2 x 1/12 Tamiya bikes - YZR500 + TZ500

[cor]

Hi all. This if my first kit for the year. Bit slow I know, but I've been away.

These 2 bikes are the same kit, with one being modified to the later year bike - 1980 and 1981 500cc bikes ridden by the legendary Barry Sheen.

The mods are no too crazy, but there are limited images of the bikes, so the main mods will be ok, but the details will be iffy.
The mod decals sheet are a backyard affair, and apparently its too hard to get a straight line these days, as you can see below. Not sure what to do about that. Hopefully it wont be too noticeable...
There is also a resin detail set for the modded pipes and rear cowl.

The bikes are to be built specifically for photographic purposes for a gentlemen who is into MotoGp.

Both engines are under way, but pe nuts and bolts and other detail is yet to be added


This is the modded bike. Both outside carbs are at the front.




decals




modded engine








oob engine - carbs inline at rear

[digger303]

[Kevthemodeller]

Off to a great start mate I was lucky enough to see Sheen ride his Akai and the earlier clashes with Kenny Roberts on his and Sheen on the RG500.

[Twokidsnosleep]

Excellent

[cor]

Off to a great start mate I was lucky enough to see Sheen ride his Akai and the earlier clashes with Kenny Roberts on his and Sheen on the RG500.

Awesome.


Heres a few pics of the engines in the frames. Had to cut the resin pipes for the modded bike as it was a chinese puzzle as to how they were supposed to fit.

The tanks are from an old build, not the ones for these bikes, they make handling easier as to not rub off the silver paint, which is very thin.

The silver frame is the modded kit.

[Browny29]

Hello Cor, my name is Jason. I'm new here and just getting back into modelling. I've been admiring your work, but what strikes me is the rate at which you turns these kits over. If u don't mind me asking, how many hours a day would you spend on your model? I'd like to spend more time on my model but it's so hot and humid here. I noticed you're in Sydney, how do your find working in a hot climate, if at all?
Many thanks and keep those WIPs coming
Jason

[digger303]

Hello Cor, my name is Jason. I'm new here and just getting back into modelling. I've been admiring your work, but what strikes me is the rate at which you turns these kits over. If u don't mind me asking, how many hours a day would you spend on your model? I'd like to spend more time on my model but it's so hot and humid here. I noticed you're in Sydney, how do your find working in a hot climate, if at all?
Many thanks and keep those WIPs coming
Jason

Being at the same latitude as Sydney, but in the WA inland it has hit 47 a few times. I have a evaporative AC unit piped through out the house, now thIs will bring the temp down 16 degree's max. So it's still 31, but in the breeze so it isn't too bad with the air flow drying things a bit too quick at times particularly the CA glue.
The short answer is A/C and during the off season I when the Mojo is strong I manage a couple of hrs a day.....but thats me and not Cor.

[cor]

Hello Cor, my name is Jason. I'm new here and just getting back into modelling. I've been admiring your work, but what strikes me is the rate at which you turns these kits over. If u don't mind me asking, how many hours a day would you spend on your model? I'd like to spend more time on my model but it's so hot and humid here. I noticed you're in Sydney, how do your find working in a hot climate, if at all?
Many thanks and keep those WIPs coming
Jason

Hi jason
Im glad you like my work.
Like Digger says, we're all different, and our tolerance to heat and humidity will vary.

I generally put a couple of hours in on most weekday evenings, but on weekends I can do a lot during the day if I'm motivated (thats the real key), and Im in a garage with a tin roof and no a/c - just the airflow though open doors. If it gets stupid hot I'll either stop or move inside to do non smelly stuff like cleaning up parts or decalling etc. Or just watch some tv. Cant model all the time...

Im able to do a basic kit fairly quick because I have been doing it on and off since I was about 4 yo. Once you are comfortable with your techniques, and can plan your build outside of the instructions, it wont take long to knock them out. And it doesnt matter about how long it takes really, its all about having fun building, and if it takes you an hour in the heat to build one little detail to perfection, then that's an hour well spent modelling. Its all those little parts done well that add up to a good looking finished model.

So my advice is forget about how long a kit takes and just work on perfecting your techniques and soon enough you'll be working quickly with a high skill level.
Do some wips and ask for advice and all the guys here will be only too glad to help out.

[cor]

Got the rear wheels and exhaust pipes on

[Browny29]

Thanks for the tips and words of encouragement gentlemen (Cor & Digger). I'm in a slump and the weather isn't helping. I'm in the Northern Rivers by the way. Regarding hours spent, you're right. It is the enjoyment factor, but I'm over 12months into this build and feel I better get cracking. I still have 14 other 1/12 scale to build and at this rate the kits will out live me. Again, appreciate the insight

[digger303]

I can't help with the techniques for building bikes, but when it comes to motivation and mojo we have all been there.
I find for myself cleaning and reorganising the bench makes the bench inviting to sit down to and as soon as you pick up the first part all of a sudden 2 hrs as passed and you've enjoyed it. The second thing is if you feel your starting to bog down start setting small goals easily achieved like building as little as 3 or 4 parts or just painting one piece. If you get more done a sense of satisfaction will emerge that helps fight the morass you might have felt you were in.

