Some years ago, I picked up an IMC GT-40 kit from another modeler. It was complete, unassembled save for the body panels poorly painted in some kind of transparent red. I figured it was a real bargain for $5. Now I built a few of these in my younger days and THOUGHT I remembered that the body panels fit well. After I cleaned it up I test fit some of the panels and figured I was good to go and set about a careful assembly with some added details. Everything went great! Parts fit, the added details went smooth and then came the final body panel fitting. AARRRGGGGGGGG!!!!!! Nothing, I mean Nothing fit or would line up. All the chassis work and then the body looked like garbage. It has been back in the box for years until I took these photos. I think my best bet is to display this pig with the panels removed in some sort of shop setting.
Like I said, things went well and the detail work went smooth.
(https://s26.postimg.cc/l1kckrcwp/DSCN1637.jpg)
The tricky suspension went well and I was happy. I didn't think it would go that easy but it did.
(https://s26.postimg.cc/jmirw2eeh/DSCN1639.jpg)
I was very happy with the dash and interior. I thought my eyes were going to fall out but I got the details done.
(https://s26.postimg.cc/n64plvou1/DSCN1647.jpg)
then came the day for the final fit of the body panels. From the fit, I am sure you can understand how many bad words I started to learn and things I threw. I fussed, fumed, cussed, stomped, and had a few tantrums and then tweaked on the body for almost a week with no luck.
(https://s26.postimg.cc/xg74ldu7t/DSCN1654.jpg)
(https://s26.postimg.cc/ik8lds3dl/DSCN1660.jpg)
I am sure this has happened to anyone that has built kits for a while. Every now and then one just fights you. At some point I will display this one with the panels off. For now, it is still in the box.
(https://s26.postimg.cc/65ltdgjl5/DSCN1664.jpg)
I think you got the best idea David. I figure I will give that a shot when I stop getting ill when I look at this thing. The ones I did in the past were the original 64 version, a MK II and MK IV. This one was the Gulf version and for all I know, that one may never have fit well. I remember the panels fitting much better on the other issues and have seen them built through the years and none of them fit this bad. Maybe I just drew a turkey. I don't remember who the modeler was that I got the kit from but I hope he had a grease burger, golden fries and a molten applesauce pie at his local grease palace with the $5 I gave him and got heartburn.
Tough luck with that one. If my mind is working correctly (what mind I have left) I built attempted to build one of these monsters when it was first issued back sometime in the late 60's. The thing was so fiddly with so many intricate, tedious parts I finally gave up on it and it disappeared into the modelling netherworld. Up until I got that one I was hooked on AMT - six or eight engine pieces, front seats, a dash, steering wheel, and four wheels and tires. I have often thought I would like to get another one. I had a chance a couple of years ago but the guy wanted $75 and couldn't guarantee it was 100% complete. ???
Just have patience Rick, those are still out there and can be had for much less. If you ever get the chance, try one of the Lola T-70 kits. They go together very nice with some care and look great.
Yeah, man, all those under the body detail are superb! I think a diorama of some type is in line.....too bad...
Rett