Moto GP group build '05

Racer155,

Along with what wolfpac wrote, for bikes like Rossi's or Melandri's '04 M1s, there are aftermarket decals that have the tobacco sponsor's logo.  Others probably don't mind, but one of my pet peeves about modeling is if you want tobacco advertizing on your model, you have to pay aftermarket prices.  Some people think it looks cool, but I'm not crazy about the non-tobacco scheme.  Just so obvious something's missing.  Even on the real ones. Also, Scale Motorsport and probably some other companies sell template sets for the carbon fiber decals.  I haven't tried them yet, but they look really promising. Instead of painting the interior parts flat or semi-gloss black, I think what happens is you use the template to cut out the shapes from the c/f sheet and then apply to the inside of the fairing, air box, etc.  The only thing holding me back from trying these right now is funding.  The Mrs. doesn't see much sense in all my efforts going into something that just "sits there", and attempts to limit expenditures accordingly.  Take a look at Hobby Link Japan's website.  They have a lot of aftermarket stuff, and get the latest kits pretty quickly.  You can even pre-order from them like I did with the C. Edwards Laguna Seca M1, supposedly out this month.  They also have decals for certain "test" bikes and others that weren't made into kits.  I've also heard that there's a Kawi ZZ-RR resin kit out there, but it's quite rare and expensive.  If you're ready to drop some $$$$$, the aftermarket is there for these bikes to the point that when you're done, it will look like all you need is some race gas and a 1/12th scale friend, and you'll be ready to race.

Thanks Erik,

I've been doing all kinds of research since I posted my first few questions....about 3 or 4 hours ago...(i'm off today). Thanks for replying and yes, between your posts and all the other ones I've already learned a lot of the new tricks and visited lots of websites...I'm amazed by the quality of some models out there!

I have 3 Tamiya models ready to go, 2004 Yamaha M1, 2003 RC211V and a 2005 Ducati Desmo. After seeing the pix I've seen today, I'm afraid to start with this task....

Anyway, thanks for your time and count me in as a member!

See you all,

Marcelo

racer155 wrote:

Hello everyone, sorry I'm using the Reply button to post a new thread...but I couldn't find the New Topic button. I'm new to this forum and glad I found it...I'm trying to get back into modeling after many years of not doing it. I am a motorcycle fanatic, Moto GP is my drug and I decided to build my collection of Moto GP racers but I want to do it right. Mine too.  Every other series is almost dull in comparison. I've been reading your postings and I see there are many tricks to be used when building these models. I have 3 or 4 specific questions: 1- CF decals or sheets - who makes them? did I read they come in 1:12 and 1:24 scale? applying techniques? I use Scale Motorsports CF decal sheets.  I have found that they apply well and react very well to Micro Sol.  There are a ton of brands out there, but I buy mine from here http://www.detailanddesigninscale.com/id27.html 2- What's Micro Sol and when and how do you use it?....Sorry, I keep reading about it but I'm otdated... Micro Sol is a decal softner that allows the decal to conform around egdes and and flaten itself to the part it is applied to.  When used under a clear coat it will give the look of being painted on as apposed to a decal. 3- Any other aftermarket accesory trick used to make models better? Transparent tubing for brake resivour lines.  Thinner tubing to simulate all the electronics lines.  PE parts are plentiful if you know how to use them (I am unfortunatley an idiot in this department).  After market fork kits for the Ducati and Yamaha M1.  Alclad II paints for frames and exhausts.  The list is almost endless 4- I read in the Tamiya website that the new cans they make can come close to what airbrushes do...so, airbrush or can? (I think I know the answer but I'd like to hear it from the pros) I have only used spray cans for my body work and have gotten pretty decent results.  The best explanation against using the cans was something along the lines of using a fire hydrant hose to spray your parts.  These parts were painted using TS-51 spray can 5- What are the glues and basic tools you guys use, for bikes specifically? I prefer using Tamiya's Extra Thin cement as well as a super glue gel.  Thanks for your time and for being out there...seems like a great forum to be part of! These guys have a ton more experience than I do and they are more than happy to help.  Feel free to ask and I assure you someone will chime in.  I hope this helps! Erik

Hello everyone, sorry I'm using the Reply button to post a new thread...but I couldn't find the New Topic button.

I'm new to this forum and glad I found it...I'm trying to get back into modeling after many years of not doing it.

