Tamiya Kawasaki Ninja ZX-RR 1/12

Post by **ryan81** » Sun Sep 20, 2020 10:53 pm

Hi all, thought I'd get a bit of a build thread going for my Ninja ZX-RR.

So far I've generally gone for models of machines that have some significance to me, whether they be an iconic world champion vehicle or just something I loved as a kid. Not so much in this case. Instead, I just think it's a lovely looking bike and was keen to do green.

No detail parts for this one as I couldn't find anything locally. Eventually want to be getting stuck into detailing, but that will likely come on my next car build (only took 5 months for the parts to arrive).

Have got everything off the sprue and onto either toothpicks or a bit of tape folded on itself on some cut up ice-cream lids.

Spent a decent time filling the gaps between two halves. This is always something I dread and feel I am yet to perfect it. I'm working with Tamiya putty but it doesn't always get into the cracks and can be tough to get perfectly smooth. What do you guys use and what is your procedure?

I guess I'll have a better idea of how that's worked out once I get some primer on, and can make touch-ups where needed.

Should be laying down some paint in the near future. Will be going with Tamiya TS-22 over white primer for the green as sadly the special edition green doesn't seem to be around anymore. Am yet to decide whether I go to the effort of painting the inside of the cowlings black as prescribed as that's not an easy masking job.

Thanks for looking in

Post by **BigWall** » Mon Sep 21, 2020 12:39 am

Nice looking bike. Those are some nasty seams to fill. I wish I could give you some advice.

Post by **Hawkmoon** » Mon Sep 21, 2020 1:14 am

Hi you will need to take those joints back further until all the excess filler is gone. What abrasive sticks are you using right now as they can make a difference too. I am Pretty sure that Paul has a video showing you how to get the results you are after too. It will involve some hard work to get right but Im sure you will get there.

Post by **ryan81** » Mon Sep 21, 2020 1:49 am

Hawkmoon wrote: Mon Sep 21, 2020 1:14 am Hi you will need to take those joints back further until all the excess filler is gone. What abrasive sticks are you using right now as they can make a difference too. I am Pretty sure that Paul has a video showing you how to get the results you are after too. It will involve some hard work to get right but Im sure you will get there.

Thanks mate. I was thinking that too so will try taking it back more. One of them shows quite a lot of filler because the join was marginally off, meaning there was a bit of a "ledge" to create a contour over.

Abrasive sticks are almost non-existent here in NZ so getting into tough spots hasn't always been very easy. I've been using some Vallejo Flexisander blocks which have a range of grits. They're great for flat surfaces. We do have Tamiya sponges here but I find them very flimsy - looking for something between the two.

Post by **Hawkmoon** » Mon Sep 21, 2020 11:16 am

ryan81 wrote: Mon Sep 21, 2020 1:49 am
Hawkmoon wrote: Mon Sep 21, 2020 1:14 am Hi you will need to take those joints back further until all the excess filler is gone. What abrasive sticks are you using right now as they can make a difference too. I am Pretty sure that Paul has a video showing you how to get the results you are after too. It will involve some hard work to get right but Im sure you will get there.
Thanks mate. I was thinking that too so will try taking it back more. One of them shows quite a lot of filler because the join was marginally off, meaning there was a bit of a "ledge" to create a contour over.

Abrasive sticks are almost non-existent here in NZ so getting into tough spots hasn't always been very easy. I've been using some Vallejo Flexisander blocks which have a range of grits. They're great for flat surfaces. We do have Tamiya sponges here but I find them very flimsy - looking for something between the two.

You will need to bite the bullet here and I know it will cost but you will never look back and also wonder how you ever got on without them. As an investment have you considered getting the MEGA Pack Ultimate Modellers Sanders & Thinny Sticks .There long lasting and do the job you need to do.

MEGA Pack Ultimate Modellers Sanders & Thinny Sticks

The ones your using now will quickly fail on the job and having used the ones mentioned above you will get the results your after.

Andy

Post by **ryan81** » Mon Sep 21, 2020 12:41 pm

Hawkmoon wrote: Mon Sep 21, 2020 11:16 am
ryan81 wrote: Mon Sep 21, 2020 1:49 am
Hawkmoon wrote: Mon Sep 21, 2020 1:14 am Hi you will need to take those joints back further until all the excess filler is gone. What abrasive sticks are you using right now as they can make a difference too. I am Pretty sure that Paul has a video showing you how to get the results you are after too. It will involve some hard work to get right but Im sure you will get there.
Thanks mate. I was thinking that too so will try taking it back more. One of them shows quite a lot of filler because the join was marginally off, meaning there was a bit of a "ledge" to create a contour over.

