Cars

Building resin model kits, a step by step guide for novices. Ferrari 575 GTC Le Mans 2004

Tecnomodel 1/24 scale

by Alessandro Prini and Roberto Jacobone © Modeler Site

 

Esta edición especial está sólo disponible en formato pdf (español e Ingles). Esta es una nota técnica de 33 páginas. Incluye más de 290 imágenes de alta resolución. > Aquí

 

This special issue is only available in pdf format. This is a technical article of 33 pages. Includes more than 290 high res pictures. > Here

Note from the Editor

Building resin and white metal model kits is not always easy or funny and newcomers to this exciting activity, know this very well. Accomplishing the models like the ones achieved by advanced modelers is difficult, they are experienced, skillful and the most important they have the knowledge of “what they have to do and how to”. This article is especially devoted to the less experienced modelers, the author leads and shows us step by step nearly all the necessary tasks to achieve an outstanding piece. Apart from an easy to follow text, it aims at showing pictures along the different steps, something invaluable at the time of copying other’s work. Enough ink and words were wasted explaining techniques but this simple article will give the reader more information than long texts where everything is explained but without showing how to. Alessandro Prini, the author, has chosen a kit from Tecnomodel to illustrate this article, actually a good and detailed one that shines in the hands of this master modeler. We also thank Roberto Jacobone for his participation in this project by taking some photos and writing this note as the model was being built.

 

The Car

The 575 GTC was aimed at private teams participating in the FIA GT championship and made its debut at the end of the 2003 season. It also appeared in other Granturismo series like the ALMS. The “C” in the name stands for “competizione”.

The 575 GTC is the racing version of the 575M Maranello. In order to cope with the track demands, it is equipped with even more technological devices than the superb road version.

The displacement of the 65° V12 has been increased to 5,997cc with a maximum power output close to 605 bhp, dominated with a sequential shift. The track has been widened, the brakes increased in size and, thanks to the use of composite materials, the body has been lightened. The tubular steel chassis features boxed sections and the all-round wishbone suspension features adjustable antidive geometry.

The set up is the result of extensive aerodynamic research in the wind tunnel, something that was also carried out for the adjustable front spoiler and the undertray with its rear extractor.

The Kit

In the silver box there’s all what you need to replicate cars no. 61 or 62 which were entered by Barron Connor at Le Mans 2004.

I never bought before a Tecnomodel kit and what is clearly evident at a first sight is the high engineering level, probably due to the fact that it’s a factory-built models manufacturer more than kits.

 

 

It’s easy to start test fitting all the components without looking at the instructions, among other things really clear. All the parts, both resin and white metal, are molded flawlessly. The perfectly replicated body is symmetrical and aligned, nearly no air bubbles, no shrinkage so minimum cleaning will be required. Laser-clean engraving. It’s a pitty the interiors feature molded in cables for the electronic and other minor details; the tunnel with its toggle switches is molded separately as well as the electronic boxes, the front splitter has the correct shape which is different from the Fia GT version. Also the front bumper has been updated, now higher than the Fia Gt version.

 

 

Wheels appear to be the real thing: O.Z.’s shape and diameter (21.85 mm / 0.86 inch) are perfectly captured, very little cleaning is necessary. Rubber tires with different width front/rear and turned parts complete the wheels assembly. The wheels axis features a smart system of machined recesses which allow the modeler obtaining the brake discs aligned and a perfect stance of the car in one step only. Wheels locking nuts are four machined jewel, as well as the antennas.

 

The rollcage has been accurately reproduced and will be enhanced with the included photo-etched stiffening plates. Rear wing is too wide, but Tecnomodel put a note on the instructions to reduce its width.

 

Unfortunately the taillights have been molded in solid red resin and they lack of realism.

 

In the kit two different type of photo-etched parts are provided, the thin one carries many details while the thick one carries brake discs, wing drifts and towing hooks.

 

Glass parts and headlight covers are provided in perfect pre-cut and pre-tinted form. For sure, the assembling between window frames and clear parts will be not so easy.

 

Two microscopic vacuformed parts allow to replicate the air duct located on the rear windows of the car no. 62. The beautifully printed decals (by Zanchetti) carry the Barron Connor Le Mans livery and many other details like carbon fiber/kevlar patterns and technical sponsors. A pre-cut seat belts pattern made of red adhesive is also included. Instructions, as said, very well done. No clones or copied parts. The kit is Ferrari officially licensed.

 

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