Renovations

Another developing hobby, renovating old, tired models. As far as possible I try to use the originals parts. The only "new" parts are the decals, which often have slight differences from the originals. A major difficulty has been matching the original paint colours, though many models have variations of colours anyway. An attempt to "bake" the finished paint jobs was not a success as the colours all changed!
Thanks to Jeff Whitlock (jhw2) for coming up with the great idea of using paint colour charts for helping out with colour matching. Waiting for the warmer weather before venturing downstairs to the garage to have a go at a few more of the rarer variations.
I soon found out that plastic windows do not like paint stripper - see Jaguar Mk10 with "frosted" windows. Still, lots of fun and I think that I'm getting better at it. I usually mark or leave bases intact to show that these are "restorations".
Judge for yourself how successful I have been.

4 C2 Triumph T110	5D4 Bus	8E6 Ford Mustang	8E6 v2 Ford Mustang	9 Merryweather	13C2 Thames Trader	10B1 Mechanical Horse & Trailer	10B1 Mechanical Horse & Trailer	10B1 Mechanical Horse & Trailer	10B1 Mechanical Horse & Trailer
13C3 Thames Trader	23B4 Berkeley Cavalier (metallic green)	25A1 Dunlop Van	28C2 Jaguar MK10	30B2 Magruiz-Deutz Crane Truck	25C4 ARAL Petrol Tanker	25C4 ARAL Petrol Tanker	25C4 ARAL Petrol Tanker	25C4 ARAL Petrol Tanker
30C1 8-Wheel Crane (mint green)	32B1 Jaguar "E" Type	32B3 Jaguar "E" Type	32B Custom Jaguar "E" Type	36C3 Opel Diplomat (sea green)	42A3 Evening News Van	44A2 Rolls Royce	46B9 Pickfords Removal Van	50A6 Commer Pickup MK VIII	53A4 Aston Martin
53D Custom Ford Zodiac	56B3 Fiat 1500	60A2 Morris J2	60A9 Morris J2	68B1 Mercedes Coach	69B6 Hatra Tractor Shovel	69B Hatra Tractor Shovel	74B3 Daimler Bus	75A1 Thunderbird	75A2 Thunderbird

Renovation Process

I've had a number of enquiries over the last few months regarding the renovation of models. I have attempted to explain the steps that will enable anyone with a few basic tools and a degree of patience to have a go at their own renovations.
Items required:
Clean work area; Selection of enamel paints; Paint stripper; White spirit
Wire wool; Spray gun - compressor powered or air can; Small file; Drill
Small hammer or flat steel bar; hollow punch; Rags, old brushes

I highly recommend this site for for detailed information of the renovation process Tinman's Restoration Handbook

rough model	drill out rivet	separate base & body	file off axle ends	separate all parts	apply paint stripper	rough clean	wash with white spirit	wire wool	spray preparation	spray undercoat
drying	drying rack	spray gun	1st Coat	mask off 1st coat	apply 2nd colour	undercoat & base colour	clean axles & wheels	fit wheels on base	hammer-spread axle ends	hollow punch to round axle ends

Finished Model

The above steps are the result of a lot of trial and error. A few important points to note are: keep all dismantled parts together, always wear a mask when spraying, plastic reacts to stripper/spirit so keep separate, have a play with some rough models to build up your confidence and above all don't be afraid to experiment - it's a lot of fun and at the end you can get great looking models like this.

50 Commer Pickup MK VIII

Red & White Body

Rare Silver Plastic Wheels