Hello,
You may have seen this already in the MCM forum but anyways...
Finally done! This is an important project for me, as this is the first complex model I finish since early 2009!
The 54th Rolex 24 Hours Race at Daytona was held on January 28–31 2016.
One of the most popular classes in IMSA is the GTLM, where factory teams throw it all for bragging rights. Corvettes, Porsches, Ferraris, BMWs and Ford GTs started the race hoping to win.
That year, after 23 hours and 45 minutes, the 2 Corvettes were up front leading in class when they were told on the radio: "You are OK to Race! Keep it clean, No Risks", setting the stage for an epic battle between teammates Oliver Gavin in car #4 and Antonio Garcia in car #3. The last 15 minutes were basically a close sprint race. The closest it could be without contact. The last lap was a drag race between both cars. At the checkered flag, Gavin in car #4 won by only .034 seconds over a 24 hour race!
For 2016 there were substantial changes in the regulations, making the 2016 cars quite different from the 2014-2015 seasons. Why is this relevant? Revell released the C7R model with decals for the 2016 winner, but the model represents a 2014-2015 car. Many modifications were required to update the model to 2016 specs.
Unfortunately this model did not cooperate. It fought all the way with frustrating fit issues and many other problems. It is probably the most frustrating and disappointing model I've done. There are a few details I'm not happy with and a few missing details here and there but I just wanted this over!
This was also my first time weathering a car. The intention is to represent the car as it rolled into Victory lane. Weathering is easily overdone so I tried to control it.
Some of the modifications include:
-Reworked hood
-New front splitter with side aero fences
-Added dive planes
-Added pitot tubes and housing
-Replaced rocker panels with updated ones
-New rear spoiler brackets
-Updated rear spoiler end plates
-Reworked rear end with diffuser and aero modifications
-Reworked front grille and driving lights assembly
-Added camera dome in correct location plus antenna and transponder
-Fully detailed engine wasted because nothing fits. Top of the engine had to be removed for the hood to fit. The model is essentially now a curbside.
-Tons of Interior mods and details added (screens, wiring, belts, displays, nets, paddle shifters, water cooler, etc.) but nothing is seen from outside
-Added position numbering indication panels
Here is my story: The car was brought to my shop before and after the race.
Before the race:
After the race: I finished 4 models in 2018. This one was voted most popular of the 4 in the MCM forum. The weathering did the trick.
I hope you like it.
Thanks,
Ismael