Author | Krzysztof Szpakowski
It's time to present another 1/24 scale project - the Ford Sierra Cosworth 4x4, driven by the M. Biasion / T. Siviero crew in the 1992 Portugal Rally. The Ford model by D.Modelkits is the first of two debut products from this brand.
Here's an in-box:
The level of detail and the overall quality of the product look very good. However, this doesn’t change the fact that a few aspects could be improved - here’s the first selection of SCO parts and additional decals that I’ll be using in this project.
And finally, here’s the basic color palette for the Ford Sierra.
As usual, I start by test-fitting the parts.
How hard is it to make a perfect circle? It turns out that making one is easier than figuring out how to make it and which materials to use.
It took me quite a while to work out a proper method for making perfectly round seals for the mounts of the additional halogen lights. So far, this had been one of the most underdeveloped details in the Ford set, which is why it became a personal challenge for me to get it right.
I removed the original kit mounting screws along with the unfortunate seals, which couldn’t be painted evenly. To make new black seals, I used black masking tape and a compass cutter purchased specifically for this project.
The mounting bolts were replaced with an SCO product: Rivets 0,6 mm (round head + washer).
Chroming time - night rally lights done! I stand by my opinion: so far, this is the worst-designed part of the entire model and I have to add that these are the worst-designed halogens I’ve ever come across.
Working on these parts pushed both my modelling skills and my patience to the limit. In the end, though, I’m happy with the result :)
Once again, the Ford was masked up to paint the rear light reflectors. Rear lights done.
As shown earlier, I modified several details, including the bulbs and reflectors. The reflectors were incorrectly represented in the kit, so I corrected this error to make all the details match the real car.
The model was painted with Tamiya TS-13 using many very thin layers to avoid damaging the decals. I used the Christmas break to let the Ford dry properly.
After a several-week break from modeling, I made a black coffee and started polishing ;) To give the Sierra even more shine, I used Meguiar’s Gold Class Carnauba Wax paste - the same one I use on my real car. The results exceeded my expectations.
Work on the front-end details. The lamp reflectors were finished with Gild Chrome paint to achieve a realistic metallic effect.
The turn signal units and lenses were then installed. This proved slightly challenging, as the navigator’s side lens required adjustment to achieve a proper fit.
The reflectors were painted with Humbrol 11, consistent with the treatment applied to the rear lamp assemblies. The indicator bulbs were replicated using pin heads painted orange.
One notable inaccuracy in the kit instructions concerns the grille mesh, which is incorrectly specified as black. In reference to the original car, this element should be painted white. The Ford badge was also replaced with an alternative decal, as the kit-supplied marking lacked accurate color detailing.
The accompanying photograph shows the kit instructions annotated with corrections, along with a complete list of the paints used.
This may serve as a useful reference for anyone intending to build the Sierra in its 1992 Mobil 1 specification.
All the panel lines have been done.
I also improved the existing ones at the front of the Ford - around the front lights.
The registration decals were applied in their respective positions. The mesh was installed in the front bumper. I recommend fitting the mesh from the inside of the bumper rather than from the outside, as suggested in the instructions - this approach significantly reduces the risk of damage and simplifies alignment during installation.
The front towing hooks were then added. For those aiming at maximum accuracy, I recommend finishing this detail with Tamiya TS-39, sealed with a matt clear coat to achieve the correct tone. This is another point where the kit instructions differ from the appearance of the original vehicle.
Small details that make a Big difference! The following SCO components were used on the hood and front bumper: mounting bolts for the auxiliary lighting and the hood pins. In my opinion, the SCO hood pins offer a noticeably more realistic appearance compared to the photo-etched parts included in the kit. Their three-dimensional form adds depth and improves the overall authenticity of the front-end detailing.
The parts and paint references used are listed below:
• Hood pins SCO-R076
• Humbrol 11 + Tamiya Panel Line (black and gray)
• Rivets 0,7 mm (round head + washer) SCO-R067
Additionally, the roof-mounted air intakes were installed, and the majority of the decals have now been applied to the bodywork.
Author | Krzysztof Szpakowski
Next workbench | Ford Thunderbird NASCAR
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