Ferrari 12 Cilindri Building Guide — Part 2: Unboxing

Alpha Model AM02-0096 · Build by mG Car Scale Model Works

Inside the Box

With the 1/43 scale version already completed, it was finally time to open its larger 1/24 scale counterpart.

With the 1/43 scale version completed, it was finally time to begin work on its larger 1/24 scale counterpart. Like every Alpha Model release, the Ferrari 12Cilindri kit arrives beautifully packaged and packed with detail.

The resin castings are exceptionally clean with almost no imperfections, requiring only minimal preparation before painting. The largest resin piece is, as always, the body shell, cast with beautifully sharp panel definition.

The kit includes an extensive sheet of carbon fibre decals together with black decals for the roof and rear spoiler, allowing builders to recreate the optional full carbon package without any complicated masking. A generous selection of photo-etched parts completes the package, ensuring every visible detail can be reproduced as accurately as possible.

At first glance, this promises to become another outstanding Alpha Model project.

The combination of clean resin castings, a full carbon fibre decal sheet and a comprehensive photo-etched fret means most of the build effort can go straight into painting and finishing — exactly what you want from a full-detail kit.

Bodywork Preparation & Primer

Ferrari 12 Cilindri Construction Guide — Part 3: Bodywork Preparation & Primer

Alpha Model AM02-0096 · Build by mG Car Scale Model Works

Preparing the Resin Parts

Before any paint can be applied, every resin component needs careful preparation — sanding, re-scribing, cleaning and priming.

Before any paint can be applied, every resin component needs careful preparation. The entire body was first sanded using an 800-grit sanding sponge to remove the casting texture and create a perfectly smooth surface.

Panel lines were then re-scribed using both 0.1 mm and 0.2 mm scribers to maintain sharp definition after painting. Working with two different scriber widths keeps the wider shut lines and finer detailing consistent across the whole body.

Once the engraving was completed, all parts were thoroughly cleaned with a toothbrush to remove any remaining resin dust before being wiped with anti-silicone cleaner.

To finish the preparation process, every body component received a coat of AMMO by Mig Jimenez Titans Matt White Primer, creating the perfect foundation for the following paintwork.

Tip: A white primer under a red like Rosso Imola keeps the colour bright and even — never skip the primer stage on resin, as it also reveals any remaining surface flaws before colour goes on.

Decals, Clear Coat & Polishing

Ferrari 12 Cilindri Making Guide — Part 4: Paint, Decals, Clear Coat & Polishing

Alpha Model AM02-0096 · Build by mG Car Scale Model Works

The Rosso Imola Finish

The signature PPG Rosso Imola red, shot with the Gaahleri Airbrush Swallowtail for an even and vibrant colour coat.

The Ferrari 12Cilindri received its signature PPG Rosso Imola finish using the Gaahleri Airbrush Swallowtail, producing an even and vibrant colour coat. Building the red up in thin mist coats over the white primer keeps the finish translucent and deep rather than heavy and opaque.

Once fully cured, the paint was protected with a thin layer of 2K clear coat before the surface was wet sanded with a 2000-grit sanding sponge. The light cut of the 2K layer gives a perfectly flat base for the decals to lie on.

Carbon Fibre Decals and Emblems

With the body perfectly smooth, the carbon fibre decals and exterior emblems were installed using AMMO by Mig Jimenez Decal Fix solution. The kit's dedicated decals for the roof and rear spoiler make recreating the optional full carbon package straightforward — no masking required.

Another coat of clear lacquer sealed everything beneath a deep glossy finish before the polishing process began.

The Mirror Finish

The final shine was achieved through a three-stage wet sanding process using 3000, 6000 and 8000 grit polishing sponges, followed by a two-stage machine polish with the SPTA random orbital polisher, Number5 cutting compound and 3M Perfect-It Purple polishing compound.

