​The wheel-building method used to build the spare wheel in issues 4 and 5 is a slightly simplified version of the actual spoking pattern used by Jaguar on the actual E-type.

This was done in order to guarantee that first-time builders can get excellent results by using a ‘2-spoke cross-over’ pattern rather than a 3-spoke cross-over which is more difficult to achieve.

The visual differences in the finished wheels is almost imperceptible, but confident modellers who want added authenticity may wish to try the more complex 3-spoke spoking arrangement as described below:

3-spoke wheel assembly guide - this has been achieved using only the tweezers supplied with your parts a cocktail stick and some double sided tape.

Photo 1 - Is what we start with.

Photos 2 & 3 - First the hub is mounted on the jig and positioned on its peg.

Photo 4 - The double sided tape is applied to the inside rim and pushed into the groove where the spokes sit and its outer coating removed.

Photo 5 & 6 - The wheel ring is then placed on the jig, locating the peg on the jig and hole in the rim.

Photo 7 & 8 - Hold the rim with thumb and second finger, allowing the forefinger to assist with pushing the spoke and preventing the hub from lifting off its slot, the first spoke is then pushed through a hole on the lower layer set on the hub and using the tweezers pulled tight against the hub and then placed in the slot in the rim that is a tight fit, to the right hand side of the hub.
Using the tweezers it can then be pushed into the rim sticking it to the tape.

Photo 9 & 10 - Once this important first spoke is fitted you can proceed to fit the rest of the bottom layer ensuring every other slot on the rim was missed. I found it was easier to position the spoke as shown and to follow an anti-clockwise pattern as there was less chance of getting spokes snagged on others.

Photo 11 - Once all the lower spokes are fitted you can proceed with the upper layer.

Photo 12 - Holding the jig as shown helps to keep the lower layer in position as you fit the important first spoke.

Photo 13 - Pulling the spoke through the hub place it to the opposite side to the lower layer as shown then push it into the tape using the tweezers.

Photos 14 to 17 - Repeat this with the rest of the spokes noting how the spokes are positioned in the hub.

Photo 18 - Once all the spokes are fitted you may need to slightly reposition a spoke or two if they have moved slightly.

Photos 19 to 21 - Then fit the securing ring.


The first part is now complete. Below is the second part of the tutorial covering Issue 5.

NOTE: Issue 5, Steps 2-18 and Steps 21-24 show photos of a wheel built using the 2 spoke crossover. The spoking pattern in the original Jaguar drawing shown in issue 5 correctly shows the 3 spoke crossover that was used in issue 4 instructions and this is the "experienced" method of assembly.

Photos 22 & 23 - First double sided tape was applied.

Photos 24 & 25 The first spoke from pack A was placed through the lower hole of the hub and placed through the central space formed by the spokes fitted in issue 4.

Photo 26 - Once the spoke has been passed through the spokes, to prevent it sliding back during the turning over of the wheel, I placed my forefinger over the wheel center and my thumb on the hub as shown.

Photo 27 - Then I used the tweezers to lift the spoke over the mounting lug into position, this required a little force.

Photo 28 & 29 - Then taking a spoke from pack B, place it to the left of the one just fitted and over it and through the next central gap and over the mounting lug as before.

Photo 30 - Repeat this for the rest of the spokes as per the instructions.

Photos 31 to 33 - I found by placing the pack B spokes in this position then applying a little downward pressure helped to thread them through the gap.

Photo 34 & 35 - Once all the spokes are fitted the wheel is ready for the spacer and outer rim fitted.

Photo 36 to 39 - Show the spacer and outer rim fitted.

Photos 40 & 41 - Then finally the tyre can be fitted.

If I may add a suggestion, I would tape the rim to the jig, eliminates the risk of rim coming off the jig during assembly. Also make sure the spokes have a 90 degree bend in them, some of them are tighter than that, so makes it harder to fit in groove. Did mine last night, did use blue tac to fix the spokes rather than tape, found it easier to do that way.

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Thanks Al, I'll have another attempt at my wheel tomorrow after work

As far as I can tell, there's no difference at all other than the tyre pattern.

Are the set of 4 tires shiny black or do they look slightly weathered?

I have just dumped all of my Jaguar E-Type parts and cancelled my subscription, after a long and frustrating night, during which I failed to reach step 18. I have restarted 3-4 times, and always stuck between step 17-18.

My questions: do the pictures refer to the 3-cross spoking or the 2-cross spoking?
I count 3 cross spoking, but I may be wrong. Anyway, I have tried to replicate the pictures procedure, but have found the wires that tiny bit too short, so that the ones in the upper row failed to match their slots.

If i tried to pull a wire a little bit more, other wires would fall out of their slots.

This has been a real disappointment to me, as I am happily building both the mustang and the porsche from Deagostini and found them excellent models to build. But this Jaguar appears to me not friendly enough.

I was actually temted to reduce the cross spoking to 2, but wanted to stick to the pictures I saw in the manual.

Since I am still at the beginning of my construction, any suggestion would be appreciated. who knows, I might subscribe again...

Sorry to hear that you are having problems with your wheels. The official build and this tutorial refer to the 3 cross spoking for the more experienced builder.As Roy mentioned in the previous post you can try the 2 spoke crossover which is easier to achieve. Give it a try and once you have done it you will be glad you did and back on track with this great build.

Al