The AOSHIMA Kawasiki 900 Z-1
Comments
1 8 May 2018, 10:51
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This is actually, away from the fluro light globe, a deep dark red brown colour. It looks like runny chocolate here.
8 May 2018, 10:58
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Bart. 🙂
The paint you mean. ? If so. It is Tamiya X-7 RED and Tamiya X-9 Brown. 1 brown to 3 red mix I am happy with.
I would have been happier with a darker brown really.
8 May 2018, 11:14
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Markus. :-0 I do try to get the best result. hahaha But posting the image of the real thing was not a smart move on my part. hehehehe
8 May 2018, 11:19
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Ues it is, now we can finally admire how good you really are 👍
One question though. In the album description you say it is a retro 1927 bike. Shouldn't that be 1972? Looks way too modern for a 20's bike.
8 May 2018, 11:25
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I KNEW IT! Kerry has finally gotten caught passing off real world photos as his own modeling work... well, I can't say it's surprised me. Let's just hope he gets what's coming to him...
8 May 2018, 11:27
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Martin. You picked my nose. hahaha Yes, I have now corrected the time zone back to 72. 🙂
8 May 2018, 11:57
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Greg. LOL I hadn't photographed the box art and I just posted the real thing as a start, but I wish I could be that good mate. hehehe 🙂
8 May 2018, 11:59
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Bart. The Mr Surfacer is 'gold' for doing a cover job that leaves nothing behind except what is in the recesses. Great stuff. 👍
8 May 2018, 12:00
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Alec. Thank you my friend. I do feel I have worked out how to get that show room gloss. Mostly. Low PSI and paint the consistency of milk. Then, one fine coat after an other and the gloss effect 'builds' to the point where all the paint has stayed where it was put and has 'laid down', or settled down in an even way. 🙂
But I work with the nozzle close to the surface of what I am painting, stopping the paint from starting to 'cure' mid flight. Enamels are my favorite, as I have found that acrylics have a tendency to not lay down, having started to dry a tad before it lands on the surface your spraying. And up close with the air brush is, in my experience, better. More 'control' over the paint you might say. 🙂 👍
8 May 2018, 12:28
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Hi Jens. 🙂 🙂 I am really impressed with the high quality of this kit. Not a well known company from Japan, but with CAD type mould making, the detail is a 1000% on what models used to be from this outfit.
I am just about to text some of the images I have just uploaded.
Cheers mate. 👍
8 May 2018, 12:39
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Hi Kerry, I already know Aoshima for a while, I have 7 or 8 Yamaha Vmax of which can build for colleagues, I was very satisfied, and road bikes are hardly available from other manufacturers, Tamiya or Hasegawa have become a racing circus
8 May 2018, 12:53
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Jens. Peter Hardy and I were talking about that just the other day. The Fairing draped 'sports' bike of today are ok, but not as appealing as the bikes I grew up riding. Though, I would like to find a model of the Yamaha XS-750 triple, DOHC shaft drive unit I had the pleasure of owning until it tried to kill me. But it was the Japanese 'response' to the British Triumph 'Trident' and the BSA 'Rocket Three'. 🙂
I hope I can do this build justice.
So far. whoopeeeeeee. And loving it. hahaha 🙂
8 May 2018, 13:04
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The wet looks is excellent Kerry. Thanks for the process info. What nozzle size are you using, and at what pressure?
I agree with you regarding the paint choice: I love acrylics for their water cleanup and less toxic nature, but they are finicky.
8 May 2018, 17:21
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Alex. K,
I use an Iwata 'eclipse' AB, With a fine tip and the smallest needle for the Iwata you can get, set at 8/10 psi.
As for the paints I prefer. It is the Tamiya lacquers above acrylics.
For any 'automotive' modelling, the enamel/lacquers are the best result you can ask for, with a 'depth' and a gloss that actually 'sparkles' in the light.
But acrylics need some physical help to shine well, but they never get that 'sparkle' sadly. 🙁
Great for armour where the duller the finish is what you need.
