activexp Posted February 16, 2015 Share Posted February 16, 2015 (edited) It was about 35 years ago when I last built a Tamiya model and I recall being delighted with the overall quality and finished result. Looking at this Harley I won't be disappointed, has 'wow' factor It's also my first ever motorcycle kit. The box contents are impressive. I've made a start on the frame and engine/gearbox assemblies. All fairly straight forward although there are a number of non-glued parts to the frame which had a habit of falling out just as I was about to glue the two halves of the frame together. Edited February 17, 2015 by activexp 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
D1fuN0 Posted February 16, 2015 Share Posted February 16, 2015 Woohoo... another bike Look forward to watching this one... Steve Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mencie Posted February 16, 2015 Share Posted February 16, 2015 It's a good kit for its age, I really enjoyed doing mine. Keep it coming... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
activexp Posted February 17, 2015 Author Share Posted February 17, 2015 It's a good kit for its age, I really enjoyed doing mine. Keep it coming... Did yours come with tweezers? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mencie Posted February 17, 2015 Share Posted February 17, 2015 (edited) Err yes, I believe so. It was the original 70s release. I seem to recall the only poor fitting parts were the cylinder parts but you seem to have breezed past that. Edited February 17, 2015 by Mencie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
activexp Posted February 17, 2015 Author Share Posted February 17, 2015 No tweezers in my kit - I'm gutted According to 'Scalemates' the kit got new parts in '76, '81 and 2013 so hopefully any badly fitting parts have been replaced Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mencie Posted February 17, 2015 Share Posted February 17, 2015 I also seem to recall the rear fender was broken into two main parts meaning some degree of filling and sanding was required... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
activexp Posted February 18, 2015 Author Share Posted February 18, 2015 Engine more or less complete. No issues with badly fitting parts so far. Next up, mounting the engine and gearbox in the frame. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spookytooth Posted February 18, 2015 Share Posted February 18, 2015 Wow,,,, big bike , big bike. Simon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
activexp Posted February 19, 2015 Author Share Posted February 19, 2015 Today's update: Engine and gearbox mounted in the frame, no issues. Chain case and guard fitted. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mencie Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 Lovely stuff, the big boy is coming together nicely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
activexp Posted February 20, 2015 Author Share Posted February 20, 2015 A little more progress...the spring-loaded side stand fitted. A few more bits added to the engine and the spring-loaded brake pedal fitted. Unfortunately the mechanism is too stiff for the strength of the spring and doesn't return to the upright position when pressed 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krow113 Posted February 21, 2015 Share Posted February 21, 2015 The thing on top of the engine lookin' like splayed female legs is the top motor mount. There would be a stud with a 1/2 nylock on each splay if ya wanna add that detail. Going well, I'll be watching. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
activexp Posted February 22, 2015 Author Share Posted February 22, 2015 The thing on top of the engine lookin' like splayed female legs is the top motor mount. There would be a stud with a 1/2 nylock on each splay if ya wanna add that detail. Going well, I'll be watching. When I fitted the part I thought it looked a bit 'unfinished'. Thanks for the tip Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noeyedears Posted February 22, 2015 Share Posted February 22, 2015 i remember building the 1/6 CX500 many years ago, reckon id like to again. ill be watching to see how this one goes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krow113 Posted February 22, 2015 Share Posted February 22, 2015 (edited) When I fitted the part I thought it looked a bit 'unfinished'. Thanks for the tip The mount is bolted to the frame as well, with approx. a 3/4" - 1" bolt and nut with washers. The front 'splay' has a hole for the stud, the rear splay is forked (like an open end wrench) for installation. Also the clutch cable covering terminates at a bracket on the seat post. Exposed cable then goes to the clutch arm. Google 'Harley mousetrap eliminator' you will see. One other thing I see ,perusing my instructions for the kit , is the orientation of the rear exhaust out let. If ya look at the face of it, the boss for the mounting bolt is at 3 oclock, it should be at 12 o clock. Again google 'shovelhead engine images' There is a fair amount of hardware missing from the model ,easy to detail out at the stage you are at. Tamiya provides convenient landings in the right place , for most of these details. Also the overhead oil lines are missing. This is a 1/8" chrome steel line that goes from the engine case to the rear rocker box, then between the two boxes in the middle, easy to spot in pix and a prominent secondary detail. Glad you can assimilate the help/info. Edited February 22, 2015 by krow113 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
activexp Posted February 23, 2015 Author Share Posted February 23, 2015 The mount is bolted to the frame as well, with approx. a 3/4" - 1" bolt and nut with washers. The front 'splay' has a hole for the stud, the rear splay is forked (like an open end wrench) for installation. Also the clutch cable covering terminates at a bracket on the seat post. Exposed cable then goes to the clutch arm. Google 'Harley mousetrap eliminator' you will see. One other thing I see ,perusing my instructions for the kit , is the orientation of the rear exhaust out let. If ya look at the face of it, the boss for the mounting bolt is at 3 oclock, it should be at 12 o clock. Again google 'shovelhead engine images' There is a fair amount of hardware missing from the model ,easy to detail out at the stage you are at. Tamiya provides convenient landings in the right place , for most of these details. Also the overhead oil lines are missing. This is a 1/8" chrome steel line that goes from the engine case to the rear rocker box, then between the two boxes in the middle, easy to spot in pix and a prominent secondary detail. Glad you can assimilate the help/info. That's really useful info, thanks. At the moment I'm just plodding on with the main build and am undecided whether to attempt the improvements you've pointed out as my scratch building skills are limited Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
activexp Posted February 23, 2015 Author Share Posted February 23, 2015 The battery will be totally hidden from view when mounted in the frame. A little work on the rear lights and fender/bumper assemblies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krow113 Posted February 23, 2015 Share Posted February 23, 2015 That's really useful info, thanks. At the moment I'm just plodding on with the main build and am undecided whether to attempt the improvements you've pointed out as my scratch building skills are limited No worries I have yet to go over the kit to record the additonal details possible. I'll watch and keep quiet, if ya have a question , just ask! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
activexp Posted February 25, 2015 Author Share Posted February 25, 2015 Front guard, oil tank and rear fender fitted. Rear shocks with chrome plated steel covers. The Goodyear tyres have excellent detail. Rear wheel assembly and shock fitted. Could have done with another pair of hands here as inserting the axle shaft through the various bits was a little tricky. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noeyedears Posted February 25, 2015 Share Posted February 25, 2015 its coming together realy nicely 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
activexp Posted February 27, 2015 Author Share Posted February 27, 2015 A small update today,. Two spare spark plugs with chromed cover for the holder. Assembly of the various parts for the siren had me confused as there's a shaft with knurled end that sticks out the back of it. Then it dawned on me that it's mechanical and driven from the back tyre, rather like those old lighting dynamos on bicycles. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noeyedears Posted February 27, 2015 Share Posted February 27, 2015 cool spark plugs bro' seriously tho' you are doing a great job of this, keep it up 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichO Posted February 27, 2015 Share Posted February 27, 2015 Steve, your subject matter is all over the place. This build is lookin' great tho. Keep up the good work!! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
activexp Posted February 27, 2015 Author Share Posted February 27, 2015 Steve, your subject matter is all over the place. This build is lookin' great tho. Keep up the good work!! Ah, you've noticed! Variety is the spice of life, so they say Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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