Abrasive sticks are almost non-existent here in NZ so getting into tough spots hasn't always been very easy. I've been using some Vallejo Flexisander blocks which have a range of grits. They're great for flat surfaces. We do have Tamiya sponges here but I find them very flimsy - looking for something between the two.
You will need to bite the bullet here and I know it will cost but you will never look back and also wonder how you ever got on without them. As an investment have you considered getting the MEGA Pack Ultimate Modellers Sanders & Thinny Sticks .There long lasting and do the job you need to do.

MEGA Pack Ultimate Modellers Sanders & Thinny Sticks

The ones your using now will quickly fail on the job and having used the ones mentioned above you will get the results your after.

Andy

Thanks Andy, I will certainly look into that - thanks for giving a precise name as I find the names of many hobbies supplies to be somewhat ambiguous.

I think when I got started I just picked up any abraisives I could find. A range of papers and sanding blocks have treated me pretty well to be fair, but I can certainly thing of times where the sticks would have been life savers.

The money isn't so much the issue, it's the time it takes for stuff to arrive here. Especially in the car/bike range, products are extremely limited here, with modern Tamiya kits taking up the majority of our market. I just waited 5 months for a detail-up part to arrive from Spain as there are very few flights coming to New Zealand right now (I guess I can't complain about that given our COVID situation). I think I will order some of these asap though - if not now, when, right? Appreciate your input!

Post by **Gavlaaar** » Mon Sep 21, 2020 12:50 pm

I've got this one in the stash, so ill be keen to see how you get on. Looks good so far!

Post by **Twokidsnosleep** » Mon Sep 21, 2020 4:33 pm

Watching with great interest

Yep me too, in the stash

Post by **NellyTF** » Mon Sep 21, 2020 9:19 pm

I’m building this kit at the moment.

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Post by **Hornet78** » Mon Sep 21, 2020 9:23 pm

Got one of these to do someday, I'll be watching with interest...

Post by **ryan81** » Mon Sep 21, 2020 10:21 pm

NellyTF wrote: Mon Sep 21, 2020 9:19 pm I’m building this kit at the moment.
CECF123C-1371-41F0-A5DE-CCCBD7C28172.jpeg

Looking nice mate. What paint did you go with for the green (and primer)?

Have you found that it has gone together quite well?

Post by **NellyTF** » Mon Sep 21, 2020 10:33 pm

ryan81 wrote: Mon Sep 21, 2020 10:21 pm
NellyTF wrote: Mon Sep 21, 2020 9:19 pm I’m building this kit at the moment.
CECF123C-1371-41F0-A5DE-CCCBD7C28172.jpeg
Looking nice mate. What paint did you go with for the green (and primer)?

Have you found that it has gone together quite well?

Thanks, I have only painted the inside of the fairings XF-1 in the photo, just trying them on the bike before masking and laying on white primer and then Tamiya X-15 light green.
They fit very well..

Post by **NellyTF** » Tue Sep 22, 2020 6:48 am

Here’s a few panels masked and primed.

Post by **Mumbly** » Tue Sep 22, 2020 8:41 am

Hi Ryan, have you tried Gravity Colours for the green as they list it? They claim 2-4 days international shipping so might be able to get it to NZ. They are one of the better metallic paints IMO so might be worth a try.

Post by **ryan81** » Tue Sep 22, 2020 10:32 am

Mumbly wrote: Tue Sep 22, 2020 8:41 am Hi Ryan, have you tried Gravity Colours for the green as they list it? They claim 2-4 days international shipping so might be able to get it to NZ. They are one of the better metallic paints IMO so might be worth a try.

Thanks for the suggestion. I'm currently just working with rattle cans as I'm still pretty new to the hobby. This is just one of many examples where I'd love to be more flexible with the colours available to me via an airbrush - certainly on the horizon, whenever I feel like learning a new (daunting) skill as I know my finished product will improve.

I can't see the 2-4 days being a reality right now. There are so few people coming into NZ at the moment that shipping is heavily delayed. But thanks for the tip. When I get around to airbrushing, I will keep this in mind as you're not the first person I've seen suggesting Gravity.

Post by **ryan81** » Tue Sep 22, 2020 10:33 am

NellyTF wrote: Tue Sep 22, 2020 6:48 am Here’s a few panels masked and primed.

I'm not looking forward to this masking job, keen to see how yours turns out

Post by **NellyTF** » Wed Sep 23, 2020 8:24 pm

ryan81 wrote: Tue Sep 22, 2020 10:33 am
NellyTF wrote: Tue Sep 22, 2020 6:48 am Here’s a few panels masked and primed.

