In Progress R-M Choppers

[Andy Jones]

Although previously I've only ever built cars I kept seeing these on various forums and got a bit fired up over them so thought I'd give them a go. Haven't built a bike before so I guess that as these are simplified they're ideal for a 1st timer . Anyway kits arrived yesterday and here's what I've got so far :
Aces Wild

Crusader

(Tank & handlebars are a bit out ofline as only thrown together)
Sorry pics are monochrome but it's dark by the time I get back form work.
Cheers
Andy

[robrex]

I'm sure you will do a great job with these bikes Andy!
I'll keep a close eye on the progress

[joelwideqvist]

I'll follow as well! Any plans for the color scheme?
/Joel

[cwmax]

Looking good so far, glad to see you have both these kits as I can see the differences between them. Looks like you mixed them up a bit, tank from one kit on the other? Is that rear tire on the aces wider then the other? Looks like it in the pic.

I'll be following your builds as I work on mine.

[Andy Jones]

I've made a bit of progress on the Aces Wild kit
(I prefer the look of the short frame Crusader kit but thought if I do this one first it'll be good practice and won't matter so much if I make any mistakes).
I've shortened the front & rear mudguards & widened the tank by using the spare cut in half and glued over the existing one - centre section filled with Tamiya Epoxy putty.

The forks are moulded in one piece and need to inserted when the frame is glued together which makes painting the frame difficult to say the least so I've cut off the top of the forks so they can be added after the frame is sprayed. To help with positive location & provide a strong joint I've drilled holes in the forks and added plastic rod. As the chrome was not very good on the oil tank I've removed it by soaking in bleach and it'll be the same colour as the frame etc.
The lower frame & shocks are chrome but I figure the feame should be painted so I've cut the shocks off to add later once it's all painted. Also spent about 1/2 hour getting rid of the mould lines on the frame.
Anyway here's a dryrun - hopefully get some paint on it today - I'm thinking Honda Imola Orange/Candy Orange mix.

Thanks for looking
Andy

[robrex]

I'm thinking Honda Imola Orange/Candy Orange mix would look great!!!
Bring on the painted pictures Andy!

[Ferrari TR]

Looks real nice!
looking fwd to more.

[Andy Jones]

I've made a bit of progress on the Crusader - I'm going for a "retro" look so it's been sprayed matt black - the wires have been de-chromed and sprayed with Tamiya Candy Lime Green. The airfilter is a Replicas & Minatures 1/25 cadillac one. I'll add some green scallops to the tank.

Sorry the pics not the best
Thanks for looking
Andy

[joelwideqvist]

Nice paint job! The green really adds to it!
/Joel

[robrex]

Those green wheels are wild! I love the matt finish. more please.....???

[Andy Jones]

Just a small update - masked up the scallops on the tank using Tamiya masking tape - hope to be able to spray the green on Saturday.

Thanks for looking
Andy

[joelwideqvist]

How will you go about this? Prime and then paint green?
Bloody hell, must get me one of these!!
/Joel

[91p10nizmo]

Looking good Andy, those wheels look great.

[Andy Jones]

Originally Posted by joelwideqvist

How will you go about this? Prime and then paint green?
Bloody hell, must get me one of these!!
/Joel

I'll just spray the green straight over the matt black - worked ok on the rims.
Cheers
Andy

[Andy Jones]

Just a quick update with the scallops sprayed up.

Thanks for looking
Andy