Ford Thunderbird | Monogram 1:24

29 October 2024

Author | Krzysztof Szpakowski

Update 1 | 08.05.2024
I would like to present my next modeling project in 1:24 scale - Ford Thunderbird from the American NASCAR racing series.
The model will be a miniature of the Ford driven by Davey Allison No. 28 Texaco-Havoline from the Robert Yates Racing team.

To build this classic, I will use the Monogram 2961 #21 CITGO T-BIRD STOCK CAR model kit, the painting and decals of which will be changed. I will use Powerslide decals printed by Italian Cartograf.

Inbox

One of the main changes, apart from the color scheme of the model, will be the rims. I will replace the wheels, which are very poor in details, with SCO rims and tires (SCO-R052), in which I will use bolts (SCO-R048) and valves (SCO-R055) dedicated to NASCAR. Additionally, I will install brakes (SCO-R053), which the model does not have in the original set. I will enrich the tires and rims with tags and the manufacturer's logo using Powerslide decals.

The basic color palette is black and red. Typically, I will use Tamiya and Humbrol products.

Time to start working!

Update 2 | 18.09.2024
I begin my first work on the model with puttying.

I sanded off the excess filler and then marked the filler areas with a marker. This way, you can easily see any imperfections that I now need to fix. It's faster and more convenient than painting the entire model with primer.

Individual body elements were improved with a second coat of putty. I painted the model with thin layers of Tamiya primer to see where further improvements need to be made. Unfortunately, there are a few places that require further corrections... but so far everything is going in the right direction.

In the meantime, I decided to work on the Ford wheels.

I used Humbrol and Tamiya spray paints to paint the tires. First I sprayed them with matte black, then masked the slick tires and painted the edges with Tamiya's TS-79 Semi Gloss Clear. The next step was to apply the decals, then cover the whole thing with TS-80 Flat Clear. The next step on the tires was a wash using Tamiya Weathering Master Set-B and a final coat of TS-80 Flat Clear.

I painted the rims Tamiya TS-14 Gloss Black. The bolts are SCO-R048 NASCAR type V.1, the valves are SCO-R055 NASCAR type V.1

I made the wheel weights from masking tape.

The next step is fitting and testing the roll cage. This is a very important stage, because thanks to it I am able to plan the necessary modifications to the model's interior elements.

The next tests are to check the fit of the suspension in order to adapt the new brakes.

All NASCAR modelers know that the old Monograms have a problem in the form of lack of brakes. The only thing we get in the set is a very poor imitation of calipers, and there are no discs at all... I decided to solve this problem with the product SCO-R054 NASCAR type V.2

Fitting the new brakes is very simple - just remove the original brake caliper and gently grind down the center pin. The new brakes with calipers are simply placed on the original center pin and everything fits perfectly.

Update 3 | 29.10.2024

First results of work on the brakes. In addition to painting, I used photo-etched parts to refine the discs. Before assembly, the discs were sanded with sandpaper on a Dremel to achieve the effect of natural wear.

Additional parts I used were The Model Car Garage - 13'' Slotted disc brake rotors (for the front discs) and Hobby Design - Citroen DS3 WRC 2012 For Heller (for the rear discs).

The calipers were painted and installed. When I first saw this brake kit - (NASCAR type V.2) with calipers and pads separately I thought it was crazy... But when you put it all together you will realize you have the most detailed brakes available for NASCAR models. They were a pleasure to work on.

I couldn't resist seeing what the finished brakes would look like on the Ford!

Author | Krzysztof Szpakowski

Next workbench | Chevrolet Monte Carlo