Time for a new plastic build, this one may take a while as I don't yet know how far I'm going to delve into the world of scratch build but we shall see

The actual kit I have dates from 1989, it's a big one when finished at 365mm long and has 278 parts.
The kit has been re-released recently but apparently is no better than the old one I have, still pretty poor in flash, sink and fit and will cost a lot more than I paid for this old one The new release is the number 9 version and the original is the number 8 "Birkin Blower"

I don't know if the decals are any good, look a bit aged so not very hopeful.
First thing in the instructions as is usual in these kits, is the engine, but as there are some chrome parts involved I first need to strip them by soaking in oven cleaner overnight.

Some areas I may add additional detail are of course the engine, cables, oil lines etc. Metal mesh instead of the plastic used on the fuel tank, window and headlight protection. Possible leather strapping for the engine cover, wooden floor as the plastic is molded as metal but I'm pretty sure this wasn't the case...and finally if my sanity can stand it - I may replace the plastic wheel spokes with wire ..unless I can find a set of metal wheels for this one.

Here's the box and bits shots. More to come when my chrome is stripped

Hi Steve

I always promised myself this kit one day just never got round to it. I will be watching with interest and guess what as I was leaving Bruntingthorpe yesterday morning what was behind me but a real life Bentley but without the racing numbers

Regards

Andy

Thanks Tom, Andy & Tony - nice to know there's some interest in this one.

Tony, I can report right away that the de-chrome was a sucess I was about to take a "before" shot of the parts but whilst getting my camera the chrome was gone
It normally takes longer than that but my wife has changed the brand of my oven cleaner of choice - it is now Cif spray
No need to leave it overnight, rinsed them all off now and back in the box.

There is also a couple of sprues of dull aluminium parts but these will prime over no probs.

BTW, the link on the wire wheels looks interesting too, and Ive just seen how many spokes are on these Bentley wheels...and theres 5 of them

Steve

Hi Steve,

Lovely kit,

Made a version of this in my teens and over done the glue on the wheels, so they never turned, but was still my pride and joy at the time.

Will follow with nostalgic interest.

Regards
delboy271155
(Derek)

Steve

Thanks for the update - cuff oven cleaner is on the next shopping list.

Kind regards

Lovely car Tom, a lot more streamlined than the my kit though - it did get me looking on the net though at any other colour schemes for the Bentley 4.5l but all the pics were coming up green

Anyway, put together the main block and Blower, the Ally colour is the way it comes on the sprues, there are 2 green sprues, 2 Black sprues 2 Ally and there was also a chrome. The reason being probably so a youngster could make the kit without painting but as you can see on the ally pics, there is so much flash to remove that you have to take off most of the paint anyway.

I actually like the colour and finish of the aluminium parts though so will be re-creating that hopefully with Tamiya flat Aluminium later.

I have now black primered the main bits and also sprayed the cylinder head in chrome.

More soon

I wonder what the motor was for just to spin the fan maybe.

Some more progress, no mods at this stage, all built as standard - just painted with no washes or detailing yet.

The next bits to scratch build will be the plug leads and some copper oil lines, need to get some good pics of a real engine first though - not going to go mad with it but at this scale it will need some extras

I have sprayed the main block Tamiya flat aluminium but decided on chrome for the blower as this was an "on show" part that sticks out the front.

The weathering, if it can be called that is going to be based on a used but cared for look, as in any classic car. So there will be an oil wash in the recesses but no dirt or rust anywhere

Here's some more pics.

Hi Steve,

That looks fab mate,

The one I built X amount of years ago only had two parts to the engine.
Right side and Left side.

Hope you get to display the engine with the covers open on this one.Would be a shame to cover up them parts.

Keep up the good work, this is a nostalgia trip for me and loving it!!



Regards
delboy271155
(Derek)

Hi Steve,
This look a good kit, will be looking in with interest.(one to watch)

Regards
Trev.

Thanks guys, I am actually enjoying this one despite the cleaning up required on the parts.

I have now added some wash and detailing to the main lump, I tried to get an oily look but I also wanted to have areas that were polished clean and cared for look too. I have noticed though that the wash has matted the finish a little so I may satin varnish the whole lot later.
Once I have the other engine bits finished I will tackle the ignition leads and oil pipes etc once I know where they go

Steve