I'm not looking forward to this masking job, keen to see how yours turns out

Here’s a couple of pics of the painted panels.

Post by **Mpfiend** » Wed Sep 23, 2020 9:58 pm

very nice progress Neil

Post by **ryan81** » Wed Sep 23, 2020 10:26 pm

Looks like a nice result, hoping to be as successful

Post by **ryan81** » Mon Sep 28, 2020 12:27 pm

Getting some good progress made with most paint laid down and starting to get stuck into some decals. Progress pics:

I like the addition of the green decals for the wheels but boy are these tough to work with!

Cheers for looking in

Post by **Gary30** » Mon Sep 28, 2020 2:39 pm

I VERY nearly bought this kit a few weeks ago, only my bank balance stopped me in the end

Looks like you're doing a good job of it so far, classic green thumb there too

Post by **ryan81** » Mon Sep 28, 2020 10:13 pm

Gary30 wrote: Mon Sep 28, 2020 2:39 pm I VERY nearly bought this kit a few weeks ago, only my bank balance stopped me in the end

Looks like you're doing a good job of it so far, classic green thumb there too

I knew someone would spot that

better wash that off before starting a new job tomorrow

Post by **Gary30** » Mon Sep 28, 2020 10:27 pm

ryan81 wrote: Mon Sep 28, 2020 10:13 pm
Gary30 wrote: Mon Sep 28, 2020 2:39 pm I VERY nearly bought this kit a few weeks ago, only my bank balance stopped me in the end

Looks like you're doing a good job of it so far, classic green thumb there too
I knew someone would spot that better wash that off before starting a new job tomorrow

Congrats! And good luck on your first day mate

Post by **BigWall** » Tue Sep 29, 2020 1:24 am

Nice progress. Those wheels do look nice!

Post by **ryan81** » Tue Sep 29, 2020 9:24 am

It might not look like much, but this is pretty momentus for me. Potentially the best result I've had on a decal, the reason being the curvature of the guard in two directions.

In the past I've had real difficulty getting these kinds of decals to lay fully flat without forming creases. I've learned that with enough patience you can get there eventually. Applied some Micro Sol all over, then a touch more Set to keep the brush lubed, then spent about 5-10 minutes slowly brushing out the creases. Taking some confidence moving into some of the more important decals.

Post by **NellyTF** » Sat Oct 03, 2020 11:00 am

ryan81 wrote: Mon Sep 28, 2020 12:27 pm Getting some good progress made with most paint laid down and starting to get stuck into some decals. Progress pics:

I like the addition of the green decals for the wheels but boy are these tough to work with!

Cheers for looking in

Looking good so far.

I agree the green pinstripe decals could drive anyone to drink.

Just have a lot of patience, cut as close to the decal as you can and take your time.

Post by **NellyTF** » Sat Oct 03, 2020 11:06 am

ryan81 wrote: Tue Sep 29, 2020 9:24 am It might not look like much, but this is pretty momentus for me. Potentially the best result I've had on a decal, the reason being the curvature of the guard in two directions.

In the past I've had real difficulty getting these kinds of decals to lay fully flat without forming creases. I've learned that with enough patience you can get there eventually. Applied some Micro Sol all over, then a touch more Set to keep the brush lubed, then spent about 5-10 minutes slowly brushing out the creases. Taking some confidence moving into some of the more important decals.

Good work Ryan

Post by **BigWall** » Sat Oct 03, 2020 4:47 pm

ryan81 wrote: Tue Sep 29, 2020 9:24 am It might not look like much, but this is pretty momentus for me. Potentially the best result I've had on a decal, the reason being the curvature of the guard in two directions.

In the past I've had real difficulty getting these kinds of decals to lay fully flat without forming creases. I've learned that with enough patience you can get there eventually. Applied some Micro Sol all over, then a touch more Set to keep the brush lubed, then spent about 5-10 minutes slowly brushing out the creases. Taking some confidence moving into some of the more important decals.

Nice job!

Post by **NellyTF** » Sat Oct 03, 2020 7:31 pm

BigWall wrote: Sat Oct 03, 2020 4:47 pm
ryan81 wrote: Tue Sep 29, 2020 9:24 am It might not look like much, but this is pretty momentus for me. Potentially the best result I've had on a decal, the reason being the curvature of the guard in two directions.

