1/20 Tamiya Lotus Type 79

[project510]

Another decal session, more disasters. This time however, I noticed improvement in my technique. I also think I have found some outside factors making it harder.

So its weird, the kit is new so decals should be good but One decal will slide off perfect, the next will ear to shreds its very confusing.
I think it may be my cold garage? I start with warm water, but by the time the 2nd decal is being applied, water is cold, and the garage is cold. Maybe since its odorless I move inside when doing these to see if there is a difference.

Also, I tried multiple setting solutions. Micro sol seemed to work best. The Mr Mark Softener seemed to totally nuke the decals. Also noticed I was moving them too much and not getting the setting solution or water out after it was set in place. I went SUPER slow, used Micro Sol and got rid of the water on this last one and looks better. I think in a warmer setting, going slow.. I may be on to something.



Good thing I have the extra decal page since I bought a 2nd kit. I also bought the Indy Cals decal set but decided not to use them so I have a 3rd backup.

[kyledehart5]

I think Indycals are easier to use than Tamiya. However I haven’t had any horrible luck with newer Tamiya decals either. One thing I do, if I know I’m headed for a long decal session, is to fill an insulated mug with warm water. Then I have a bigger empty bowl and my decal bowl. So every time my water gets cold I dump it in the big bowl and refill it with my insulated warm water. I should just get a mug warmer but haven’t yet.

[project510]

Dec 15, 2023 15:33:01 GMT -5 kyledehart5 said:

I think Indycals are easier to use than Tamiya. However I haven’t had any horrible luck with newer Tamiya decals either. One thing I do, if I know I’m headed for a long decal session, is to fill an insulated mug with warm water. Then I have a bigger empty bowl and my decal bowl. So every time my water gets cold I dump it in the big bowl and refill it with my insulated warm water. I should just get a mug warmer but haven’t yet.

This is such a simple but genius idea. Also, now that you bring up both of these options.. I have one of those coffee cup warmers I used to use in my office that my wife stole to melt her candles... That would also work. If I recall it was like $6 at Wal-Mart back in the day.

Id rather have one less thing plugged in so I will use the  insulated bottle. We have so many. Thanks!

[kyledehart5]

Dec 15, 2023 15:36:56 GMT -5 project510 said:

Dec 15, 2023 15:33:01 GMT -5 kyledehart5 said:

I think Indycals are easier to use than Tamiya. However I haven’t had any horrible luck with newer Tamiya decals either. One thing I do, if I know I’m headed for a long decal session, is to fill an insulated mug with warm water. Then I have a bigger empty bowl and my decal bowl. So every time my water gets cold I dump it in the big bowl and refill it with my insulated warm water. I should just get a mug warmer but haven’t yet.

This is such a simple but genius idea. Also, now that you bring up both of these options.. I have one of those coffee cup warmers I used to use in my office that my wife stole to melt her candles... That would also work. If I recall it was like $6 at Wal-Mart back in the day.

Id rather have one less thing plugged in so I will use the  insulated bottle. We have so many. Thanks!

Glad if I could help! I have done far too many decals. Lol. One reason I haven’t gotten one of the mug warmers is because I don’t want to find somewhere to plug it in. Just be careful pouring your new water! I have one bottle that actually pours pretty nicely so I use it every time

[project510]

Kyle's tip with the warm water container worked great. Still had trouble with some so I tried the indy cals and they were much easier, but I noticed they were not die-cut as well as the Tamiyas which I was not prepared for until after I had cut them. So I had lots of extra clear decal parts.

I got enough of the decals put down to clear the main body and instantly had new issues. Maybe I didnt clean it well enough, or had too many different kinds of setting solutions but the clear bubbled like crazy. I tried a few more cots to level it out but oh well. No pics yet, Ive been sanding it down to try to reduce the damage. Well see how it goes after sanding and polishing.

