Aoshima Celsior UCF 31

Seems like quite some time since I've put a car together. On the box art is a well known anime gangster character; Ryuu ga Goto ku 龍が如く. The model has a great deal of decals, interior detail, and custom rims. What it doesn't have is an engine.

Decaltastic!!

Cool.

oooo.....i like the look of that for some strange reason

will be following this one with great interest

The kit parts. The photo doesn't do justice to the quality and detail of the decals. I am particularly impressed with the rims. Also, an option for a moon roof, which I am seriously considering. It would really aid in showing off the interior.  

I agree with the roof choice, the decals do look great.

The basic parts layout. I'm impressed with the car body. There is virtually no flash and no apparent seams. This is a first for me. Also, the maker put a good deal of thought into the connection points of the sprue to the parts. The chrome can be removed without damaging any visible portion. It's nice not to have to think about touch-up of these parts. Not in the photos are the four springs for the suspension. The ride height can be adjusted via the springs and their fastening screws.

The panels, mirrors, antenna, and bumpers have been attached. The body is primed. I'll need to do some more sanding before putting on the base coat. I've chosen Mr. Metallic Color GX201, Metal Black.

Looking great. I especially like the decal options here.

It's not my kind of thing, esp. with the decals but it's looking good Cole.

Mr. Hirakawa; Thanks. Your automotive creations give me something to aspire to.

Al, it's been a while. I trust all is well and I hope we can join in on a community build or two this year.

Progress on the undercarriage. This setup allows for adjusting the ride height and camber. I decided to "bling out" the coil springs by painting them gold. There is a notable difference between Mr. Color Gold(coil springs) and Tamiya Gold Leaf(brake caliper and retaining ring).

Very cool. You're making me want to start another car project.

Thanks Mike.
Well, the paint name is Metal Black; I'm not so sure. In the paint jar it looked to be a black metallic, almost black mica. Still, it should complement the decals. A clear coat and polishing should bring out the metallic sparkle in the paint.

Paint looks good to me. Personally, I don't care for many of the 'metalflake' finishes out there. They seem to have the same size metallics as used on a full-size car, giving them a very radical look.

Looking good Cole

The first round of clear coating and polishing. To my eye, the color continues to change.

Still looks good. It appears it's taken on the Metal look of 'Metal Black', now.

Did the color remain consistent over the whole car? In the past, I've had metallic paints lose their reflectivity with an uneven top coat, resulting in an apparent change of color. That's another reason I tend to stay away from those paints.

Thanks for the observation Mike.
As far as consistency, I managed to remove some of the color when polishing(where the bumpers wrap around the body and the spoiler just in front of the windshield). So I will have to go over it all again.
I initially applied multiple coats of base color and two clear coats. But to be honest, the color changes so much depending on the lighting, it's hard to tell.

Looks much lighter than the first photo, Im sure its the way it's lit. Great progress Cole.

This looks like its going to be superb. Though it may be a 'curbside' kit that only makes sense seeing as the it's less a utility vehicle and more of a showpiece art car. Can't wait to see the decal work.

The Mr. Mark Setter seems to leave a noticeable residue after application(Maybe I need a new bottle). So after all the decals have been laid down I will re-polish the paint. Then another clear coat and I can polish out the finish.

Brilliant decal work Cole, it's looking seriously good.

That's one cool, wild looking ride.