PROJECT REWIND RETROFIT 1/24 SL63 AMG BACK TO F1 SL55AMG
Discussion
Concidering the lack of use and enjoyment of our garage queen, decided to look around for a model of the car for my collection but couldnt find anything close other than a SL63 kit by Aoshima. The fundemetals are there albeit left hand drive, wrong engine needs a supercharger and extra pulleys,exhaust back boxes deleted, bonnet and lights, battery and brake reservoir needs swapping over and expansion tank to add. Purchased the kit from a eseller and a set of wheels from Hiroboy that are very close to whats on the car. So here goes with a new project.Its going to take some major rework, easy peezy for you seasoned 1/24 modelers.Not sure about how succesfull i will be?
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....That seems like a very ambitious build, as you have to alter almost all body parts for the rewind.
Although the Aoshima model is very nice, I completely understand the rewind, not only regarding building your own car, but the non face-lift looks waaaay better than the later cars. That was the reason I sold my kit on without building it, as I also had a pre- face-lift SL, and couldn't gel with the looks of the model.
A shame that the plain r230 wasn't offered as plastic kit, although exactly your car was made in tiny numbers as resin/white metal kit, see pic, by barraca ( never heard from them).
To spare you the work, how about the 1:43 Norev models, available as your car, just change the wheels and colour?
Although the Aoshima model is very nice, I completely understand the rewind, not only regarding building your own car, but the non face-lift looks waaaay better than the later cars. That was the reason I sold my kit on without building it, as I also had a pre- face-lift SL, and couldn't gel with the looks of the model.
A shame that the plain r230 wasn't offered as plastic kit, although exactly your car was made in tiny numbers as resin/white metal kit, see pic, by barraca ( never heard from them).
To spare you the work, how about the 1:43 Norev models, available as your car, just change the wheels and colour?
[quote=sidewinder500]That seems like a very ambitious build, as you have to alter almost all body parts for the rewind.
Although the Aoshima model is very nice, I completely understand the rewind, not only regarding building your own car, but the non face-lift looks waaaay better than the later cars. That was the reason I sold my kit on without building it, as I also had a pre- face-lift SL, and couldn't gel with the looks of the model.
A shame that the plain r230 wasn't offered as plastic kit, although exactly your car was made in tiny numbers as resin/white metal kit, see pic, by barraca ( never heard from them).
To spare you the work, how about the 1:43 Norev models, available as your car, just change the wheels and colour?
Hi!. Im committed now to building the model as ive made a start on it. The 1st time i saw the later real model i couldnt keep my eyes from looking at the headlights which just looked odd to me, concidering the overall shape of the older and newer version of the car has mostly smooth curves more than straight lines, the interior was still much the same but anyway thats just my opinion. Well see how this build goes.If not successful, the kit will end up in my spares box. I also need to finish a Ferrari 158 before i can concentrate on the Mercedes.Thankyou for your comments
Although the Aoshima model is very nice, I completely understand the rewind, not only regarding building your own car, but the non face-lift looks waaaay better than the later cars. That was the reason I sold my kit on without building it, as I also had a pre- face-lift SL, and couldn't gel with the looks of the model.
A shame that the plain r230 wasn't offered as plastic kit, although exactly your car was made in tiny numbers as resin/white metal kit, see pic, by barraca ( never heard from them).
To spare you the work, how about the 1:43 Norev models, available as your car, just change the wheels and colour?
Hi!. Im committed now to building the model as ive made a start on it. The 1st time i saw the later real model i couldnt keep my eyes from looking at the headlights which just looked odd to me, concidering the overall shape of the older and newer version of the car has mostly smooth curves more than straight lines, the interior was still much the same but anyway thats just my opinion. Well see how this build goes.If not successful, the kit will end up in my spares box. I also need to finish a Ferrari 158 before i can concentrate on the Mercedes.Thankyou for your comments
So pleased to hear you'll be gracing 'our' 24th plastic corner with an exciting project Henry!
I'll not say "easy peasy", though there are many who can. Having thought about it I conclude my custom work is usually driven by an image in my head and a rummage and offering-up of spares for inspiration, those builds usually organically morphing freeform as they go...a proper replica is something quite different where one has to be strict to the subject....I don't doubt we'll enjoy your success though!
Just a thought but maybe look at the Protar/Revell/Italeri MB S class kit which may yield the right sort of fluted bonnet and wing shape leading off the lights? I've got one built, I'll take some pics with measurements.
I don't expect scratch building is going to trouble you much but I'm sure we'll all be here to help!
I'll not say "easy peasy", though there are many who can. Having thought about it I conclude my custom work is usually driven by an image in my head and a rummage and offering-up of spares for inspiration, those builds usually organically morphing freeform as they go...a proper replica is something quite different where one has to be strict to the subject....I don't doubt we'll enjoy your success though!
Just a thought but maybe look at the Protar/Revell/Italeri MB S class kit which may yield the right sort of fluted bonnet and wing shape leading off the lights? I've got one built, I'll take some pics with measurements.
I don't expect scratch building is going to trouble you much but I'm sure we'll all be here to help!