I thoroughly clean my air brush after each paint job, having had in the past, paint from a previous application bleed through. 🙁
But I am getting better. 👍
8 May 2018, 20:21
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Lode. I am wondering what you feel you missed.? 👍
As I have posted the images in a random manner for Peter's benifit really. As we were discussing the colour scheme and other aspects of our builds on the phone and he lives not that far from me, (800 Km or so) and he said to me when I mentioned that I felt I had the right colour mix, he said "Show me" so I did, and then, randomly, I have uploaded other related stuff. 🙂
As it starts to take a sensible form of construction, I will be posting those I feel will be something all of us will understand, rather than be 'all over the place'. 👍 🙂
8 May 2018, 22:46
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Kerry, I see you have responded to my challenge with your usual "dog with a bone" response. The tank is far superior to the Ducati you posted last which I had thought was excellent! Strike me pink cobber!!! Give a mere mortal a chance!! The mill moulding is sensational and I am now very glad I chose that particular kit. Your comments on Asoshima's road bikes and period of interest are very much to the point. I would love them to pick up Nagano's Kawasaki Mach III & IV kits from long ago. Also those Suzuki Triples from the same period. I think that Asoshima will be selling me more bike kits very shortly!!!!! I can't imagine how much work has gone into the kit mouldings, they have done a magnificent job with this kit and they also need to be congratulated! It is wonderful to see a Master doing their beautiful kit justice!
I will stay glued to the thread as I am enjoying the free lesson!!
9 May 2018, 02:39
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Peter, good man. I am wrapt in how well it is responding to the work I am putting in. Meaning, the plastic is a soft and yielding type, not like the brittle and hard stuff used on some brands. 👍
Have you gone through the complete list of what Asoshima have in the bike range. ?
I thought I saw the Mach III and IV plus the Suzuki triple , but I will look harder tonight, as I have just arrived home from a mammoth day walking KM I am not used to, to get my brake lines sorted. Puff puff puff. !
I am really please your happy with the way the tank turned out. 🙂
I AM TOO. hhahahaha
Would you believe there are five coats on that tank and side covers. ???
I just hope the decals will respond well when I set them. !
Almost to the point of final call and the glue bucket mate. 🙂
Many happy pics to follow. 👍
9 May 2018, 05:40
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I have bought the kit you are building and the 82 Kawa 900R and the Honda NR 500 and paints and stripper and polishing cloth and .... Another $300 down the drain! I gotta stop this! No Asoshima Mach III or IVs unfortunately, just the Suzuki 380 Ram Air. Remember them??? How is the Pacemaker holding out? Need a turbo charger for it yet???
9 May 2018, 06:36
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The Suzy I have memories of. Replacing the middle cylinder crank case seal. 🙁 🙁 🙁
9 May 2018, 07:45
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The old ticker is fine. Just the old muscles in the legs that have been called on to do stuff I though was only for torture victims. hahahaha 🙂
9 May 2018, 07:47
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Running out of time for this Master! You going to get it completed in time????
9 May 2018, 21:03
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Good morning Sir. 🙂
The deadline is August for the QMHE. 👍
I have the last components for my Beemer 's brake available today, so tonight I will get to the frame on the Z-1 and also all the silver nuts and bolts and the silver edges to the engines cooling fins. 🙂
I am really wanting the paint to be as hard as possible before handling and the decals,
otherwise I stand the chance of loosing that gleam and sparkle . :-/
No rushing this one. hehehe
9 May 2018, 21:14
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Just make it good Kerry, remember I have bought this one. You don't want a newbie to show you up!!! LOL!!
10 May 2018, 05:57
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Peter, stop hitting him, that'll show marks. Just use a whip on non visible places 😉
Love the paintwork Kerry!
10 May 2018, 08:12
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Thanks Martin. 🙂 🙂
Peter is such a hard task master. 🙁
I have a few priorities at the moment like getting my motorcycle back on the road, but mostly, wiping all the blood away from the cuts Peter keeps inflicting. 🙂 🙂
But all will be good, now I have let the paint on the parts enjoy some direct sunlight so the paint will be really cured and can take some handling. 👍
I do enjoy this style of build and model, a the retro bikes were my early days of chasing women and being reckless. hahahaha
10 May 2018, 08:37
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wow. i missed this one. count me in 🙂 paint job up to the usually Kerry standards 😉 i would not expect less 🙂
10 May 2018, 08:52
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Now. Here comes the pressure brigade. LOL 🙂
Spanjaard, thank you my friend. hahaha
I keep opening boxes and find exciting things inside that I just HAVE to build. hahaha 🙂
But when there as nice as this kit, I can't be blamed for wanting to do the detail of the kit some justice.
