Mercedes 300SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe

[Matt Bacon]

This is an older kit, with a lot of detail and a complete spaceframe chassis. The engine has had a bunch of wiring and plumbing added, but looks pretty good out of the box. Fit of the chassis and body is excellent; fit around the doors and bonnet is abysmal. Anyway, here she is...

And a couple with its "grandson"...

... the Uhlenhaut seems like a big car until you put it next to the SLS...

If I were doing another one, I'd fix all the parts of the doors together (inner, outer and window frame) very firmly, with plastic cement, before painting, and live with the masking that entails, because the door structure is very flexible and fragile. I'd also take a lot more care when fitting the glass to keep the glue where it needs to be and nowhere else, and be aware (and careful) of the thin and fragile A-pillars holding the roof. Rigging the spaceframe so that all the wheels are on the round is a challenge (which I didn't _quite_ meet). Follow the instructions strictly about which inner faces of the wheels are back and front. The four parts are NOT identical, though they look it at first glance - there are spacers on the back wheels and not the front. I found this out the hard way! So... if you strip the chrome, don't do it all in one batch - put the parts for each wheel in a separate bath of your chosen stripper...

All in all, this was a challenging build, and I'm now looking forward to something more straightforward - a Fujimi Aventador, maybe ;-)

bestest,

M.

[crispy]

Matt, nice workon the Uhlenhaut! I have that kit as well and was really surprised at the fragility this kit has. Yours is the first I have seen built. I'll have to keep your comments to mind when I start my build. THe SLS looks good next to it.

What paint (color)did you use on both cars?

Thanks for sharing!

Chris

[Matt Bacon]

Thanks, Chris... if you're going to build one, there's a few more comments in the build thread here:

http://www.modelcarsmag.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=52236

I'd say, given the choice, go for the 300SLR roadster, which they do in "722" Mille Miglia form. It has all the great engine and chassis detail and good fit of the interior to the body without the nightmare that is the doors... Maybe doesn't look _quite_ as cool, but YMMV.

The 300SLR is Tamiya Gloss Aluminium; the SLS is my attempt at "Alubeam" silver, which is polished with SNJ Spray Metal polishing powder...

bestest,

M.

[Harry P.]

Well, you were a little shaky on the rubber window gaskets, but points to you for adding that often overlooked detail. And the engine looks great.

[Matt Bacon]

Thanks, Harry... yes, next time I'll mask the window seals... Mind you, applying and removing the tape is probably yet ANOTHER way to break the windscreen pillars!

bestest,

M.

[Dave B]

_{Nice build Matt & thanks for the build comments. I didn't buy one originally & kicked myself later for not doing so. Walked into a local shop around 2 months ago and there was a re-release so quickly picked it up & added it to the cupboard!!}

_{Dave B}

[Austin T]

Sorry - I just looked @ this topic & then found this:

& thought it was funny.

I like both of those builds & you did a great job on both.

It's trying to take flight!

I love the car but it must be terrible to get in and out with tiny little doors lie that.

[jaymcminn]

Good work, Matt. I broke one of the door pillars just taking the parts out of the box!