Honda NSR500 84 Tamiya 1/12

[NigeG]

 

So this is my first build from new in 10 years, I'm trying lots of new techniques and putting in  a lot more time and effort.

Already 2 weeks in, but i did take some pics last week before i went mad with the airbrush.

learnt a lot about using Alclad's, its all about preparation of the primed surface, the smoother the better and only very light mist coats of the final finish.

Still some finishing touches to do on the following, one step at a time and I'm coping, just.

Any suggestions are more than welcome.

 

I must comment on the quality of the kit, the last 2 i built where originally from the 80's, I think this kit is about 6 years old. Fantastic job by Tamiya

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Batch 1 of X18

 

 

 

 

 

the underbelly petrol tank. went a bid mad with hi shine aluminium alclad on the outside, love the finish of it, it wont be seen when the body work is fitted.

 

 

 

first time for drilling out the discs, didnt take that long, yikes, 0.3mm drill

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Engine put together today and almost ready to go into the frame.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited November 17, 2020 by NigeG

[dannybgoode]

Lovely  job. I too have returned after many years absence and have been taking my time to really try and do a thorough job. Used to rush through them when I was younger but now if it takes me an hour to complete one little bit really well so be it. 
 

I need to try one of these big Tamiya bikes also. They look such nice kits. 

[NigeG]

Thx Danny, It’s not a big kit as in 1/6, just the standard 1/12.

i am very impressed with the detail in these modern kits though. 

[Stef N.]

Looking good Nige. It's a really nice kit to work with, isn't it?? I haven't used Alclad but it gives a good finish that's for sure.👍

[NigeG]

Thx Stef, yes indeed it’s a superb kit. It’s helps being a bike fan 😀

 

still getting use  to the Alclads, it’s all about prepping the primer, any imperfections show up. Very low pressure as well, around 10 to 15psi or even lower 

[Stef N.]

I use AK metallics mostly and it is the same. Get the primer right and the rest should be easy.

 

What I know about bikes could be written on a postage stamp. But I enjoy building them and the painting process is great for airbrushing techniques and learning about different paints.

[NigeG]

I’ll be painting the body in tamiya LP paint, a first for me.

[Stef N.]

That paint is brilliant. A bit potent but a great finish and with even glosses drying super fast you can do a few coats in one paint session.

[NigeG]

I need to have a play with spraying the LP stuff, I’ve got the thinner with retarder, so I’ll see how it goes on and what I can get away with. 

[NigeG]

Rear shock and swingarm done ready for installation on the frame, which is nearly ready....

 

 

 

 

[NigeG]

Rear Wheel ready for putting together.

 

 

 

Front discs painted and ready for a bit of detail.

 

 

 

[NigeG]

Rear end ready to go in

 

 

 

 

thought I'd try some extra detail so bought some micro tubing, I tried shaving down the plastic stub piece for the tubing to push onto and it broke off.

I managed to use a soldering iron to melt a piece of tiny wire into the plastic to act as new tube connector.  It will be cut shorter when I'm reading to fit the tube.

not sure how your supposed to use this stuff

 

 

Engine fitted into the frame

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expansion Chambers and silencers fitted.

 

 

 

 

[heloman1]

Looking good, some neat painting going on there. Like the engine and its piping Got this kit in my stash, so nice to see how you have gone about it.

 

Colin

[NigeG]

Thanks Colin,

it’s pushing me over the edge almost, made a small booboo on the left side ignition leads. Ive cut them short as you see in the picture because I thought they where way to long, another piece goes behind them which I haven’t fitted yet. Basically I’ve missed out a step, new ignition leads needed and I can’t really get access to the spark plugs.

you live and you learn, follow the included instructions in order 😳

[Stef N.]

Looking good especially the painting of the exhausts.👍

[NigeG]

A bit more progress made, rear end fitted and radiator and a bit of plumbing.

Front wheel ready to roll, really pleased with how the discs have turned out.

ready to build up the front end now but need the front mudguard painting so the forks can be assembled.

So no choice, on with the bodywork.

 

 

 

 

 

[NigeG]

Busy few days putting the front end together and all the plumbing involved.

Very happy with the result so far, body work primed, bit more filler, primed and painted gloss white, tamiya LP2, love this paint

couple of small items to fit and sort out.

 

next is masking off to apply the red, then on with the decals ready for the finished bike.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Stef N.]

That's looking stunning. The red pops and something simple like the different tubing adds so much more to the kit. Love it. 

[NigeG]

Thx Stef, 

love that red paint, no clear Koat on that either, just the natural finish of the paint.

i will be clear coating the other bodywork though, decals protection and all that.

looking forward to doing those blue decals 😬

[NigeG]

masked up and a lick of Italian Racing Red. a light rub down needed then on with the clear cote.

 

 

A little tip I read on this forum, always in isolation until each piece is sprayed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[NigeG]

Had a go at the blue decals for the seat unit, omg, what a PITA, they’re like a Tom Cruise movie, and I don’t mean top gun.

plan B, tamiya X3 appears a very close match so currently back in the masking dept.

[Stef N.]

X3 is pretty much spot on, a tad out, but only noticable if it is pointed out.

[NigeG]

I just seem to struggle with decals on lumps and bumps 😩

[NigeG]

Very nearly done, an update before completion.

As said above the blue seat decals I found to be impossible, so I masked off and painted X3 blue.

The yellow number board decals also became a bit of a challenge, little bit of touch up here and there needed. All bodywork now klear Koted  and flat blacked inside.

Just a little bit of detail painting needed on the dummy tank, brackets etc, and the bodywork is ready to be fitted and its final unveiling.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited December 23, 2020 by NigeG

[Ottopv]

Just caught up on this build looking fantastic can’t wait to see it altogether