Get to know the 1/24th bikes better (+new releases,tips,review)

[bigfrit]

Hi there, I don't know if everyone is familiar with the 1/24 th scale motor cycles made by Heller, so I thought I make a thread about it, giving some sort of review and a little overview of the products (+building tips).

So let me start whith the most relevant part of this thread, the newest releases.
Two days ago I stood in the hobby shop and to my amazement these two bad boys laid on the shelf. I bought them (were very cheap) @ 5.60 € a piece and got home. Then looked at www.heller.fr and nothing was to find on their website ... strange.

Anyway I cut the mumbo-jumbo, here are the piccies





Box contents;

One plan, nicely made and easy to understand even for beginners.
35 parts in the box, nicely molded, no flash.
Rubber Tyres, requires a bit of sanding to make them look good.
Clear parts (stands and clear cowl) that have to be partially painted.
Pilot figure with helmet.
You can use the helmet for different other projects, they are nicely molded and look awesome .
Decal sheets for the bike and for the driver. Sometimes the white decals are a bit translucent, but should be resolved by putting white paint underneath them first.


Now here's a little pic of the contents of the boxes.





Is it for beginners ?
A good question. There are about thirty-five parts that only require 5 different paints, so even a beginner can make them look decent.
As for me and I guess a whole bunch of modelers, I use about ten different colours, and the result IMO is very nice.

Here's a little exhaust detail that makes your bike look nice.


What are the other bikes in this series ?

There firstly is the Honda NSR 500 (Valentino Rossi) (yellow one)
The Yamaha YZR 500 team antena, driven by Norick Abe (red wip)
The Suzuki ??? 500, driven by Kenny Roberts (blue one)




So let's summarise;

Pros ;
Easy to build, easy to detail
doesn't require a lot of time and effort to get nice result
Cheap
1/24th scale
you can make a whole collection
driver and helmet included
good quality molding
Accurate replica's
it's something different then always modeling cars

Cons;
The decals are translucent
Mold marks on the tyres
sometimes fiddly pieces to get right (steering wheel)
only moto GP available
you need reference to detail.


So the choice is up to you, I hope I have enlightened some of you on this matter and to every body who still a bit hesitates, I say; go and try one, I 'm pretty sure it will look nice next to some cars and you might have some fun building it !

Hope you enjoyed explanation, and if somebody has any comments, opinions, tips and info, please, please feel free to use your freedom of speach.

Olivier


PS; if anybvody who knows to make custom decas could be able to make the marlboro Biaggi Yamaha, I will be eternally grateful.
Or what about making some new decals for the bikes, sporting their tobacco livery like the nastro azurro NSR ? just a thought....

[Chain]

bigfrit, stop adding salt to my wounds willya!
Its too tempting already

Anyways, I have been eyeing these 2 since a long time ago but since I am into cars, I just let it rest til this forum started stirring up my interest again.

Its Tamiya's 1/12th scale. It seems Tamiya doesnt carry much of 1/24 scale models
Just sharing:
Antena 3 Yamaha D'Antin YZR 500


Yamaha YZF-R1 Taira Racing


Btw, nice write up. You might wanna write in to the model makers and have them employ you as a promoter
And yeah, the motorbikes definitely will look good side by side with your cars.

[Chain]

5.60pounds a pc U say, darn thats a steal!

[bigfrit]

Thanks Chain!
Well, actually I study Communications and public relations, so that might explain it a bit ...

And for the steal-price...
Well, it's 5.60 € being Euros

should be about 6.05 Dollars now , and 4 pounds.
But remember, they are only 1/24 th huh !

You should be able (at least in Europe) to find These kit, about double the price, but with 4 enamels and one brush and a little glue-tube. Which is good for beginners. Only to buy if you haven't got paint and glue .
olivier

[freakray]

Good job Olivier

For additional reference, here is a photo of the 2 I have completed, just adding it so everyone can see more of the Antena 3 Yamaha you're busy with:


BTW, are those Honda Pons 500's freely available over there Olivier, I can't find one this side.

[tankie]

i like to share too i like this tmax because it can go with 1/24 scale car together


About the Model

1/24 Scale, Overall Length: 93.5mm, Overall Width: 32mm.

The unique form of the TMAX has been faithfully reproduced.

Yellow colored body cowling, black-colored chassis. Color distinction true to the real TMAX making paint unnecessary.

Screen and headlight are reproduced with clear parts.

Taillights reproduced with clear red, and blinkers are reproduced.

Snap on parts easy to put together.

Comes with figure. :jumpie: :jumpie:

[simdel1]

i need to get the yellow honda....im a big rossi fan:flash:

[hrmodeler]

I have one Hasegawa 1/24 bike to build.

[ales]

Loris shmoris I want Barros's bike with full west livery. I actually migh make a simple decal sheet. Anyone interested?

[freakray]

Originally posted by ales
Loris shmoris I want Barros's bike with full west livery. I actually migh make a simple decal sheet. Anyone interested?

Oh, you like the West Livery do you?
I feel the same about the livery, but I will take either rider as far as whose bike, I guess you could tag me as interested there.

[Veyron]

Nice post! Thanks!

[tankie]

i like tamiya honda pon but it just not come with (west) decal

i have a pic of Alex BARROS with bike

[bigfrit]

Alex, I m very interested !
also, you could base yourself upon the 1/12 th Tamiya bike while making decals?

Also, tahnks everyone for response and information.

And Freakray, It's the first time I have seen this kit over here, so it ll be available freel over a little while there too .


Olivier

[ales]

Ray, I absolutely love the West livery, along with Marlboro liveries, Rothmans on the 96 Williams and JPS

I'll go tomorrow to take a look what the Italeri importer has in stock. Promise to take a few pictures!

[Rtuned]

Originally posted by tankie
i like tamiya honda pon but it just not come with (west) decal

i have a pic of Alex BARROS with bike

Actually someone did the west for RC211V. Is ST27.
Chain...next meet I could you one of those 1/24 scale GP bikes too. I kind of curiously how it look like and bought one to build.