1/12 Tamiya Honda NSR500 - '86 Wayne Gardner

[Motoholic]

Hi all,

So this will be my first proper attempt at a bike kit. I had this way back when it first came out, back then my style of modelling was to glue it together and whack the decals on, no paint was involved.

Being an Aussie racing mad kid in the 80's meant one guy - Wayne Gardner. He finished second in the 500 World Championship in 1986 and went one better the following year. Big fan of the NSR too and I think it looks great in the iconic Rothmans livery.

The plan is to build it mostly out of the box with the addition of intake mesh and some PE fastners/nuts. This kit is probably circa late 80's so the kit decals are shot. I managed to find some by MSM but I'm not overly confident about them, I've read mixed reviews.



Here is the box along with some Gravity Spain Rothmans Blue and Titanium White for the bodywork. Gonna have a go at a 2K finish too, not tried this before. Also aforementioned MSM decals, which I am hoping won't be too pesky.





First up is the compact little V4 two stroke, added some mesh over the intakes for a bit more realism. all painted with Tamiya LP paints through an Iwata Eclipse 3.5. All good fun so far.

Cheers
Andy

[Kevthemodeller]

Off to a good start, mate

[jchrisf]

Looks awesome Andy! I love these race bikes too. What is that mesh from?

[Motoholic]

Looks awesome Andy! I love these race bikes too. What is that mesh from?

Cheers mate, its Fineline Woven Brass Mesh from www.fineline-models.co.uk. comes in a bunch of different sizes and is pretty easy to work with. The mesh size on the intakes is WM60 - 60 wires per inch.



Cheers
Andy

[ryan81]

Awesome start, will be following this for sure

[Motoholic]

More progress on the NSR today.



Plumbing and heatshield added to the engine.



The frame took a bit of filling/sanding to get all the gaps filled. Then sprayed up in Tamiya LP Gloss Aluminium. I've had this motojig for while and though it isn't suited to this stage of the build I may use it later.







Engine mounted into the frame and HT leads added. Really enjoying this one so far.

Cheers
Andy

[jchrisf]

Looks awesome Andy! I love these race bikes too. What is that mesh from?

Cheers mate, its Fineline Woven Brass Mesh from www.fineline-models.co.uk. comes in a bunch of different sizes and is pretty easy to work with. The mesh size on the intakes is WM60 - 60 wires per inch.



Cheers
Andy

Thanks for the info Andy... This is a beautiful, clean build.

[Kevthemodeller]

Nice mesh filters

Following the link to their web page, the ebay shop is gone! When did you last use them?

[Motoholic]

Next step is the rear wheel/swingarm/shock assembly.





This all went together nicely. The rear wheel was finished in Gravity Titanium White and cleared with their 2k. It was my first time using the 2k, it is super, super sticky stuff and has a bit of a smell to it but otherwise is fantastic. Its a bit hard to see in the photo but the gloss looks great, very shiny!





Swingarm was then screwed into the frame/engine. At this stage it all looks a bit out of proportion with the massive rear wheel making the engine look tiny.

The four expansion chambers/exhausts are next which is making me sweat as they are complex shapes. Fingers crossed they can be mounted without too many dramas.

Cheers
Andy

[Kevthemodeller]

Some very nice clean building skills there Andy

[Motoholic]

Nice mesh filters

Following the link to their web page, the ebay shop is gone! When did you last use them?

Hi Kev,

I think purchased these back in 2017 from their ebay shop. Hopefully you can get them through the web page.

[jchrisf]

Andy, this looks great! What paint did you use for that wheel/tire cover/fender? That is the most perfect looking semi-gloss black.

[Motoholic]

Andy, this looks great! What paint did you use for that wheel/tire cover/fender? That is the most perfect looking semi-gloss black.

Thank you Chris. I used Tamiya lacquer LP5 semi-gloss black. Thinned 50/50 with Tamiya lacquer thinners. I've tried most of the semi-gloss blacks and this is by far the best, very consistent and seems to level off perfectly.

[Kevthemodeller]

Hi Kev,

I think purchased these back in 2017 from their ebay shop. Hopefully you can get them through the web page.

Sadly there's only a link to the ebay shop which is a dead link, think they may have gone out of business.

[jchrisf]

Andy, this looks great! What paint did you use for that wheel/tire cover/fender? That is the most perfect looking semi-gloss black.

Thank you Chris. I used Tamiya lacquer LP5 semi-gloss black. Thinned 50/50 with Tamiya lacquer thinners. I've tried most of the semi-gloss blacks and this is by far the best, very consistent and seems to level off perfectly.