I wouldn’t know where to start with that project.
Have you had a look at 3D printing? There must be a model of the car somewhere. What about getting the required parts printed?
This model looks good, but a few quid.
https://free3d.com/3d-model/mercedes-benz-sl350-r2...
Get someone like this to print it
https://www.3dpeople.uk/?utm_source=google&utm...
Cant be too expensive as you can get a printer for a few hundred quid.
Have you had a look at 3D printing? There must be a model of the car somewhere. What about getting the required parts printed?
This model looks good, but a few quid.
https://free3d.com/3d-model/mercedes-benz-sl350-r2...
Get someone like this to print it
https://www.3dpeople.uk/?utm_source=google&utm...
Cant be too expensive as you can get a printer for a few hundred quid.
gruffgriff said:
So pleased to hear you'll be gracing 'our' 24th plastic corner with an exciting project Henry!
I'll not say "easy peasy", though there are many who can. Having thought about it I conclude my custom work is usually driven by an image in my head and a rummage and offering-up of spares for inspiration, those builds usually organically morphing freeform as they go...a proper replica is something quite different where one has to be strict to the subject....I don't doubt we'll enjoy your success though!
Just a thought but maybe look at the Protar/Revell/Italeri MB S class kit which may yield the right sort of fluted bonnet and wing shape leading off the lights? I've got one built, I'll take some pics with measurements.
I don't expect scratch building is going to trouble you much but I'm sure we'll all be here to help!
Thanks for your info gruff.Its another world im in trying to find bits and pieces that would help me.Enjoying the detective work though. 1st things first before i wreck the kit is the headlights. Found a 1:24 welly diecast model for a 10er, just for the lights alone to either use or use as a pattern, the front edge bonnet profile i can use or cut off and use as a template,front bumper might be usable as well but thats about it. Im going to delete the inlet manifold and add a supercharger that will be made from scratch. If it goes p-tong will let the forum know. CheersI'll not say "easy peasy", though there are many who can. Having thought about it I conclude my custom work is usually driven by an image in my head and a rummage and offering-up of spares for inspiration, those builds usually organically morphing freeform as they go...a proper replica is something quite different where one has to be strict to the subject....I don't doubt we'll enjoy your success though!
Just a thought but maybe look at the Protar/Revell/Italeri MB S class kit which may yield the right sort of fluted bonnet and wing shape leading off the lights? I've got one built, I'll take some pics with measurements.
I don't expect scratch building is going to trouble you much but I'm sure we'll all be here to help!
robemcdonald said:
I wouldn’t know where to start with that project.
Have you had a look at 3D printing? There must be a model of the car somewhere. What about getting the required parts printed?
This model looks good, but a few quid.
https://free3d.com/3d-model/mercedes-benz-sl350-r2...
Get someone like this to print it
https://www.3dpeople.uk/?utm_source=google&utm...
Cant be too expensive as you can get a printer for a few hundred quid.
The plan is too start off painting the wheels black & chrome which are almost identical.Im going to see if by painting micromask onto the chorme areas required then dipping them in bleach to get the rest off and paint the gloss black on. Test on a piece of chrome spru first. Then seeing if i can get the headlights right to bonnet and bumper, if thats a success then changing everything over to right hand drive dash, pedals, battery, brake reservoir. Add expansion tank.Cut the panoramic roof top area out to fit clear poly. Im going "old school" by hand. As good as 3D printing is, its not something i want to get invloved in.
Im also getting caught as im sure many have in the dreaded "too many models to build " trap with a almost finished Ferrari 156, a unstarted BRM v16 and a MFH 1/43 Buggati type 35 on its way (birthday present from my wife). Im hoping to succeed.The one thing that im sure will help me is taking references from the real car in hibernation. Who knows but will give it a try. Cheers Rob.
Have you had a look at 3D printing? There must be a model of the car somewhere. What about getting the required parts printed?
This model looks good, but a few quid.
https://free3d.com/3d-model/mercedes-benz-sl350-r2...
Get someone like this to print it
https://www.3dpeople.uk/?utm_source=google&utm...
Cant be too expensive as you can get a printer for a few hundred quid.
The plan is too start off painting the wheels black & chrome which are almost identical.Im going to see if by painting micromask onto the chorme areas required then dipping them in bleach to get the rest off and paint the gloss black on. Test on a piece of chrome spru first. Then seeing if i can get the headlights right to bonnet and bumper, if thats a success then changing everything over to right hand drive dash, pedals, battery, brake reservoir. Add expansion tank.Cut the panoramic roof top area out to fit clear poly. Im going "old school" by hand. As good as 3D printing is, its not something i want to get invloved in.
Im also getting caught as im sure many have in the dreaded "too many models to build " trap with a almost finished Ferrari 156, a unstarted BRM v16 and a MFH 1/43 Buggati type 35 on its way (birthday present from my wife). Im hoping to succeed.The one thing that im sure will help me is taking references from the real car in hibernation. Who knows but will give it a try. Cheers Rob.
Commitmant made over the weekend, doner 1/24th sl55 amg Welly diecast on its way for bits and breaking down for patterns. Hope the scale matches.
