A sneaky preview of the model!

[Mark, The Master Modeller]

I'm building the publicity model of the W196R for Agora, so I can share a few pics of the model as I build it.  This isn't a full build diary by any means, but just a few quick snaps to give you an idea of what you can expect from the model.  An Official Build Diary will be posted when the model is released.

A quick disclaimer.  This is a pre-release of the model.  I don't think there will be any great changes in the full release, but there may be some differences.  In my best legalese, "Don't quote me!"

Let's start with the wheels.  We get two versions of the wheels.  The regular assembly and the easy assembly.

The easy assembly wheels have the spokes made as a two disks of pre-formed metal spokes.  The wheel can be assembled quickly and easily.  The finished wheel looks like this, which I think looks pretty good.  Certainly nothing to be ashamed of.

The regular assembly wheel is somewhat more challenging, and definitely takes a lot longer!  This wheel is made of individual spokes, and has a lovely CNC machined aluminium hub.

It looks absolutely stunning!

How hard is it to make?  Well, it's a game of two halves.  The back rows of spokes are easy to fit.  I found them easier that the E-Type wheels.  The front rows are more of a challenge.  They need to be inserted through the hub, fed through the rear spokes, then fixed to the rear rim.  Overall, I'd say they are on a par with the E-Type wheels.  More complex but better designed, and overall, I found them more enjoyable to build.  

Here's a better photo of the completed wheel.

[Mark, The Master Modeller]

The engine is very nicely detailed with an impressive amount of plumbing!

The engine is mounted to the firewall first, the this assembly is fitted to the chassis.

[Mark, The Master Modeller]

One of the nice things about older cars is that you get a proper chassis.  

The front suspension is fully detailed.

All the brake pipes are represented.

The car has a rear mounted gearbox, differential and inboard drum brakes.  Brake pipes, fuel lines, and other plumbing is all provided.  Not shown on these photos but fitted later in the build.  The rear suspension appears to be very realistically represented.

Here's an overall shot of the chassis with suspension and gearbox fitted

[Mark, The Master Modeller]

Here's the engine installed in the chassis.

[Mark, The Master Modeller]

The seat is nicely represented.  The 'cloth' is actually a soft plastic, nicely parented with the tartan pattern.  

No seatbelts!!!  Can you imagine driving a 2500cc car, open cockpit, racing at over 300 kph/185mph, with no seatbelt and rudimentary crash helmet?  Those drivers were fearless!!!!

A few more parts added to the rear chassis.

 

[Mark, The Master Modeller]

Here's the car, chassis more or less complete, ready for the body work to be fitted.

[keramh]

Hello,

Really wonderful.
I feel the Sterling Moss seat is a bit too light but the pattern looks very nice.

A great model!

[Taffy]

Hi, I'm building the IXO Juan Fangio version of the Mercedes, and I must admit, the spoked wheels are a lot easier than the ones on E-Type Jaguar.  The spoked versions are a lot more convincing than the easy version.  Rather than attempt to apply the small fiddly pieces of double-sided sticky tape, I used PVA to temporarily stick the spokes in place.

[Mark, The Master Modeller]

27 minutes ago, Taffy said:Rather than attempt to apply the small fiddly pieces of double-sided sticky tape, I used PVA to temporarily stick the spokes in place.

I used Bluetac. The tape worked ok on the first half of the wheel, but was hopeless on the second half. 

[Modellbau Schwaben]

Wow...that looks really great...great

[Flaminiasupersport]

Great choice, these Merci were THE cars to beat as they won almost everything. Am I the only one who has the impression that the tires are way too bulky??

[Franknstang]

They were carrying a good bit of weight and were known to be a real handful. I imagine the designers tried many size tires and compounds.

 

[Mark, The Master Modeller]

Just a couple more pics.

Here is the dash.  Very simple with just 3 dials.  A tacho, water temp and oil pressure gauge.

Here is the engine plate, very nicely reproduced.  The printing is very small, I could only read it with the help of a zoom lens!

Agora has produced a very nice video showing the completed model.  

 

It's a beautiful model, and I can't wait to share the full build diary with you.  

[Flaminiasupersport]

Never thought I'd mention this... but these wheels are way too beautiful!!!!

Originally they're painted, not chromed, but I'd hesitate to take these rims a step back and spray paint such beautiful parts.

Maybe with a 2nd set of wheels... if only Agora would sell everything separately. It would add great opportunities to diorama building and displays. A race car always comes with a set of spares... tires, wheels, oil cans, tools...

I read this kit contains two sets of rims: the intricate ones, and simplier photo etched ones...

Now that opens some possibilities....🤔

Nice 1:8 scale figures of Stirling Moss, Fangio, Mechanics etc.... must be easy to do with a 3d scanner , printer and whatever high tech things that exists today.

 

Edited February 11, 2023 by Flaminiasupersport
grammar..

[Mark, The Master Modeller]

9 hours ago, Flaminiasupersport said:

Never thought I'd mention this... but these wheels are way too beautiful!!!!

Originally they're painted, not chromed, but I'd hesitate to take these rims a step back and spray paint such beautiful parts.

 

 

Yeah, I know what you mean!  I don't think I would have the heart to de-chrome and repaint them silver! 

My Brough Superior kit should have had the wheels painted black, but I didn't have the heart to paint the spokes.

Brough's were all custom built, so it's entirely possible that some were produced with unpainted spokes.  At least, that's my story, and I'm sticking to it!

 

[Flaminiasupersport]

That's the absolute dream motorcycle! The Vincent comes close but the Brough is the King! I hesitated to buy the 1:6 scale model (Minchamps?) that came out a few years ago. They show up on Ebay from time to time but I have the 1/18th model to drool over! MFH is absolutely stunning, but I don't know if I have te skills to tackle such a model. Congrats to you, it looks extremely real!!

 

[Mark, The Master Modeller]

42 minutes ago, Flaminiasupersport said:

That's the absolute dream motorcycle! The Vincent comes close but the Brough is the King! I hesitated to buy the 1:6 scale model (Minchamps?) that came out a few years ago. They show up on Ebay from time to time but I have the 1/18th model to drool over! MFH is absolutely stunning, but I don't know if I have te skills to tackle such a model. Congrats to you, it looks extremely real!!

 

Thanks!  The MFH kits are challenging, but the end results are amazing. The bikes are easier than the cars. 

[Tankerman]

The MFH kit is a real beauty and I did paint the wheels black and I do not think it spoils the model at all.

 

[Mark, The Master Modeller]

You did a stunning job on yours Tankerman. Just beautiful!

[Flaminiasupersport]

Truly amazing! The black wheels are stunning and correct with the 1930's when a lot of wheels were painted. Superb build!!!!