I am a motorcycle fanatic, Moto GP is my drug and I decided to build my collection of Moto GP racers but I want to do it right.

I've been reading your postings and I see there are many tricks to be used when building these models. I have 3 or 4 specific questions:

1- CF decals or sheets - who makes them? did I read they come in 1:12 and 1:24 scale? applying techniques?

2- What's Micro Sol and when and how do you use it?....Sorry, I keep reading about it but I'm otdated...

3- Any other aftermarket accesory trick used to make models better?

4- I read in the Tamiya website that the new cans they make can come close to what airbrushes do...so, airbrush or can? (I think I know the answer but I'd like to hear it from the pros)

5- What are the glues and basic tools you guys use, for bikes specifically?

Thanks for your time and for being out there...seems like a great forum to be part of!

Yamafreak72 wrote:

OK, so I'm watching the FP2 for Catalunya right now, and I may be a little slow on the uptake, but why aren't Loris and Sete running Marlboro logos?  Did they lose Marlb. as a sponsor?  I saw that both the Camel Yamahas and Fortuna Hondas are wearing full tobacco sponsorship, so what gives?  And please forgive me if this is something I should have noticed earlier, hard to keep track of what countries they're allowed to run tobacco ads and which they're not.  Oh, and the Hayden RC is DONE, just gotta get the digi camera to cooperate, and I should have pics this weekend.

I do not beleive they run the Baco logo's during FP and QP.  I noticed this the first race of the season, the Ducs were running the logo stripes but no logo, but during the race they were running full Baco logo's.

Definitley looking forward to the Hayden bike!

OK, so I'm watching the FP2 for Catalunya right now, and I may be a little slow on the uptake, but why aren't Loris and Sete running Marlboro logos?  Did they lose Marlb. as a sponsor?  I saw that both the Camel Yamahas and Fortuna Hondas are wearing full tobacco sponsorship, so what gives?  And please forgive me if this is something I should have noticed earlier, hard to keep track of what countries they're allowed to run tobacco ads and which they're not.  Oh, and the Hayden RC is DONE, just gotta get the digi camera to cooperate, and I should have pics this weekend.

Ohh, I LOVE these kind of projects. I haven't seen any pictures of this ride before and can say nothing about how you succeded with the decal job but it's a lovely bike and the build looks really clean.

My best regards

Joel

Hi all,

Ive done all 250s up to now (making all of Tetsuya Haradas bikes - should be a nice little collection when its finished). Thought you might like to see this. Its an 2000 NSR500 that Harada used during pre-season testing in 2002, before he got the "new" look NSR. Came across a few pictures of it and liked the look of it, so just had to have a go and make it. Heres the real one:

The model is the Tamiya Nastro Azzurro NSR with custom decals. First 500 Ive tried. Not perfect imo, but as with everything, its practice, practice and more practice....

Yeah what a race!!!!!! One of the best ever as said. But I don't agree with you on the color scheme. I liked it at first (Perhaps the dream of new decal sheets to be released) but as the race went on I changed my mind.

/Joel

Ducati just sent us this PR blog from Mugello to mark the launch of their production prototype:

Thursday Jun 1 2006
Desmosedici RR Unveiling:

The Ducati Desmosedici RR production prototype has been launched at Mugello on the eve of the Italian Grand Prix. Available from July 2007, this first true MotoGP replica motorcycle can already be reserved from the official Ducati dealer network.

DUCATI DESMOSEDICI RR: THE ULTIMATE DUCATI EXPERIENCE.

Scarperia del Mugello (Italy), June 1st 2006:

Ducati has chosen the magical atmosphere of the Italian Grand Prix at Mugello to launch the Desmosedici RR production prototype.

The dream of a true GP replica has finally come true and the Desmosedici RR will be the first-ever road-going motorcycle to offer such a stunning wealth of performance and technology that comes directly from Ducati's experience in MotoGP. The RR derives from the Ducati Corse Grand Prix racing Desmosedici GP6, the same bike with which Loris Capirossi and Sete Gibernau are competing with in the 2006 MotoGP World Championship.

The Mugello launch is the perfect occasion to reveal the shape and the technical characteristics with which the bike will go to market, confirming the high technological features of this exclusive and esoteric machine.