Painted the wheels black/chrome. The outer screws arnt convex but dimples so its difficult to see from a photo of the true form as the chrome is reflecting in all directions but looks fine when looking by eye,"honestly". The dimples were gained by using a cocktail stick and rotating it untill the chrome showed.
Very close resemblence to the real wheel other than 5 capheads per section to 4 on the model.Merc wheel centre cap decals yet to fit on.
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Need to wait fro the other bits to arrive, then crack on. Cheers
Painted the wheels black/chrome. The outer screws arnt convex but dimples so its difficult to see from a photo of the true form as the chrome is reflecting in all directions but looks fine when looking by eye,"honestly". The dimples were gained by using a cocktail stick and rotating it untill the chrome showed.
Very close resemblence to the real wheel other than 5 capheads per section to 4 on the model.Merc wheel centre cap decals yet to fit on.
...Need to wait fro the other bits to arrive, then crack on. Cheers
Thanks for the info Griff. The headlights even though look like individual ones are one piece and the only ones that come close are SLR lights. C & S class
dont come near to it. The bonnet has two radius forms going down to the lights so hopefully theres enough thickness to create the form down to them. Also there is the form up and around the bottom of them from the bumper.Ive gone down the rabbit hole on this one.Thanks for looking though.
Hers a photo of the issue and what i will need to modify.
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dont come near to it. The bonnet has two radius forms going down to the lights so hopefully theres enough thickness to create the form down to them. Also there is the form up and around the bottom of them from the bumper.Ive gone down the rabbit hole on this one.Thanks for looking though.
Hers a photo of the issue and what i will need to modify.
.Finished the wheels off with the centre cap decals.assembled the uprights, contrary to the instructions have built up the disks to be able to rotate with the wheels. Made my own AMG decals for the calipers. decided to not go mad on this but just try and do anything that would be visable. The decals came out ok at this scale, just needs a bit more Microsol softner to get the corners down.
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..gruffgriff said:
Tbh I was only thinking about the bonnet flutes maybe being of use, accept perimeter around wrong lights isn't close.
Nice wheels though, good to have 4 physical carrots to encourage you on!
Thanks Griff.The doner car turned up the other day, although i did ask the seller to confirm it was 1/24, its actually 1/43 so no use at all.I wish these web sellers would get their facts right. Anyway giving it to the grandson.Nice wheels though, good to have 4 physical carrots to encourage you on!
The plasticard has arrived so im going to attempt to modify the bonnet and bumper by hand.
Whoever designed this kit is a genious at getting great detail into the engine bay out of just a few parts, really impressed. I just placed a few parts in to see how it looks and pleasantly surprised. So ive done a to do sheet to add details and change to drivers side to RHD. I suppose i could leave it left hand but then that takes away that im trying to copy my car as a display model.
Pics.
THE REAL THING
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.Before i do these mods i think its best to get the bonnet, bumper done and headlight lenses which i can make out of clear resin.
Scrump said:
I am following this thread with some interest. Impressive modelling skills 
Looking forward to seeing the model emerge, please keep us up to date.
Thanks for the comment scrump. Fingers crossed and a lot of faffing around at the moment. If the light mod doesnt work its going to be spare partsLooking forward to seeing the model emerge, please keep us up to date.
So comitted in attempting to sort out the headlights back to pre 2008, made a start. Doesnt look much but im getting there after a lot of thinking in 3D.
Started off using 0.25 mm plasticard as a base to add IR hardening resin and filler. Loads of cutting and grinding away.The bonnet, wings and bumper all have to be modified. Took photos of my headlights, front top and side views to help get an idea.Its taken ages to figure it all out so far but i think im on my way.Looks rough at the moment and will need a fair amount of sanding down. Any negative or even positive comments welcome
Heres some photos,
Real ones
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Here goes.
Bumper
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Bonnet
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A bit more gap filling, probably more filler and then on to rub it all down before priming. Then changing everything else in the engine bay and interior over to RHD.
Thanks for looking
Started off using 0.25 mm plasticard as a base to add IR hardening resin and filler. Loads of cutting and grinding away.The bonnet, wings and bumper all have to be modified. Took photos of my headlights, front top and side views to help get an idea.Its taken ages to figure it all out so far but i think im on my way.Looks rough at the moment and will need a fair amount of sanding down. Any negative or even positive comments welcome
Heres some photos,
Real ones
.Here goes.
Bumper
....Bonnet
.....A bit more gap filling, probably more filler and then on to rub it all down before priming. Then changing everything else in the engine bay and interior over to RHD.
Thanks for looking
Edited by henryk001 on Sunday 28th March 17:04
robemcdonald said:
I have to say I had my reservations about this project Henry, but I think you may just pull it off.
It’s looking very promising.
Kudos to you mate.
Thanks Rob. Too early to tell if this will be a success and to a acceptable display model. I am enjoying the hurdles, thought process and level required of reworking this model which is all new to me.It’s looking very promising.
Kudos to you mate.
Hopefully will put me in good stead for future model-making projects. Feeling a bit guilty though that i haven't finished the Surtees Ferrari .
Regards
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