Aston Martin DBS Build Journal Volume 5: Interior (WIP)

Having completed the chassis the previous week, I went ahead and started work on the car interiors this weekend.   First off was to spray the individual parts in “German Grey”.   While waiting for the paint to dry, I used the time to review some reference images of the DBS interior.

For this build I decided to have some fun and do some simple carpeting.  Usually an interior carpet effect is done by using really fine flocking powder.  Unfortunately I didn’t have any on hand; so I decided to use something easier to get a hold of, namely some felt paper.  Felt paper, in my opinion, is much easier to handle.  Gluing flocking material can get really messy and I wouldn’t want to accidentally apply the material in areas I didn’t need to cover with carpet.

Using some tape to trace a template for my carpet.

Here is the template used as my cutting guide.

The felt paper was cut slightly larger than my template.

Doing a final test fit.  Scoring the paper in preparation for the final trim.

 

The kit also came with a sheet of photo-etched parts.  These tiny metal parts add another level of detail to the finish product.  I had to attach a couple of these at the rear of the interior.

Things went well this weekend.   Hope my luck persists for the rest of the build.  Here is a picture of what I managed to finish.

Halfway there... Up next, the seats and dashboard.

Aston Martin DBS Build Journal Volume 4: Hobby Link Japan

I recently bought some third party decals from an online store called Hobby Link Japan.  The order arrived promptly and in excellent condition.   Since I was happy with my purchase, I’ve placed a link to their site on my newly created “Favorite Sites” section found at the lower left portion of my blog.

 

The first item I bought was a sheet of 1/24 scale Aston Martin logo decals by a company called Hobby Design.   I’ll be using this to replace the original Tamiya decals which I’ve accidentally torn earlier.  Although my photo does not show it clearly, these emblems have a metallic look to it.

Using some tape, I carefully removed the old decals and applied the replacement logos on the brake calipers.  I guess that problem is now solved.

After applying the decals, I went on and finished up the chassis

The second item I bought was a sheet of carbon fiber decals by Scale Motorsports.  Also scaled for 1/24 kits, this decal has tiny spots printed on a clear transparent sheet.  You could hardly see it while it is still on its backing sheet.  One will have to cut a piece of the decal to the appropriate size before applying it to the model.

This was the first time I tried doing a complex decal job like this; I first tried applying a small piece on a scrap piece of plastic to get a feel of how to use this product.  After my practice run I decided to go for the real thing.   

From reference photos, the actual DBS had a rear diffuser that was made of carbon fiber.  This part had a real tough surface to work with and probably the hardest piece I needed to cover with the C/F decals.  To prepare for the task, I first painted the part with semi gloss black. After the paint dried, I proceeded to measure and cut a piece of the decal a little larger the size I wanted to cover up.  For this job I also used some “Mr. Mark Softer” which helps soften the decal and stretches it a bit over curved or irregular bumpy surfaces.  After applying the decal I gave it a coat of gloss.

Since I was really trying hard to concentrate on this nerve wracking process, I forgot to take some pictures of the process.  I did however take a picture of my finished product.  As expected, it was not a perfect job but I reckon it was a good attempt for a first-timer.

Aston Martin DBS Build Journal Volume 3: Uneventful Week

Started work on the chassis and rear suspension this weekend.  The task went along smoothly with no major incidents.  I'm not a hundred percent content with the results of my paint job.  I guess I'll still need more practice to get my painting skill improved.  Well, that's it for tonight, see you guys again soon...

 

All the effort exerted, only to be covered up...

Aston Martin DBS Build Journal Volume 2: Murphy's Law

We were fortunate to have an easy week at work.  Our team managed to finish all our tasks before the close of business last Friday afternoon allowing us to have a worry free weekend.  I used my free time to work on my DBS kit once again.  

I started the weekend working on the brake discs.  Painted each part individually, glued them together and applied the decals as per the instructions.  This task went fairly well.

Weird, this picture made the brake discs look like they were made of stone...

I moved on to assemble the engine and front suspension next.  Once again, I painted each part prior to assembly.  I find it much easier doing this since I need not worry smearing paint on adjacent parts unnecessarily.  

This kit came with a sheet of metal transfer for the lettering on the engine.  I’ve only worked with wet decals before and it’s the first time I’ve worked with these dry transfer sheets.  Just a brief explanation on the difference between decals and transfers for those who couldn't follow:

First wet decals, you will need to dip these in water for around 10 seconds, by then they could be slid from their backing sheets and positioned into place on the model.  You will need to dab the decal with a soft cloth or paper towel to remove the excess water and air bubbles.  It should set once everything is dry.

The dry transfers on the other hand, will require you to position the sheet on the location where you want the transfer to be placed.  You will then proceed to gently rub on the transparent film that is holding the transfers.  Once the metal transfer sticks to the model part, you will need to gently peel off the film.

I’ve read several anecdotes on the internet wherein some of the transfers fail to cling to the model.  It was quite disheartening to learn about this, especially for a first-timer.  I did manage to execute my task successfully and I did learn a few things about these transfers in the process.  Peeling the transparent film takes a lot of patience; I did mine one letter at a time.  Whenever I notice the transfer fail adhere to the model part, I would reset the backing film and rub on it again.

After all the decals and transfers were applied, the only thing left was to assemble the engine and suspension. Should be pretty straight forward...

"If anything can go wrong, it will..." – Murphy’s Law

Had another mishap in the process, I might have accidentally touched one of the break caliper decals while assembling the kit. The decal probably did not set properly and was sheared off when I unconsciously made contact with it.  This is my second decal incident encountered for this build.

I guess I have to call it quits for now and continue working on this car some other time.  I'll need to think on ways to salvage this project.  Until then...

Here is what was successfully completed this weekend...