Model motorcycles in 1/6 scale

Hello Everyone

My passion is building 1/6 scale motorcycles. I use the plastic model as a base and then add additional detail such as tiny bolts, scale wiring and other such detail. I have reached the limits of the hobby as I do it now so I would like, to take it to the next level and make my own more detailed parts. For example a plastic moulded chain - looks like - well - a plastic moulded chain. I have tracked down real roller chain with a pitch of 3.2mm so it's prefect for 1/6 scale bikes - the problem now is that I need to make my own sprockets that will be scale replicas of the real bike

Another challenge is engine mounting bolts and axles. In the kit they are represented by a shaft with threads on both ends and M2 nuts. However the real bold uses flanged bolts which clearly only have a nut on one end. A rear axle will have a M2.5 castle nut so I need to make these parts myself to achieve the level of detail that I am looking for

Below is a picture of a Yamaha XS1100 Midnight Special that I am currently building.

Cheers

Andrew

Full size bikes are my passion but your model looks like the real thing. Welcome along.

Nice work Andrew,

I built a few of the old Airfix bikes and once built a rather more detailed Japanese kit, way back in the late 70s early 80s.

Not a patch on your model!

Neil

I'm envious, do the engines run?

Chris my other passion is full size bikes and I have three of them one of which was a full time restoration project that I completed last year

Neil I mostly use the 1/6 Tamiya kits as they produce the best quality mounds and a more interesting range of bikes

Curtis the engines don't run I am afraid that is a step too far for me, but the bike does have most of its wiring. On some bikes like the big Harley's I add LEDs for the lights because I can hide the electronics etc in the panniers. But some of my models like the Yamaha I display the bike with the seat, tank and side covers off so that the detail is visible

Below is a photo showing some of the wiring including starter solenoid, regulator/rectifier, fuse box and CDI Ignition box on the right

Still they're impressive, I too am into full bike builds, am 3/4 through a minitwin race bike just running short on time to finish it at the mo

Very impressive detailing, you'd never know it was 1/6 scale.

Well done!

Where are you located?

Hello Curtis I am based in Oxford (UK)

I just acquired a 1986 Moto Guzzi Italian Police Bike which I am planning to restore but still maintaining the original paintwork, badges etc

For anyone interested in the Oxford area, the Vintage club have a run at The Lamb Chalgrove on Sunday 3rd September at 12 o'clock lunchtime, usually something of interest to see.

Mike

Thanks Mike that's good to know

Hi Andrew, Can I ask you where you've sourced the roller chain from? I've not been able to find any smaller than 1/4".

Cheers

Steve

Hello Steve

Steve I found the tiny roller chain in a market in China a few years ago while overthere on business. I bought several packets needing 2 packets to make up a 1/6 scale chain so I have enough for a couple of bikes - the Yamaha is a shaft so not required

However Tamiya have released a 1:6 Chain Set for Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin which is only suitable for static display you can find the details here

http://www.hiroboy.com/16_Chain_Set_for_Honda_CRF1000L_Africa_Twin_--product--10749.html

Cheers

Andrew

Thank you Andrew, I'm not planning on visiting China in the near future!

I was looking for a working drive chain so the Tamiya is out.

Have you looked at fusee chain used in clocks and pocket watches? It's quite cheap on ebay.

Cheers

Steve

No did not know about them will look them up

That looks really realistic Andy