SPA Modeler

I started working on this a few weeks ago for a group build. The rules are we have to build the kit as if it we were still young. So for me the early to mid 80's was my main building as a youngster. So, we are limited to tools available to us at that time. No airbrushes, no modern glues etc. We can use Dremels, rattle cans- any brand, tube glues, paint markers that were available then, not the modern ones. The goal is the build the kit with old school tools, but our well earned experiences and skills we possess today. I have found this brings back a ton of memories and it is more challenging than I thought it would be.

This kit is from 1982 and it shows its age. The castings are rough and the details are pretty blah at best. But, it's a cool kit and I love the box art so here we go. The decals are shot, so I will do what I can. I will also modify the scheme a bit from the box art that I think will look better. I am staying with the basic idea however.

Untitled by Brandon Kelly, on Flickr

The kit engine really sucks so I am building it and two others up to see which one I like the best and that will be the one I use.
I also had a glue spill that wrecked the kit wheels so I have robbed a set out of another old kit and they will work well. I'll post up more pics once I make a little more progress.

Untitled by Brandon Kelly, on Flickr

Oh man… I’d buy that kit of you.

Yes, the box pick is the model in the kit and not artwork. She's a dinosaur of a kit and they cut some corners with it and with today's stuff we can really make a great build out of it. Unfortunately, I am limited on this one so it will be mostly out of the box old school. I'll pimp it a bit here and there, but she'll be no show winner.

I do have another boxing of this kit. It is the same exact kit just with some different decals. All the parts are exactly the same.


I was thinking about a resto mod, pro tourning build with that one and go with 3D engine, trans, wheels and tires. And pimp out the spartan interior, but nothing is etched in stone. I may consider trading it...

Been doing quite a bit of work on this kit. She's pretty rough and the fit is less than great so I've had tons of work to get any fit and then make it look presentable. Not much to show ATM, but I did get the wheels and tires completed and set them up to be mounted when the time is right. The stance is cool too. It won't be long and the paint will start flying.

Untitled by Brandon Kelly, on Flickr

Been pluggin' away at this ole gasser. I have the chassis where I want it. I was going for a old, used gasser that has the body and engine all prettied up, but the underside isn't seen. Kind of an out of sight, out of mind theme. So, I made it worn and what you might see in real life. Most of these gasser are not show cars and won't have detailed chassis. I also primed the body and need to sand that out and it'll be ready for the first color. Then things will start to get exciting.

Untitled by Brandon Kelly, on Flickr
Untitled by Brandon Kelly, on Flickr

That looks great BK. Did you prime with a rust? The black is great and my eye is picking up just a touch of rust coming thru.

Gloss black overall followed by a dirty wash. Then I dry brushed dirt, oil and grime. Then more dry brush with dark rust and a pin wash of bright rust for more noticeable rust along edges and joins. I think I'll add some black pastels in the rear wheel area once it's fully dried. It looks better to the naked eye. The camera is not picking up all the color.

I'm struggling with the rattle cans. I've lost my touch. I'm just not gonna get the paint work on this the way I want. SO, I've decided to go a different direction with this build.

I'm sticking to the paint scheme on the box art. The twist......I'm gonna go full patina. Used and abused racer. This way I can live the paint work not being my best work. And I'm itchin' to do some patina work anyway. I'll build this one up like this and the other one I have will get full work over. 3D parts, interior and sick paint job. I'm liking this more and more. Stay tuned for updates on the paint.

Lookin’ good! Here’s inspiration from weathered models online, Revell 1:8 Jag. . .