Advanced Creators
Honda Civic Type-R FK8 — Information
Alpha Model AM02-0024 · Build by Arsen Rostomyan (aRRo)
The Honda Civic Type R — a high-performance icon born from a compact car platform, with a lineage that stretches back to 1997.
The Type R Legacy
The Honda Civic Type R is a high-performance variant of the popular Honda Civic compact car. Known for its aggressive styling, exceptional performance, and track-focused capabilities, the Civic Type R has garnered a dedicated following among driving enthusiasts worldwide.
The Type R lineage began in 1997 when Honda introduced the first-generation Civic Type R, based on the sixth-generation Civic. It was initially released exclusively in the Japanese market but gained significant attention due to its sporty nature and impressive performance for a compact car.
The FK8 Generation
Over the years, subsequent generations of the Civic Type R were developed, each pushing the boundaries of performance and technology. In 2015, Honda unveiled the tenth-generation Honda Civic, which laid the foundation for the most recent iteration of the Civic Type R.
The current model, often referred to as the FK8 Type R, made its debut in 2017 and immediately captured the automotive world's attention.
Unboxing
Advanced Creators
Honda Civic Type-R FK8 — Unboxing
Alpha Model AM02-0024 · Build by Arsen Rostomyan (aRRo)
Based on past experience with Alpha Model and their sister company Hobby Design, expectations were high — and this time, they exceeded them.
The Alpha Model Packaging
Based on past experience with the manufacturer Alpha Model and their sister company Hobby Design, expectations were high this time as well. This time, however, Alpha Model exceeded our expectations, even though looking at the classic Alpha Model packaging, one would not have guessed it.
The Instructions
Upon opening the box, the "instructions" await us right at the top, and yes, even this time, a few color printed A4 sheets are more of an approximation than actually useful instructions for making the model. Although they show the basic steps and components, building the model requires a lot of experience and the search for reference material that will help us in building the model.
Resin & PE Parts
When we open the box, we see many resin and (PE) parts. To get a good result, we need to wash these parts thoroughly with dish soap. There is a pretty good instruction manual.
Cleaning Tip
To get a good result, all resin and PE parts should be washed thoroughly with dish soap before painting. This removes any mould release agents and ensures proper paint adhesion.
Building
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Honda Civic Type-R FK8 — Building
Alpha Model AM02-0024 · Build by Arsen Rostomyan (aRRo)
Before painting, the body was sanded with water. Tamiya TS-52 Candy Lime Green paint was used, and Glasurit varnish was applied on top.
Step 1 — Wet Sanding the Body
Before painting, the body was sanded with water. This ensures a smooth, even surface for the paint to adhere to, removing any imperfections from the casting process.
Step 2 — Candy Lime Green Paint
Tamiya TS-52 Candy Lime Green paint was used on the model. This iconic color perfectly captures the signature look of the FK8 Type R.
Building
Advanced Creators
Honda Civic Type-R FK8 — Building
Alpha Model AM02-0024 · Build by Arsen Rostomyan (aRRo)
Step 3 — Glasurit Varnish
Glasurit varnish was applied on top of the Candy Lime Green base coat. Our emphasis is on making the varnish very smooth, ensuring a flawless, mirror-like finish.
The Candy Lime Green color beneath the clear coat comes alive with depth and richness, setting the stage for the compound and polishing process that follows.
Compound & Polishing + 3D Printed Rims
Advanced Creators
Honda Civic Type-R FK8 — Compound & Polishing + 3D Printed Rims
Alpha Model AM02-0024 · Build by Arsen Rostomyan (aRRo)
Compound & Polishing
After the varnish dries well, the compound process was done. The result is a deep, glossy finish that brings the Candy Lime Green to life under natural light.
Our emphasis is on making the varnish very smooth. The compound and polishing process brings out the full depth and richness of the Candy Lime Green, creating a showroom-quality finish.
3D Printed Rims
The kit rims and tires are fine, but I wanted to do a different style — so I printed rims and tires with 3D. This allows for a unique look that sets this build apart from a standard kit build.
The 3D printed rims and tires offer incredible detail and precision, allowing for a more aggressive and unique stance that complements the Candy Lime Green body perfectly.
Interior
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Honda Civic Type-R FK8 — Interior
Alpha Model AM02-0024 · Build by Arsen Rostomyan (aRRo)
The interior is very well prepared — the floor is covered with flock, and the pedals are incredibly detailed.
Flocked Floor
The interior is very well prepared. The floor is covered with flock, giving it a realistic textile appearance that mimics the carpet found in the real car.
PE Pedals
The pedals were very detailed and of good quality. The photo-etched parts bring an extra level of realism to the interior, capturing the fine details of the Type R's sporty pedal assembly.
Taillights + Wipers & Headlights
Advanced Creators
Honda Civic Type-R FK8 — Taillights + Wipers & Headlights
Alpha Model AM02-0024 · Build by Arsen Rostomyan (aRRo)
Taillights — Tamiya X-27 Transparent Red
The rear taillights were painted with Tamiya X-27 transparent red. This specialized paint allows light to pass through while giving the lenses a deep, rich red color — perfectly replicating the look of the real FK8 Type R taillights.
Wipers & Headlights
The windshield wipers are metal and quite realistic. The fine metal parts capture the delicate appearance of real wiper blades, adding a touch of authenticity to the front end.
Headlights & Front Grille
The compatibility of the headlights and front grilles is very good — it was easily installed without any problems. The parts fit together seamlessly, showcasing Alpha Model's attention to engineering precision.
Finale + Thanks To
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Honda Civic Type-R FK8 — Finale + Thanks To
Alpha Model AM02-0024 · Build by Arsen Rostomyan (aRRo)
The finished Honda Civic Type-R FK8 — Candy Lime Green body, 3D printed rims, detailed interior, and all the fine details coming together.
After all the building, painting, polishing, and assembly — here is the finished Honda Civic Type-R FK8 in all its glory.
The Finished FK8 Type R
And that wraps up this build of the Alpha Model 1/24 Honda Civic Type-R FK8! From a blue box to a fully detailed Candy Lime Green beast — thank you for following along!
Special Thanks
This project wouldn't be possible without some amazing companies which helped throughout the build. These companies are:
- Alpha Model
- TAMIYA
- CreOs PS-29
- AMMO by Mig
- AIRCOBRA
- GLASURIT
For my other projects, follow me on social media and leave a comment if you find something interesting.
Arsen Rostomyan
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