawn on due to weather constraints, I just want to be done. Mostly, I wanted to spend more time on the finish. I recently added a moisture extraction device to my painting regime. But it's just too wet to spray outside to even give it a good try.

Edited January 5 by CA Whitecloud

[titino]

Hello Calvin, the issue with the decals is because it is an old model and it depends a lot on where it has been stored, not to mention whether it was in a display case in the place where the sun could have hit it. For next time, apply a layer of acrylic varnish on top of the decal sheet. I like how you're wearing it, it looks very good. Greetings.

[CA Whitecloud]

Looking sharp and shelf-ready. sans decals

[SpikeSchumacher]

Nice job!