Motorcycles
Scale motorcycle modeling topics.
Tamiya 1/12 Ducati Panigale S - Tricolore Ed.
Joel_W
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Posted: Sunday, June 24, 2018 - 10:17 AM UTC
Gabriel,
My apologies for completely missing your build. And what a build blog its been. While Tamiya has certainly produced an outstanding model, your precise building, painting, & glossing has certainly raised the bar. Most impressive to say the least. Your attention to even the smallest of details just adds that little something extra that separates your build from the pack.

Joel
Szmann
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Posted: Sunday, June 24, 2018 - 12:56 PM UTC
Russell, in all honesty I have to admit I am a little nervous because of the clear coat. I never used Alclad Klear Kote before and my regular polyurethane it's not suited for painting over ultra-bright white... I might have a surprise there! Nonetheless, I cannot wait to get my clear scheduled to be delivered by Tuesday...

Joel, my good friend, there is no need to apologize. I was running in circles myself for many years around the motorcycle builds . For some reason, I considered them out-of-the reach and somewhat too specific. Eventually I told myself that paint-as-you-go method is my all time favorite and I should give it a try. The main thing that held me back all that time was my metallic paints failures. Apparently I managed to scratch the surface and now I'm getting decent results (I still hate the gold leaf though !).

As for detail painting... the 72nd scale training was my teacher!

Small UPDATE
I'm putting together the last sub-assemblies and in parallel I hove done some priming.

First things first, I am happy I didn't botch the clear coat over the Ducati decal on the front mudguard. Basically I would had no solution in case of failure:


Then I moved on to priming the last batch of parts - the sprues are bare now! Of course something did happen - I went out of MM primer (more in the Tuesday shipment) but I decided not to wait and I mixed my own from Rust-oleum enamels. It went on superbly and I'm glad I won couple of days:


Still laboring here on small details and I hope by tomorrow evening all remaining parts will be painted and ready for the final push.

Thank you for following!

Cheers!
Gabriel
Joel_W
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Posted: Monday, June 25, 2018 - 02:24 AM UTC
Gabriel,
I'm right behind you with trying to feel my way through a unfamiliar type of build.

The Alcad Clears are all Mineral Based, which is the main reason I stopped using them.

That mud guard came out looking great.

Joel
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Posted: Monday, June 25, 2018 - 04:36 AM UTC
Incredible modelling looks more real than my 1/4 scale kit amazing detailing at this scale
Joel_W
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Posted: Monday, June 25, 2018 - 04:45 AM UTC

Quoted Text

Incredible modelling looks more real than my 1/4 scale kit amazing detailing at this scale



Ken,
At times I wasn't sure if I was looking at the model or the real thing. Gabriel is doing an amazing job on this build.

Joel
Cosimodo
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Posted: Monday, June 25, 2018 - 12:12 PM UTC
Good to see that front mudguard finally work out for Gabriel. Something you're probably going to do anyway but you should put some "miles" on your bike and see if you can lose the tyre seam.

cheers

Michael
Szmann
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Posted: Monday, June 25, 2018 - 01:51 PM UTC

Quoted Text


Quoted Text

Incredible modelling looks more real than my 1/4 scale kit amazing detailing at this scale



Ken,
At times I wasn't sure if I was looking at the model or the real thing. Gabriel is doing an amazing job on this build.

Joel



Ken and Joel, I'm much humbled by your comments, gents! You keep ensuring me that I am in within my building objectives and that is no little thing. Thank you!

Michael, now I'm quite relaxed about the clear coat - my shipment made it in Sint Maarten with a day in advance. That must be unique in Caribbean shipping history


Quoted Text


Something you're probably going to do anyway but you should put some "miles" on your bike and see if you can lose the tyre seam.


Thank you for reminding me. I did intended to do it but I've got carried away... Now it's going to be so much difficult with all that jazz around! But it's going to be done, for sure!

UPDATE

I assembled the rear cowling temporarily in place to get a position fix for painting the two air scoops insides.




Then I figured out that it's very helpful for sticking symmetrically the tricolore inserts so I let it that way for a little longer.

Meanwhile I received my package from US and I couldn't hold myself back from trying the Klear Kote. It worked as advertised - the shine can be seen even on the white color and exactly that I was after!


Then I added the two inserts on the rear cowlings:


It was hard to believe how much visual impact two little green stripes can add to the whole, but there it is:


And when I was all that happy about I discovered that should be two more decals on the sides of the white fairings!

