I
confess, I still use spray paint out of a can. I feel comfortable
doing it that way, rather than using an airbrush, and many
of todays model spray paints are available in quite a few
color variations.
When I build a kit, I typically start off by painting as many
parts as I can. If a particular tree can use the same color,
I will paint it all at one time. I paint every part on a model
kit. Even if you can't see it after the kit is assembled.
To prep the body and nose piece, I removed some extremely
fine mold lines. I then washed it in soap and water to clean
off fingerprints, mold release, and dust. The real RX3 Wagon
my family had was a bright shade of blue, and Testor's
French Blue makes a good match.
I first spray the inside of the body, using a folded coat
hander to hold it in my hand (use small pieces of masking
tape to make sure the body doesn't come loose!). I do this,
because I want to make sure the model is painted inside and
out. This also let's me see how the paint will appear inside,
and in a rare case, if it doesn't look good, I can change
my paint choice for the outside. After the paint dries a bit,
I take it off the hanger, and if touchup is needed, I spray
my body color in a small dish to use a brush.
Once the body has the coat of paint on the inside, I do the
outside. Again I use a coat hanger to hold the body. In order
for the nose piece to have the same consistent color as the
rest of the body, I have used masking tape to temporarily
hold it on. I spray the color in nice even pans across the
body, with a few minutes in between. This builds up to a smooth
even solid color, across the entire piece.
Mazda
RX-7 and RX-8 - A limited edition book of reprinted automotive
magazine articles. Reproduced in photocopier quality this title
is not generally available in the book trade or from the larger
specialists and includes much hard-to-find information.
Mazda
RX-7 1978-91 Gold Portfolio - On its introduction in 1978
the rotary-engined RX-7 was a revelation. It was stylish, quick;
smooth and the handling was agile. Power was boosted in 1981 to
115bhp which English racing driver Vic Elford increased with the
addition of a turbo. The second generation models were introduced
in 1986 with a completely restyled body and engine modifications
that took the power output to 148bhp. Two years later the Mazda
RX-7 Turbo had 200bhp and also the option of a convertible body.
The normally aspirated cars ceased in 1989 with the Turbo remaining
until 1992. This is a book of contemporary road and comparison
tests, driver's impressions, specification and technical data,
long-term tests, buying used, racing, special tuning. Models covered
include: GS, BAE Turbo, GSL, Kent RX, Elford RX Turbo, GSL SE,
DTSS, Turbo, Convertible, GTU, Infini IV.
Mazda
RX-7 Performance Handbook - Following a historical overview
of RX-7 evolution to the present, the author presents a series
of tried-and-true modifications for suspension and chassis, brakes,
drivetrain, body, interior, and the RX-7s innovative Wankel rotary
engine. Fully illustrated, this guidebook also features restoration
and modification plans specifically tailored for high-performance
street applications.
Wankel
Rotary Engine: A History - This is the best up-to-date source
of information on the commercial history of the Wankel rotary
engine. The book is well-organized, well-written, interesting,
and informative.
Mazda
Rx-7 Sports Car Color History - for RX-7 enthusiasts. Provides
a great history of and timeline of its progress. High quality.
Well written by a John Matras.
RX-7:
Mazda's Rotary Sportscar - An absolutely amazing book. Some
of the most in-depth insight into this superb production automobile.
It covers the inception of Mazda (and the effects of WWII on the
company - based in Hiroshima) to the modern developments of the
RX-8 and the Renesis engine (and a wealth of RX-7 facts in between).
If you have ever wondered about the history, evolution, and the
future of this impressive sportscar... Here is the source of your
answers (has great photos, too!).
