Jump to content

1/12 Matchbox Vincent


Recommended Posts

A long while since I posted any builds and thought I would share my latest project.

Not the normal bike build for me as I'm used to fairings and solid wheels but the intention is to build an exact copy of my dads 1953 Vincent Rapide Series C. Not a standard Rapide by any means but externally the Matchbox/Revell Black shadow is a good base to start with.

Vin00_zpso4v7msrm.jpg

Lots of chrome parts, I think the chrome plater went a little crazy and in fact the fork blades had been chromed before my dad even got the bike. For the Vincent aficionados the internals were actually brought up to Black Lightning spec so in fact it was a Vincent White Lightning! Very few reference photos of this bike and the best one shown above.

So the build...

I picked up a Matchbox kit on fleabay and had intended to make 2 simultaneously, so 1 for dad and 1 for me. Picked up a Revell Vincent a few weeks later which is essentially the same kit.

Vin01_zpsgv5vk4ks.jpg

By the way if you get a choice I would go for the Matchbox as this was original molds and the later Revell offering has shallow detail and shows tired moldings.

So made a start a few weeks ago and have the main lump done.

Vin02_zpsie2faf60.jpg

Vin03_zpsfuebyfri.jpg

All fixings replaced with RB Motion as I will throughout this build. Also turning a few pieces from ali myself and trying to talk Rob @ RB Motion into turning some custom intake trumpets for the carbs.

The usual bugbear for this kit being oversize spokes which my first attempt to replace I'm not that happy with..

Vin05_zps8shnh6co.jpg

Vin06_zpsye2siynj.jpg

I tried to make them without a jig and simply cut a few of the spokes out and replaced with tin copper wire as I went, this kept the hub central but leaves a seam when you join the 2 halves and a real pain to smooth out. These will be okay for this build and I can replace the wheels later with a wheel set with turned hubs and separate rims.

Only other product out of the stable worth showing is the tank which is glossed but not polished. I have to add 2 petrol taps (normal and reserve) and filler caps etc.

Vin04_zpsbdamzgug.jpg

More to follow.

Cheers

Doc

  • Like 12
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

I also did a good job in overlooking this thread somehow.

As a fan of old cars and bikes I will follow this build. I have never looked into the Matchbox nor Revel boxes, so I am wondering how this will turn out.

Please specify when deviating from the oob.

Thanks!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 weeks later...

Thx guys,

Sorry for my lack of updates but my model build is a little sporadic to say the least and not had a chance to update the build thread as often as I should.

The Vin is still in progress and nearing completion so a few more photo updates for you...

Vincent1_zpswkr7bz1o.jpg

Like the stand :coolio: The more I handle the model, the more parts get knocked and broken, its a model that has no easy way of being picked up!

Vincent2_zpsk4ri06yd.jpg

I have plenty left to add including all the electrical wiring, fuel lines, exhaust, tax disc etc so very much work in progress. I am however, happy with the spokes and all the trouble they caused re-lacing seemed to be a worthwhile effort.

Vincent4_zpsavjvwlrz.jpg

I have recently received a few more photos from Dad of the Vincent I'm building which requires a few more alterations to parts already made, but no biggie.

As I mentioned at the start of the thread there are so many changes from a stock Vincent that makes this an individual and enjoyable build.

Hope to update the thread more often and need to get this finished in the next few weeks as I have a Fujimi RGV and GSXR waiting in the wings.

Cheers

Doc

  • Like 10
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thx Guys,

Good spot Billy with the red trim, wondered if someone would see that. Obviously the red trim should be on both wheels but on this particular bike Dad replaced the 19in steel front rim to a 20in but that didn't have the hallmark black/red trim. Just another deviation from standard....!

Cheers

Doc

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

So the Vincent is near enough complete and thought I would post photos of the build as it stands right now.

GOW%201a_zpsfkys3dqa.jpg

As you can see I have bought a Tamiya 1/12 display case and made a base with logo to set it off.

I actually have more photos now of the real bike so I could generate more detail such as tax disc '74.

GOW2a_zps01bogpcx.jpg

GOW4a_zps1ogikg1c.jpg

GOW3a_zpshshoe0m6.jpg

GOW7a_zpsjuhjxmgh.jpg

Thanks for looking and next on the bench Fujimi's Suzuki RGV500, Schwantz style :winkgrin:

Cheers

Doc

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Beautiful. What colours did you use on the engine? Really must get round to completing mine some day

Cheers Marc

Engine had a gloss black base and then Alclad Polished Aluminium and Chrome although if you're modelling the Black Shadow the whole engine has to be black.

Cheers

Doc

Link to comment
Share on other sites

A stunning build Doc, makes me want to throw my leg over it, but I guess there must have been a knack in kicking it over :lol: and that tax disc is amazing - how did you do it ?

BillyD

Link to comment
Share on other sites

A stunning build Doc, makes me want to throw my leg over it, but I guess there must have been a knack in kicking it over :lol: and that tax disc is amazing - how did you do it ?

BillyD

Thx Billy,

Yes I remember getting the thing over compression used to make my Dad's face very red!

I hadn't intended adding a tax disc originally but as further reference photos of the bike emerged it was very prominent on the nearside.

Vinleft_zpsnequkhe7.jpg

The tax disc holder was homemade from stainless along with the none standard horn cover which I both replicated on the model. I used some thin ali shape cut and folded as per the original and added an image of a '74 tax disc after printing out reduced to 7mm width.

tax-disc1_zpsfmsimaf5.jpg

Amazing what you can find on t'internet :winkgrin:

All the best

Doc

Edited by Dr_Fester
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

What a great bike, I know these old moulds from revell are quite bad so you have done a fantastic job on this one!

Thx guys for your kind words. Yes MW of the 2 versions of this kit the Revell is definitely the worse in terms of soft molds and even an inaccurate speedo decal....kmh not mph.....!

Cheers

Doc

Link to comment
Share on other sites

That's a great end product Pete and it's SO nice to do something personal and very meaningful to you !

The only small problem I have with it, is nothing to do with the bike itself but the supports under the engine/gearbox assembly,

which are too noticeable for me.

I would have put them side by side (made from the smallest practicable material) so they appear like just one tube when viewed sideways on,

and painted them to merge in with the plinth, or maybe black?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

That's a great end product Pete and it's SO nice to do something personal and very meaningful to you !

The only small problem I have with it, is nothing to do with the bike itself but the supports under the engine/gearbox assembly,

which are too noticeable for me.

I would have put them side by side (made from the smallest practicable material) so they appear like just one tube when viewed sideways on,

and painted them to merge in with the plinth, or maybe black?

Thanks for the kind words Ian and yes I hear what you are saying about the mounting rods. I had intended using acrylic rod or block and still might for the finished article, just had some s/s tube to hand. Of course I could have displayed it with the rear stand down as most people do but to me the Vin looks best with both wheels on the ground. By the way the rear stand in the kit is too long as standard to display folded up so needs surgery!

So when is that 1/8 Black Shadow going to make an appearance...... :thumbsup:

Cheers

Doc

Link to comment
Share on other sites

That is a superb job you have done there. I had to look twice to make sure you didn't have a real bike standing on some giant clothes pegs!!

Congratulations on a teriffic build; I remember this kit from years ago - might look out for one myself.

Karl

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...