Lotus Type 79 1979 "Martini" Tamiya 1/20

[greg]

I started this kit a couple of years ago then went on hiatus due to a move. There are a lot of talented builders participating in this GB but I figure it's time to get my feet wet here at MSC, so I'd like to (try to) finish this kit as a part of this group build.

The box...

And here's where it is at. I was delighted to see that it survived the multiple moves and storage.

Before I start, I will follow up below with a few detail shots from spring of 2023, if I can locate them.

Hope I posted this in the right place, the concept of each build having it's own thread in a GB is new to me.

[keavdog]

Awesome to have you onboard Greg!

[greg]

Thank you, John! Delighted to be here.

Wow, turns out it was summer of 2022. Time's fun when you're having flies. I guess I forgot the boss had me packing stuff summer of '23.

Anyway, here's some pics from back then.

Having never plumbed a model engine, and having received a bunch of help and ideas from a GB elsewhere, I've been tempted to display the engine and call this one done. If I mess something up badly enough, I may still.

Apologies for not properly reviewing all of the open wheel gb individual threads yet. I have scanned enough to see there will be no shortage of talented builders to borrow tips and techniques from. I will dig into them properly time permitting. And thanks for having me as a part of this group.

[bakster]

Hey Greg, I can’t tell you how happy I am to see you post this build. It all looks good but man, that engine assembly looks stunning! Don’t forget to add oil before you start it!

[greg]

Sept 27, 2024 15:30:09 GMT -5 bakster said:

Hey Greg, I can’t tell you how happy I am to see you post this build. It all looks good but man, that engine assembly looks stunning! Don’t forget to add oil before you start it!

You are too kind, Steve. Thanks!!

[arcticwolf]

You got the nice version with the photo etch and Cartograph decals. Looking forward to seeing this build.

[greg]

Sept 27, 2024 17:42:20 GMT -5 arcticwolf said:

You got the nice version with the photo etch and Cartograph decals. Looking forward to seeing this build.

Indeed. I had no idea how nice the kit was until I started it. Thanks!

[keavdog]

Beautiful Greg... so how many F1 builds have you done?

[kyledehart5]

Some really great work!! You sure had a nice start on this one. That engine assembly is gorgeous. Can’t wait to see you move this one forward again!! Thanks again for joining us!

[handiabled]

Following along with this one! Greg that is fantastic detail work with the ignition wires, AN fittings and braided line!

[greg]

Sept 27, 2024 17:42:20 GMT -5 arcticwolf said:

You got the nice version with the photo etch and Cartograph decals. Looking forward to seeing this build.

Taking a second look at your comment, it reminds me that I chose to use Indycals on this. Never used them before and I think they seem a bit thick. Any comments from anyone on that?

[greg]

Thank you, John.

This is my first, as an adult. I remember building the classic Tamiya 1/12 Lotus 49 which likely explains my interest in the late 60's styles as well as my weakness for Lotus Green.

I think I'm hooked on this genre, it's sort of a little bit your fault because I had this 79 on the shelf when you announced your GB over yonder a couple yrs back, that prompted me to join and start it.

[greg]

Sept 27, 2024 22:37:56 GMT -5 kyledehart5 said:

Some really great work!! You sure had a nice start on this one. That engine assembly is gorgeous. Can’t wait to see you move this one forward again!! Thanks again for joining us!

Thank you, Kyle. It's great to be here.

[greg]

Sept 28, 2024 3:12:35 GMT -5 handiabled said:

Following along with this one! Greg that is fantastic detail work with the ignition wires, AN fittings and braided line!

Thank you, Handi! It was great fun just learning where to procure those aftermarket parts, let alone figuring out how to work with them.

[406 Silverado]

Dude this is NICE!!!! I had forgotten about this one and I'm hoping to see this one under way at some point in the near future Greg ol' buddy.

I've got this one Bookmarked man.

[greg]

Sept 28, 2024 7:35:10 GMT -5 406 Silverado said:

Dude this is NICE!!!! I had forgotten about this one and I'm hoping to see this one under way at some point in the near future Greg ol' buddy.

