Kit Manufacturer: AMR (France) :Model: Jaguar XJR5 Le Mans 1985 :Cost of kit: $95 AUD (second hand)

After a rub down and clean, the body shell needed a few modifications. The casting is the same one as used for the 1984 car and needs three vents added, these are supplied in the kit and have to be glued on and filled, at this time a couple of hole need to be filled, one on ether front wing and one on ether door frame these are cast in holes to fit rear view mirrors too on the versions of these vehicles.

For large holes I use Revell Plasto and for the smaller one Squadron Green Putty. These are quite small holes so the green putty was surfactant. The body shell was then put aside to dry.

The base plate was cleaned up and polished as this is aluminum on the real car. The rear wing is a one piece casting and the end plates need to be filed as there are casting lines running across them.

Although they are a little heavy don’t be tempted to file too much off. I’m sure if the kit was being made today they would be photo etched end plates. I decided while the body putty was drying to clean up the ancillaries. The interior is aluminum so just needs polishing, a brass wire brush on the mini drill is how I do it. The radiators and suspension can be treated in the same way.

There are a few small items that need painting on the interior - the drivers seat and steering wheel are satin black, also the cowl on the dash panel, a decal is provided for the dash instruments.

The rest of the interior is aluminum except for the electrics on the bulkhead which the instructions say should be painted blue. While you are waiting for items to dry it would be a good idea to coat the decals with Microscale liquid decal film. This should prevent them shattering when you try to apply them, this should be done to all old decals and as these are nearly 20 years old, it’s a safe bet.

When the putty is dry rub down and refill as many times as necessary to give a good result, once was enough for this time.

Body is now ready for the etch primer coat

Spraying the etch primer is straight forward, I always try to spray outside but in Melbourne that’s not always possible. However it should be done in a well ventilated room. Temperature is important, as when the top coat is applied too cold and it will be matt, too hot and it will dry with a ripple finish. I find 20C to 25C about right.

Modeling aids such as the Microscale item should be available from any good model/hobby shop. If not I can obtain these accessories for you. Etch primer is available from automobile accessory shops in aerosol cans.

Dave Eames

Dave has travelled many continents in search of models and built over a thousand himself. He is one of the many passionate collectors of model cars. The 1/43 has become the collectors' scale, enjoyed by diverse enthusiasts from the man in the street, to rock stars and royalty alike.