Zoom Zoom
07-03-2006, 12:15 PM
I've started the new Fujimi F430 Challenge. I'll show some shots of the body itself, some shots of the Challenge-specific parts, and some comparos with the stock "Optional Parts Version" F430. Fujimi made a myriad of changes from stock, and for the most part have done a really admirable job of the conversion.
The body is crisp but there's a ton of work to polish out the mold lines and rescribe some of the slightly-faint cut lines for the doors and bumpers. I also spent time molding in the separate front air ducts ahead of the front wheels. This model will be built in basic Pure White w/red seats and no race markings; basically an "as-delivered" custom-ordered car that the owner can decorate (or not) for club racing. I will refinish the wheels in bright painted gloss silver.
http://images17.fotki.com/v322/photos/1/10258/3738723/Primed1-vi.jpg
Recesses for hood pins, headlight washers deleted (by Fujimi)
http://images17.fotki.com/v322/photos/1/10258/3738723/FrontDetail-vi.jpg
Stock fuel door deleted, replaced by quick-fill fuel inlets on both sides. Slight crease on body is a bit soft in comparision w/a Tamiya Modena. Sharpening the crease requires more work/putty than I feel will be worth it on a gloss white model, so I'll leave it be.
http://images17.fotki.com/v14/photos/1/10258/3738723/FuelInlet-vi.jpg
http://images17.fotki.com/v14/photos/1/10258/3738723/Rear1-vi.jpg
Many changes from stock. No place for a license plate either.
http://images17.fotki.com/v322/photos/1/10258/3738723/RearComparo2-vi.jpg
Challenge Stradale style rims from the optional parts F430 on left; Challenge wheels w/centerlocks on the right. Sizes are the same between the two wheels from the two kits. Tires are lame. The CS wheels and extra set of stock brakes from the Challenge kit are going on my Z06.
http://images17.fotki.com/v15/photos/1/10258/3738723/Wheels-vi.jpg
Multipiece seats; the seatbacks/sides are separate which will aid in the application of C/F decals to them.
http://images2.fotki.com/v327/photos/1/10258/3738723/SeatsEtc-vi.jpg
Challenge-specific parts. Also included is a two-piece fire extinguisher, chrome exhaust ports, hood pins, tow hooks. Only disappointment is the Challenge grilles are engraved (nicely) vs. using mesh. I'll keep them as molded.
http://images17.fotki.com/v325/photos/1/10258/3738723/ChallengeParts1-vi.jpg
Engraved side glass detail is a nice touch if not 100% prototypical.
http://images2.fotki.com/v327/photos/1/10258/3738723/Glass-vi.jpg
Lots of changes to the interior, from the tub to the door panels to dash and the rollcage.
http://images17.fotki.com/v326/photos/1/10258/3738723/InteriorBits-vi.jpg
The body is crisp but there's a ton of work to polish out the mold lines and rescribe some of the slightly-faint cut lines for the doors and bumpers. I also spent time molding in the separate front air ducts ahead of the front wheels. This model will be built in basic Pure White w/red seats and no race markings; basically an "as-delivered" custom-ordered car that the owner can decorate (or not) for club racing. I will refinish the wheels in bright painted gloss silver.
http://images17.fotki.com/v322/photos/1/10258/3738723/Primed1-vi.jpg
Recesses for hood pins, headlight washers deleted (by Fujimi)
http://images17.fotki.com/v322/photos/1/10258/3738723/FrontDetail-vi.jpg
Stock fuel door deleted, replaced by quick-fill fuel inlets on both sides. Slight crease on body is a bit soft in comparision w/a Tamiya Modena. Sharpening the crease requires more work/putty than I feel will be worth it on a gloss white model, so I'll leave it be.
http://images17.fotki.com/v14/photos/1/10258/3738723/FuelInlet-vi.jpg
http://images17.fotki.com/v14/photos/1/10258/3738723/Rear1-vi.jpg
Many changes from stock. No place for a license plate either.
http://images17.fotki.com/v322/photos/1/10258/3738723/RearComparo2-vi.jpg
Challenge Stradale style rims from the optional parts F430 on left; Challenge wheels w/centerlocks on the right. Sizes are the same between the two wheels from the two kits. Tires are lame. The CS wheels and extra set of stock brakes from the Challenge kit are going on my Z06.
http://images17.fotki.com/v15/photos/1/10258/3738723/Wheels-vi.jpg
Multipiece seats; the seatbacks/sides are separate which will aid in the application of C/F decals to them.
http://images2.fotki.com/v327/photos/1/10258/3738723/SeatsEtc-vi.jpg
Challenge-specific parts. Also included is a two-piece fire extinguisher, chrome exhaust ports, hood pins, tow hooks. Only disappointment is the Challenge grilles are engraved (nicely) vs. using mesh. I'll keep them as molded.
http://images17.fotki.com/v325/photos/1/10258/3738723/ChallengeParts1-vi.jpg
Engraved side glass detail is a nice touch if not 100% prototypical.
http://images2.fotki.com/v327/photos/1/10258/3738723/Glass-vi.jpg
Lots of changes to the interior, from the tub to the door panels to dash and the rollcage.
http://images17.fotki.com/v326/photos/1/10258/3738723/InteriorBits-vi.jpg