I've got this one Bookmarked man.

Thanks for commenting, Joe. It's great to have you watching, especially so since you are pretty much responsible for pushing me to try to build something with 4 wheels.

[406 Silverado]

Sept 28, 2024 7:55:08 GMT -5 greg said:

Sept 28, 2024 7:35:10 GMT -5 406 Silverado said:

Dude this is NICE!!!! I had forgotten about this one and I'm hoping to see this one under way at some point in the near future Greg ol' buddy.

I've got this one Bookmarked man.

Thanks for commenting, Joe. It's great to have you watching, especially so since you are pretty much responsible for pushing me to try to build something with 4 wheels.

[arcticwolf]

Sept 28, 2024 12:15:53 GMT -5 406 Silverado said:

Sept 28, 2024 7:55:08 GMT -5 greg said:

Thanks for commenting, Joe. It's great to have you watching, especially so since you are pretty much responsible for pushing me to try to build something with 4 wheels.

I don't know what you guys are typing or clicking on, but your post says on my screen. I get that a lot?

[arcticwolf]

Sept 28, 2024 7:19:55 GMT -5 greg said:

Sept 27, 2024 17:42:20 GMT -5 arcticwolf said:

You got the nice version with the photo etch and Cartograph decals. Looking forward to seeing this build.

Taking a second look at your comment, it reminds me that I chose to use Indycals on this. Never used them before and I think they seem a bit thick. Any comments from anyone on that?

I'm so used to Indycals that I now prefer them to anybody else's. Never though they were overly thick. They will stretch if you're not careful, but usually easy to work with.

[kyledehart5]

Sept 28, 2024 12:54:08 GMT -5 arcticwolf said:

Sept 28, 2024 7:19:55 GMT -5 greg said:

Taking a second look at your comment, it reminds me that I chose to use Indycals on this. Never used them before and I think they seem a bit thick. Any comments from anyone on that?

I'm so used to Indycals that I now prefer them to anybody else's. Never thought they were overly thick. They will stretch if you're not careful, but usually easy to work with.

Couldn't have said it better. My sentiments exactly. I use them whenever I can. They take some getting used to but I do prefer them. Not die cut, of course, but that’s never bothered me. And As Paul says, they have a tendency to stretch if you’re not careful. Take your time and you’ll be ok with them. But if you have in box cartograf decals you have a nice backup if necessary.

[greg]

Sept 28, 2024 12:49:29 GMT -5 arcticwolf said:

Sept 28, 2024 12:15:53 GMT -5 406 Silverado said:

I don't know what you guys are typing or clicking on, but your post says on my screen. I get that a lot?

Are you seeing quote sixLnXAP quote (where 'six' is actually the numeral 6) by chance? Oddly, I logged in from my phone earlier (which I almost never do) and saw that alphanumeric string. left me scratching my head. Now, being logged in on on a PC running firefox I can see it's actually a little onion head animated gif.

So I'm thinking maybe you are seeing the code for the animated gif and your browser isn't displaying the gif, just like my phone brower doesn't???

Just guessing, maybe this isn't what you meant at all.

[greg]

Kyle, Arcticwolf,

Thanks for straightening me out on the Indycals and apologies to Indycals for posting so much as a hint of negative.

I had time to sit at the bench and really study where I am at on this build today. Remembering my comment about the Indycals, I paid special attention to the decals. I noticed that the ones I haven't clear-coated yet are thin indeed. It's a couple after clear coat that for some reason are showing the demarcation line where I trimmed the decals. Gotta be something with my clear coat application back then. To make matters worse, I was rushing trying to get done before leaving for the season, which turned into a 2 yr hiatus.

I'll keep you posted but I agree with you both, the decals are fine. Exceptional, really.

Thanks again!

[kyledehart5]

Oh, no worries at all about the Indycals. Just sharing my experiences with them. I do have to say though, As much as I love the John Players liveries there is something about this green livery on the 79. It’s just sharp. Really makes me want to drag my kit out and build it.

