Scale-Master Posted March 13, 2023 Posted March 13, 2023 Next up, something simple, well by comparison to the Lola T70… I'm building it straight out of the box, but not following the proper sequence as the instructions show because I wanted to see how the chain builds up. I considered getting the detail-up kit for the chain, but I thought I'd try to stick with the true OOB spirit just in case it looks good enough... The kit provides a nice booklet of photos for reference and the instructions have detailed color call outs. However the two don't match on every item so I'm using both as a guide. The info for the chain falls in between the two. 2
Wolf Posted March 14, 2023 Posted March 14, 2023 (edited) Hi Mark, This kit is, in my opinion, the best of Tamiya’s 1/6 scale bikes in terms of what you get in the box. I’ve built a few and still have a couple in the stash. Of course it’s Tamiya’s latest bike kit so it benefits from all the newest model making technology. I built the kit a couple of years ago and was particularly impressed with the rims and how delicate the spokes are moulded. I opted for the detail-up chain as I wanted the chain to move with the rotation of the rear wheel and in the end it looks far more realistic than the kit piece. The only detail I added to the build was the missing fluid level sight glass on the front brake fluid reservoir and the stencils on all the control switches on the handlebars. If the kit has a short fall it’s the lack of data stencils for all the function switches on the handle bar controls. In 1/6th scale I think it’s an obvious omission as the details are large enough to notice especially with the kit already being so detailed. I used lots of bits and pieces of decal from multiple sources to make up the stencils. The symbol on the horn button was 3 separate bits of decal that came off a 1/72nd scale WW I German aircraft data stencil sheet! I hope you don’t mind me posting a photo of my build that shows the added data stencils. Cheers, Wolf Edited March 14, 2023 by Wolf 2
Scale-Master Posted March 15, 2023 Author Posted March 15, 2023 Thanks for the heads up Wolf. I have no problem making additional decals and adhering to the out-of-the-box "limitations" I'm staying within. The rims are two pieces affairs and fit very well, but there is still a fine but unwanted seam where the halves meet. The color called out for the rims is Gold Leaf but I thought the anodized gold look in the reference photos looked cooler so I used Titanium Gold under Clear Yellow from the LP colors. The spokes after being painted. 1
Wolf Posted March 16, 2023 Posted March 16, 2023 (edited) Hi Mark, With regards to the rims, eliminating the seam is a bit time consuming but not a big deal. Try carefully dry fitting the spokes though. When I went to install them I found the holes they go in to were slightly too small with the rims halves glued together. A bit of reaming out was trick. I’m assuming you’re going with the white base color if doing the rims in anodized gold. I went with the red base but did the gold rims anyways because I think they looked way better than black. Just the way I would like it if I had the 1:1 bike. Cheers, Wolf Edited March 16, 2023 by Wolf
Scale-Master Posted March 17, 2023 Author Posted March 17, 2023 Yes, I had to ream the spoke holes, not big deal since I have a nice set of reamers. I think the white version is the best looking of the three. The silver version has no personality compared to the red or white. The instructions on how to assemble the wheels is very detailed and specific even down to the cements to be used. The jig that is provided to lace the wheels works great. They also instruct to use the same jig to install the tires; unfortunately it has three little ribs to center the rim that chipped the paint when I tried to install the front tire. Since the spokes were cemented into the rim I had to repair the paint damage as an assembled unit, so I made cardstock mask and blended the two colors. I did not use the jig for the rear tire or for the front after I repaired the paint damage. The tires fit without too much effort onto the rims. I guess if you don't paint the rims the jig is a good idea for mounting the tires. 1
Scale-Master Posted March 18, 2023 Author Posted March 18, 2023 Like most motorcycle models I build, I do the brake rotors early on if not the very first thing. Since these came pre-drilled all I had to do was paint them. But that took a couple days with drying times. 3
Scale-Master Posted March 22, 2023 Author Posted March 22, 2023 Time to go to the beginning of the instructions and build on the engine. I think I spent more time painting bolts than anything else and now I can see that some of the details will get covered by guards. 1
Scale-Master Posted March 27, 2023 Author Posted March 27, 2023 The frame has been built up and painted. I used the recommended colors and was pleasantly surprised at how the color, sheen and texture came out. The engine is a tight fit, but the instructions are clear on how to easily to twist it into place. 2
Wolf Posted March 27, 2023 Posted March 27, 2023 Nicely done so far Mark, This build definitely evokes a strong sense of deja-vu. This kit was definitely one of my very favourite builds. Cheers, Wolf 1
Scale-Master Posted March 27, 2023 Author Posted March 27, 2023 Thanks, I am enjoying this too Wolf. Mono shock. 1
Scale-Master Posted March 29, 2023 Author Posted March 29, 2023 Since I did a lot of painting before assembly, it built up pretty quickly and is getting to be a good size already. 1
Scale-Master Posted April 4, 2023 Author Posted April 4, 2023 It builds up pretty quickly, if you do a lot of paint work ahead of time… 2
Scale-Master Posted April 5, 2023 Author Posted April 5, 2023 There's a good amount of time invested in the radiators and fans, but I suspect they won't be seen when the model is done. 1
Scale-Master Posted April 6, 2023 Author Posted April 6, 2023 I thought I should get some of the six "body" panels painted so they could be drying while I build other parts. (I'm going to need the front fender soon.) TS-45 Pearl White over TS-26 Pure White. I shot a coat of TS-13 Clear too. Can't hurt before the decals… 1
Scale-Master Posted April 7, 2023 Author Posted April 7, 2023 The forks are mostly metal and functional; they have springs in them too.
Wolf Posted April 8, 2023 Posted April 8, 2023 Beautiful work so far, Mark. Isn’t it a nice refreshing build where everything is relatively straight forward? No major modifications necessary, just paint, glue, and assemble. Tamiya sure delivered with this one. Cheers, Wolf 1
Scale-Master Posted April 12, 2023 Author Posted April 12, 2023 I applied the decals to the front fender. 1
Scale-Master Posted April 13, 2023 Author Posted April 13, 2023 The kit provided masks for the tank work well. They aren't die cut; they have to be hand cut by the builder. I airbrushed the LP equivalent of the TS Pearl Blue called out in the instructions. The tank decals fit fine, but be prepared to spend a good 30 minutes applying each one of these two.
Scale-Master Posted April 14, 2023 Author Posted April 14, 2023 The exhaust system is ready to be installed. Since the rest of the build is closer to showroom stock I decided not to heat stain the pipes. 1
redscampi Posted April 14, 2023 Posted April 14, 2023 Great job on the tank paint! I appreciate the info on masking. I have one of these kits and all the things I'm reading are making my itchy to get it out. 1
Scale-Master Posted April 16, 2023 Author Posted April 16, 2023 I figured I should apply all the decals to the fairings so I could shoot clear on them together. 3
Scale-Master Posted April 17, 2023 Author Posted April 17, 2023 This is the main assembly so far. It's gaining mass at this point. 3
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