1/12th Matra F1 resurrections

[arcticwolf]

A few years back I got a box of bits which supposedly built a Matra MS11. Maybe it was once, lol. Anyway it became my first "conversion" attempt. I figured it wasn't all there so I decided to build a MS10 out of it. After a lot of research I realized that there were a lot more differences between the cars than at first glance, it wasn't just swap in a Cosworth and be done. But I tried anyway.

First I cut the back half off the chassis and made up a new fuel tank and rear bulkhead:

Removed the battery compartment and fixed up the front bulkhead

With a few coats of French Blue

took a Cosworth motor from the parts bin

disassembled the Cosworth, came up with this as a mounting method

[arcticwolf]

Hewland from the Matra

lots of this kind of repairs needed

the basics together

I was just glad the wheelbase turned out accurate, lol

[arcticwolf]

I needed a seat and a rear crossmember so I cast some parts in resin

turned out seat-like

it fit too

my new crossmember vs original Matra (I used the original, the new one was for something else)

had to make some half shafts

which look authentic enough

and the suspension and exhausts in

[arcticwolf]

Made new plumbing pipes to suit the Cosworth, the front end is the same

some cockpit detailing

[arcticwolf]

Some mods to the upper cowling, and we have Jackie's Matra MS10 (Modified Indycals decals)

I'm sure someone has done this before, but I've never seen one. Not perfect but for my first try, I was happy enough. I've found the right mirrors for it and added them since.

[arcticwolf]

Fast forward to today, I have this piece of junk. A lot of it is broken, but I have some spare parts, so let's see if I can come up with a MS11 to match the other one.

Wish me luck.

(I'll do it off and on while I build something else, just to keep me partially sane)

[chrissmith]

We would be sane if we did some other hobby 🤪
I’m sure you’ll do a great job on this one

[handiabled]

That was some amazing scratch work with a stellar result! I'll be watching for the rework of the MS11

[kyledehart5]

Fantastic job on your earlier build!! That turned out really great. I look forward to watching the new build

[406 Silverado]

Dang IT Paul!!! This is some very impressive work on the first build and it looks like you've got your work cut out for you on the next one. Looking forward to seeing what you do with this man. I'll be tuning into this thread a LOT more moving forward........

[arcticwolf]

So, in between playing with the Iggles, I got a can of the elusive French Blue, cleaned up the chassis and painted it. Some coercion needed but it went back together.

I just hope the repaired suspension bits don't fall back apart when I unmask it.

Now for some decals.

I guess this could be moved to the group build section?

[kyledehart5]

It could!! And it shall be done. I’ve already absconded with one other thread. Lol. Nice work going on here Paul!

[406 Silverado]

Good recovery efforts Paul. Flawlessly at that.

[joelw]

Paul,
Just another one of your special builds. The MS10 really came out looking like it should. And now a MS11 coming our way. I'm sure that the Wee Scott would love both builds.

joel

[kyledehart5]

Paul I’ve completed my heist of your thread so it has a new home. Joel, I’m sure glad you’ve decided to join us!!

[arcticwolf]

This kit doesn't have a seat. The idea is just paint the floor black. I guess they expected you to install the driver figure.

Well, we can't have that. Rather than make one, I decided to build it in place. It's just styrene sheet and various tubes and rods. Some of it is just sitting in place, I'll glue it in after the seat belts.

I doubt it's authentic, but it looks better. 

[kyledehart5]

That looks great!! Adds some nice dimension to the cockpit to spruce it up.

[joelw]

Paul,
I'd never had guessed that it's not a manufacture's kit seat. I really like how you used tubing to represent the rolled padding.

joel

[brandonk]

This is fantastic. I'm really enjoying watching all this.

[arcticwolf]

Thanks guys. I can tell already this rebuild is going to be a pain, lol. But in for a penny, I might as well see what I can do.

[arcticwolf]

So I cleaned up and adjusted the rest of the body panels, a few coats of French Blue. This is a test fit, which they sort of will, with persuasion..

These cars never looked the same from one race to another. Usually they had a small fuel tank over the drivers knees, which isn't part of the kit. So I made one, as it will be seen (sort of).

I've decided I don't care what race it's supposed to represent, so whatever works and looks feasible. 

[arcticwolf]

This is where I'm at. Fuel tank, dashboard, wiring, seat belts.

That square tubing I used as conduit isn't authentic, but there's method to my madness. It's supposed to be a plastic (I think) cover over the wires etc, but I used the tubing because I can use it to glue the cowling to later, and it should look just like a cover when it's done. Otherwise I'll never get the cowl to fit properly.

Seat belts are some leftover etch and dressmakers ribbon.

The panel I painted silver and clear coated, then painted black. Carefully sanded the black off the bezels to reveal the silver. Indycals instrument decals and filled over them with Testors clear parts cement to make a "lens". It sort of worked, lol.

It's a break from building 1/25th scale Eagles.

cheers

Paul

[keavdog]

Man that looks good.

[2whl]

Great update Paul.

[joelw]

Paul,
Great process for sure. The over the knees fuel tank really makes a huge difference especially since it will be seen as a display model.

Working on it must really give your eyes a much needed break from all those 1/25 scale Indy Eagle cars.

joel

[Steve Zuleski]

Like a pro you're pulling this one out of the mire, excellent progress!

[kyledehart5]

Brilliant update Paul. The pit looks excellent and I like your conduit solution for a cover and to help with the cowl. Coming along beautifully.

[arcticwolf]

Please keep saying nice things, I need a cheerleading section for this one.

What to do when the bits are broken and missing?

Redesign it, repair and make new ones. And give it an upgrade to my own resin cast Brembo brakes. Nowhere near authentic but once inside the wheel rims it shouldn't really be noticeable.

The wheels won't be screwed on, they'll be glued to the rotors like a real car. I hope. 

Paul

[406 Silverado]

Aug 6, 2024 9:29:23 GMT -5 arcticwolf said:

Please keep saying nice things, I need a cheerleading section for this one.

What to do when the bits are broken and missing?

Redesign it, repair and make new ones. And give it an upgrade to my own resin cast Brembo brakes. Nowhere near authentic but once inside the wheel rims it shouldn't really be noticeable.

The wheels won't be screwed on, they'll be glued to the rotors like a real car. I hope. 

Paul

  We've got the cheerleading covered Paul!!! 





Nice save on the resin cast brakes and related parts brother. 

[joelw]

paul,
As usual your fabrications are all little gems that actually look better then what came in the kit.

I've been a charter member of your official fan club for years, and I've never missed an event/update as yet. Don't plan on missing any other then a hospital visit here and there. And Joseph seems to now be in charge of the cheerleader squad. Can't get any better then that.

joel