Alpine A210 prep work

Given that progress on the DBR1 is continuing at a slow pace, and that sometimes it's nice to see some progress, I decided to start on one of the new styrene kits on the shelf. At least these go together fairly easily with minimal measuring, filing and drilling, and it is possible to see some progress fairly quickly. Or at least that was the plan.

The musty smell of old cardboard on opening the A210 box is proof the kit has not been opened in several decades, if ever. I cleaned up the various part lines on the body, gave it a shot of primer, and filled in a few sinkholes in the nose.

Separately I assembled and painted the various engine components. The little 4 is claimed, in 1300 cc guise, to push the A210 aero body to 250 km/h, quite an achievement if correct, because power was likely in the vicinity of 70 to 80 hp.

 A few oddities: the exhaust manifolds and pipe are rubber, as is the one-piece distributor and wire set. A length of stainless steel wire is provided to wrap around a nail (not supplied) in order to make springs. A different kit of a different car.

If I thought this would be an easy build, it's not. There are lots of fiddly little bits, all of them with lots of flash that makes cleanup a challenge. Along with the sinkholes and part lines on the body, this is an indication of mold quality, although on the other hand the raised Alpine lettering across the nose is very finely done.

 

The Tamiya TS-10 French Blue paint looks good in real life but, as always, my digital camera, and the computer screen, conspire to make it look pale and washed out.

Final paint touch-ups and assembly to come this week.