Cheers.
Kez.
10 May 2018, 09:00
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I hope you all realise that all this pressure is a hard thing to endure guys. 🙂
I will make every effort to not let you down. 👍
But Peter is the worst for pressure. 🙁
Constant phone calls demanding when will it be finished. ? hahahaha
I find it hard to sleep at nights. !! hehehehe
10 May 2018, 10:09
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Spanjaard, Marty and Lode? Hmm, finally woke up did you? Enjoying the heat wave? Heard it got to 23C last weekend in London. You poor sods must be suffering!
Lode you have a PM waiting for you. Read that you were having notification issues.
10 May 2018, 11:21
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No wonder the European lads all want to come here. hehehe Bikini clad beauties and sand that gets into EVERYTHING. hahahaha 🙂 👍
10 May 2018, 11:58
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Julian Herrero aka Yuri. 👍 Thank you sir.
I just looked at your albums and I see that your a very busy modeller. I will look closer at what is in them. BTW, with old decals have you ever tried liquid decal film thinned down a bit and air brushed over the decals. It stops them from being so brittle. 👍
10 May 2018, 12:46
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Whoa, Pete. Making following KC into a contest? In that case scroll to the top and see who was here before you 😉
KC, if you need help, just call Spanjaard. He's dying for an excuse to get a trip to Aussieland
10 May 2018, 12:49
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indeed. but i am afraid that it is going to be out of my budget for a while..... 😛
10 May 2018, 15:58
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You have cheap accommodation here Spanjaard. I'm only three hours from Shute Harbour, centre of the diving area for the Barrier Reef. My even condescend to lend you a car. If you promise not to drive it on the wrong side of the road!
10 May 2018, 21:14
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Marty, no contests for me. Not interested. Too much politics at work, don't need it in my hobby.
10 May 2018, 21:15
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Guys................What Peter said also. 👍
I have a spare room for those with a back pack, but no spare car to speak of.
PM me if you want a google map view of where I live so you can figure out a plan of getting around.. 🙂 👍
As for Mr Hardy attending a comp.🙂 Ha, I hope to change his mind. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Cheers. 🙂 👍
10 May 2018, 21:27
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thanks Peter and Kerry, i will keep that in mind, but the issue is more the flight 😉 and no, you do not need to worry about me driving in the wrong side... i do not have a clue even how to start a car, let alone get it out of your garage 😄 😄
10 May 2018, 23:34
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Leave it up. 👍
You never know who just might need an overnight sensation. hahahaha 🙂 🙂 👍
11 May 2018, 01:53
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Well. Back to square one. 🙁
The decals that had to be wrapped around the tank failed to respond to the softener and I could not get the result I had hoped for. 🙁
SO
It's a strip back and the Kawasaki 'green' that will be applied as the decals for that paint scheme are all straight lines. 🙂
Tune in, same time next week for the on going drams of 'Retro revival'. Yeah. !
👍
11 May 2018, 05:06
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Lode. It happens more often than I really admit. 🙁
There are good decals and then there are those........................well. You know. 🙁
But all is NOT lost as thankfully there were two options and I went for the model I was more familiar with, having worked on the genuine article some many years back. So we will see how the green machine works out. 🙂
But thanks for you kind understanding and support mate. It means a lot. 👍
11 May 2018, 07:09
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Microsol. Along with Microset And they can soften an Elephants trunk mate. But, GREAT news. I have done an other strip down, the fourth for this one, and I am about to upload some 'treasure' as I have got the perfect mix of the green I have been look for. I am so happy. 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
11 May 2018, 11:40
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Just getting a heads up Kezza! Will quietly suck up all possible hints so my build, when I do it, goes together like magic and everybody will say "Oh my goodness, isn't Pete a Legend, what a build"! After I wake up I might suffer the indignation of reality but a man can dream! Can't I???
11 May 2018, 11:53
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Twaddle. hehehehe
Your paint work will be the same as mine mate. 👍
It's nothing special I do or any 'tricks'. 🙂
Just make sure your preparation is done.
The consistency, liquid like thinned cream.
Psi set low for that close in work to prevent masses of overspray.
Keep the nozzel close and look for the 'wet' build as you make passes with the AB.
