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Tamiya Sand Scorcher

Restoration account of this much-loved SRB
- page 4, more bodyshell detail

Having got the Sand Scorcher's bodyshell primed up and masked, we're into the final stages! (click on an image to view it larger)...

Sitting in the spray booth with its blue top coats on. 5 coats were used, each one very fine to prevent the dreaded 'orange peel' effect. Well, maybe it didn't escape completely, but it looks OK from a distance!

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With blue coats hardened over a few days, they are masked over and the bodyshell is ready to receive the white coats. The masking takes a lot of time, but it's worth doing it well!

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All top coats done and hardened. Not too bad a job, but the shell needs some attention with a fine cutting paste to remove some orange peel and surface imperfections.
Starting to look like a Sand Scorcher now!

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Now this was fiddly!
It's really worth taking the time here with the black paintwork around the windows. More masking tape and a steady hand needed!

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With the bodyshell painted, decaled and lacquered, it's ready to receive the finishing touches!
All the 'bits' were painted over days, and they can't be rushed... they provide a great chance to improve on your delicate painting skills!
The wipers, mirrors, light lenses and front indicators (and stinger exhaust, not shown) are repros, available from Tamiya Club member rcgrabbag. The license plates, front light surrounds and door handles are original pieces.
The decals are also repro, available through the club.

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This is yet another fiddly job that can't be rushed. The nib of the white paint pen had to be trimmed down a bit with a sharp knife blade, to fit inside the lettering. Even then, some paint managed to jump outside of the lettering walls, so a black marker pen was used afterwards to tidy things up.
Painting the tyre lettering really finishes the car off nicely!

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Tu-dah!! And there she is, my finished Tamiya Sand Scorcher SRB.
Not perfect by any means, but not a bad job I think! Lessons were definitely learned during this little restoration project... maybe the Rough Rider will be perfect!

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Related pages and resources

First page of the Tamiya Sand Scorcher rebuild

Second page of the Tamiya Sand Scorcher rebuild (chassis details)

Third page of the Tamiya Sand Scorcher rebuild (bodyshell details)

Tamiya Rough Rider - my Rough Rider restoration project (future page).

Tamiya SRB series - the rc cars that made history.

Tamiya Club - for vintage and modern day Tamiya lovers.