The result is a mirror-like finish worthy of Ferrari's latest V12 masterpiece. Take your time between the 3000 and 8000 grit stages — every remaining scratch will show up under the final 3M Perfect-It glaze.

Interior

Ferrari 12 Cilindri Building Guide — Part 5: Interior

Alpha Model AM02-0096 · Build by mG Car Scale Model Works

Painting the Cockpit

The interior combines elegant Ferrari craftsmanship with meticulous scale modelling — Cuoio leather, semi-matt black trim and metallic detailing.

The interior combines elegant Ferrari craftsmanship with meticulous scale modelling. The seats and leather surfaces were painted using Manga Pro Mix Ferrari Cuoio leather, while AMMO by Mig Jimenez SemiMatt Black was used for the black trim. Metallic components were finished with Manga Pro Mix metallic paints, all applied using the Gaahleri GHAD39 airbrush.

Once the paint had cured, decals were installed using AMMO by Mig Jimenez Decal Fix before the entire cockpit was assembled. Decal Fix helps the thin instrument and trim decals settle perfectly over the dashboard's curves and contours.

Carpet, Belts and Assembly

To increase realism even further, the cabin floor received flocking to replicate automotive carpet, while realistic fabric seat belts completed the racing-inspired interior.

With every sub-assembly finished, the seats, dashboard, centre console and door cards were brought together into a complete cockpit.

The finished cockpit now perfectly captures the luxurious atmosphere of the real Ferrari. The flocked carpet and fabric belts are small touches that pay off enormously once the body goes on and the cabin is glimpsed through the windows.

Wheels, Brakes & Final Assembly

Ferrari 12 Cilindri Building Guide — Part 6: Wheels, Brakes & Final Assembly

Alpha Model AM02-0096 · Build by mG Car Scale Model Works

Wheels and Brakes

Silver base, black top coat and a careful alcohol wipe-back to recreate the two-tone look of the real forged wheels.

The wheels began with a silver base coat before receiving their final black finish using Manga Pro Mix paints applied with the Gaahleri airbrush. After the paint had cured, alcohol was carefully used to remove the black coating from the spokes and wheel bolts, revealing the metallic finish beneath and recreating the appearance of the original forged wheels.

Ferrari centre caps protected with UV resin and CNC-machined valve stems from Hobby Design completed each wheel.

The brake system received equal attention. Photo-etched brake discs were hand painted to reproduce the appearance of carbon-ceramic brakes before being assembled together with the brake calipers and suspension uprights. Ferrari decals completed the calipers before the finished wheels were finally installed.

Final Assembly

The most rewarding stage of every project is bringing all the individual parts together. Assembly started with installing the dashboard, rear shelf and door panels into the painted body shell. The completed chassis and interior were then carefully joined with the body, transforming dozens of individual components into a complete Ferrari.

Attention then shifted to the exterior, where the front and rear lights, ventilation grilles and remaining trim pieces were installed one by one.

With every detail in place, the model finally began to resemble the stunning Ferrari 12Cilindri. The next and final chapter shows the finished car in all its glory.

Showcase & Special Thanks

Ferrari 12 Cilindri Production Guide — Part 7: Showcase & Special Thanks

Alpha Model AM02-0096 · Build by mG Car Scale Model Works

Showcase

The finished Ferrari 12Cilindri in PPG Rosso Imola — a mirror-finished V12 grand tourer in 1/24 scale.

Special Thanks

This project wouldn't be possible without some amazing companies which helped throughout the build. These companies are:

• Hobby Design / Alpha Model
• Manga Pro Mix
• Spekter Žalec
• miniatures.si
• AMMO by Mig Jimenez
• caranduser.com

You can find details about all the mentioned companies by scanning the QR-code next to their logo.

For my other projects scan the QR-code with all my social media accounts linked to it, and leave a comment and a like if you find something interesting. Also, if you want to follow my work do not forget to subscribe to my accounts.

Thanks,
Matej Grofelnik
mG Car Scale Model Works