DON"T stop half stroke. make complete passes from one end to the other.
Start spraying before you get to the piece your spraying and stop spraying once you have passed the other end/side.
Let the coats build if you like.
repeating thin passes time after time until that gloss appear.
Tecnique.
Any hoot. the new paint job is posted, and I know you will like it. 🙂
11 May 2018, 12:02
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Peter. I knew if I persevered, I would get something that we would be both happy with. 🙂
I looked everywhere for that particular paint on all the sites but it seems that the deep green that the Kawasaki mob painted that bike with had to be made by the builder and so, I did. 🙂
As you have seen the decal sheet, you will know that the second choice lot are simple and straight forward. 👍
Sweet dreams big fella.
See you tomorrow. 🙂 👍
11 May 2018, 12:17
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Lode and Spanjaard. Thank you both for your comments. 🙂
Hhahahaha. No trade secrets there Lode, just a bit of experimenting that paid off. ! hehehehe. 🙂
I am really keen to finish it now, as the frustration of the paint and decals is behind me now, so, Stay tuned. 🙂 🙂 🙂 👍
11 May 2018, 17:07
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I love that green. Let's call it Aussie Racing Green 😄
I think I know how you got it. Something like this? Some testing | Album by Mahoo76 (1:1) 😉
11 May 2018, 18:52
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Well, I am really happy that we are all in accord with the final result. 🙂
Bjorn, I am glad you like my effort too mate. 👍
Martin, I must try the fingernail polish one time, but that will have to wait, as I live alone and I personally, don't use it. 🙂 hehehehehe
It's just one of those times when everything 'went right'. 👍
I am anxious to see the decals applied, as they are the simple stripes with no compound curving to worry about. 🙂
Next instalment will be in an hour or so. 🙂
Cheers. !
11 May 2018, 20:19
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Your efforts with the paint has really got me interested in using enamels. I'm a motorcycle guy in real life, so I'm working up the confidence to build one, but the painting has always worried me...
I'm following your work with interest! 🙂 👍
11 May 2018, 20:35
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Björn, I myself am a keen BMW R1150R rider and I have just torn out the ABS system and replaced all the brake lines. 3 times I have ridden around Australia. 🙂 NOTHING like it. hahahahaha 👍
11 May 2018, 21:18
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OK. I have finished the decals and they went on beautifully. Just waiting for the microset to dry. 🙂
11 May 2018, 21:19
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Good morning Peter, brisk and early today for me to lay up the decals. 🙂
The decals were all on the same sheet Peter. 👍
But even these are not 'laying down' as well as I thought, prompting some extra care, as in keeping them moist with microset on a cotton bud and gently wiping along their length to keep the edges moist and in contact with the painted surface. But I am extremely happy with the overall result mate. For sure. 🙂 🙂 🙂 👍
11 May 2018, 21:52
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James. I really appreciate your compliment mate. thank you.🙂 👍
It was a project that arrived in the mail from my mate Peter Hardy, totally unexpected but a welcome gift for sure, and as Peter and I have common interests as modellers and that he lives some 800 Km just up the road from me, I liked what he is doing with his builds, I just had to get it as good as I possibly could to say thank you to him.
The other 'paint jobs' left me wondering what I had got myself into, and not really happy with the 'colours' of each attempt, but the green metalic I think has captured that deep green of the original super stud bike. Cheers and thank you James. 🙂 👍
11 May 2018, 22:38
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Actually about 1100 Kay's Kerry. But what's 300 Kay's between friends? I was going to suggest "soaking" the decals on a softener. Did you have the other original decal still? The one for the other side of the brown tank? Love to know if treating that in that manner would make it more pliant.
The tank and body panels did come up well! Going to look pretty good all put together Mate.
11 May 2018, 22:55
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Peter. I have the one left over from the sheet I used and I still have the other box to open yet, so I am expecting the same there.
But I do soak my decals in microsol before I use them, no water involved, and that was why I was so disappointed in the first result as they usually go straight on and with the gentle persuader, the cotton bud, I manipulate and coax the decal into place, but they just did not respond as I hoped they would. But, I guess that happened for a reason, making me reassess the whole thing. And, look what happened. hahahaha 🙂
11 May 2018, 23:09
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Just now seeing this. Why did you try the red brown color at first? Different option in the kit?