[Browny29]

I can't help with the techniques for building bikes, but when it comes to motivation and mojo we have all been there.
I find for myself cleaning and reorganising the bench makes the bench inviting to sit down to and as soon as you pick up the first part all of a sudden 2 hrs as passed and you've enjoyed it. The second thing is if you feel your starting to bog down start setting small goals easily achieved like building as little as 3 or 4 parts or just painting one piece. If you get more done a sense of satisfaction will emerge that helps fight the morass you might have felt you were in.

Thanks Digger, great advice. Especially painting one item. I actually sanded several parts for painting. Had to get away from the front brake lines which were frustrating me, so I started on the body panels. Apologies to Cor for using his WIP thread to have this conversation. Should've started my own topic. Still new to this and finding me feet with reference to replying to and starting posts.

And to Cor, the bike motors are looking fantastic! Looking forward to seeing the end result

[cor]

I can't help with the techniques for building bikes, but when it comes to motivation and mojo we have all been there.
I find for myself cleaning and reorganising the bench makes the bench inviting to sit down to and as soon as you pick up the first part all of a sudden 2 hrs as passed and you've enjoyed it. The second thing is if you feel your starting to bog down start setting small goals easily achieved like building as little as 3 or 4 parts or just painting one piece. If you get more done a sense of satisfaction will emerge that helps fight the morass you might have felt you were in.

Thanks Digger, great advice. Especially painting one item. I actually sanded several parts for painting. Had to get away from the front brake lines which were frustrating me, so I started on the body panels. Apologies to Cor for using his WIP thread to have this conversation. Should've started my own topic. Still new to this and finding me feet with reference to replying to and starting posts.

And to Cor, the bike motors are looking fantastic! Looking forward to seeing the end result

Its all good. Sometimes I gotta force myself to make the boring parts, but if I want a finished model, then they have to be done and its all just part of the process.

It sounds like you're too caught up in building your stash, and not in it for the enjoyment of building. Thats what you have come back to, otherwise its a tedious process. I like to add extra detail as that gives me another side project that I can focus on instead of just following the instructions. Its a funny hobby when you have to overcome all the things that cause frustration and mojo loss. Hope you find your way around your issues.

[cor]

Got the front forks on and some more engine detailing. The forks were modified to look more like the real bike, and to accomodate the michelin sticker, and the cylinders on the bottom one.

They are coming together nicely.

[DRUMS01]

Lovin the looks! Both are looking like serious race machines!

Here's one of mine from the archives (many years ago).

[Kevthemodeller]

The Yellow speed block is still one of the best liveries in racing

[Browny29]

I can't help with the techniques for building bikes, but when it comes to motivation and mojo we have all been there.
I find for myself cleaning and reorganising the bench makes the bench inviting to sit down to and as soon as you pick up the first part all of a sudden 2 hrs as passed and you've enjoyed it. The second thing is if you feel your starting to bog down start setting small goals easily achieved like building as little as 3 or 4 parts or just painting one piece. If you get more done a sense of satisfaction will emerge that helps fight the morass you might have felt you were in.

Thanks Digger, great advice. Especially painting one item. I actually sanded several parts for painting. Had to get away from the front brake lines which were frustrating me, so I started on the body panels. Apologies to Cor for using his WIP thread to have this conversation. Should've started my own topic. Still new to this and finding me feet with reference to replying to and starting posts.

And to Cor, the bike motors are looking fantastic! Looking forward to seeing the end result

Its all good. Sometimes I gotta force myself to make the boring parts, but if I want a finished model, then they have to be done and its all just part of the process.

It sounds like you're too caught up in building your stash, and not in it for the enjoyment of building. Thats what you have come back to, otherwise its a tedious process. I like to add extra detail as that gives me another side project that I can focus on instead of just following the instructions. Its a funny hobby when you have to overcome all the things that cause frustration and mojo loss. Hope you find your way around your issues.

Thanks for the words of wisdom Cor, much appreciated. The bikes are coming along nicely. Very impressive

[cor]

Lovin the looks! Both are looking like serious race machines!

Here's one of mine from the archives (many years ago).

Thats nice. The rider adds another dimension.


These guys are close to the finish line. Just the cowlings and some touchups to go.
Ive added some extra detail made from aluminium wire, for instance the rods that stick out either side under the tank that the cowling attaches to. better then the chunky kit rods.
Also note the springs that hold the exhausts pipes onto the head. They were spare from another detail up set.

[digger303]

Yep A class work.

[DRUMS01]

surperb, just love the small details your adding.

[cor]

Yep A class work.

Thanks digger

surperb, just love the small details your adding.

Thanks ben.


Almost done. Just need to do the proper photos.

[Kevthemodeller]

Very nice, real icon bikes these mate, lovely couple of builds

[cor]

Very nice, real icon bikes these mate, lovely couple of builds

Thanks Kev

Here's some pics of the finished builds

[Browny29]

Brilliant!

[DRUMS01]

Gotta love those Tamiya bike kits ..... and your modeling too!

Nice reveal photos.

[digger303]

[pg265]

Hi,

AWESOME!

Pascal