What scale CF Decals for 1:12 bike kits? Thanks.

mickbench · #1 04-28-2006, 04:51 AM

Erm, silly question perhaps, but what scale SMS CF decals do I need to buy for a Tamiya 1:12 bike kit? I thought it was 1/24, but then it occurred to me, perhaps it’s a different scale, and now I don’t know.

Thanks

RallyRaider · #2 04-28-2006, 05:44 AM

Yeah, perhaps it is a silly question.

I'd say check your references and pick something that is of an appropriate weave and size. Usually carbon fibre decals are too large for scale in 1/24th and particularly 1/43rd. They have to be so you can see the pattern. 1/12th being bigger allows you more freedom. There are so called 1/12th scale decals in SMS and others line-ups, but (again depending on references) sometimes smaller scale decals could be more appropriate.

sjelic · #3 04-28-2006, 05:56 AM

That is true, if you ask me 1/20 or even 1/24 will be good for your Ducati. 1/12 are way to big and to strong pattern for bikes.

wouter1981 · #4 04-28-2006, 06:05 AM

Well.. I've started a 1/12 car and i'll use 1/24 carbond decals. I find 1/12 carbon really to big. Just search for a picture and count the lines...

gionc · #5 04-28-2006, 06:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wouter1981

Well.. I've started a 1/12 car and i'll use 1/24 carbond decals. I find 1/12 carbon really to big. Just search for a picture and count the lines...

I fully agree with you but I think the problem isn't just count pattern's lines: my choice is for the best appeal despite the reduction ratio: I've several real carbon parts as samples here, from bike silencers to fishing rods and some RC tuned parts, but nothing is like our carbon sheets. I tried to print by myself on transparent (silver background) at 9600 dpi and I had quetly good(and cheaper

) results, not better than SM too.

wouter1981 · #6 04-28-2006, 06:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gionc

I fully agree with you but I think the problem isn't just count pattern's lines: my choice is for the best appeal despite the reduction ratio: I've several real carbon parts as samples here, from bike silencers to fishing rods and some RC tuned parts, but nothing is like our carbon sheets. I tried to print by myself on transparent (silver background) at 9600 dpi and I had quetly good(and cheaper

) results, not better than SM too.

Treu..a model in the firts place has to look good for me, no matter if it's realistic. Some times you have to exagerate (or how ever it's written;-). But 1/12 carbon, just doesn't seem right to me. but hey, that just my humble opinion;-)

gionc · #7 04-28-2006, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wouter1981

Treu..a model in the firts place has to look good for me, no matter if it's realistic. Some times you have to exagerate (or how ever it's written;-). But 1/12 carbon, just doesn't seem right to me. but hey, that just my humble opinion;-)

If I don't read wrong what I wrote I start be " I fully agree with you"

so no doubt about 1/12 pattern is too big

mickbench · #8 04-28-2006, 06:48 AM

Right, to get this right then, 1:12 CF decals are too out of scale, whereas 1:20 are slightly larger in scale then 1:24, but either would be fine. Has anyone on this board built a ducati using CF decals, or have ref: pictures I can look at, before I start hitting google image searches to see what would be better? And I’m hardly going to start counting CF lines, I’ve got poor eye sight as it is, so perhaps counting the lines in CF would send me even more boggle eye’d. LOL As long as what I do “looks” acceptable, then this’ll be fine.

I’m thinking that perhaps this wasn’t such a stupid question after all.

Exotics_Builder · #9 04-28-2006, 10:44 AM

I'm just starting to do a 916 Ducati Senna, so I've just started concerning myself with the CF paterns, particularly for the mufflers which are very visible.

I have a variety of SMS and Modelers CF and will be comparing with reference photos I've found on the web.

Gerry

gundam1969 · #10 04-28-2006, 03:10 PM

Mick, I use Scale Motorsports 1/20th scale CF. It looks just right to me.

Hope this helps.

Paul.

grundski · #11 04-28-2006, 04:15 PM

I used the 12 pattern and it is indeed way too large. Bikes today use both the weave pattern and the modern pattern that scale motorsport has and they are different sizes. Using a combo of 24th and 20th will be fine. If you want the cheaper route and only want to buy one scale, I would go with the 20th.

americas911 · #12 04-30-2006, 12:59 AM

Here are some pics of my Ducati. I used SMS 1/20th High Def Carbon decals. Hope this helps

Better Pic.....

mickbench · #13 04-30-2006, 07:47 PM

Right, I’ve ordered 1020 SMS CF decals, but now I’m seeing a lot of you use high tech, so have I ordered the wrong ones? I have the twirl weave, not the plain weave. Boy is this confusing….

americas911 · #14 05-01-2006, 12:21 AM

I use both as well. Just with some of these newer bikes, the high def is the way to go.

Thanx and Your Bike is coming along nicely.
Doug

RallyRaider · #15 05-01-2006, 02:54 AM

I don't think it's as simple as saying 1/12th scale carbon decals are too large. That's a generalisation. While some sheets may be too large for some applications that doesn't mean all are. For instance F1 Specialties 1/12 carbon fibre is not too large IMHO, I even use it on 1/24th scale cars!

Remember all carbon fibre is not the same and as Gionc wrote often doesn't resemble carbon decals at all. We can just do the best we can to represent the real thing.

As always check your references and choose what pleases you.

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