11 May 2018, 23:35
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Donald. Yes is the answer to the brown one. two options were given including the choice of decals. 🙂
The decals just did not respond to the microsol at all and failed to comply to any effort to get it to lay down. 🙁
11 May 2018, 23:43
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Thats what I thought. Well, the green turned out fantastic sir! And yeah, I would use only enamels for a car/bike finish. Something to think about for the future. Nail polish.
12 May 2018, 00:31
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Thanks Donald D. I had some moments with it, but all is resolved and I move on. hehehe 🙂
The nail polish product is actually something I might have a look at. Being a lacqer, it just may have some merit. :-/
12 May 2018, 00:58
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Martin has been caught with his wife's make up gents! Take a look at that thread. It's not pretty, but it is memorable!
12 May 2018, 02:55
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Some testing | Album by Mahoo76 (1:1)
i think i have seen someobody doing the same some time ago. but i can not remember who was....
12 May 2018, 09:39
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I searched for that thread but couldn't find it. That's where I got the idea.
12 May 2018, 09:47
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The paint job is fantastic Kerry. I must admit that I lack the dedication to give it as many tries as you have. I read some time ago in SCM Book: The Master SCRATCH BUILDERS about what the guys that build big static models entirely from scratch go through to reach that elusive perfection. It really brought home to me the fact that sometimes one just needs to be willing to start over on a part (or entire assembly) to get it right. So again, my hat off to you sir 👍
Regarding Martin's comment and finding stuff on SCM: I wish there was an option to "save to favorites". I.e. ability to "flag" an album or thread for later reference, that would show up under one's profile. Or do you guys have a clever method or workaround for this already?
12 May 2018, 11:09
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That gives some trouble when working on different devices. Just added it as a feature request, to mark albums and/or projects as favourites for easy retrieval. You can second that request 😉
12 May 2018, 17:03
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if you use mozilla firefox, you can sync your favourites in different devices. but would be nice to be able to store a list of albums or projects for future reference.
12 May 2018, 21:27
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Yep, just like I remembered them. Starting to look awesome Kez! Are there reflectors for the suspension?
14 May 2018, 01:25
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I am pleased your liking what you see. 🙂
As for the little reflectors on the rear shocks and front forks. 🙂
Yes Peter. Just waiting for the clear red and orang paint to dry and than I will pop them in. 🙂
The colour does look good though. 👍
14 May 2018, 01:35
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Lode. How wonderful your comments are mate. Thank you. 😉
I am really happy with the eventual build, and the paint has got some merit, as it was really a bit of this and a bit of that and a dash of something else. hahahaha.
Once all the reflector lenses are in place and the headlight, I think I will have a little gem on my hands. 👍
14 May 2018, 05:25
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looking really good Kezza. fantastic
stupid question, but have you tried the settings of the camera for the pictures? if you change the white balance you may get the right colors....
14 May 2018, 05:50
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Spanjaard. It is a digital with just a few settings I have never really tried. But now you mention it, I will go online and see what is on offer in the way of instructions. 🙂
Thanks my friend. 👍
Bjorn, Thank you for your compliment mate. 🙂
It has been a success I never really expected, thinking it was a low quality kit when I first started building it, but it has turned out to be quite the surprise and delight. 🙂 👍
14 May 2018, 07:10
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A challenge accepted and surmounted. I am expecting an excellent response from any judge who views it. I know my eye isn't well developed in the world of modelling but as a lifelong motorcyclist and Kawasaki performance bike enthusiast I can say that the bike is as close to the original as I have ever seen. Bloody awesome Kerry! I'm a fan!
14 May 2018, 08:18
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Well. except for the chrome and how hard it was to get it to look like chrome again. It's finished. Just the bare metal foil for the rear view mirrors and the instrument decals. But the next one will have an Alclad chrome treatment. 🙂
14 May 2018, 10:34
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So what you are saying is it is actually possible to improve on perfection?
14 May 2018, 11:11
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LOL. 🙂 In a short reply. I ma sure that the chrome on the second will be 'managable'.
The seam lines will go.
and the head light will look gleamier. :-O
You will just have to wait and see. 👍.hehehehe 🙂
14 May 2018, 11:22
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Alec. I appreciate your appraisal mate.
It was a different adventure this time, but having had a steep learning curve with this one, it's twin will be done a different way.
