The model looked like it had been stepped on at one point, both of the canopy supports were completely missing, the rear triangle support was bent out of shape and the rear axle was quite bent as well. The model had the usual paint chippings and edge wear and the decals were all but missing. So i set about to see what i could do with it.I was able to scratch build some new canopy supports using copper wire and a combination of super glue and baking soda, which was used to fit the wire parts together as well as to make the upper part of the canopy support. I made the twisted supports by Taking a piece of copper wire, heating it red hot to soften it and then hammering it from round to square. After that it was twisted to make the spiral form of the original supports.It was a bit like mini-blacksmithing.
I then set about to straighten the rear triangle, which I accomplished by using a pair of mini pliers and the rear axle which i had to remove in order to get straight. The axle was re-fitted and re- peened and once again the wheels were rolling true
I did not re-paint the model completely, just did some brush painted touch ups on the body and the canopy. I printed out some plain paper decals which were applied and fixed using some microscale micro satin clear finish.
So, a low budget resto that really didn't cost anything to do, other than time, but it was quite enjoyable to do. The model displays quite nicely and now resides in the display case that I have, for my rather small, Models of Yesteryear collection.
zBret