I think I jsut need to get this kit finished and move on. Its been a huge learning experience. I have two other F1 kits I will also have to further practice. I am for sure going to buyself the Mclaren Mp4/4 and jsut hold onto it until I am 100% ready.

[kyledehart5]

Dec 18, 2023 22:47:38 GMT -5 project510 said:

Kyle's tip with the warm water container worked great. Still had trouble with some so I tried the indy cals and they were much easier, but I noticed they were not die-cut as well as the Tamiyas which I was not prepared for until after I had cut them. So I had lots of extra clear decal parts.

I got enough of the decals put down to clear the main body and instantly had new issues. Maybe I didnt clean it well enough, or had too many different kinds of setting solutions but the clear bubbled like crazy. I tried a few more cots to level it out but oh well. No pics yet, Ive been sanding it down to try to reduce the damage. Well see how it goes after sanding and polishing.

I think I jsut need to get this kit finished and move on. It’s been a huge learning experience. I have two other F1 kits I will also have to further practice. I am for sure going to buyself the Mclaren Mp4/4 and jsut hold onto it until I am 100% ready.

For the future. I do prefer Indycals decals over Tamiya. And I should’ve mentioned it. But his decals are not die cut at all. You must trim extremely close to the color. Again, I am sorry I didn’t mention that before. I take it as a given after suing so many sets, but I don’t think of others who have not. What kind of clear coat did you use? Was it just bubbles in the clear or did the decals get damaged as well? These kits are a lot of fun but do pose a different set of possible issues with all the decal work. I still think you’ve done great work on this build.

[project510]

There is no need to apologize, its not your fault! I bought these decals before I even signed up at MSC lol. I should have done more research instead of assuming they are all cut the same way. Also, bubbles is the wrong word to describe my issue. It was more like heavy orange peel. It wasn't cold, and I warmed up the clear coat. It went smooth on the coats after... so I assumed it was just from something on the model when I first put it down.

Again, I'm not really upset. Its all part of the learning experience. I have to remind myself that 1. This is my first F1 kit. 2. This is the hardest thing I have ever built and 3. Besides the Saturn V I just built for my son I have not built anything besides two very quick car builds for his room in like 20 years.. Im still a rookie! haha

[kyledehart5]

Dec 19, 2023 11:44:26 GMT -5 project510 said:

There is no need to apologize, its not your fault! I bought these decals before I even signed up at MSC lol. I should have done more research instead of assuming they are all cut the same way. Also, bubbles is the wrong word to describe my issue. It was more like heavy orange peel. It wasn't cold, and I warmed up the clear coat. It went smooth on the coats after... so I assumed it was just from something on the model when I first put it down.

Again, I'm not really upset. Its all part of the learning experience. I have to remind myself that 1. This is my first F1 kit. 2. This is the hardest thing I have ever built and 3. Besides the Saturn V I just built for my son I have not built anything besides two very quick car builds for his room in like 20 years.. Im still a rookie! haha

I know, it was just something I could've easily mentioned. Because the Indycals decals are a bit of a different animal than the Tamiya ones. I hope you can get the clear coat cleaned up to your liking. And for the amount of time you have had back in the hobby you are doing a phenomenal job. I've really enjoyed following along with your build.

[project510]

Dec 19, 2023 15:00:32 GMT -5 kyledehart5 said:

Dec 19, 2023 11:44:26 GMT -5 project510 said:

There is no need to apologize, its not your fault! I bought these decals before I even signed up at MSC lol. I should have done more research instead of assuming they are all cut the same way. Also, bubbles is the wrong word to describe my issue. It was more like heavy orange peel. It wasn't cold, and I warmed up the clear coat. It went smooth on the coats after... so I assumed it was just from something on the model when I first put it down.

Again, I'm not really upset. Its all part of the learning experience. I have to remind myself that 1. This is my first F1 kit. 2. This is the hardest thing I have ever built and 3. Besides the Saturn V I just built for my son I have not built anything besides two very quick car builds for his room in like 20 years.. Im still a rookie! haha

I know, it was just something I could've easily mentioned. Because the Indycals decals are a bit of a different animal than the Tamiya ones. I hope you can get the clear coat cleaned up to your liking. And for the amount of time you have had back in the hobby you are doing a phenomenal job. I've really enjoyed following along with your build.