Well... tomorrow it's another day with more updates!

Cheers!
Gabriel
jimb
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Posted: Tuesday, June 26, 2018 - 07:20 AM UTC
Your Ducati is coming along so nicely! It's a beautiful build of a beautiful bike.

Jim
Szmann
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Posted: Tuesday, June 26, 2018 - 01:10 PM UTC
Jim, thank you very much for dropping in and leaving such encouraging comment!

UPDATE

Yesterday I have missed those little side decals and I didn't wanted to apply them after the clear coat, so I waited one more day...



But that was by no mean wasted time, because I addressed one more major issue I had: the over-spray on the main cowlings (I should have known better!):


Anyhow, the painting went on without incident and I guess it's for the best - now the white looks more "solid":


Since Michael it's so eager to ride the bike and he "complained" about the lack of seat, here I am with it painted, first with Tamiya NATO black, then washed with Van Gogh lamp black oil:



The effect of the wash is visible, but I'm not quite happy with the looks and I'm going to spray some satin polyurethane over it...

Finally, I brush painted the lover part and the inside of the front cowling with NATO black, waiting to dry for the last clear-coat application.


Working on the following updates!

Cheers!
Gabriel
Cosimodo
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Posted: Tuesday, June 26, 2018 - 09:28 PM UTC
Just a great paint job Gabriel. The tank, seat, fairing all look like the real deal. In fact I think Ducati would be proud of a finish like that.

Cheers
Michael
Joel_W
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Posted: Wednesday, June 27, 2018 - 05:41 AM UTC
Gabriel,
the seat with the Nato Black, then the wash really looks like leather on my screen. Extremely well done. Your close coats are simply spectacular. Talk about a mile deep shine.

Joel
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Posted: Wednesday, June 27, 2018 - 11:55 AM UTC
Michael, Thank you very much. The time invested in practice pays off...


Quoted Text


Gabriel,
the seat with the Nato Black, then the wash really looks like leather on my screen. Extremely well done. Your close coats are simply spectacular. Talk about a mile deep shine.

Joel



The "leather" method I have discovered mistakenly when I was trying to fix a gritty paint job. Then I found out that my "discovery" is "centuries" old and it's being used by figures guys since the prehistory of modeling... Then I've seen it here on Automodeler as well. Oh well, I cannot claim paternity but I know it works!

That's why I love my urethane: it has fantastic self-leveling proprieties, it's though as nails and the much hatred yellowish tinge can be used in the modeler's advantage, especially over greens, blacks and reds. Since I've learnt how to use it properly, I completely abandoned my car wax! And that's why I was at the border of panic when I realized there's no way I can use it over bright white... The new acquisition Klear Kote works but... see infra

UPDATE
After yesterday successful test with Alclad Klear lacquer I grew a little over-confident and jumped to do the rear fairings. And that was a very near miss! I did over-spray the saturation coat and I had small runs on both of them.


Fortunately the runs are on the underside (not visible in this picture and probably not easy to spot on the completed model either) but I just cannot live with it and I need to apply a second coat anyhow!

With the lesson learnt from the previous error, I applied the final coat of gloss on the front cowling and that I've got it a dash better:


I cannot put the decals under the clear coat on the front cowling because the design extends over the windshield as well (bummer!)...

I also installed the front lights. As with the taillights, the assembly is snap-tite and trouble free (thank you, Tamiya!)


But the most rewarding job of the day was applying the decals on the lateral cowlings. Although I spent some two hours and the battery of my camera went dead, I am happy with the result:


The best thing is that my choice of red matched almost to perfection the decal color (I have used Krylon not the recommended TS-8):


The job wasn't perfect: I need couple of touch-ups where the masking tape gave me a rough edge but that's really marginal:


Also the bottom decals are too long and too narrow and another touch-up is needed along the edges but, again, that is out of sight unless the motorcycle is being displayed on a mirror (well, mine it's going to be displayed on a mirror ). With the hindsight, I should anticipate the trouble with the wrapping black decals and I should have masked and sprayed with gloss black. But what I've got it's perfectly workable and no drama, just a little extra work!

So, if the modeling gods are on my side, I'm gonna wrap this build before the weekend starts and I can return to my less fortunate Mack DM600

But you don't go anywhere yet, because one more update and the completed model pictures are yet to come. And let's not forget the feature cover that I'm going to reveal it on here first!

