Finally, I've made enough progress for a short update. With the engine compartment basically completed until the rear cockpit bulkhead is installed, and the remaining sub assemblies like the dash, shift linkage, and seat still to be worked on, I've turned my attention to the most important and prominent part of the build: the body shell.
My plan from day 1 was to display the 956 in it's case or at a contest with the rear deck off, so that the engine/transmission/suspension was visible. So while the two major sections comprise the shell, they'll be taped together only as needed, but always kept as two separate parts.
The front deck/cockpit is all one piece, and just needed some minor mold lines removed. I primed the front deck with Mr. Hobby 1,000 Primer/Sealer thinned 1:1 with Mr. Color Leveling thinner 400. Once dry I air brushed at coat of Tamiya Nato Black, which is more a Gray/Black to simulate the color of the interior of the shell, thinned with Tamiya Yellow cap @ a 2:3 ratio. While I'm certain that I'll have to repaint it after the exterior is done, it's a lot easy to do a major touch up then a full coat of paint.
The rear deck is comprised of two sections. And while the bottom of the rear clip fit fairly well, it wasn't a smooth, perfect fit when I dry fitted the two parts. Also after looking at how the bottom of the rear deck looked with both pcs joined, I decided that I needed to prime and paint both surfaces prior to gluing them, as there was just no way I could air brush between them once they were glued together.
Then I glued the two sections together, and while the fit was pretty good, it needed some sanding and a coat of Tamiya Grey Putty. I also noticed that I totally missed the 3 rather large injection marks at the front, so I puttied, and sanded them as well.
I then primed the top of the rear deck and the injection mark repairs.
While I was what turned out to be a little to rough handling for the rear joint seam I did hear a few crack noises, but didn't think anything of it. Turns out that I damaged the joint line, and some putty from flexing popped out, resulting in these areas to be repaired and reprimed.
As of today, I've repaired all those issues with a liberal doze of Tamiya Extra thin and a smooth coat of Tamiya Gray Putty.
And now my friends, you're once again up to date on the Porsche 956 saga.
Joel
