Grassroots Corvette Autocross racer: 1 of 3 build-off entry

[tatocorvette]

Hello,



For the last few months, I've been working "in secret" on a special project. For over 2 decades, local modelers in Puerto Rico have been participating in friendly build-offs. You know the drill: A topic is selected and you have to build a model within a specified time frame. It can be a common kit, a theme, a specific car, whatever. Very few rules: We have a Whatsapp chat group. You need to post a picture of the un-started project at the start date, and there is a deadline to present completed builds. At the end we simply share our work. There are no prizes. Just for fun.

It's been over a decade since I've participated. Either I don't have the time (99% of the time) or the topic may be of no interest to me.

But this time, the build-off theme selected was "70 years of Corvette". As the "Corvette guy" and the Priest of Corvettism, well, I was thrown head first. Not only I had to participate, but I also tried to help the organizer and other modelers with reference material, information and even parts from my parts bins.

The rules were: Register yours by July 1st, post a pic of it un-started (either parts or a junker to be reworked), post progress pics but do not post finished pics until December 1st.

For this build-off I finished 3 models. That in itself is a great accomplishment because I am a glacier-pace builder.

This was the first one finished and my favorite. Since the timeframe was limited, I concentrated on an impactful paint job rather than engine detail like I usually do.

This started as a 1984 promo that was disassembled and extensively reworked. The paint job was done with Victory red, Cobalt blue and Arctic white lacquers. The red was laid first, then masked. The blue and white were done with 2 airbrushes at the same time: blue on a Badger 150 and white in a Badger 100SG, going back and forth between both until I got where I wanted. This paint scheme was loosely inspired by a real car that my good friend Robert Wheeler (the other Corvette guy) photographed years ago.

Brakes, valve stems, fire extinguisher, nitro bottle, belts, harness, dash details, roll bar and many other details were scratchbuilt. The helmet was casted from a Monogram Indy car and I added visor and straps.

I obviously don't have a progress thread as this was some sort of a "secret" but I can post some in progress pictures if interested.
Special thanks to Robert Wheeler for the reference pictures and Roberto Fanfan (madslammer) for organizing the build-off.



My C4 Corvette Autocross Racer in 1/25


























And family pics with the other 2 builds that will be posted separately. Will update this post to include the links once posted.












Finally, It is 1/25









Hope you like it!



Thanks,

Ismael

[406 Silverado]

Holy Schmokes Ismael!!! That paintwork is really something to behold!! How many hours did you have in the paint?? Heck that would be my favorite too! I can’t get enough of these cars builds of yours.

[kyledehart5]

Wonderful work on this one as well Ismael!! That paint job is just insane! I saw this in your family of three photos in the other threads and wondered how you achieved it. Awesome work!!

[handiabled]

Oh my that is top notch paintwork! Glorious looking Vette!

[deafpanzer]

This is probably my favorite of three corvettes that you have built because of its paint job... it came out beautifully!

[tatocorvette]

Thank you all! Appreciate the comments.
Joe, the red was airbrushed first. A few days later I masked and airbrushed the blue and the white. Masking took a few hours in itself as I had to be absolutely sure there was not going to be any bleeding. The careful prep paid up with a sharp separation line and no need to retouch the red anywhere. The blue was airbrushed and about 15 minutes later the white. Then I started going back and forth with both blue and white until I got where I wanted. From the start the idea was to have the white with a sharp side and a faded side. Mission accomplished 

Thanks,
Ismael

[406 Silverado]

Dec 5, 2023 8:57:02 GMT -5 tatocorvette said:

Thank you all! Appreciate the comments.
Joe, the red was airbrushed first. A few days later I masked and airbrushed the blue and the white. Masking took a few hours in itself as I had to be absolutely sure there was not going to be any bleeding. The careful prep paid up with a sharp separation line and no need to retouch the red anywhere. The blue was airbrushed and about 15 minutes later the white. Then I started going back and forth with both blue and white until I got where I wanted. From the start the idea was to have the white with a sharp side and a faded side. Mission accomplished 

Thanks,
Ismael

Mission accomplished is right Ismael. You sure did that buddy. WOW!!

[tcoat]

And I can't even pull off a decent shiny paint job with just ONE colour!