2024 Motorcycle Group Build Pt 6 Progress Update

#2024motorcyclegroupbuild #yamahamotorcycles
Hosted by @gi_mechanicsscalemodeling and @jamiegsscalemodelgarage3823
Progress report - although no major sub-assemblies completed this time around, progress on a number of different areas. And first time the mock-up actually looks like a bike!
0:12 I debated pros and cons of using kit forks or scratchbuilding new ones, finally deciding to use kit forks with some upgrades and detail work. Biggest inaccuracy of the kit part is overall chrome finish, real forks are only chrome on some surfaces (typically upper fork tubes) and there is also the task of cleaning up parting lines on kit part.
0:24 A soak in "purple power" degreaser removed chrome plating. Four ejector pin parts are visible on back side, these were filled with small disks punched from .020" styrene sheet using a Micro-Mark punch set. Molded-on pins that were intended to snap into front wheel were removed and fork ends drilled for .030" steel wire front axle. Small plastic pins are also provided for speedometer cable and brake lines, these plastic pieces are quite fragile and were removed to be replaced with drilled holes at each location where wires representing speedometer cable and brake lines can be inserted and glued at final assembly.
1:00 Each exhaust pipe has two ejector pin marks which were also filled (after dechroming pipes in the same "purple power" bath) with .020" styrene disks. These were glued on with solvent cement.
1:15 Silver (aluminum) engine was finished with overall coat of "bumper chrome" spray paint from an automotive store. This can be applied directly from spray can as long as you are careful not to apply the paint too heavily. After a few days drying time Testors Dullcote was sprayed on to get flat aluminum finish. I have has good results using this technique on truck fuel tanks as well for a weathered aluminum finish common up here in provinces and states where a lot of road salt gets used.
1:46 Seat was used as provided with only addition being .020" x .060" styrene strip glued on to add some depth to molded-in strap.
1:59 Colour choice was the next decision. Kit's box art model is done in basic black which looks sharp with gold striping although I preferred something a little brighter...
2:11...one option being this burgundy example...
2:21...and a brighter red here on this photo found on-line. Being a close match to the kit all around including square headlight, this is the bike I decided to go with.
2:34 Tamiya's white surface primer (fine), applied from spray can, was used to keep the finished red as bright as possible. Tank is the usual two-piece assembly with resulting seam to fill, solvent cement for initial gluing followed by gap-filling CA glue for final touch ups resulted in a good clean appearance with no seam visible. Interestingly, the side covers are most accurate part in entire kit since they are one-piece injection molded plastic pieces just like their 1:1 counterparts!
3:01 Holding parts for painting is a combination of conventional clothespins, small clothespins taken apart and reassembled in a reversed arrangement, and an old pair of tweezers that was a perfect fit in attachment holes for seat base.
3:14 Red paint was decanted from a spray can of "hardware store" enamel. I have had good results with this type of paint on numerous projects. Simply spray paint from the can into a suitable container and let it sit for a couple hours before using. This is because spray can paint will have propellant gas in it that was used to pressurize the can. The couple hours sitting time is to allow "off-gassing" so the paint doesn't do unexpected things like foam up when pickup tube for air brush is inserted! Spray can paint is already thinned and I have success with spraying at 20 psi with the Paasche H shown here.
3:50 Set painted pieces aside for a good week of drying time before any further assembly or decal work is done.
4:03 Long way from being done, but recognizable as a bike at least!

[@dfactoryrat653]

Nice progress and great added details. The paint is looking Great also. 🤜🤛🐭🏍💨

[@67oilmann]

Looking good, I have a Harley 1:10 I need to finish.