Thanks Andy!

[Motoholic]

Next up for the NSR is the 4 expansion chambers/silencers. These took a lot of work to get looking right, lots of seam lines, gaps and ejector pins to be corrected. There were then 4 different colours to be sprayed and masked. I was also very concerned with how they would fit. I tried to dry fit all 4 but it was impossible to get them to stay in place without another 2 sets of arms.



Here they are finished and ready to fit. Looking at them here, its deceiving just how much work these took to get looking right.



The 2 on the right side go in first and they were pretty easy to get lined up. The angle isn't perfect but otherwise look symmetrical. There are minimal tolerances everywhere, they run very close to each other and the engine and frame.



The 2 on the left however were a different story and sit too close to the swingarm. Due to the shape and congestion there is just no room to move so you are left with no choice. They also touch at the silencers which isn't ideal. I'd be interested to know if others have had the same problem, especially with the later re-release of this kit - the Factory Colour NSR500



Advice here for anyone building this: The last chamber to go in is by far the trickiest (Closest to rear wheel). It is a super snug fit, whilst dry fitting it snapped into place in such a way that I dare not remove it, it sits so tightly that no glue is needed. You can also see here where they touch the swingarm. Getting these suckers in place without damaging paint or breaking anything was the crux of the build so far. I'm a little bummed but it comes down to kit limitations, not much more I could do.

I'm glad this step is over, onto the radiator/plumbing next.

Cheers
Andy

[Kevthemodeller]

Those expansion chambers look superb Andy super smooth finish.

[jchrisf]

Man, this build is superb! Great job.. I believe you said in another thread that you built your first model a year ago? And that one was perfect too. How'd you get so good so fast?

[Motoholic]

Man, this build is superb! Great job.. I believe you said in another thread that you built your first model a year ago? And that one was perfect too. How'd you get so good so fast?

Thank you Chris, very kind words. Your question is hard to answer as I don't really know. When I decided to get into model building I did a ton of research before I actually started. I spent lots of time on here and other forums making notes. I watched heaps of you tube modelling channels - Mostly Pauls tutorials on ISM, The Scalemodeling Channel and Plasmo plastic models who is simply from another planet.
I brought all the tools and equipment that I thought I would need - this isn't totally necessary but it does make life easier. The big one though has been my airbrush, I just clicked with it, I practiced on the back and front of heaps of spoons before I took the plunge of starting on a kit. Now its about preparation, patience and some magnifying glasses that make the tiny parts manageable. This hobby brings me happiness and satisfaction as I'm sure it does for all who build.

Cheers
Andy

[Motoholic]

It's radiator day!



Gave it some panel line wash to give it more depth. It slotted in nicely along with a bit more plumbing, steering dampner, footpegs and dash.







This only leaves the front end on the mechanical side of things before I tackle the bodywork.

Cheers
Andy

[jchrisf]

Man, this build is superb! Great job.. I believe you said in another thread that you built your first model a year ago? And that one was perfect too. How'd you get so good so fast?

Thank you Chris, very kind words. Your question is hard to answer as I don't really know. When I decided to get into model building I did a ton of research before I actually started. I spent lots of time on here and other forums making notes. I watched heaps of you tube modelling channels - Mostly Pauls tutorials on ISM, The Scalemodeling Channel and Plasmo plastic models who is simply from another planet.
I brought all the tools and equipment that I thought I would need - this isn't totally necessary but it does make life easier. The big one though has been my airbrush, I just clicked with it, I practiced on the back and front of heaps of spoons before I took the plunge of starting on a kit. Now its about preparation, patience and some magnifying glasses that make the tiny parts manageable. This hobby brings me happiness and satisfaction as I'm sure it does for all who build.

Cheers
Andy

You are a natural! What airbrush did you get? And I agree about Plasmo.. he is the best modeler I've ever seen.. and many of his great builds on YT was when he was still a teenager.

Great job on the radiator. Perfect work on this bike.

[Motoholic]

What airbrush did you get?

I use an Iwata Eclipse HP.CS, they come with a .35mm needle. I also use a .5mm needle for larger areas and clear coats. I chose it primarily because you don't have to unscrew the very small needle nozzle to clean it. The nozzle sits inside a chuck that is easily removable.

[jchrisf]

What airbrush did you get?

I use an Iwata Eclipse HP.CS, they come with a .35mm needle. I also use a .5mm needle for larger areas and clear coats. I chose it primarily because you don't have to unscrew the very small needle nozzle to clean it. The nozzle sits inside a chuck that is easily removable.

