discussion Tamiya 1/12 Honda CB750F

[Andy T]

Straight on to another bike kit, although a very different style



It's a newer version of a pair of real bikes that I'm painting for a customer. I've since found out that I can get the exact model so this may be more of a practice run. The 1/6 scale Tamiya is £££ though. Even the 1/12 from Aoshima isn't exactly cheap either, so we'll see.

Anyway, back to this one. It's a pretty old kit, one of Tamiyas first motorcycle offerings I believe , but the parts are still in pretty good shape.

With that in mind I started by gluing the bodywork halves together in case they needed filler. I did add a swipe of sprue goo to the joint but didn't really need to have bothered.



With those drying I started to strip the chrome. After the nightmare I had a few years ago with a truck build, this was almost magical. Just a few seconds in bleach and it was gone.



I cleaned the horrible silver plastic as best I could, assembled a few parts, then gave everything a good wet coat of gloss black in preparation for the chrome. This will have at least 24hrs to fully dry. Don't be fooled by the additional test piece, some 1/48 fuel tank I think



Then the bodywork, what little there is, received a coat of SMS Super Silver. It's the first time I've used their metallics (apart from hyperchrome) and I'm impressed.

 

[Steven000]

A great start Andy, have fun

 

[PaulTRose]

I've done this kit at least four times and always enjoyed it..... There's no problems and just falls together on its own

Have fun

 

[Andy T]

That's good to hear Paul.

I'm looking for the earlier CB750 Four, from the late 60's, early 70's. Kits seem rare or expensive so far.

 

[Andy T]

After giving the gloss black a day to dry I've been dusting on the SMS Hyperchrome. This is the cold tone that I haven't used before and I like how it looks.

I always find it hard to photograph Chrome but I've given it a go.





Another overnight drying session and I'll try out their new chrome sealer.

 

[Steven000]

Apart from the webbrowser I never tried any type of chrome myself, but that's quite an impressive finish

 

[Andy T]

Thanks Steven.

Like all chrome paints it rubs off really easily, I dare not touch it yet!

I've had success sealing it in with a water based clear, but since SMS have released a dedicated sealer I thought I'd give that a go on these.

 

[Mr Bowcat]

All looking very neat so far Andy. Chrome looks good.

 

[flyjoe180]

Beautiful chrome work Andy

 

[Tim Marlow]

Lovely so far.

 

[Andy T]

Thanks all.

The chrome has lost a bit of an edge after applying the sealer, but at least it won't rub off now!

My first test piece was a bit disappointing but a few words of advice from Scott Taylor himself (Mr SMS) has given me a much better outcome.

Basically the minimum number of light coats, with plenty of drying time between them.

With how many products can you talk to the main man or woman directly for advice?

Outstanding if you ask me !

 

[Stefee]

Can you post some images please as I've used the ProScale Paints chrome system and would like to compare.
Have you clear coated over the sealer?
Hope you don't mind me posting a picture of how this system looks.
As you said earlier its a real pain to photograph.

 

[Andy T]

I'll get some pictures in the morning for you. I've only sealed it so far but will be trying some clear on a test piece.

 

[pjgtech]

Chrome looks fab mate.....

 

[Andy T]

Thanks Peter.

Can you post some images please as I've used the ProScale Paints chrome system and would like to compare.

Tricky to photograph

The sealer has made the chrome a little cloudy, reflections aren't quite as sharp, but I'm still happy with it. A bit more practice might show improvement.





There's a huge improvement in durability though! Anyone that's used a chrome paint will know they can just rub off with even gentle handling.

This piece has been rubbed hard with my thumb for a full minute. Half is sealed, half not. I'll let you guess which side is which