Tamiya 1/12 Ducati Superleggera V4

[Mr Bowcat]

Afternoon all.

So straight from one bike to another.



Started (as bikes tend to) with the engine. Turned this lot:



Into this:





Nothing to stressful so far, usual Tamiya build and only 4 colours. I'm about to make my life complicated though, I've decided to try and represent the carbon fibre on the frame (where it can be seen), swing arm and wheels. The first two shouldn't be too difficult, but the wheels are going to we fun. Its not just a case of draping a large decal over and making it fit as the weave runs in a particular way, as can be seen here.



To that end I've just ordered some Tamiya plain weave CF sheets from John. Until they arrive I can get the parts painted gloss black in preparation.

[Tim Marlow]

Rather you than me on that CF Bob. It will look really cool if you can pull it off though….
Engine looks the part!

[PaulinKendal]

Yep, engine looks excellent. What washes did you use? Nice and low-key - very realistic.

[Mr Bowcat]

Cheers guys.

Paul, just Tamiya black panel line wash.

[simontie]

Looking great, panel wash makes it jump out very nice, looking forward to the cf decal job i’m sure you’ll breeze it

[Mr Bowcat]

Cheers Simon, though I don't think the wheels will be a breeze. I'm worried I've not ordered enough CF decals.

[simontie]

Cheers Simon, though I don't think the wheels will be a breeze. I'm worried I've not ordered enough CF decals. :smiling3:

Im sure they’ll sell you more if you ask nicely :smiling5::thumb2:

[tigersteve]

Looking as good as I expected it to looking forward to the build as usual !

[Mr Bowcat]

Afternoon all.

So, carbon fibre. I decided to tackle the wheels first, thinking these will be the hardest to do (possibly famous last words).

So far I've done the front wheel. This began with some measuring, mathematics (I had to drag out Pi for the rim radii), thinking (the hardest part) and template making.




Many hours later (in excess of 10 over a couple of sessions) and 50 individually cut bits of CF decal, I ended up with this.





Now admittedly a little rough and ready, but this is zoomed right in and pre-gloss. At normal viewing distance it looks a lot better, in fact not even that obvious to the naked eye which beggars the question as to whether it's worth doing. For me the answer is yes, not so much from the viewing perspective, but from the pleasure derived from completing such a complex part.

[minitnkr]

Amazing.

[Allen Dewire]

Sorry I'm a bit behind on your builds Bob, but this is so incredible!!! Were all the CF decals measured and cut just for one wheel or do you still have to do the other one??? True dedication comes to mind Sir!!! Or did Tony (yakface) send you some of his Decal Juice to keep the nerves calm......

Prost
Allen

[Mr Bowcat]

Cheers guys. :smiling3:

Allen, yep all 50 parts hand cut, and just for the front wheel. The rear wheel is dished so will require an entire new set of templates.

No decal juice involved other that UMP decal solution, but it sounds interesting. :smiling:

[scottie3158]

Bob, that mate is a great bit of work both the engine and that wheel is superb.

[simontie]

Wow looks fantastic wheeliee good, look forward to the rear one lot of work aleast when you finish the rear one you can eat the Pi :tongue-out2::smiling::hungry:
(sorry)

[Tim Marlow]

Truly excellent, and a testament to your staying power Bob.