All the awesome builds on this site and others have insipred me to try my hand at something a little more complecated than a mere out-of-box build.

I got some supplies and decided to build the white/blue Minolta Konica bike.

Here is what I am going to be using:
1. Top Studio superdetaile resin/pe/metal set for RC211V 06'
2. Crazy Modeler superdetail pe set for 05-06' bike
3. Top Studio electrical connectors
4. Top Studio sensors and wiring
5. SMS smoked twill weave CF decals
6. Tamiya Grade-Up front forks and detail set for 06' bike
7. MFH exhaust springs

As usual, all the items were purchased from Steve [Hiroboy.com]

the plan is to display the bike 'naked', with its fairing separately. In order to do that, all the wiring must be routed and all the unseen connectors must be re-built.

I know that my skills are not on the level of the builders here, but I used some of the builds as my guide... Be gentle, its only my second bike.

Here we go, in no particular order:

Frame:
I stripped the frame of Tamiya chrome and shot bare aluminum from the Testor's Metallizer line. It was then buffed to a sheen and left uncoated for the raw metal look. the weld seams were highlighted with drybrushing and washes and the frame received all the metal fasteners, hooks and pe bolts. I also began to wire the instrument panel and some of the primary electrical junction boxes.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0058.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0059.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0060.jpg

The wheels were painted the bright blue recommended by Tamiya - it appears to be an exact match to the decals and the reference photos I saw of the bike. The valve stems are scratchbuilt aluminum items and the tires have been thoroughly scuffed up for the lightly raced look.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0061.jpg

Brakes:

Brakes are a typical carbon affair - they are PE (from crazy modeler) with the outer retainer rings from top Studio and Top Studio blot heads. They are painted magnesium and gunmetal mixture - all from Testor's Metallizer line.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0062.jpg

here they are on the bike - dryfitted

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0063.jpg

Tank and underbelly

Part of the resin pieces from Top Studio includes the gastank underbelly. It is CF on the real bike so....

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0064.jpg

Here is the remaining tank underbelly:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0065.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0066.jpg

and all of it together:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0068.jpg

there will be more wiring added to these parts later.

Random parts:

Also CFed the rear fender

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0069.jpg

and the saddle back part:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0072.jpg

constructed the PE chain from CM set - lets just say there are over 100 individual pieces :( I nearly went koo koo

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0070.jpg

the very nice turned aluminum exhaust pipes from the Top Studio set...its a shame I have to paint them...they are super nice.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0071.jpg

Now on to the engine:

The crowning jewel of this build is the engine - of course. it combines parts from Top Studio resin, Top Studio PE parts and the CM PE parts:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0074.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0075.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0076.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0078.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0079.jpg

What do you think? any suggestions, tips, feedback?

I think it looks excellent! You are on your way to sharp model! I don't know if you know it but, the Testors metalizer can make a heck of a mess if it is not sealed. It gets on your figures an you get prints everywhere. I did not see any prints on your model so you are doing very well.



Mark

slk320: nice work! what did you use to clear the CF?

I used Testors One Shot clear enamel. I am getting really good results from it - only two coats make a nice and even shiny coat.

Looking great so far. The CF on the fender, is that one piece?

Well, well, well, only your second bike build and at my point of view you deserve a top rank! This is going to be a stunning model!
/Joel

This is looking great! Is there much duplication between the different add on sets you have, eg, b/w Top Studio and CM sets? (I have this bike + TS too, am wondering if CM is worth getting)

i think this gonna look really good!!

Ro

looking absolutely great, I do admire you guys who do all this detailing, one day I may give it a bash, however don't think I would have time nor the patience required!! engine looks very realistic, great stuff!!

This is looking great! Is there much duplication between the different add on sets you have, eg, b/w Top Studio and CM sets? (I have this bike + TS too, am wondering if CM is worth getting)

Thanks everyone - as for the difference - honestly I think that the CM pe is set is much better than the TS. Its better done, the parts are connected to the tree via smller, thinner connectors, etc. The TS set has wicked resin parts though.

Ketje - yes, the CF on the fender is one piece. I also did the chain guards last night and they are all one piece as well. The saddleback is made up of multiple pieces due to complexity of the curves.

What a great job!!!!! awesome dude

Great job, I love the fuel injectors!

Wow, it's all looking incredible and especially for your second bike. I'm on my second but I'm still doing fairly OOB builds. Can't wait to see what else you achieve with this project.

Here are some updates:

Worked on the saddlebacks, CF clear coated with Future polish

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0080.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0081.jpg

Radiator: CF (both Cm and TS sets are used) the weld lines are created with superglue

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0082.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0083.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0084.jpg

Front fork and brakes set up. The forks are Tamiya detail up items, the brake calipers are resin pieces from TS and the rotors are CM pieces. The resin pieces to hold the sensors are TS as well.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0085.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0086.jpg

Front fender

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0087.jpg

Juicy juicy CF

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0088.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0089.jpg

Rear swing arm: resin, PE, etc..

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0096.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0095.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0093.jpg

Loose mock up of the frame:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0099.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0098.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0097.jpg

Exhaust. The weld lines are made with superglue.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0092.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0091.jpg

another shot of the engine

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0090.jpg

*slightly detailed* .... aha, and what´s heavily detailed :lol: ?????


Great job so far, nice CF-decal-work, welding seams and colours on the exhaust are a touch too heavy IMO

Love this work!!! I have this bike to do....but....I will never get your modeling level man!!! xD

*slightly detailed* .... aha, and what´s heavily detailed :lol: ?????


Great job so far, nice CF-decal-work, welding seams and colours on the exhaust are a touch too heavy IMO


You know I have been struggling with the exuast staining for a while and I can't seem to get it right. In person it looks much better than on these pictures though!

