Revell Dodge Charger SRT8 1:25

[Guest]

I've been given the above kit by my mother-in-law, which is intact but looks a bit old. I've never built a car before and usually stick to aircraft and tanks. I just wondered if anybody has some useful advice specifically relating to cars. I want to keep it as an OOB build on this ocassion. The kits comes with chrome fittings ,which appear cheap and plasticky, especially the wheels. I intend to spray them or use silver rub n buff on them. Are there any pitfalls with cars I wouldnt find on aircraft or tanks etc or should I just treat it the same?

Keith

[Ian M]

Now thats a question and a half!

Build wise I guess its pretty much the same, Checking for fit, glueing etc. I would think the biggest differences are in the paint work and the trim. Army vehicles were/are often painted with a brush (in real life I mean, some even with a broom!!!) As for trim any colour as long as its camouflage!

With a car you probably want that show room glassy gloss finish and bright chrome. The paint work is easy (?) rub down; Prime: rub down: prime. rub down: Undercoat. you guessed it rub down. then if you are happy top colour. Yet another rub down and top coat then rub down and clear coat. Or if you want the short version. primer > undercoat > top coat > clear. Moving on to the next layer only when you are pleased with the previos one. (this is probably why I don't do cars!)

The chromed parts can look good, but can also look very toy like and often have a seam where you least want one so it shows. Solution? take all the chrome parts and bath them in bleach or brake fluid. Rinse well with clean water afterwards. Assemble as normal and paint with your favorite metal finishing system. I rather like Alclad II but there are others.

Window. Dip them in a "Klear" floor wax type polish. makes them nice and clear and shiny. Stick them in place with a non-agressive glue such as clear-fix or microscale kristalklear. Jobs a good un.

Ian M

[Guest]

Thanks for your reply, Ian. I knew I wouldnt have to be that concerned with weathering on this one! I was going to treat the kit as I would any other in respect of priming, building and the basic painting. The chromed parts do look very toy like and that was one of my main concerns. I've never thought of bleaching them though. What does it actually do to the parts? I know the kit was old looking (and free!) but my main concern was just that I didnt want to make an arse of it.

Keith

[Guest]

Bodywork.

Spray the body with Halfords plastic primer and leave for 24 - 48 hrs then lightly go over with very fine wet and dry

To paint the bodywork rattlers will give a good result.

Chrome parts.

To remove the chrome soak the parts in warm water with a tablespoon of soda crystals for 30-40 minutes

wash and leave to dry.

Base coat all chrome parst with Alclad base black, when dry overspray with Alclad Chrome set your PSI to around 12-13.

use crystal clear for all the lights and clear parts.

Hope the above is of some help

Regards

David

[Guest]

Thanks David. Sorry for the delay in acknowledging your post. I've not checked in for a while. Your advice is very welcome. I'll keep you posted as to how its progressing. If I can figure out how to upload photos, I'll give it a stab. (Unless it turns out like a complete wreck, of course!)

[Guest]

Bleach is quicker, fun to watch and safer than brake fluid, you,ll likely have a bottle under your sink too. Click the link below to see the process in action.

Stripping chrome plate on plastic models - YouTube

[Guest]

Thanks for the link m1ks. I snapped a spare bit of the sprue and it appears to be 'chrome' all the way through. Looks like I'll be going with the Alclad solution!

Keith

[Guest]

Don't reject the weathering techniques completely.

Using a dark wash around body panel lines, vents and grills can help to create that much needed shadow effect.