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2 x 1/12 Tamiya bikes - YZR500 + TZ500
Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2025 8:20 am
by 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

Re: 2 x 1/12 Tamiya bikes - YZR500 + TZ500
Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2025 10:29 am
by digger303
Re: 2 x 1/12 Tamiya bikes - YZR500 + TZ500
Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2025 2:54 pm
by 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.

Re: 2 x 1/12 Tamiya bikes - YZR500 + TZ500
Posted: Tue Feb 11, 2025 3:18 pm
by Twokidsnosleep
Re: 2 x 1/12 Tamiya bikes - YZR500 + TZ500
Posted: Thu Feb 13, 2025 10:55 am
by cor
Re: 2 x 1/12 Tamiya bikes - YZR500 + TZ500
Posted: Sat Feb 15, 2025 2:19 am
by 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
Re: 2 x 1/12 Tamiya bikes - YZR500 + TZ500
Posted: Sat Feb 15, 2025 4:43 am
by digger303
Browny29 wrote: Sat Feb 15, 2025 2:19 am
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.

Re: 2 x 1/12 Tamiya bikes - YZR500 + TZ500
Posted: Sat Feb 15, 2025 5:50 am
by cor
Browny29 wrote: Sat Feb 15, 2025 2:19 am
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.
Re: 2 x 1/12 Tamiya bikes - YZR500 + TZ500
Posted: Sat Feb 15, 2025 5:56 am
by cor
Re: 2 x 1/12 Tamiya bikes - YZR500 + TZ500
Posted: Sat Feb 15, 2025 11:15 am
by 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
Re: 2 x 1/12 Tamiya bikes - YZR500 + TZ500
Posted: Sun Feb 16, 2025 12:15 am
by 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.

Re: 2 x 1/12 Tamiya bikes - YZR500 + TZ500
Posted: Sun Feb 16, 2025 7:22 pm
by Browny29
digger303 wrote: Sun Feb 16, 2025 12:15 am
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
Re: 2 x 1/12 Tamiya bikes - YZR500 + TZ500
Posted: Mon Feb 17, 2025 10:25 am
by cor
Browny29 wrote: Sun Feb 16, 2025 7:22 pm
digger303 wrote: Sun Feb 16, 2025 12:15 am
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.
Re: 2 x 1/12 Tamiya bikes - YZR500 + TZ500
Posted: Tue Feb 18, 2025 9:21 am
by cor
Re: 2 x 1/12 Tamiya bikes - YZR500 + TZ500
Posted: Tue Feb 18, 2025 8:25 pm
by DRUMS01
Lovin the looks! Both are looking like serious race machines!
Here's one of mine from the archives (many years ago).

Re: 2 x 1/12 Tamiya bikes - YZR500 + TZ500
Posted: Wed Feb 19, 2025 8:19 pm
by Kevthemodeller
The Yellow speed block is still one of the best liveries in racing

Re: 2 x 1/12 Tamiya bikes - YZR500 + TZ500
Posted: Wed Feb 19, 2025 9:04 pm
by Browny29
cor wrote: Mon Feb 17, 2025 10:25 am
Browny29 wrote: Sun Feb 16, 2025 7:22 pm
digger303 wrote: Sun Feb 16, 2025 12:15 am
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
Re: 2 x 1/12 Tamiya bikes - YZR500 + TZ500
Posted: Thu Feb 20, 2025 9:46 am
by cor
Re: 2 x 1/12 Tamiya bikes - YZR500 + TZ500
Posted: Thu Feb 20, 2025 12:24 pm
by digger303
Re: 2 x 1/12 Tamiya bikes - YZR500 + TZ500
Posted: Fri Feb 21, 2025 3:01 am
by DRUMS01
surperb, just love the small details your adding.
Re: 2 x 1/12 Tamiya bikes - YZR500 + TZ500
Posted: Tue Feb 25, 2025 6:58 am
by cor
Thanks digger
DRUMS01 wrote: Fri Feb 21, 2025 3:01 am
surperb, just love the small details your adding.
Thanks ben.
Almost done. Just need to do the proper photos.

Re: 2 x 1/12 Tamiya bikes - YZR500 + TZ500
Posted: Tue Feb 25, 2025 6:23 pm
by Kevthemodeller
Re: 2 x 1/12 Tamiya bikes - YZR500 + TZ500
Posted: Wed Feb 26, 2025 7:25 am
by cor
Re: 2 x 1/12 Tamiya bikes - YZR500 + TZ500
Posted: Wed Feb 26, 2025 11:41 pm
by Browny29
Brilliant!
Re: 2 x 1/12 Tamiya bikes - YZR500 + TZ500
Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2025 1:29 am
by DRUMS01
Gotta love those Tamiya bike kits ..... and your modeling too!
Nice reveal photos.
Re: 2 x 1/12 Tamiya bikes - YZR500 + TZ500
Posted: Thu Feb 27, 2025 3:40 am
by digger303
Re: 2 x 1/12 Tamiya bikes - YZR500 + TZ500
Posted: Sat Nov 01, 2025 8:24 am
by pg265
Hi,
AWESOME!
Pascal