How do you do your staining on exhaust, do you airbrush or brush it on? think the welding would look fantastic if it were just 50% less, overall though I think your build is top class, dunno how some of you guys have the patience and skill to make those chains!! CF work great also. looking forward to seeing the bodywork take shape.
Great stuff

That looks great, awesome work! I need to build one of those bikes myself sometime....

A quick update for you guys:

Its all coming together now...

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0100.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0101.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0102.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0103.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0104.jpg

The handle bar (right one) is a resin item from Top Studio... so is the wiring and the fuses... its a bear and will drive a sane man bonkers.

Don't know if anyone is watching this thread - but here is another update. Its getting down to the wire now (no pun intended)

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0105.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0106.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0107.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0110.jpg

and I did the exhaust - this time I took a different route as far as staining.... what do you think?

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0111.jpg

We're watching alright. I think it's fantastic. And really going to school on it :)

looks fantastic, the detail looks very realistic! I much prefer the exhaust staining you have done to the more recent version, when do you expect to start the bodywork?

The bodywork will be done separetly - its will displayed separate from the bike.

Are those marks on the frame intentional weathering marks?

yep - intentional scuff marks around the area most often used... why, do they look like they are just a bad painjob? :(

Hmm... "Wow!!" just doesn't seem to cover it...

One question though, is the exhaust spring supposed to be that high up off the exhaust? And it's the first time I've seen a greenish heat staining...

Yea they do look like wear and tear, though in the photos it looks like paint is missing with whit showing, whereas I think these frames are unpainted solid alloy frames, I could be wrong mind! I quite often am!! I wasn't critisising, it is far beyond what I could do! maybe its because I like to see bikes nice n clean and shiny also!!:biggrin:


yep - intentional scuff marks around the area most often used... why, do they look like they are just a bad painjob? :(

Nice build, great details.

I would have one remark. Next time you should pay more attention for the fiber directions on the CF elements.

The only part where the cf weave is different is the saddleback - thats because according to my PitPass book that area is made up of patches of CF... do you see any other area I need to fix up my CF on?

Thanks for the help!

Seems like many of the threads are being viewed, but no comments... :uhoh:

Awesome work on the engine and the heat staining on the exhaust are spot on. The only bad thing is that the cowlings cover up so much of these bikes. Are you going to display the bike with them off?

CF mania SLK! Looks great and your wiring must make you nuts... I'm yet to try that area. I think the wheathering of the frame looks pretty good although I agree upon the point that the frame is aluminum all the way through. It is pretty hard to do wear and tear justice in this scale and I think it looks nice together with your other detailing. The fact that you had an idea behind it makes it interesting and worth the try in my mind. THumbs up for new ways to go about the wheathering.
/Joel

AWESOME... it really looks like the TopStudio set is worth it, all the wiring + connectors look great! Lovely work on the CF :smokin:

Thanks for the feedback everyone.

I will be displaying the bike completely without cowling. Cowling will be assembled and displayed separately...although I haven't figured out how yet.

Excellent job.

thank you for your encouragement! Here is a small update:

Got the Top Studio resin stands built up:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0123.jpg

got the exhaust positioned and fixed in place:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0124.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0125.jpg

Started to work on the cowling:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0126.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0129.jpg

So far so good with the decals - I clear coated Tamiya pure white and applied decal. The decals needed some extra Miro Sol, but then settled in nicely. I shot Testor's One Shot gloss clear over them. I only have the last buttom cowling to do and button up some front wiring and it will be done.... (I hope)

Almost done with the fairings - does anyone know or can think of an innovative way of displaying the complete fairings separately from the bike? I was thinking about using solder wire/ or other brass wirse to create a skeleton of a bike and use it to display the fairings...

Any ideas will be greatly appreciated.

Fantastic build! Great details and overall finish.

I have to start my Konica :)

Almost done with the fairings - does anyone know or can think of an innovative way of displaying the complete fairings separately from the bike? I was thinking about using solder wire/ or other brass wirse to create a skeleton of a bike and use it to display the fairings...

Any ideas will be greatly appreciated.

I've seen this done before and it looked really great. I think that modeler used plastic rod and just mounted the whole set of cowls together and displayed it next to the naked bike. I'll see if I can get hold of some pictures.

Another (although time consuming) way that I've been thinking of is to do another bike of the same kit and display that fully dressed next to the other but with your detailing level that will mean quite a lot of work.

/Joel

I've made a stand for my RG from revell.
It's welded on a small plate and made from 0ne bend 6mm rod and two 3 mm rods.
The small rods are on the original fitting places made.

http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i99/denman_2006/corvette%20duo/P2220054.jpg
http://i70.photobucket.com/albums/i99/denman_2006/corvette%20duo/P2220053.jpg

denman

Thats actually pretty awesome - I was looking for something like that!

Completed the fairings and the "frame bike" to put them on:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0001.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0002.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0003.jpg

Side by Side:

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0004.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0005.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/slk320/RC211V/PICT0006.jpg

Now thats a really awesome idea, using the frame bike, and painting all the parts grey like that. Awesome presentation!!

Fantastic bike!!

I think that someone should modify the title by Minolta detailed :) The fairings looks great, I think that a great way to put the fairings beside the naked bike should be with transparent plastic or something like this but keeping the original position so you could see inside the fairings.
Roca.

only 2 words...

Simply Amazing !

regards from a Brazilian Plastic Model Kit's Lover !

The only part where the cf weave is different is the saddleback - thats because according to my PitPass book that area is made up of patches of CF... do you see any other area I need to fix up my CF on?

Thanks for the help!
Hi

I see inconsistency on the panel under the seat and also on the clutch cover.

But very nice details and overall performance :)