Model motorcycles in 1/6 scale

[MicrobikeParticipant @microbike]

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

[MicrobikeParticipant @microbike]

[Chris Evans 6Participant @chrisevans6]

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

[Neil WyattModerator @neilwyatt]

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

[Curtis RutterParticipant @curtisrutter61973]

I'm envious, do the engines run?

[MicrobikeParticipant @microbike]

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

[Curtis RutterParticipant @curtisrutter61973]

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

[jimmy bParticipant @jimmyb]

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

Well done!

[Curtis RutterParticipant @curtisrutter61973]

Where are you located?

[MicrobikeParticipant @microbike]

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

[Mike PooleParticipant @mikepoole82104]

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

[MicrobikeParticipant @microbike]

Thanks Mike that's good to know

[Steve CrowParticipant @stevecrow46066]

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

[MicrobikeParticipant @microbike]

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

[Steve CrowParticipant @stevecrow46066]

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

[MicrobikeParticipant @microbike]

No did not know about them will look them up

[Tony DimnickParticipant @tonydimnick84271]

That looks really realistic Andy

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