In the past I've had real difficulty getting these kinds of decals to lay fully flat without forming creases. I've learned that with enough patience you can get there eventually. Applied some Micro Sol all over, then a touch more Set to keep the brush lubed, then spent about 5-10 minutes slowly brushing out the creases. Taking some confidence moving into some of the more important decals.
Nice job!

I’ve been Putting the decals on the fairings today, they laid down quite well, but were a bit tricky to blend around the cut outs. I used Ultimate Modelling Products strong decal setting solution to get them to lay down properly.

Be careful using microset and Microsoft, I’ve had them destroy the decals if you use too much.

Post by **Coconutmilk** » Sun Oct 04, 2020 6:18 pm

Love this bike. One of my favorite bike from tamiya. This one will look great on the shelf!

Post by **LWWales** » Mon Oct 05, 2020 7:09 am

Great work, mate! This has been on my wish list since I started modelling. Can't wait to see it finished

Post by **surfsup** » Mon Oct 05, 2020 7:27 am

Always loved the look of this Bike and you a doing a great job on her.....Cheers mark

Post by **ryan81** » Mon Oct 05, 2020 10:28 am

Thanks for the comments everyone

Getting close to completed on this. Stoked with how all my decals have gone on, feel like I've suddenly improved a lot just by being really patient and learning to 'melt' them to the contours. Some really tricky curves which I've navigated quite well overall. Have since been clear coated (tried a different product and really impressed so far) so will leave to set for another few days before putting it all together

Sanded the tyre seams back with 240 grit as they were quite pronounced, then smoothened a bit with 400. Sadly fitting the tyres to the rims resulted in slight scuffing of the green decals as they're such a snug fit, but should clean up ok

The main body is about 98% done. Just need to do a few paint touch-ups and apply a few decals to the frame and tyres. Overall a much smoother assembly than my first bike.

Final reveal likely coming later this week before I go on holiday!

Post by **ryan81** » Mon Oct 05, 2020 10:30 am

NellyTF wrote: Sat Oct 03, 2020 7:31 pm
BigWall wrote: Sat Oct 03, 2020 4:47 pm
ryan81 wrote: Tue Sep 29, 2020 9:24 am It might not look like much, but this is pretty momentus for me. Potentially the best result I've had on a decal, the reason being the curvature of the guard in two directions.

In the past I've had real difficulty getting these kinds of decals to lay fully flat without forming creases. I've learned that with enough patience you can get there eventually. Applied some Micro Sol all over, then a touch more Set to keep the brush lubed, then spent about 5-10 minutes slowly brushing out the creases. Taking some confidence moving into some of the more important decals.
Nice job!
I’ve been Putting the decals on the fairings today, they laid down quite well, but were a bit tricky to blend around the cut outs. I used Ultimate Modelling Products strong decal setting solution to get them to lay down properly.
Be careful using microset and Microsoft, I’ve had them destroy the decals if you use too much.

Looking very tidy mate. You'll have to share a reveal thread once she's all finished!

Post by **BigWall** » Mon Oct 05, 2020 5:01 pm

It's looking absolutely sweet! Nice work. I can't wait to see it come together.

Post by **ryan81** » Thu Oct 08, 2020 7:24 am

Well, here she is!

Without a doubt my best result yet, both due to the kit going together amazingly as well as improving skills and knowledge on how a bike goes together. Small things such as the windshield clicking into place rather than needing glue makes that little difference in the end.

As stated before, I'm stoked with my decal progress and I think it shows on this with no mistakes of note at all.

Will be thinking about incorporating detail parts in the future, but in the meantime, here's some pics!

And fully clothed:

And parked up next to her new best mate

Thanks for looking in!

Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Thu Oct 08, 2020 8:39 am

Superb build Ryan

Post by **NellyTF** » Thu Oct 08, 2020 12:56 pm

Looks very nice Ryan.

Post by **Mpfiend** » Thu Oct 08, 2020 2:31 pm

very nice Ryan

Post by **barryf1fan** » Thu Oct 08, 2020 3:14 pm

Hope you take this as the compliment that's intended.

Post by **BigWall** » Thu Oct 08, 2020 11:30 pm

Totally on point man! Nice job!

Post by **LWWales** » Fri Oct 09, 2020 9:47 pm

Lovely finish mate! Done a great job!

Post by **NellyTF** » Sat Oct 10, 2020 8:20 am

I’ve just finished mine. Just the wheels on the stand to paint and glue on.

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Post by **BigWall** » Sat Oct 10, 2020 3:31 pm

It came out very nicely! Great job

Post by **ryan81** » Mon Oct 12, 2020 5:37 am

Thanks for the kind words everyone