*FINISHED* A few quick builds for a local buildoff

[tatocorvette]

All 3 are DONE!!!! And with 2 days to spare! Will reveal in 3 days (Dec 1st).

Thanks,
Ismael

[kyledehart5]

Nice work Ismael!

[tatocorvette]

Hello,

  For the past few months, I was busy working on this. Local modelers in Puerto Rico have been doing friendly build-offs for decades. But I rarely participate mostly due to time. I build at a glacier pace at best. The concept of building something with a deadline is not for me. However, in the summer it was decided that the theme for the next build-off was going to be "70 years of Corvette". Say no more. 🙂

The basic rules were to register your projects on July 1st by posting a pic of the un-started kit (or a junker to be reworked), post progress pics along the way in our chat but do not reveal the completed models until the deadline, December 1st.

I was able to complete 3!!! That in itself is nothing short of a modeling miracle! In order to do so, I went with a reworked promo, a semi-curbside build (I'll explain) and a snapper.


Here they are. Family group pic at the bottom.

First completion and my favorite:

C4 Autocross racer.

This started as a 1984 promo that was disassembled and extensively reworked. The paint job was done with Victory red, Cobalt blue and Arctic white lacquers. The red was laid first, then masked. The blue and white were done with 2 airbrushes at the same time: blue on the Badger 150 and white in the Badger 100SG. Going back and forth between both until I got where I wanted. This paint scheme was loosely inspired by a real car that my good friend Robert Wheeler photographed years ago.

Brakes, valve stems, fire extinguisher, nitro bottle, belts, harness, dash details, roll bar and many other details were scratchbuilt. Mirrors from my parts box. The helmet was casted from a Monogram Indy car and I added visor and straps.



























Second completion and the most challenging:

1990 Corvette convertible

This project had been in my mind since 1989 when at a local car show a dealer brought a brand spanking new 1990 Corvette convertible. White, red interior and with dealer installed ground effect kits. But the only kit with correct 1990 wheels (one year only wheels) was the AMT. Unfortunately, this is one of the worst Corvette kits ever made. Nothing fits. So, this was relegated to the back of the stash. When the build-off was announced I thought "it is now or never". More than 70% of the battle was to make it fit. Paint is Scalefinishes (what else?) Arctic white with Scalefinishes new Honey Gloss clear.  I call this semi-curbside. This model has an engine, but the hood had to be glued shut to force the car to fit. Added valve stems, mirror faces, seatbelts and other interior details. Tubing exhaust replaced the ugly lump of kit's plastic. Wheels were de-chromed and painted correct aluminum. As usual, the windshield was blue tinted on top.







































Third completion and the quickest:

1963 Corvette convertible Restomod

Since I was tight for time, a proper factory stock build was out of the equation. I will eventually get to a proper factory stock.

Starting with the Revell snapper, I shaved emblems and door handles. Did a custom grille with monochromatic emblem, scratchbuilt Wilwood brakes, valve stems, seatbelts, hardware, interior details and mirrors (door mirror turned in aluminum). As usual, the windshield was blue tinted on top. Paint is LeMans blue with Cyber Gray replacing all the brightwork trim, wheels, etc. Carbon fiber flush door handles.

Straight forward and rather simple build, different to the '90 convertible which was a fit nightmare.






















And family pics.







I hope you like them.

Your comments are always appreciated.



Thanks,

Ismael

[kyledehart5]

Love them all Ismael. That paint work on the autocross racer is some seriously next level stuff!! Great work on these.

[Joel_W]

Ismael,
Mr. Vette has certainly done it once again. Love all three. The C4 Autocross paint job is so different then what I usually have seen over the years on the real Vettes around here. The 1990 Vette looks like it just fell together with perfect fit everywhere after you worked your magic touch. But the '63's are still my favorite body style, and you certainly did it justice.

joel

[Chris K. Hale]

Ismael, Nice Work on the Threesome, the 63 Vette and Family pic didnt show for some reason, unless they were white on white in a snow storm?? LoL.... I had a lot of experience with getting Auto Parts to Puerto Rico so I understand why it is easier to scratchbuild parts vs. ordering them out. Keep it up, your intrigues me , always... Chris

[tatocorvette]

Thank you guys!
Chris, it seems Fotki had a coughing spell earlier today. I see them now. Try again and let me know if they still don't show.

[sam]

Excellent workmanship my friend, and now that we all know how quickly you can build, no more excuses.😂

[vintagerpm]

Beautiful, beutiful models.
Love the paint on the autocross car and I think I want to own the 1:1 version of the white convertible.

[Chris K. Hale]

Dec 5, 2023 10:22:57 GMT -8 tatocorvette said:

Thank you guys!
Chris, it seems Fotki had a coughing spell earlier today. I see them now. Try again and let me know if they still don't show.

Got em now! Great Job on the 63 I always liked that body style best of the early Corvettes. and the Family photo is something to be proud of... Love it Thanks Chris