More attention to the chrome and keeping it safe from too much handling.
I know we have to handle our builds and some more than others, but I try to bring it down to a minimum. 👍
hahaha Stay tuned to the same bat channel for more adventures with batman and robin. 🙂
14 May 2018, 13:31
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Like you said, on the photo's it looks fine. So, it looks fine!
It's still way better than many of us could hope to produce 👍
14 May 2018, 20:32
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I'm thinking the next build will make this Z1 look pedestrian. Yoda wont suffer imperfection so I am prepared to bet Martin's holiday in France that Z1 mkII might be a showstopper!
14 May 2018, 21:09
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Everyone, I want to set a couple of things right with you all.
When I said those things about my being 'not too pleased ' with my effort, I was trying to say that I totally under estimated the kits qualities and eventual outcome.
I realised as I got to the end of the build, it was Peters original intention to challenge me, to challenge myself.
This is why I no realise why I have two of the same kits to do that with, and with the yet untouched one, I know what I am wanting to improve, and that is, my attitude.
I was stupid, opening the box and seeing the contents and immediately thinking it was a second class kit in the way of detail and manufacture.
But what really got me was, I did not think that this build was going to create so much interest as it did, and my usual 'attention to detail' was at best, lax. 🙁
I was more concerned with the outcome of the tank's paint job rather than the quality of the chrome and I let myself down by not being my usual careful self in the way I handled and prepared the chrome areas for what were going to be such a central part of the kits appearance.
Please be understanding of what I have said here. No excuses , just my apology for not being as careful as I usually am.
Cheers. 👍
14 May 2018, 22:40
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ok, now is when I really want to see the second done 🙂 what are you waiting to start it?
14 May 2018, 22:51
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OK, on the chrome thing. First. You are correct. It does NOT look bad in the pics. I see what you are on about, but it doesnt seem bad. I also believe you 100% that it looks much worse to your eye.
Second. Did you try polishing it a bit? I would suggest trying some actual chrome polish on some of chrome sprue first. See what it does. Perhaps it will help.
Third. Gloves. I know you are far from a rookie, but were you wearing any when you handled the chrome? When I do a metal finish and I want it shiny, I use the cotton gloves I get for handling coins. Or even good rubber gloves would be better than rough skin.
I am planning on removing the chrome from the car kits I am going to be doing and spraying Alclad. I can only hope it looks half as good as your "messed up" (totally rolling my eyes typing that) results did here.
Dude, flipping great work!
15 May 2018, 00:39
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Hi Donald! I used cotton gloves at Kerry'd insistence for the first time on my current Ducati build and still left marks on the paint. Paint was still soft and actually marked! Bugger!!
15 May 2018, 01:01
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Peter. You first. I will always put my painted items, (if enamel/laquer) in the sun. One, it dries hard and sharp, but our bodies produce an acid through our fingers and that will leave marks behind that are damn near impossible to remove. 🙁
Donald (with the rolling eyes.) LOL 🙂 I have used cotton gloves on every occasion, but my blunder was not (isolating) the chrome spru's well enough and the parts that came together left marks that to me were quite noticeable. 🙁 The chrome that was marked didn't respond well to the AK interactive paste/wax paint I used to attempt to cover up the removed attachment points, in fact, it was quite dull. 🙁
BUT, the chrome parts responded well to the future floor polish I got from the US of A, and that can help deminish the micro scratching I encountered.
Alclad I love. ! Seriously, I should have gone that track from the get go.🙁
Donald, I am most rewarded by everyone's compliments and the sincerity of them, and that helps in not feeling so bad. 🙂 👍
Spanjaard, No waiting in this line mate, as I have the new box opened and I am carefully seperating all the items and prepping it all for what I need to do.
In fact, I will post a 'blow by blow' account of what I am doing. Mainly for me to see how I altered my attitude and work ethic. 🙂
All is good.
Thank you ALL so much for being so keen and supportive.
That makes all the difference.
Cheers.
Kezza. 🙂 👍
15 May 2018, 02:03
Album info
This is a true 'retro' circa 1972 motorcycle that knocked the Honda CB 750 off it's perch.
Aoshima are not that famous when it come to renoun kits, but the class of the mouldings and the detail is truly spectacular for such a small cottage industry kit.
I hope you all like what my mate Peter Hardy challenged me with. 🙂