Thanks for following!
Cheers!
Gabriel
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Posted: Wednesday, June 27, 2018 - 05:16 PM UTC
Looks spectacular Gabriel.
Joel_W
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Posted: Thursday, June 28, 2018 - 11:28 AM UTC
Outstanding my friend. You're rapidly becoming our Bike Guru
Joel
Szmann
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Posted: Thursday, June 28, 2018 - 01:24 PM UTC

Quoted Text


Looks spectacular Gabriel.



Thank you, Jesper! You know I've learnt a few tricks from you, don't you!


Quoted Text


You're rapidly becoming our Bike Guru



:D Joel, I take the compliment - thank you very much - but I find it's a little too much. Strictly factual, this is my first bike model ever and it's not even finished! . During this build I actually realized how little I know about the new motors! I was following Moto GPs indeed but that was looong ago, by the time 'Mad' Max Biaggi was a rising star, still learning to harness his enthusiasm! On the other hand, who knows!? I have surprised myself yesterday browsing my online supplier for a Yamaha YZR, the only real competitor of Ducati.

Partly related news: The Panigale development didn't exceed its potential yet. I've seen a recently a new model with an improved engine, improved exhaust, redesigned wheels, even lighter and sturdier and, needles to say, even faster. The maximum speed it's electronically limited to 299 km/h but the engine isn't panting . I feel the Gs draining my blood already

UPDATE
I applied the decals on the front cowling and installed it, just to discover that I was wrong on my last posting: the decals do not stretch over the windshield - I have misread the decal application diagram from Tamiya manual. This gives me the opportunity to finish the job properly with another clear coat .



Again, no glue needed, although the assembly it's a little fiddly and I managed to scratch the paint job inside the cowling - easy to fix, nothing to worry about!

An approximate rider's view:

You have noted perhaps already the ends of decals overhanging over the cowling... i need to address that as well.

I have to commend the Italian designers for their successful attempt to cross breed a skull with Mata Hari. Is this menacing and undulating liquid in the same time?


And now the clear coat again . I know, I'm getting to be annoying. I did spray the side cowlings (now setting in the spray booth), but I had to stop mid way because too much dust specs went trapped in the paint and I don't want them too deep. A little sanding is required but I'm glad to wait one more day, because even incomplete result it's very promising.

Cheers!
Gabriel
RussellE
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Posted: Thursday, June 28, 2018 - 02:02 PM UTC
Look what happens when you drop offline for a few days: you miss all these great updates!

All caught up now, and I can only say: Wow! Well done Gabriel!

Looking forward to the big reveal of the finished product!
jimb
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Posted: Friday, June 29, 2018 - 02:10 AM UTC
Wow! Your Panigale looks fantastic! Looking forward to your Mack.

Jim
kpnuts
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Posted: Friday, June 29, 2018 - 11:40 AM UTC
Outstanding, I can't see how you could improve on what you've done, believe me I've ridden bikes all my life and I know how they should look (from banger to brand new) i used to build custom bikes to customers requirements.
You've done a great job of this one.
Szmann
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Posted: Tuesday, July 03, 2018 - 01:26 PM UTC
Hi, guys!

Sorry for letting you hanging a few days. I thought I can manage an update soon, but it wasn't to be!

Russel, Thank you so much, mate! You know the background of the cover photo of this feature it's going to be Victoria at night, don't you?

James Thank you very much! I start pulling out the unfinished bits from the box for the Mack and soon enough I'll be ready for an update!

Ken I'm not arguing with you! I had my share of gutted engines when I was co-owner of a business dealing with marine engines. Occasionally we were fixing bikes too. But now that's history - I saved the memories though

Fun fact

Today I was riding my bicycle downhill back from work at chances-taking speed, when a strangely familiar image popped on my peripheral view. Screeching, glidind brakes! A Panigale Tricolore in Sint Maarten!!
Turn around, closer Oh, Nooo! Haha!


And still no update, because I get trapped between the clear coats. I re-did them four times or so, in search for that "perfect" result that doesn't come... bad spraying, lint, dried airbrush "grains", runs... Oh well... I cannot achieve that finish from the Klear Kote the same way the urethane works. I resigned myself on walking the "old" path of sanding and polishing... Now I'm watching the latest failed attempt drying

Gabriel
Szmann
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Posted: Wednesday, July 04, 2018 - 11:18 PM UTC
Hi, guys!

My curse continues...