I really appreciate that. I think its because for the first time I have a steady living situation and my own space. I can start and stop when I need to. Research, there is no rush to finish. Also, this place has a TON of inspiration so its easy to want to get better haha.

[kyledehart5]

Dec 19, 2023 19:58:53 GMT -5 project510 said:

Dec 19, 2023 15:00:32 GMT -5 kyledehart5 said:

I know, it was just something I could've easily mentioned. Because the Indycals decals are a bit of a different animal than the Tamiya ones. I hope you can get the clear coat cleaned up to your liking. And for the amount of time you have had back in the hobby you are doing a phenomenal job. I've really enjoyed following along with your build.

I really appreciate that. I think it’s because for the first time I have a steady living situation and my own space. I can start and stop when I need to. Research, there is no rush to finish. Also, this place has a TON of inspiration so it’s easy to want to get better haha.

I know that feeling well. It’s nice. Happy for you. And you’re exactly right about this place. Inspiration in every post!

[paddy]

I bought one of these

www.amazon.co.uk/Warmer-Beverage-Office-Coffee-Heater/dp/B07G76GMDK/ref=asc_df_B07G76GMDK/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=486388000231&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3909561491285807766&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006681&hvtargid=pla-1117167929881&mcid=6fe0a4bb4d963ead86f39d4d8a6d1a18&th=1

It keeps a saucer of water warm all day :-) but it is USB powered so need a supply

[project510]

Dec 20, 2023 4:14:32 GMT -5 paddy said:

I bought one of these

www.amazon.co.uk/Warmer-Beverage-Office-Coffee-Heater/dp/B07G76GMDK/ref=asc_df_B07G76GMDK/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=486388000231&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=3909561491285807766&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006681&hvtargid=pla-1117167929881&mcid=6fe0a4bb4d963ead86f39d4d8a6d1a18&th=1

It keeps a saucer of water warm all day :-) but it is USB powered so need a supply

Thats what I had previously but the wife stole it for herself!

[406 Silverado]

This is what I like about this community......the helpfulness. I have always just used cold tap water for decals but will be using the warmer water in moving forward. Hang with 'er James. This one is looking good.

[paddy]

Warm water softens the decal and more importantly softens and activates the glue on the decal

[project510]

So this tamiya 3 step polish is really saving this kit. In this first photo you can see how bad the paint is. There was so much orange peel I had to do quite a bit of sanding, and still didnt get rid of it all.
The polish brough back most of the shine. I may try some meguir's plastic polish as a final step.. but at least it looks decent now.







With a better starting point, this polish would really bring out the depth of the color and give it that wet look. Its a lot of work, but I will be using this stuff every chance I get.

[kyledehart5]

Excellent work!! I’ve never used that stuff but looks like it’s working well.

[maverick]

Nice job on this .It's really starting to shape up!! For future reference... I like to cut the paint and apply a coat of clear so I have a flat shiny surface for the decals to lay on. Then clear over the decals. Cut again and buff. Eliminates the chance for orang peel under the decal that you cant remove with sanding...Its an extra two steps but it makes a HUGE difference. Helps the decals to lay flat with very little chance for silvering too. They like a flat shiny surface to adhere too.

[project510]

Jan 6, 2024 17:00:48 GMT -5 maverick said:

Nice job on this .It's really starting to shape up!! For future reference... I like to cut the paint and apply a coat of clear so I have a flat shiny surface for the decals to lay on. Then clear over the decals. Cut again and buff. Eliminates the chance for orang peel under the decal that you cant remove with sanding...Its an extra two steps but it makes a HUGE difference. Helps the decals to lay flat with very little chance for silvering too. They like a flat shiny surface to adhere too.

