Project 0011 – Sports Spectacular

Twitt



Project 0011 – Sports Spectacular

            Lurking inside every avid sports fan is that creative maniac that yearns to let the entire world know they eat, sleep and dream about their favorite team. Wouldn’t you love to see the looks on their faces as you pull into the driveway to pickup the guys for the trip down to the stadium in a drop dead gorgeous UNC Caromaro! Well, maybe your favorite team was MSU and you can’t afford a real Caromaro, but the idea is – take a hot model car add some great decals and stickers and turn it into a game day showpiece that you can display in front of your widescreen for the big game.   
 
            Here is the result, so if you like what you see and want to learn how to do it for yourself, read all about it in the ROR Step-By-Step section.
Figure 0
UNC Caromaro – Revell® Camaro® Concept Car #85-1944

            In this ROR Step-by-Step project we’ll show you how to remake a Revell® Camaro® Concept Car model into an extraordinary showpiece that demonstrates your team spirit and proves you’re the world’s greatest fan. Even though this is a Revell® SnapTite TM model, which means it is an easy to assemble kit, it packs in all the detail you’ll need for a stunning replica. The main emphasis in this project is exterior paint and detailing to apply the team’s color scheme to your model. The rest of the steps are optional or model specific. The Revell® Camaro® Concept Car is an excellent choice for this project. Both the car and UNC men’s basketball team are examples of raw, yet disciplined, strength and power. If you are modifying a die cast model see ROR Step-by-Step Project 0001 for instructions on how to do that. Sports team sticker sets are available from a number of sources to adorn your model. If you’re making a model featuring a local school that does not have copyrights on the logos and emblems – you can take your own photos and make them yourself with an inkjet printer and decal paper using image preparation software.

Step-by-Step

               We’ll show you how to turn that concept car into something that even Superfan couldn’t top. The kit used here is a great base-model for this work because it is easy to assemble and has a “sporty” look and presence.
Figure 85-1944
 Revell® Camaro® Concept Car Kit #85-1944

            Although this is a basic kit it can be outrageously transformed into a sportsman’s paradise. This is because all the main features of this project are displayed on the exterior of the vehicle but there is plenty of room for detailing. The engine compartment and underbody are not really involved in the highlights of “Sports Spectacular!” When you’re done, this model will shout, “You can’t touch this,” regarding how you feel about your favorite team!
Figure 01

 

Step 1 – Preparation

            Prepare a place to work on your model that has ample room, lighting and ventilation then place a soft cloth under it to keep from scratching any of the body panels. Next, familiarize yourself with the kit’s parts and instructions to see how the parts fit together and try some test fits before you begin the assembly.
Figure 01
Figure 1 The main kit’s parts

            The main body is a pretty nicely molded model in gray polystyrene with plenty of detail. At each corner are the mold seams which you’ll need to find for the next step.
Figure 02
Figure 2 The main body

            Sand all the mold lines and seams smooth with a 400 grit dry sandpaper then lightly go over the entire exterior with 600-800 grit paper to provide some surface adhesion for the primer paint.
Figure 03
Figure 3 Sand the mold seems and main body

 
            After you’ve sanded the body, wash it off in cool water with mild detergent and a soft sponge.
Figure 04
Figure 4 Wash the main body

            Fashion a rack from a wire hanger and place the model on it to dry. You’ll be using the rack later to support the model while you paint it.
Figure 05
Figure 5 Place the main body on a rack to dry

            While the body is drying we can start working on some of the interior pieces. Assemble the seat backs to their fronts and notice that there is a driver and passenger side seat. You can tell because the seat belt button is placed near the middle and not against the door side of the seat. For security, put a couple drops of glue on the locating tabs. You can trim off the protruding locating tabs with a sharp-bladed hobby knife. Together, sand them and the seat edges smooth for a nice finish.
Figure 06
Figure 6 Assemble the seats

            Using a good quality masking tape like the Tamiya® brand, mask off some areas of the interior panels for the added detail of contrasting color.
Figure 07
Figure 7 Tape off some interior panel sections

            Using the hobby knife trim out the panels by following the panel lines.
Figure 08
Figure 8 Trim off some panel sections

            Remove the excess tape from the panels.
Figure 09
Figure 9 Remove the excess tape

            Mount the steering wheel on a toothpick to provide it a means to be painted. Use a small amount of glue to keep it in place then place the other end into a piece of putty like Blu-Tack® or something similar for a base.
Figure 10
Figure 10 Mount the steering wheel

