WIP Rossi YZR-M1 2005 Laguna Seca

[Modelcrafters.GP]

Hi guys,

I got my hands on a new WIP. This time, its the 2005 YZR-M1 ridden by Valentino Rossi at Laguna Seca. The kit is no.104 in Tamiya's lineup of motorcycle models. The decals that come shipped with the model is meant to replicate Colin Edwards' fine ride, however since I am a big Rossi nut, i'm out to do a livery with Rossi's numbers/design instead.

Although I have 2 Rossi's RC211Vs in WIP, I couldn't help but want to start building this kit right away for the IPMS Vancouver show in October, plus there are enough new parts in this kit to make it worthwhile.

I'm quite happy that Tamiya didn't just do a decal print change and slap it together for a quick sale. I realized that many changes were made to this kit to warrant practically a new product for Tamiya. Apparently, some of the brand new parts include the fairings (front/side/seat/tail), radiator, engine, frame, exhaust and some suspension bits. The wheels, dash console, exhaust cover, clip-ons, and swingarm remains the same.

For this kit, i'm going to be using the fork upgrade set, as I really like the gold anodized machined forks that I can never seem to get quite right when I normally airbrush gold paint. The set also comes with a yellow spring and an Ohlins steering damper. To get Rossi's decals done right, i'll be using the Crazy Modeler decals (thanks Laurel!).

If you are thinking about doing this kit yourself, my store still has three remaining on the shelf, plus the upgrades.

Now hopefully I can balance life/shop/wife to finish this kit before the IPMS show.

Here's the pics:





The next few pics will be the prepped up bodywork and exhaust. Stay tuned!

[iceracer1]

WOW!!

I never knew there was a kit of this version! Is it one of the newest models from Tamiya or????

When I see this one here in my local hobbyshop I get em directly!

I'll follow this one GOOD LUCK!

Kris.

[Ole_L]

I just joined this site today - this is my first post actually. I'm about to start the very same kit, but I will be building the Colin Edwards version. Should be fun to build them side by side.

[Modelcrafters.GP]

Hi Ole! Good luck on yours!

[Roca46]

Hey! Good luck in the progress!! I hope to see the body soon

Roca.

[joelwideqvist]

This is one great looking bike. I bet you'll do it justice Vincent!
/Joel

[Modelcrafters.GP]

Hi guys,

Today was a pretty slow day in getting anything done on the kit.

I just managed to fill in the seams on the 4 part tail. I nearly messed up the entire tail because I was too enthusiastic on the glue near the seat area and when I tried sanding/filing, praying/cursing I thought that the tail was ruined. I tried using some rifling files and luckily I managed to make a recovery.

The exhaust was pretty sweet. I tried looking at my MotoGP Pitwalk 2004/5 books for the tip profile. Apparently, the Tamiya exhaust's tip/lip was a little too thick, so I carefully filed/sanded so the tip's lip is thinner.

The swingarm called for some mods, mostly for the bike stand support and wheel alignment/wheelbase adjustment screws. It was pretty easy but time consuming and took about an hour of careful chiseling, sanding, and cursing when the chisel missed and plunged into my index finger (had to break out the bandaid this time). I wasn't sure if the swingarm needed its seams filled, and my reference books couldn't show a good angle on its fabrication. I guess that since this a million dollar prototype, its probably carved from solid billet aluminum or some other pricey material and is just one piece...so I just filled the seams.

The fuel tank cover was a pretty simple affair. Just a little bit of careful glueing, waiting, sanding and primering to check for defects.

Overall, I was pretty happy today in my recovery of the tail, and hopefully tomorrow, after when the primer is fully dry, i can sand down the parts smooth and begin prep work on the other bits.

Here are the pics:

[Roca46]

Omg... what a soft pieces here... love the body..

Well keep it up!

Roca.

[joelwideqvist]

I agree, the tail of the later M1:s are so nice.
/Joel

[Ole_L]

Great progress... looking forward to seeing more.

[91p10nizmo]

Looking good so far will be watching this one.