[arcticwolf]

Sept 28, 2024 19:02:44 GMT -5 greg said:

Sept 28, 2024 12:49:29 GMT -5 arcticwolf said:

I don't know what you guys are typing or clicking on, but your post says on my screen. I get that a lot?

Are you seeing quote sixLnXAP quote (where 'six' is actually the numeral 6) by chance? Oddly, I logged in from my phone earlier (which I almost never do) and saw that alphanumeric string. left me scratching my head. Now, being logged in on on a PC running firefox I can see it's actually a little onion head animated gif.

So I'm thinking maybe you are seeing the code for the animated gif and your browser isn't displaying the gif, just like my phone brower doesn't???

Just guessing, maybe this isn't what you meant at all.

Yes. And I'm on a PC running Firefox. (insert emoji for "puzzled")

[greg]

Sept 28, 2024 22:32:56 GMT -5 arcticwolf said:

Sept 28, 2024 19:02:44 GMT -5 greg said:

Are you seeing quote sixLnXAP quote (where 'six' is actually the numeral 6) by chance? Oddly, I logged in from my phone earlier (which I almost never do) and saw that alphanumeric string. left me scratching my head. Now, being logged in on on a PC running firefox I can see it's actually a little onion head animated gif.

So I'm thinking maybe you are seeing the code for the animated gif and your browser isn't displaying the gif, just like my phone brower doesn't???

Just guessing, maybe this isn't what you meant at all.

Yes. And I'm on a PC running Firefox. (insert emoji for "puzzled")

That is a head-scratcher, indeed.

[greg]

Sept 28, 2024 20:22:40 GMT -5 kyledehart5 said:

Oh, no worries at all about the Indycals. Just sharing my experiences with them. I do have to say though, As much as I love the John Players liveries there is something about this green livery on the 79. It’s just sharp. Really makes me want to drag my kit out and build it.

You should do that. Conversely, I'd like to build John Players Special version one day.

As I've said before, there's something about the Lotus Green (Maybe not it's proper name, but I've always called it that) that keeps me coming back to it.

[arcticwolf]

Sept 29, 2024 8:04:47 GMT -5 greg said:

Sept 28, 2024 22:32:56 GMT -5 arcticwolf said:

Yes. And I'm on a PC running Firefox. (insert emoji for "puzzled")

That is a head-scratcher, indeed.

Screenshot of what I see.

I can only assume the forum software thinks I'm fluent in Martian. 

[kyledehart5]

Sept 29, 2024 8:50:50 GMT -5 arcticwolf said:

Sept 29, 2024 8:04:47 GMT -5 greg said:

That is a head-scratcher, indeed.

Screenshot of what I see.

I can only assume the forum software thinks I'm fluent in Martian. 

bizzare. Wonder if it’s something with Firefox? Anyone else running Firefox that can chime in?

[kyledehart5]

Sept 29, 2024 8:15:05 GMT -5 greg said:

Sept 28, 2024 20:22:40 GMT -5 kyledehart5 said:

Oh, no worries at all about the Indycals. Just sharing my experiences with them. I do have to say though, As much as I love the John Players liveries there is something about this green livery on the 79. It’s just sharp. Really makes me want to drag my kit out and build it.

You should do that. Conversely, I'd like to build John Players Special version one day.

As I've said before, there's something about the Lotus Green (Maybe not it's proper name, but I've always called it that) that keeps me coming back to it.

I built the Lotus 91 many moons ago as the John Players special. Beautiful and iconic look. I like both!!

[joelw]

Greg,
  Just an absolutely great start to a great kit.  As for detailing of the engine, I'm just blown away at what you've accomplished.  I'm bookmarking your build so I can follow along till you cross the finish line.

  As for the Indy Cal decals, 80% or so of all my builds are done with Indy Cal decals. I just love them. Sure they're a pain to have to cut out one by one, but the trade off is there's normally no color bleed through.  As for the stretchiness of the decals, with care it can be your best of friends when other decals will just tear when asked to "go the extra mile"

  Here's my Lotus 79 with Indy Cal decals.



Joel