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Paula & Dan · Last edited by Paula & Dan on Thu 28 May 2009 09:46 am; edited 1 time in total

Progress of Bob(K)'s build will be recorded here.

Paula
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Airbusians.

Bob(K) · Posted: Wed 27 May 2009 18:09 pm Post subject:

This is what I am going to build: The Airfix 1933 Alpha Romeo. It has been in the attic for many years:

Bob(K)

Bob(K) · Posted: Wed 15 Jul 2009 17:29 pm Post subject:

Well we have crossed the starting grid and I thought I would start this little project. I have never built an Airfix car before, and probably never would if it hadn't been for this GB. On lifting the lid I was surprised how many parts there were on this little car - 107 in all. Following the instructions work starts, as expected, on the chassis.

This is where I encountered my first problem. The main chassis is curved, narrowing to the front of the car, yet the two side lengths are dead straight. Getting them to stay in place was really tricky. It then became apparent that fitting the fuel tank and spare wheel holder would be difficult as the rear end of the chassis was little more than a blob and none of the retaining holes were in place. After a lot of measuring and drilling, several failed attempts I got the parts roughly in place. I had to add parts at this stage, which I wanted to keep back until painted, in order to strengthen the whole structure. Well they are all in place, sort of, but there is a fair bit of filing and drilling ahead I fear. Here is the basic chasis:

On the basis of the last few hours I think this is going to be a long project.

Bob(K)

Paula & Dan · Posted: Thu 16 Jul 2009 10:36 am Post subject:

Bob(K) · Posted: Sat 18 Jul 2009 18:08 pm Post subject:

Today I painted some of the red areas, wheels, seats and started the radiator. I have also painted the floor well. The exhaust system is now fitted too:

Next task is to assemble the wheels and add the cockpit interior.

Bob(K)

Bob(K) · Posted: Sun 19 Jul 2009 17:42 pm Post subject:

DISASTER

Last night when I was clearing away the Alfa Romeo I must have mislaid one of the wheels.

I have searched high and low for it without success. I have a horrible feeling it might have been thrown out with the scrap plastic and cleaning tissues. I will continue to look, but until I either find or replace it work on this kit will cease.

Bob(K)

Ratch · Posted: Sun 19 Jul 2009 17:58 pm Post subject:

Oh no

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Paula & Dan · Posted: Mon 20 Jul 2009 19:06 pm Post subject:

Just an idea Bob, but as it has 5 wheels, is one for a spare to go on the back?

If so, could you carry on with the build and hope that someone comes up trumps with an extra one for you that could be added later?

It would be sad to see this build grind to a halt.

Paula
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Airbusians.

Bob(K) · Posted: Mon 20 Jul 2009 19:18 pm Post subject:

Well you would never believe this. After the disaster of yesterday, I had boxed the Alfa up and put it away. This morning I was on my way to work when I felt something under my foot. There outside on the path was the missing wheel. I have no idea how it got there but I now have it back. Despite it being stood on and left in the rain it is fine, apart from some minor scratches. So the Alfa factory is open for business once more.

This evening I painted the wheels and fitted the seats and cockpit interior. To paint the wheels I painted them red then when dry washed them with thinned black. Once dry I dry brushed the spokes with dark orange. The tyres are painted dark grey and washed with thinned black:

Bob(K)

Ratch · Posted: Mon 20 Jul 2009 19:24 pm Post subject:

Those wheels have come up really nice

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and was Jerusalem, builded here
The new No. 2
Airfix Club 500287
IPMS 10983

jhl1908 · Posted: Mon 20 Jul 2009 19:30 pm Post subject:

I'm glad you found your wheel again.
Looking good so far, Bob(K)

- Jesper.
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Paula & Dan · Posted: Mon 20 Jul 2009 19:37 pm Post subject:

Fantastic

So glad you found it!

Paula
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Airbusians.

Beaufighter · Posted: Mon 20 Jul 2009 20:07 pm Post subject:

Those look fab. I think this was my first ever Airfix car. My big sister's then boyfriend was a car nut and bought me one on one of their regular Silverstone trips. I hope it was worth it...
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TimJ · Posted: Mon 20 Jul 2009 20:32 pm Post subject:

Nice work so far, you must have been relieved to find the missing wheel.
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Hangartime · Posted: Tue 21 Jul 2009 05:49 am Post subject:

Very nice.... I do like those wheels... one missing? It tried to roll away! Those seats are a winner as well.
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chrisbh · Posted: Sun 09 Aug 2009 17:31 pm Post subject:

I'm jealous of your separately moulded tyres, Bob. Those wheels have come up really well haven't they?
Aye
Chris
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Bob(K) · Posted: Thu 03 Sep 2009 13:26 pm Post subject:

I have been away for several weeks but I have managed to do a little more work on the Alfa. The body has been attached after a bit of a struggle. It was quite badly warped. But it is now in place:

The next task is the front suspension and axle.

Bob(K)

arni · Posted: Thu 03 Sep 2009 19:31 pm Post subject:

Starting to take shape now,looking good.
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Nigel.

Jolly boy.

Bob(K) · Posted: Fri 04 Sep 2009 13:25 pm Post subject:

A little bit more work has been done on the front suspension and the supports for the mudguards. These were very warped and poorly moulded. I am not sure I have managed to file them down to the correct shape, but at least they are in place:

On to the rear of the vehicle.

Bob(K)

arni · Posted: Fri 04 Sep 2009 20:55 pm Post subject:

A thought Bob,can you get your hands on some thin brass wire ect? This would make for great looking mudguard brackets.If you want some,pm me and I will send you some.
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Nigel.

Jolly boy.