Initial D - Toyota AE86 Tureno (4)

With all the masking done, the panda scheme has been completed.

Ford Focus - Monza Rally 2007 (8)

Just as I put up some white with the AE86, I also added some paints on this Focus as well. I have fine-tuned the color tone of the white. And the rollcage has been setup as well.

I have also give some weathering preparison on the chassis as well just like the AE86.

Initial D - Toyota AE86 Tureno (3)

Having the cockpit ready for paints, I have started moving on the white color on the body. The work is very straight forward as the body itself is really simple.


I have worked particularly on the chassis as I think this AE86 has to be aged and certainly in a used condition. That's why I have put up some dirts and mud colors on the chassis. I didn't do it like the AFV kits with pigment yet as I still want to keep the chassis clean. Perhaps I will work more on the weathering at the finishing stage.

Initial D - Toyota AE86 Tureno (2)

It took me more than one single day to have the rollcage setup! I have to actually built 2 to have the desired shape.... This has bee really horrible as I actually didn't expect to be draging so long.

And I also spent a little time to detail a bit on the original seat.

Some strips are added and I also added the little back pocket as well.

Valentino Rossi - Team Fiat Yamaha 2009 (19)

So finally I got the frame painted this time. Some screws were installed for realism and I will have to work a bit more on the swing arms to lay down a couple of pieces of decals and as well laying coating on it.
Hopefully I can start working on the engine in the coming weekend and see how far I can squeeze it a bit to push on the progress.

Initial D - Toyota AE86 Tureno

Just when I was clearing up some of the stuffs on top my desk, I picked up this kit and suddenly would like to get a very quick run to complete the kit, so as to leave up more space.

So this is how it was started. More like a tradition, I started by removing all the molding lines around and thinned down the fenders from the inside, as well as hihglighted some of the panal lines where neccassary.

Ford Focus - Monza Rally 2007 (8)

Now, while I am waiting for some tuned parts from arriving, I have started working on the chassis and cockpit for this Focus.
Quite recently I have read a progress from a Japanese master to have the pre-shadowing practising on the cockpit for another WRC ride. So I am going to try if it gives positive result.

I have thinned down a bit for the effect and it seems I will need to ive further finness on the effect to make it applicable for a 1:24 ride....

Ford Focus - Monza Rally 2007 (7)

Same for the Focus as well as clear coat has been applied. Will be working on chassis soon.

Valentino Rossi - Team Fiat Yamaha 2009 (18)

Clear coat are applied for all the cowling parts now. In particular with the rims being coated, I can put on the chassis progress straight ahead.

Valentino Rossi - Team Fiat Yamaha 2009 (18)

Just got a veryquick run for a 2K clear coat this weekend. But I was too hurry to have the coat laid and just when I realised I have not got a protective coat on the decal before this 2K coat!
I have almost melted the decal right the way!
That's why I stopped and only managed to have this fuel tank cover coated. This 2K coat is really great with the gloss and the texture. But I would still prefer to give a layer of GX100 on all other parts first just in case I would have prevent the decal being melted.

Valentino Rossi - Team Fiat Yamaha 2009 (17)

Well~~~ Well~~~ This has been one of those happiest moment I have been when the topic is about decals. Tamiya and Cartograf this time has delivered I can say the best decal sheet ever I have ever used! Even the Cartograf for Hasegawa airplane kit can't even match such quality!

The decal sticks on the surface really tight and firmly; But you can still move the decal around with a little drop of water slicing between the surface and decals; The decal is thin but really strong; The printing is brilliant as usual and the colors in particular for the Rossi shiny colors are amazing! The decals bend itself easily than I barely use any softener at all! This is the best decal sheet I have ever used. I can imagine even someone ask me to work on a couple more of kits I will still love to and be so glad to enjoy this level of quality!

This really amazed me!