Lotus Europa Twin Cam Special

I had seen this open, but sealed inside kit sitting in the pile of kits for my Club's raffle and I looked at it, inside and out. Nice kit! I have taken to appreciate Tamiya's kits, even more so over the last couple of years. Easy to build with positive mountings and accurate moldings. Raffle time came and I didn't win anything, but my friend Paul had won a drawing and he selected this kit and he gave it to me. Thank you Paul! He knows about my appreciation of British sports cars and saloons and I didn't even ask for this kit.


Since Google Images is my friend, I looked at the many images of Lotus (or is that Loti) Europas and one color stood out...a green that is very simular to the color I choose. Model Master Citrus Green Metallic.  A few pictures of the Lotus color that I am trying to capture.



After looking at these pictures, maybe I should use Model Master Lime Ice or Tamiya Candy Lime Pearl over a grey primer instead. Time to get out the plastic spoons!
More Lotus to come...

this is a lovely kit, did it many many moons ago........but the pinstripe decals are a pain in the proverbials

Especially when they break up in water like mine did. Old Tamiya decals can be a bit hit and miss.

I have a spare set somewhere if you need them.

Thanks Paul and dublin boy! These 20 year old decals may not work, but we shall see once I dip them into some luke warm water. I have changed my mind on the paint. I'll use Tamiya Candy Lime Green for the body instead.

That's going to look mad, I've done that colour a couple of times.



https://skidsplace.forumotion.com/t5138-november-mom-2019

I have done this color once on a 2013 Mustang Boss 302. One of my best paint jobs! I got a second place at the last MASSCAR show back on March 15, 2015.

I glued the engine halves together and started some paint detailing.  I drilled out what I think is the distributor for plug wires and the twin cam cylinder head cover.  I left the transmission unpainted so I can handle the engine without messing up the paint.

Tamiya IS quality! I never liked that body style, especially after the lovely Elan. I remember the old AVENGERS TV series where Tara King drove one. Now Tara's lines...!

More work done on the Lotus Twin Cam engine today. I got the plug wires on and the exhaust installed, several other pieces installed and painted the transmission.


I also got the front half of the Y shaped backbone chassis done.

More Lotus to come...

I have almost finished the chassis. I got the engine installed and the front and rear suspensions finished.



More Lotus to come...

I sprayed some primer on the Lotus body and I found a couple of mold lines along the front fenders and the doors to remove. I highlighted the mold lines with a pencil.



More Lotus to come...

Wow, what a weird and unique kit. The 'Y' chassis is totally 'concept car' style and I can't wait to see that green body colour.

Thanks Kats! I haven't touched the Europa in a few days since I have been paying attention to the Charger Super Bee instead. Maybe time to get back to the Europa for a bit.

The wheels have been painted and the tires have been assembled with the wheels and they have been installed on the chassis.



More Lotus to come...

I got some paint on the main componants this morning.  First I reprimed the body and let that dry.

I painted the rest of the body parts with Tamiya TS-52 Candy Lime Green.

I painted the interior/chassis pan with Tamiya TS-29 Semi-Gloss Black.  I found a dog hair and I removed it leaving several marks behind.  I'll let this dry, sand it and repaint it.

More Lotus to come...

Nice start

Thanks Sarbear!
I finally painted the Lotus with Tamiya TS-52 Candy Lime Green. Now for a light polishing and maybe another coat of paint.


I also painted the lower rocker panels with Tamiya TS-30 Silver Leaf. I'll polish these and give them another coat of paint.

More Lotus to come..

Great looking color, Mike.

That build is coming alone well.

Thanks Mike and Mike!

I sanded the chassis pan and repainted it with Tamiya TS-29 Semi Gloss Black.I painted the interior seats and door panels with Tamiya TS-46 Light Sand. I painted the back side of the interior panel with Model Master Flat Black Lacquer.



More Lotus to come...

Thanks Mike!
I performed some assembly on the Lotus Europa this afternoon. The engine has been fitted with the carbs and air filter assembly, the chassis has been joined with the Y-frame, and the seats have been installed with the compartment divider.



More Lotus to come...

Looking good MrMike. I'll be starting this one soon so I'll follow along. I notice this car has two brake boosters. Weird, must be one for the back and one for the front.

Thanks Mr. Hirakawa! I had notice that too. I'm not sure why there are two boosters, but they are there.