            Place all of the mounted pieces that will be primed on a piece of cardboard. This will allow you to pick it up and rotate it to facilitate painting from different angles as needed.
Figure 11
Figure 11 Place all the parts on a piece of cardboard

            Turning our attention back to the body now that it is dry, assemble the rear spoiler using the locating holes as shown. A small amount of cryanoacrylate (super) glue can be used to keep it in place.
Figure 12
Figure 12 Assemble the rear spoiler

            Use a tack cloth to remove any dust that may have settled onto the body while it was drying.
Figure 13
Figure 13 Use a tack cloth on the body
 

Step 2 – Paint and Finish
 

            Place the body back on the wire rack and adjust the lighting so that you can see it properly.
Figure 14
Figure 14 – Ready to prime

            Make the first coats of paint very light “tack” coats to set up later coats for good adhesion. Spray painting should be done in successive layers to ensure that paint covers well but doesn’t run or sag. Include the outside mirrors as you paint the body as well.
Figure 15
Figure 15 – First tack coat of primer

            After a few tack coats that gradually even out the coverage you can begin adding some “wet” coats that will end up giving you a good base to paint the finish coats over. Use a primer color that is closest to the shade of your color coat. In this case both the primer and finish colors were white. Between coats at this stage begin light sanding of the body paying particular attention to any imperfections that may have been introduced from the spraying process, dust or handling.
Figure 16
Figure 16 – Final primer coat

            Give the body a final, light sanding after the primer is sufficiently dry then wipe it off with a soft cloth and then with a tack cloth prior to color coats.
Figure 17
Figure 17 – Sand the primer coats

            Use the same process as the primer coats to spray the color coats with the exception of in-between sanding. Gradually buildup the color coats after initial tack coats and final wet coats until a smooth even finish is achieved. Once that is completed leave the body in a covered area like a large cardboard box to dry. Additionally, paint the outside mirrors as well.
Figure 18
Figure 18 – Add the color coats

            Let’s get back to the other parts and spray them with primer paint in much same manner as the body. Start with tack coats and gradually buildup the coverage until wet coats can be applied. It isn’t usually necessary to sand small parts between coats unless obvious defects need to be addressed.         
Figure 19
Figure 19 – Primer spray the other parts

            Remove the taped off areas for the contrasting panels and center console. It’s a good idea not to wait too long after spraying the paint to remove the tape. After the paint has set (about 30 minutes) remove the tape.
Figure 20
Figure 20 – Remove the masking tape

            The interior sections can be detailed in many ways but I’ve chosen to keep this part fairly simple so as not to take away from the exterior detailing that we’ll do later.
Figure 21
Figure 21 – Interior paint

            Now it’s time to do some detailing with some red color brush paint. Use a small brush to add the red to the front and rear seatbelt latches and brake calipers.
Figure 22
Figure 22 – Add a splash of red

            Detail the brake assemblies by painting the rotors silver or aluminum and then the outward lobes of the calipers gold.
Figure 23
Figure 23 – Detail the brake assemblies

            Remove the instrument panel stickers from the kit’s sticker sheet and add them to the instrument cluster of the dash panel by placing them in the nacelles and pressing them into place.
Figure 24
Figure 24 – Add the gauge stickers to the instrument panel

            Assemble the steering wheel onto the instrument panel. I recommend a drop of model glue here to affix the unit.
Figure 25
Figure 25 – Assemble the steering wheel

            Put small amounts of glue on the bottom of the seat tabs and push the seats into place noting which one’s are the driver’s and passenger’s seats.
Figure 26
Figure 26 – Assemble the seats

            Assemble the dashboard to the driver’s door panel and then add the right door panel.
Figure 27
Figure 27 – Assemble the dash and side boards

            Place the unit into the passenger section using the locating tabs. I suggest a small amount of adhesive to make sure the parts stay in place.
Figure 28
Figure 28 – Assemble the passenger compartment

            Place the turn signal indicator stickers onto the designated area on your model and press them into place. Amber goes in front and red is in back.
Figure 29
Figure 29 – Place the turn signal indicators

            Go over the exterior with your tack cloth and place the body back on the wire rack for a clear coat. As with other coats of paint start out light with tack coats and finish with a few wet coats to bring out the shine and seal on the details you’ve added.
Figure 30
Figure 30 – Spray on a clear coat

            Add a little thinner to some silver paint and brush on the mirror faces of the side mirrors. The thinner will allow the paint to flow into the mirror depressions and coat the area to fill it in properly.
Figure 31
Figure 31 – Paint the mirror faces

            Assemble the outside mirrors to the body by pressing the locating posts into place in the appropriate openings.
Figure 32
Figure 32 – Add the outside mirrors