The body design and the aerodynamics faithfully reflect the Desmosedici GP6. The colour scheme, the fittings, the materials used in its construction as well as the technical features of the powerful four-cylinder desmodromic engine built by the Borgo Panigale factory engineers, leave no doubts whatsoever: the Desmosedici RR is the ultimate expression of the most extreme MotoGP racing machine today.

The project is currently in the industrialization phase and, as previously announced, it will be a limited edition motorcycle, with approximately 400 bikes being produced a year. The RR is scheduled to arrive in the market in July 2007, while from June 2nd 2006 it will be possible to reserve the bike through the official Ducati dealer network, with Ducati 999R owners receiving priority.

This is the new frontier of Ducati technological evolution, a dream come true, demonstrating once again the courage and the passion of Ducati, as well as the ability to transfer the experience of the racing world to a machine that is destined for road use.

Federico Minoli - Chairman and Managing Director of Ducati Motor Holding - and Claudio Domenicali - Product Director of Ducati Motor and Managing Director of Ducati Corse - together with Ducati Corse riders Loris Capirossi, Sete Gibernau and Vittoriano Guareschi were at Mugello to unveil Ducati's latest jewel of technology.

"This is an important moment for us, another dream come true. Producing the Desmosedici RR means offering the ultimate expression of Ducati technology, while remaining faithful to the tradition of every one of our road and racing bikes," declared Federico Minoli. "It is a challenge that we wanted to accept and although relatively few bikes will be made, the RR will be a true object of desire for all Ducatisti. It will be the ultimate Ducati experience, one that best exemplifies the passion and the ingenuity for which we are famous. Meanwhile the twin-cylinder remains and will continue to remain Ducati's traditional engine, having equipped all of our production models in the past and equipping them in the future."

"The Desmosedici RR is a true Grand Prix replica," commented Claudio Domenicali. "The technological level of this bike is extraordinarily high and for the first time ever all the authentic performance and technology of the ultimate MotoGP racing machine have been transferred to a road-going motorcycle. Over 200 hp of power for a bike that features exclusive components and quality materials, destined to become the new point of reference for production motorcycles. There couldn't have been a better place than Mugello for the unveiling of this new bike and who better to take the wraps off it than Loris, Sete and Vittoriano, because this bike is also their bike and all of their experience has gone into developing this road-going motorcycle."

Technical features at a glance
Desmosedici engine features:

200+ hp with racing exhaust kit (supplied with every bike)
989cc L-Four cylinder, Twin Pulse configuration
Desmodromic, with 16 titanium valves (Desmosedici)
quadruple 12 hole 'micro-jet' fuel injectors
Double overhead cams, gear driven
titanium connecting rods
cassette transmission
sand cast engine cases
magnesium covers
4 into 2 into 1 vertical exit exhaust
dry 'Slipper' clutch

Desmosedici chassis features:

Hybrid Trellis frame
Carbon fibre seat support
Öhlins nitrogen pressurized reservoir 43mm "FG353" PFF forks
Öhlins four-way adjustable rear shock with GP6 linkage and geometry
Brembo radial "monoblock" front callipers
forged and machined Marchesini magnesium wheels
New lightweight Corse electronic multifunction dashboard
aluminium alloy tank
Full Carbon fibre body
Bridgestone tyres with special profile and structure

The Desmosedici RR will be available with a special race kit that includes a 102 dB racing exhaust, a dedicated CPU, bike cover, track stand.

For this exclusive Ducati model a new dedicated service plan has been devised thanks to which each Ducati Desmosedici RR owner can count upon a three-year warranty and a three-year maintenance period free of charge.

Two versions of the RR will be available: the Desmosedici RR is painted in 'Rosso GP', has a white number plate on the tail section and a white Ducati logo on the fairing, while the Desmosedici RR 'Team Version' is painted in 'Rosso GP', and as with the factory Corse bikes, has a broad white stripe on the fairing. A team sponsor decal kit will be provided with each bike.

Taken from here

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2006/Jun/tb/060601k.htm

archangel571 wrote:

Now is there mention of aftermarket marlboro decals for it??

phhhhhhhhwwwwwthhhhhhhhhhhhhh.......aaaaaaaaaaaaargggghhhhh, crap I don't have 65000 USD...Do you guys think they would accept my right foot as payment???

/Joel

S-T-U-N-N-I-N-G!!!!

Great work Andrew and such crisp photos. My best for this one!

