1/24 Airfix Suzuki 500cc GP World Champion

Modeling Subjects Autos
1

I decided to take a short break after the 1/24 Harrier so I pulled this neat little kit from my stash. It replicates the world champion GP racer with Kenny Roberts Jr. as the pilot. While I have built 1/12 and larger scale bikes in the past, I have never done one of these. They seem quite basic concerning parts count, but still have a reasonable amount of detail. Anyone ever build one of these kits before?

THE KIT: Here is what I’m starting with. Yes, that is all of it… I believe only 33 parts total.

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INSTRUCTIONS: They reference Humbrol paint numbers, but also provide identification on the top of the instructions.

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The driver is made of only three parts; a right and left torso with arms and legs, and the third being the head. After based painting the blue, yellow, black, and gray, I applied 28 decals to this 1/24 scale rider. I am giving the solvaset time to snuggle them into the folds, then I am going to dull coat the suit and shade or highlight parts of the rider.

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The fuel tank and seat are molded as one piece. It was primed with Tamiya gray then painted with a rattle can sahpire blue metallic. This shows a WIP with only three of the numerous decals to be applied.

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here is a photo of the chassis with the two piece block engine and the rear suspension assembly attached. The chassis and rear swing arm were painted with aluminum buffing metalizer. The contact patch of the tires were sanded to remove the mold line and add realism. Check out the tire logos and the decal on the swing arm. You can also see the front fork assembly completed to include the two tone calipers (from brake use). In the background is the completed bike stand. To the right rear is the beginning of the exhaust painting. I still have at least three other dry brush colors to add to the exhaust.

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Here are the painted handlebars and radiator. I believe I still need to detail the handlebars further for the top of the fork tubes (brass), adjusters, etc. I have not decided if I will add brake lines, throttle cable, etc. (?).

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And here is a photo of everything so far. I still have the remaining decals to apply to the tank and seat; front fender; and complete fairing.

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v/r,

Ben

2

Cool! I haven’t built one of these, but have done Tamiya kits. At first I thought you were missing a sprue, then saw the clear cowl. Looking forward to the finished product. The Tamiya kits are magnificent, but all the details are covered up when you button up the cowls. Perhaps this is a faster path to the finished profile of the bike. You rider looks great!

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This is a very neat build. I love this type of kit, they‘ll go together in a snap. The driver looks great and so does the main body!

Your friend, Toshi

4

looking good so far.

1/24 you say. Man that thing is tiny !

I love it !

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UPDATE: Working on applying the numerous other decals to the seat/tail, and fairing. I also added the front and rear brake lines. As shown the bike is just over 3 inches, or just over 80mm long.

HERE IS THE FINAL RESULT:

WITH RIDER:

AND NOW RACING:

SCALE PERSPECTIVE