Completion
Comments
Album info
The Mini is finally finished after 18 months. A house move, general life stress and losing my mojo all contributed to my longest modelling project to date.
Fujimi's kit (12219) builds up into a good model, albeit with some frictions and frustrations along the way. There isn't too much flash on the sprues and the fit is generally good, but the seats look rather flat and lifeless. The decal sheet is poor; the number plate, dashboard and bonnet emblem decals are all too big to use. I sourced another number plate from a Revell Citroën 2CV set and painted the basics of the Mini Cooper emblem. I opted to paint the various white stripes instead of using a decal.
The transparencies are a tad thick and, coming as a one-piece frame, they make construction easier but interior painting more difficult. This was my first time using a Gundam marker and it made painting the exterior window frames so much easier.
The model was painted with a mixture of Revell, Humbrol and Vallejo acrylics. The final shell spray finish was Hycote British Racing Green, as this was far superior to Humbrol's offering (239).
I made a lot of mistakes and learned some valuable lessons with this kit. My next build will be something a bit simpler so I can just build for enjoyment and maybe try airbrushing for the first time. I'm relieved to have finished this kit and pleased to call it a success.