This is a great tip. And probably worth the effort. Thank you!

[project510]

Bringing this back from the shelf of despair. Since I completed the RA272 fulfilling the original obligation for the open wheel group build I want to try and finish this one. Ill be going through the box tonight after work. Seeing where I left off.
Im going to skip all the "extra" plans I had for this. I just want to finish it, and make it look nice. Will be cool to have two F1 Cars sitting in my new Model Car Cabinet upstairs.

[kyledehart5]

Got this slid over James. Thanks for joining the group build again and I’m glad to see this one make a return to the bench.

[project510]

Oct 18, 2024 18:00:19 GMT -5 kyledehart5 said:

Got this slid over James. Thanks for joining the group build again and I’m glad to see this one make a return to the bench.

Thank you, sir!

[project510]

I'm afraid we are worse off than I originally thought. Were starting from here...




Let's get back to work!

[kyledehart5]

Well that DFV is looking nice!! It’s a good re-jumping off point!!

[handiabled]

Great to see you back on this one again!

[joelw]

James,
I just found your build thread that you started way back in 2023 when I wasn't even a member then. I've bookmarked it for the full build.

I've got a few questions for the guys who suggested a coffee cup warmer to keep the decal water warm. I've gone that route as well since it sure feels like I'm making a run to the bathroom across the hall for warm water nearly every decal. The unit I bought has 3 auto temp settings: 130, 150, & 170. I just couldn't find any info online as what temp I should be maintaining the water, so I ended up using it manually with the on/off switch. I keep on pushing the temp a little warmer each time I use it, and haven't damaged any decals. What happens is the warmer the water, the decals just get more workable over compound curves. Does anyone have an idea of what temp should be correct? I do use a hair dryer on rare occasions, so I'm guessing that I'm being way to conservative as 130 should be fine.

joel

[project510]

Oct 19, 2024 7:27:24 GMT -5 joelw said:

James,
I just found your build thread that you started way back in 2023 when I wasn't even a member then. I've bookmarked it for the full build.

I've got a few questions for the guys who suggested a coffee cup warmer to keep the decal water warm. I've gone that route as well since it sure feels like I'm making a run to the bathroom across the hall for warm water nearly every decal. The unit I bought has 3 auto temp settings: 130, 150, & 170. I just couldn't find any info online as what temp I should be maintaining the water, so I ended up using it manually with the on/off switch. I keep on pushing the temp a little warmer each time I use it, and haven't damaged any decals. What happens is the warmer the water, the decals just get more workable over compound curves. Does anyone have an idea of what temp should be correct? I do use a hair dryer on rare occasions, so I'm guessing that I'm being way to conservative as 130 should be fine.

joel

Thanks for the follow Joel. As for the warmer, I have one. Use it for coffee tea during the "cold" part of the year. But I opted to not use it for decals. In our kitchen we have one of those electric hot water kettles I guess you could call it. I put hot water into an insulated water bottle. what I do is poor a little bit out let it cool a few seconds, and they drop in the decal I'm working with. When I move to the next decal, if the water is cool I empty my dish into another small container and refill my dish with hot water and repeat. When Im al done, the discarded cold water gets tossed into the plants around the house or on the side yard so nothing is wasted. I will be redoing the decals with this kit so Ill post a photo of my process here soon. 

[greg]

Oct 19, 2024 7:27:24 GMT -5 joelw said:

I just found your build thread that you started way back in 2023 when I wasn't even a member then. I've bookmarked it for the full build.

Me too. Now I need to learn to press that bookmark tab to actually follow threads that I've bookmarked. Duh.

[2whl]

Great to see you back on this build James.

[project510]

Oct 19, 2024 17:25:31 GMT -5 2whl said:

Great to see you back on this build James.

Thanks, Paul!

[project510]

Let's try this again shall we. Freshly stripped cleaned sanded and primed. Going to let this dry for a day and check it out. This Mr. Color primer is top quality stuff.