Tamiya 1/12 YZR500 with Kenny Roberts rider

[1320]

A new project started! Although this version is the 26th 1/12 bike kit that Tamiya produced, the bike kit itself was the first. Kit 14001 is the bike only and kit 14026 was the bike with Kenny riding it. This one is from 1983.

I had sold this kit a few years ago, but was recently asked to build it up so I will be doing it as a commission.

Due to it being so early, the parts count is low so it makes for a straight forward build if done out of the box. I'll add a little here and there without going too crazy.

I started by getting the main sub assemblies together so I can get some primer flying over the next few days.

Jim

[Roy L Frost III]

great kit, why don't they come with riders anymore? My guess is because MONEY, ya know costs too much to produce keep up the good work

[1320]

On 10/7/2023 at 7:49 AM, Roy L Frost III said:

great kit, why don't they come with riders anymore? My guess is because MONEY, ya know costs too much to produce keep up the good work

Thanks Roy, I did like the Rossi rider they did a little while ago. Finding one that doesn't cost drug money is impossible now!

I've been filling and sanding the joins on the main fairing and tail and roughing out a few other bits. I also got a start on the engine and swingarm assembly and painting.

Jim

[Roy L Frost III]

costs drug money, could not have said it better. I am right now building the Tamiya Ducati 1199 Tricolore great model. Usually the type of bikes I build are MotoGP, but as you know they all go together so well. Have a contest this weekend we'll see how it goes. Keep up the great work I can't wait to see the finished product

[1320]

On 10/12/2023 at 10:08 AM, Roy L Frost III said:

Have a contest this weekend we'll see how it goes. Keep up the great work I can't wait to see the finished product

How was the contest Roy?

I have been moving along, painted wheels, carbs and other bits, then assembled engine into frame and swingarm in.

Jim

[1320]

I painted exhaust parts, mufflers and other small parts and fitted the radiator and hoses. I then started painting and decals on the tank, tail and fairing. Tamiya chrome yellow and some 'appliance' white. Been a bit busy since my last visit, thanks for following along. 

Jim

[Roy L Frost III]

hey that bike is looking great, real nice paint. thanks for asking about the contest,took 2 thirds, with a Toyota GT-1 , love that model if you haven't built one you should. Also BMW M8 NUNU Platz model . Took 1st in motorcycle with a old #46 Rossi, the 03 Honda with the 70's motif lettering, best part who was in the class that I finished ahead of, great time. Keep up the great work

[1320]

On 10/23/2023 at 9:17 AM, Roy L Frost III said:

hey that bike is looking great, real nice paint. thanks for asking about the contest,took 2 thirds, with a Toyota GT-1 , love that model if you haven't built one you should. Also BMW M8 NUNU Platz model . Took 1st in motorcycle with a old #46 Rossi, the 03 Honda with the 70's motif lettering, best part who was in the class that I finished ahead of, great time. Keep up the great work

Great work Roy, that's some great results!

I've been taking my time with these 40 year old decals but they are going on alright. I've also started on the Kenny riders body and helmet.

Jim

[Roy L Frost III]

great job, I might have to try to find one of those old kits, love dealing myself,those Tamiya decals just seem to last forever.

[1320]

Thanks again Roy, yes I love decaling too - there's been plenty in my last builds. 

I got some 2k clear on the tins and sealed in the decals. Then fitted the tank, seat and tail. Have also been doing some work on Kenny the rider, his helmet has come up well so far.

[Sonorandog]

That is looking great. Going to be a very cool model when complete.

[1320]

On 11/15/2023 at 12:32 PM, Sonorandog said:

That is looking great. Going to be a very cool model when complete.

Thanks! It's coming along great.

I've fitted up the forks, fairing dash and remaining bits and pieces, it's progressing well. The bike now is about done, back into Kenny the rider figure!

Jim

[Sonorandog]

That looks great!

[1320]

On 1/1/2024 at 5:07 AM, Sonorandog said:

That looks great!

Thanks, it's come up great!

Thanks everyone for following along, these are the last pics for this one. No rider is being displayed to fit in with other models so it's all done.

Jim