Building A Classic - Red Baron!

[kabdriver]

So, I've been collecting showrod kits for over a decade but never quite got around to really starting any.  I guess I liked collecting them - but seeing some of the cool builds on here lately, I've really wanted to get my teeth into a project!  I've got at least three Red Baron kits kicking around here, so i figured one of those would be a good start.  Plus, it's a classic!  I'm using one of the limited edition reissues from a few years back:



And inside the box...



I was dissapointed to find that the chrome on the helmet is pretty tarnished and faded...I guess I need to find a place to get it replated (any leads anyone?)



But at least that'll give me an opportunity to fill this gap between the helmet and the back of the body tub...



As I'm sure you all know, the chassis tub is the biggest component on this kit by far, and I want to make sure the paint is as good as it can be on this build so I want to get everything nice and straight and smooth so it looks great when it's cleared.



First job will be to get those frame rails nice and straight and free of flash and sink marks, maybe with a little filler if needed



More progress as I make it!

[donculley]

The Red Baron kit is so popular I'll bet you can find a parts lot on Ebay with a good helmet for a better price than replating yours .

[rapidtransit]

GT KustomKrome will rechrome that helmet for you.

[kabdriver]

Thanks guys! You're right Don - in fact I have better examples of the helmet in my collection, but that sprue attachment point right on the back REALLY bugs me. I'd really like to build one where that's plated back over. As such, the Baron's helmet got a dunk in some bleach last night ready for some attention



Whilst I was doing it, the front rad has some flash (visible on the top left of the shell there) and I didnt want a seam on the fuel tank so I've stripped that too ready for smoothing prior to either replating or Alclading



I might even chrome the engine too, I haven't decided yet...



In the meanwhile, some actual building...I added the little piece above the firewall but the fit wasn't as nice as I'd like and I wanted to straighten the frame rails so I slung some putty:



Much better!




Just need to open those holes back out and then lay some primer down and see how straight it looks! More soon...

[kabdriver]

Got some primer laid down on the body and chassis - I went with Tamiya white primer to help the red pop nicely



It came out pretty shiny (although it doesn't show very well in my indoor light here) but I'll be clearing it with a few coats of lacquer so I can polish it and make it as pretty as can be



Whilst I was doing the red I painted the interior insert - I need to mask the seats up next and I've got some BMF on order to do the chrome accent pieces on the centre tunnel there



I got a price back for rechroming the helmet and some other bits from GT KustomKhrome so I need to send those bits out, but I've got plenty to work on in the meantime. More progress as I make it!

[Dennis M]

Looking good'' I love that kit.

[Bert]

Good Start!

[kabdriver]

Thanks fellas! I've had a busy few days so not much progress - but GT Khrome came back and only wanted about $20 to redo the chrome parts. I'll pay that in a shot, so I dont have to have those sprue marks annoying me forever. I need to get the bits packed up and sent off to him now