Fernando Pinto resin kits?

[Gary Brantley]

Does anyone have experience with the 1/24 resin model kits made by Fernando Pinto of Portugal? I have been looking at some of them on Ebay and several have caught my eye. They are expensive, well in my opinion anyway. A kit delivered for $180 is expensive to me. I've never built an entirely resin model; what advice/suggestions/new techniques do I need? I feel like it would be a new challenge for me. Perhaps too much of a challenge with my clumsy, meager skills. But, it might be interesting and different enough that it will pull me out of a serious modeling slump.

I watched a WIP of the Donald Campbell's Bluebird Proteus CN-7 on Britmodeler. It was very impressive, but labor intensive for sure. I have the old Revell kit of Mickey Thompson's Challenger II in the same scale; wouldn't those two look great displayed together?

I'm seriously considering buying the Pinto kit of the Ferrari 340 - 375 Carrera Panamericana 1954, driven by Phil Hill and Richie Ginther. I've built nothing but aircraft for many years. My last model car was the Monogram Bugatti Type 35, back around 1976, (subsequently destroyed by my toddler daughter around '82). Perhaps a foray into something like this would be good for me. Please give me your opinions and advice!
Thanks, Gary

[Thomas_M]

Never have heard of them before. Looking at the Facebook page I know why I didn´t: I am not in race cars!

So I am afraid I am of no help here. Looking at some of the resin bits shown on FB 180 bucks is a lot of money. But I guess this is aimed at a rather close group of enthusiasts who are willing / able to spend this money.

[Gary Brantley]

Thanks for replying Thomas. Race car models were an early love for me. In my early teens, I even scratchbuilt funny car chassis out of plastic "pickup sticks" and card stock. Then my driver's license and real 1:1 cars came along and the models were put aside. The last auto model I built was the Monogram Type 35 Bugatti.

Well, yesterday I took the plunge, headfirst into resin! I bought two of the Pinto kits, from the maestro himself, Fernando Pinto. I bought the 1936 Auto Union C Type and the '54 Ferrari 340 Carrera Panamericana racer. Yes, they were expensive, and no, I'm not wealthy, lol. But, with retirement looming, I want some different modeling projects that might get me "back in the groove".

The Ferrari:


Auto Union C Type:


The history behind race cars like these is what really "hooks" me. I've read of their exploits and have been fascinated by the machines for years. Obviously, this is the only way I can afford to "own" them. I hope I can do them justice when built. Resin is new to me and I suspect there's a bit of a "learning curve" involved. Advice is welcome in that regard!
Gary

[Thomas_M]

Gray, you made a great choice here! Both are looking really good, with the Auto Union being my favourite!

An advice on building resin kits? First, degrease them! The mould release agent has to go first. There is a thing called "Bleach White"?!? in your country? Not sure about the spelling. Have read that this could help.

Get some super glue: thin, medium, gap filling. Also some 2K epoxy glue for strength.

I always prime my builds, especially when resin parts are given. I prefer Alclad´s Grey Filler & Surface Primer, for this kind of primers really catch the surface and give following paints something to hold on. Gunze also does a resin primer, that should be thinned to be able to spray it in the airbrush. Alclad on the other hand is ready to be sprayed. Whatever you use: respiratory protection is advised!

[Gary Brantley]

Thanks for the advice Thomas. All good, all will be heeded!
Gary