Last Mini update for now

Using Superglue and treating this as a resin kit (thanks to the ABS used) I have built the Mini up into paintable sub-assemblies: chassis/floorpan, wheels, shell/dashboard and the interior details, grille and bumpers.  I decided to build the Morris version as the grille had the best surface detail and the bonnet badge was identifiable (the Austin one was almost invisible).

Here is the model as it stands now.

It needs mirrors on the wings, a rear-view mirror and window wipers.

When I was looking at the almost featureless dashboard I thought Airfix had slipped up, but then I did an internet search, and yes, there was only a single dial on that dash, as you can see below.  The Airfix/MRRC dial will need a printed off dial added to it as it is quite featureless.

(photo from http://www.carlustblog.com)

When the weather gets better and I can start spraying bodies I will get some of these kits finished.

Incidentally the cobbled base the car is sitting on is a 1/35 scale village road from Mini-Art.  It's a vac-form sheet of good quality plastic with lovely surface detail.  Once painted it will be the perfect photo-base for European cars.  (I have also ordered a section of farm wall/entrance will will give a good backdrop.)

The Mini-Art kits are excellent models, relatively good value and large enough that quite effective photos can be taken.  If only we could get Japanese models like this... a section of Tokyo street, complete with phone box, barriers, vending machines, anything... or just state of the art diorama accessories as the Arii kits must be around 30 years old.