Modelling against the clock

Juan M Leria
It was a Monday back in the spring of 1990, I received a call at work from my friend Jose Luis, the dependent at Model Reyna shop. I said if I wanted to accept a modelling commitment; so late in the afternoon, after the job, I went to the shop to see what was the matter.

It was an advertising agency charged with the launch of a new tobacco brand, Ducados Rubio, and had to show his customer a model of how would be the decoration of Garriga's bike (contender in the 250 MotoGP) with the new brand.

The bike in question was a Yamaha 250, and at that time there was no kit of that model, so I had to start from a standard Yamaha FZR750R from Tamiya.

We had to remove the main light, add the fender wheel arches, slightly alter some air intakes and touch the tail fairing. And of course, I had to design decoration. Actually might had to do more things (twin tailpipes, for example) but we agreed that it could leave these minir details.

All this MUST to be ready the following Thursday at nine o'clock.

After making a preliminary assessment, I accepted the challenge.

On the way to home in the subway, I was evaluating and planning the steps to work.

As soon as I arrived I started to work with the first step: the modifications. I filled the gap of the light, first with plastic bites and topped with two-component putty. Then I started the modifications to the fender and the air intakes, and finally I did touch up the tail. With all this I reached the midnight, so I stopped a while to take a bite and then kept going all I could advance mounting the frame. I went to bed after 03:00 AM, since I had to get up at 07:00 to go to work.

By the way, my job was in a Graphic Design studio, thanks to which I have the skills to prepare the decorations. The media do not, because at that time I was in very bad relations with the management, and it was not good moment to do 'own jobs' there. Since I had two hours for lunch, I went to my former workplace, where they provided to me with the means to make transfer markings.

Very late in the Tuesday night, back home, I finished modifications and gave the first coat of Valentine's 'Snow White' paint after dinner. To speed drying and harden it, I added catalyst to the paint (beware, this works with enamels only). I kept building the frame and painted some parts. With all this, I reached 02:00 AM and went to the 'envelope'.

And the next evening, Wednesday, rod butt. The first, masking to paint the yellow (Humbrol 69) background for the number and red (Humbrol 19) background for brand's name, both with catalyst as well. While the yellow dries to the touch, I advance the frame assembly and painting. I take a brief dinner.

Then mask the yellow and paint the red areas. I continue with the frame.

At about 02:00 AM, I mask and paint the black 6. I finish the frame assembly and paint, ready to receive the other elements.

When the red is dry, I transfer the texts and get ready to give a gloss coat, to unify the matt of the transfer. It's over 05:00 AM.

I give the coat with Marabu lacquer, with a pinch of catalyst. And that's when disaster strikes: the transfers are wrinkled, reacting with the lacquer!.

You can't imagine the feeling of helplessness that I came, I almost burst into mourn for the anger I felt. Something had to be done, and quickly. But in the condition I was, with less than seven hours of sleep in the last seventy-two, I could not think. So I did what most reasonable in the circumstances: take a shower to relax, clear my head, start thinking a solution? and take away the stink off, I had not showered since Monday in the morning, to gain time for sleep.

When I went out of the shower, ready to face the disaster.... A miracle! While drying, the varnish had tightened and transfers as well, leaving a gloss, smooth finish. Saved at the very last moment!

A few quick photos, in the light of a 60w bulb and a wrapping paper background with 400ASA film (hence the low quality), breakfast, pack it carefully and buzzing for the job, where a courier was waiting for me at the door to take the model humming to the customer.

The next day I happened to collect the task, I received 90.000,00 Ptas (about 540?), after discounting a 'chip' for Jose Luis.

I hope you have fun with the story.

Bill Gilman
Great story and a nice model! I've had that same experience with decals before - many times. When the solvent is still active, the decals can get very wrinkled. It is difficult to not touch them to try and smooth them, but to let the solvent do its job. I'm glad it worked out for you!

Holger Kranich
What a great story and achievement from you! This was really a f**king hard challenge against the clock, but judging from the pix, you did well! Congrats for that operation!

Holger Kranich
That was kinda "Special Forces" job...😢