The Eclipse has been on my list for a while. I wish I would have gotten it first. But the Apex is on my radar now too.

[LWWales]

Thank you Chris, very kind words. Your question is hard to answer as I don't really know. When I decided to get into model building I did a ton of research before I actually started. I spent lots of time on here and other forums making notes. I watched heaps of you tube modelling channels - Mostly Pauls tutorials on ISM, The Scalemodeling Channel and Plasmo plastic models who is simply from another planet.
I brought all the tools and equipment that I thought I would need - this isn't totally necessary but it does make life easier. The big one though has been my airbrush, I just clicked with it, I practiced on the back and front of heaps of spoons before I took the plunge of starting on a kit. Now its about preparation, patience and some magnifying glasses that make the tiny parts manageable. This hobby brings me happiness and satisfaction as I'm sure it does for all who build.

Cheers
Andy

I need to get some magnifying glasses. Doing the to be photo etch stuff for 1/12 bikes is hurting.

You've done an amazing job on this so far, I look forward to seeing the finished product!

[Hawkmoon]

Coming together very nicely and great work

[Motoholic]

Well thats the front wheel done. Chrome bolts courtesy of a fine tipped Molotow chrome pen.



Cheers,
Andy

[jchrisf]

Wow! You nailed that too. Perfect chrome dots.

[Kevthemodeller]

Very nice, more lovely clean skills there Andy

[PeterW]

Looking superb. Paint finishes are excellent.

Peter

[Motoholic]

Hi all.

Apart from a few PE nuts and bits the chassis is now done.





Unfortunately my fears about the MSM Creations decals were correct. They are naff.. This simple little Rothmans decal took an eternity to conform with the simple curve of the fender, even with the strongest solutions. There are some much sharper curves and vents on the bodywork that just aren't going to work. I've managed to find some form Decalpool which I hope will be better. I've never used Decalpool before so fingers crossed.



Front end fitted into the chassis. super happy with the progress so far. The aim has been to keep it as clean and sharp as I can, hopefully this will also carry over to the bodywork.



Couldn't help but to include a shot with a better backdrop.

Cheers
Andy

[jchrisf]

Awesome build Andy!

[Motoholic]

I've spent the last few days on the bodywork.

Firstly joining the two halves of the tank/seat unit leaves a very obvious seam that needs a good amount of filling, sanding and then priming.





Once ready it was pained in the Gravity Titanium White and then masked in preparation for the Rothmans Blue. I found the Gravity paints to be super thin but also easy to use.







Not the best masking job left a little bit of overspray to be rectified. The colour transition will be covered by a decal so I'm not too concerned.

Into a little delay now as I await the new decals to arrive

Cheers
Andy

[jchrisf]

Looks great Andy!

[Kevthemodeller]

Such a clean build thus far mate

[BettyBloo]

Looks awesome, well done.

Now where did you get the blue hose for the HT Leads?

[Motoholic]

Looks awesome, well done.

Now where did you get the blue hose for the HT Leads?

Its the standard hose kit primed white then painted in Tamiya X4 blue. Now the trick is to not let it fully dry. I waited about 10 mins until it was touch dry then put it in place. If the paint fully cures then it will crack when you manipulate the hose. I couldn't find blue hose that I was happy with so I thought give this method a try, I didn't actually expect it to work. If you look closely you can see where I have masked off a small section of black near the coil pack.

Cheers,
Andy

[LWWales]

Looks amazing so far!

I painted some tamiya hose with thinned enamel and left it in the cool garage overnight, it was touch dry but slightly gummy, so it didn't crack when I manipulated it

[BettyBloo]

Looks awesome, well done.

Now where did you get the blue hose for the HT Leads?

Its the standard hose kit primed white then painted in Tamiya X4 blue. Now the trick is to not let it fully dry. I waited about 10 mins until it was touch dry then put it in place. If the paint fully cures then it will crack when you manipulate the hose. I couldn't find blue hose that I was happy with so I thought give this method a try, I didn't actually expect it to work. If you look closely you can see where I have masked off a small section of black near the coil pack.

Cheers,
Andy

This is witch craft I tell ya. I’ll give it a go

[barryf1fan]

Can not believe I missed this one ( I can actually, I'm oblivious sometimes..)

You are doing an amazing job on this kit!! The fact that it's pretty old too... Well, sub'd for the finish!

btw, his son Remy, is fun to watch in Moto2 - he definitely has his dad's coconut gene handed down. Kid is fearless.

[pg265]

Hi,

Great build!
More please!!

Pascal