Model kit guide,model hints & tips bikes cars

Here I am going to dis-assemble, update and rebuild an old model motorcycle. I will be photographing the build at each stage so you can check it's progress over the coming weeks.

I am only going to use basic tools (i.e. no spray gun), to show that you don't need any special equipment to produce great looking models, only patience!

I have never been really happy with this model, so I am going to update it. I have decided on Daijiro Kato's Honda RC211V from 2002 Motogp season which he rode for a couple of races at the end of the season. I have had to order the decal kit and correct paint from a company in Japan, they should be here in a couple of weeks.

This is the model stripped with all of the bodywork removed.

I have also had to order the correct paint which is fluorescent red and aluminium silver, I have ordered these in spray cans. While I am waiting for these to arrive, I have loads to do in preparing the model, which I will do next.

Firstly I have to prepare the bodywork for repainting. Using a sharp blade I removed the old decals and most of the paint, then finished by lightly sanding any areas that still had paint on. Below is a picture part way through this process.

Once this was done, I washed all the parts to remove any dust then dried it prior to applying primer. The primer I used was a surface primer that I ordered;  it is really good for filling any small blemishes and provides a good base for the top coat to key into.

I then lightly sanded the parts again and then re-washed them. Below is a picture of the primed parts.

I then painted the parts with the main gloss coat, in this case silver and fluorescent red. I used an old box, cocktail sticks and blu-tack to make it easier to hold each part when painting and to use as a stand when drying. Below are some pictures of this.

Once these parts were dry, I masked off any areas that needed painting red, and also repainted the wheels black.

Once the wheels were dry, I applied the wheel rim decals, re-attached the brake discs etc and refitted them into the bike.

I then began to apply the decals to the bodywork and then lacquer the parts to protect the decals and also give a high gloss finish. Once this was dry I used a fine polishing compound on the body panels to really finish them off.

Once finished I fitted the body panels to the bike. First to fit was the fuel tank and seat unit.

I then fitted the remaining bodywork.

Below are some pictures of the finished model.

I really enjoyed updating this model, if you have any old or broken kits give this a go, once you have any parts & decals you need it is just like making a model from new. Just be very careful when taking it apart as some parts can be difficult to dis-assemble and any parts that break could be tricky to repair if you don't have any spares. Broken kits can also be useful to practice new painting techniques on, rather than risking messing up a new model.