Finally I managed a decent coat of gloss:


But that went for only one cowling. The other one it's a disaster:

I think I sanded too much the previous clear coat until I reach the decals and the new clear was too "hot" and made the decals run

The only solution I can think of is to mask around the damaged area, sand down to base coat, mask the stripes contour and spray carefully the design. Now I know my red it's a near perfect match. I still need to find or to mix the right green.

The license plate it's completed with my YT channel logo - de only distraction from the original Tricolore scheme.

Gabriel
Cosimodo
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Posted: Thursday, July 05, 2018 - 07:38 PM UTC
Ouch! That can be pretty demoralising after all that great effort. I'm sure your remedy may work. You always also try and get another decal set from Tamiya? I don't know how modeller friendly they are but it would mean waiting a while for a replacement.

Michael
Szmann
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Posted: Thursday, July 05, 2018 - 10:46 PM UTC
Thanks, Michael!

At the worst, I can make it Panigale alone, without Tricolore markings... (all red) but it worth a try. I need to finish it before July 15, so it cannot wait that long. I took a "day off" from modeling, but tonight after work I'll attack the problem

Gariel
Joel_W
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Posted: Friday, July 06, 2018 - 01:56 AM UTC
Gabriel,
So sorry to see that decal issue pop up its ugly head. I've heard and seen issues like these in several auto builds I've been studying. All 3 of the major model auto paint companies: Gravity, Zero, & MCW use real auto lacquers including their clearcoats. All three say to use mist coats to build up a barrier as they will attack the sealers on decals, and then the inks as well.

Two of the 3 have come out with a 2 part Urethane clear that solves this problem, but they're super expensive, and are really toxic! So a good spray booth and top quality respirator is mandatory.

What I'm using for clear coating paint and decals is Mr. Hobby Super Clear. The product is fantastic, made for models, and won't attack paint nor decals. It also rubs and polished out beautifully as it's an Acrylic lacquer.

I've got complete confidence in you to mix up the perfect Green color. Looking forward to your next update with the fix completed.

Joel
Szmann
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Posted: Friday, July 06, 2018 - 04:09 PM UTC

Quoted Text


Gabriel,
So sorry to see that decal issue pop up its ugly head. I've heard and seen issues like these in several auto builds I've been studying. All 3 of the major model auto paint companies: Gravity, Zero, & MCW use real auto lacquers including their clearcoats. All three say to use mist coats to build up a barrier as they will attack the sealers on decals, and then the inks as well.



Hi, Joel, thanks for advice. It would be unfair to blame on Alclad. I think I was the one to "attack" the decals wit reckless sanding. I thought I've seen a little red coming off and I stopped immediately, but I took it as being from my own applied Krylon. And I did apply a "tack coat" first which went on good. But then I thought will be "better" if I mix some thinner in Klear Kote for saturation coat. And that thinner made the clear darn hot! After the second coat, the decals start running in slow motion. I must have resembled to a toddler seeing a green clad Santa!


Quoted Text



Two of the 3 have come out with a 2 part Urethane clear that solves this problem, but they're super expensive, and are really toxic! So a good spray booth and top quality respirator is mandatory.



There is some time I'm waiting for my supplier to bring 2K in stock. I can find it here in auto shops, but the can set quart size sells for US$80.00. Which I find a little to salty before I know if I even can work with! And yes, I have all the apparatus: 3M gas filtration mask with active carbon cartridges and spray booth. Unfortunately I have the tendency to skip their use for "quick jobs". I have to work more on my self-discipline

UPDATE
I needed a day off from modelling after my disaster which I spent editing my YT modeling videos... I didn't reach too far as you can see But all this time the decal problem was bugging me and I couldn't wait for this evening to deal with. The most difficult problem was to find the right green and of course I don't have it readily mixed I tweaked some Liquitex acrylic with red and black until I got it "right". I chose acrylics just in case another disaster strikes - they'll make cleaning the mess easier.

Here's the first line restored, after I sanded the decal completely off on the affected area and tapered the edges to avoid a "step":


And here are the two sides for comparison:


Now I'll wait for green to dry, apply a clear coat (oh, not again!) to protect it and then mask and patch the red stripe and then clear coat again... I hope it works

Gabriel
Szmann
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Posted: Saturday, July 07, 2018 - 09:06 AM UTC
Hi, guys!

UPDATE

My plan worked for once:


Now I feel free to deal with the couple of details remaining: the rear-view mirrors, feet supports, license plate. And I started sanding already the seams on the tires. The front wheel is done.

Cheers!
Gabriel