/Joel

The Suzuki RGV500 is completed pictures added below

Andrew

The zook is looking very nice!  I have a 99 RGV-R that I have been toying with.  My problem is I cannot find any reference pics.  I'm looking to find out if the sub frame is CF, and what parts of the air box are CF.  I'm also looking for a view of the speedo and data collection boxes. 

Very clean work!!!!!!

Hi Shayne, I feel your pain and frustration with the KR500, I think we have all had those breakages, bikes are quite flimsy and they do tend to break for no good reason.   Good luck with the Spiderman version

Progress pictures of the Suzuki RGV 500 with the lower exhausts on

Will post more as the build progresses

Andrew

THIS JUST IN!

http://www.tamiyausa.com/product/item.php?product-id=14104

Can't wait to see the parts differences from the '04 to the '05!  Promised myself I'd take a break from posting for a while, but this I couldn't resist. 

But just the #5 machine?

JUST PRE-ORDERED MINE!

That's one crazy shine on those cowls Andrew...!! I'm simply amazed!

/joel

archangel571 wrote:

Aside from the primers, I have seen online for a F2001 F1 car build that the builder used a coat of silver before painting the inside of the cowling black.  I haven't tried it myself yet but it falls in the same light reflection theory behind the lighter colored primers.

Yamafreak72 wrote:

I feel like a pre-schooler smashing together crayons, paste and tongue depressors after seeing this. Right now, I've got to make a decision about my Duc.  I painted the insides of the fairings flat black as per the instructions, then a coat of Testor's Guard's Red on the outside of the panels to include the frame.  Now, those panels that are black on the inside seem to be translucent enough to allow some of the black to shine through, which is darkening the red significantly.  You can really tell the difference between parts like the frame and fender (which I haven't painted the inside black yet) and the rest.  I suppose I'll try another coat of red on the outside and see how it goes, but do you all have any suggestions as to how to avoid this in the future?  I'm just really afraid of losing surface detail by laying on too much paint.

Aside from the primers, I have seen online for a F2001 F1 car build that the builder used a coat of silver before painting the inside of the cowling black.  I haven't tried it myself yet but it falls in the same light reflection theory behind the lighter colored primers.

Hi Yamfreak72

I have had similar problems in the past with the black and have adapted my technique to putting down a white primer coat before the colour coats on the body parts and the frames.

The results work very well but you have to watch the primer it can turn into orange peel especially in corners etc. Apparently it is supposed to “chemically bond or etch” with the plastic but I have found that it chips very easily and now I rub down all body parts with 600 grit water paper, roughing it up nicely to get the paint to grip onto the plastic (I am not convinced by the “chemical bonding” story).

Next I lay down a mist primer coat to check for imperfections etc and then is all is okay a wet primer coat is laid down. Once the primer is dry I sand it with 1500 grit water paper and then spray the colour coats with super results, I have had some colours like TS49 Red and TS14 Black go on and produce a very smooth gloss finish. There is no need to do too many coats I find I can manage with one mist primer followed by one normal primer coat then one or two colour coats. I spray the black insides last after decals and clear etc and use Tamiya Black Enamel paint very thin and just put down enough black to produce the CF effect inside the fairings etc, you don’t see most of it anyway once the fairings are on.

Here are a couple of bikes sprayed recently using the above primer/gloss coat system

Senna 916 Ducati

 Pramac Ducati GP4

Hope this is helpful

Andrew

Hi WolfPac

The colours that I used were all from the Tamiya Enamel range and the process that I used was as follows:

·        X32 Titanium Silver Base coat

·        X23 Clear blue around the main areas where the staining is found

·        X16 Purple in bands next to the clear blue and blending in the blue/purple

·        X24 Clear yellow bands next to the purple again blending in the yellow/purple

·        X19 Smoke spray a fairly dark coat over all the bands etc to just tone down the colours a bit

·        At this stage it really looks more like Joseph’s Technicolor coat that a Suzuki exhaust pipe!

·        “Mist” coat X32 Titanium Silver this time very diluted about 1 part X32 to 20 parts thinners (Enamel thinners)

I misted the silver by looking a pictures of the Suzuki exhausts and where there was heavy discoloration I did not apply any X32 and where the exhausts should be silver I put down a heavy coat of X32 but again keeping it light here and there to let the blues and yellows shine through in some areas

I think the end result was a “lot of luck” and not sure if I can get it right again, sometimes with modeling you have really good days and sometimes off days where nothing works?

Andrew