            Paint the grill emblem gold and set aside to dry or use the included sticker.
Figure 33
Figure 33 – Detail the grill

            Tape off the seam between the rear quarter panel and roll pan. Cut off the excess and peel it away from the roll pan area. Give it a light sanding and choose a dark to medium gray paint to brush on.
Figure 34
Figure 34 – Mask off the quarters and valance from the rear roll pan

            Thin down the paint a bit so that it flows well and after it has set (about an hour) peel off the tape.
Figure 35
Figure 35 – Peel off the masking tape
 

Step 3 – Assembly

 
            Now we can begin final assembly of the model. Add the rear taillight fixtures and exhaust flares. Note that I added a little flat black paint to the “ports” in the flares for realism.
Figure 36
Figure 36 – Add the taillights and exhaust flares

            Now add the front end grillwork and headlights and driving lamps according to the manufacturer’s instructions. I’ve also painted the center emblem gold in back too but the included stickers for those features are easy to apply for a nice look too.
Figure 37
Figure 37 – Add the frontend assemblies

            Use a permanent marker to highlight the wiper blades on the windshield glass then place it into the body shell on its locating pegs. Use a small amount of glue to secure it there.
Figure 38
Figure 38 – Highlight the wiper blades

            Place the passenger tub onto the chassis and locate the body over them. Turn the unit over and fasten the chassis to the body with four screws that are included in the kit.
Figure 39
Figure 39 – Assemble the body to the chassis

            Assemble the tires to the wheels. Please note that they are different widths. The wider tires will go on the rear. Place the axles into one of the front and rear wheel assemblies. Press them firmly into the wheels until they seat.
Figure 40
Figure 40 – Assemble the axles into the wheels

            Slide the assembled wheel and axles into the appropriate chassis slots (front or rear) then push the other wheel on to the axle from the other side.
Figure 41
Figure 41 – Install the wheels

            Standing alone, this is already a beautiful replica of the 2006 concept car. With stunning retro-styling and phat tires it would be a great replica all by itself but just wait and see what happens with a few carefully chosen details added to the paint scheme.
Figure 42
Figure 42 – The assembled model
 

Step 4 – Decals and Emblems

            Included with this kit are some great looking stickers and these could be applied “as is” but if you’re looking for a really great looking model that is color keyed to your favorite sport team’s logos and colors you’ll have to buy some after-market stickers and make some modifications to the kit versions.

            I started by simply typing out “2009 NCAA CHAMPIONS” on my computer photo editing software and choosing UNC blue for the text color and placed them over each of the rear wheel wells. I made decals from the printout using an inkjet printer and some Testor’s® decal paper.
Figure 43
Figure 43 – The “champions” decal

            Next I added a UNC collegiate license plate (available on the North Carolina State’s site) and made a decal out of the sample plate and attached it with a little model cement.
Figure 44
Figure 44 – UNC plate decal

            The next step takes a little effort but it’s well worth it. I scanned the original kit stickers in and changed the color in my photo software to UNC blue, then once again printed it out on my color inkjet printer using decal paper. You could also substitute these printer options for some of the other stickers available in the college sticker set.
Figure 45
Figure 45 – UNC blue decal stripes

            Finally, I purchased a set of collegiate logo stickers and started choosing the best ones to adorn my model turning into a “Sports Spectacular” and you can too!
Figure 46
Figure 46 – UNC collegiate sticker set

            Here it is in “Sports Spectacular” form – your testament to sports mania. Display it proudly whenever you watch the game or just keep it on the mantle for everyone to see 24/7!
Figure 47
Figure 47 – Sports Spectacular

List of Project Items

 

Revell® Snap-Tite TM Model Kit #85-1944

College sticker Set

Hobby knife with #11 scalpel-type blade

Phillips head small (3.0mm) screwdriver

Soft toothbrush

Blu-Tack® adhesive

Small paint brush suitable for enamels

Testor’s® Brand Gloss Spray Enamel

Plastic Primer Spray Paint

Semi-gloss clear coat spray enamel

Clear coat spray enamel

Cryanoacrylate adhesive

Five-minute epoxy

Tamiya® Model Tape

Model Master® Go Mango enamel

Testor’s® Custom Decal System #9198

 

*Clicking highlighted links above will transfer you to a purchase site for that item.

 

Copyright 2009 Right On! Replicas, LLC (RoR). All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced in any manner without its written permission. 

 

* All registered trademarks denoted with the “®” or “TM” symbol are the property of their respective trademark holders. 

 

 

 

 

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