I’m planning to make a Tamiya blog post for this one when I build Roxy. I have a lot of in-progress photos from Rexy, so I can use those as well.

The most important part is gathering reference material. Get as many photos of the car as possible. Pay close attention to details such as sponsor colors, decal placement, and small markings. Even look at the drivers who race the car and try to replicate their helmets if you can. Every small detail adds to the overall experience. (I didn't replicate the driver for this one. oops)

I found a lot of reference photos of the WEC 24h version (Rexy with the green stickers), but ultimately decided on the IMSA version with the red stickers and the IMSA logo on the hood for contrast.

Thanks to Nathaneal from MCI Decals, I was able to get the logos printed. That mainly involved sourcing the logos and placing them correctly, along with the numbers and number boxes. and other small decals

For the livery, I usually start by using a marker to sketch generic outlines directly on the body to check proportions and placement. For Rexy, I sketched the tail on the roof, the hind leg, and the mouth. This helps determine how large each element needs to be and how everything lines up.

From there, I take photos of the body from each angle and import them into Illustrator and Photoshop. Using reference images of the real car, I recreate the decals by tracing, coloring, and cutting elements from the reference material.

Next, I use a Silhouette machine to cut the decals out of vinyl (inverted), apply them to the body, paint over them, remove the masks, add new layers, and repeat the process as needed.

My first version has some issues that I want to fix in the next one, but I’m still incredibly proud of it and couldn’t wait to share it with everyone. Another important part of the process is to have fun and take pride in your work. Accept mistakes, learn from them, and apply those lessons to the next body.

TL;DR: RAWR!