Wild Kitty 2

[StrokerBoy]

So, after 20+ years away from RC, I've spent the last few months poking around in here and finding myself getting sucked back in. I've got a couple of new builds lined up to start, but inspired by some of the stunning creations on here, I fancied a bit of gentle customising first.

I picked up this WW2 late last year. Nicely done, but not quite to my tastes and so perfect for an idea I'd had (born out of the Winter Build-Off thread).

Over Christmas it got pulled apart so I could start it. I was surprised at how many different components there were to the body. It was only going to be a simple repaint, so the chassis just got some minor tidying and a couple of missing/scuffed parts replaced.

I wanted lights so I cut big holes in the grille, small ones in the tailgate and then sprayed everything in white primer.

I wanted an urban-camo paintjob, but what colours to choose ? Well, you'd better meet the driver...

Yes, a long-time love of Japanese kitsch meant this could only go one way. Plus I had a spare Hello Kitty head lying around, as you do. So I bought pink and black aerosols. Then my wife had the genius idea of using a Kitty-shaped design, which immediately became ... cat-ouflage (sorry). So I cut 40 Kitty heads out of masking sheet and got to work.

I put far too much paint on, but never mind. The pink then got masked up with another 40 Kitty heads which unfortunately just turned the whole project into Mr.Blobby...

Finally, too many coats of black went on. Would it work ? I've never done anything like this before so who knows. Better get peeling.

The paint had bled in a few places and it was all too thick really but the overall effect was what I wanted. I tidied a few bits up with a brush and I'm happy with it for a first try. I've learned some stuff doing this, mainly that I don't have the eyesight, dexterity and patience that I had when I was 20. Time to rebuild the shell then.

I bought a cheap generic 4-LED kit plus some Fastrax spotlights and made them fit. Again, not a brilliant job but they work quite well.

I was going to cut the loom down to fit properly but I, erm, didn't.

And she's done. It's turned out just like I imagined 5 months ago, but to be honest the whole thing's just filled me with even more admiration for the work some people on here achieve in a fraction of the time.

[Tamiyabigstuff]

Like it - off the wall, cool & fun

Where did you get the sticker for the spare wheel from ?

[Nobbi1977]

Willy and ***** in the same post, feels like I have drifted in to the wrong forum.

Looks great, love the detail. How about pink rim tape on the wheels?

[Nobbi1977]

Oooooo no cat words allowed

[StrokerBoy]

I downloaded the WW2 decal sheet, reworked the logo in something a long way removed from Photoshop, then printed it onto decal sheet using the laser printer at work.

[Nobbi1977]

I downloaded the WW2 decal sheet, reworked the logo in something a long way removed from Photoshop, then printed it onto decal sheet using the laser printer at work.

Was that a Google search or is there an archive somewhere?

[StrokerBoy]

Google, can't remember where I found it but it didn't take long. Was actually looking for the Lunchbox one, which was there too.

[Mokei Kagaku]

Can you please tell where you got Kitty's head?

For those interested in the stickers for "Kitty-customizing", here's my scan:

[StrokerBoy]

Kitty's head is just a plastic box that had some sweets in it. Can't remember where it came from.

[Grastens]

Excellent work on a fun subject! The Kitty camouflage is a nice touch.

[Tamiyabigstuff]

Just showed this post to my wife as she likes Hello Kitty and suddenly she's developed an interest in my R/C collection !

I'm now informed she has a plastic Hello Kitty head from an umbrella handle...so guess what's coming.

Any chance of getting a copy of that sticker ?

[waterbok]

Try to find PEZ hello kitty, I got some stormtrooper and Darth Vader heads and they are perfect.

[emory70]

Pez? Now that's creative. Bravo.

[waterbok]

[Grumpy pants]

Really good thread this one.

I really like the way you have worded it and I like the way your WW2 turned out as well.