1/12 Yamaha YZR Red Bull 99


Modeling Descriptions and Photos - 1/4


The Engine Assembly

I picked up this kit from a local hobby shop. I normally would not build a bike kit, but I saw this kit being on sale for $16! The retail would be $31. That beats any Internet mail order place. I brought the kit home that day. To be honest, I do not know much about the subject, I decided to build this kit straight out of the box using the instruction sheet as the only guide...

The construction of this kit starts with the engine assembly.



More of the Engine Assembly

I test-fit the engine components. I painted the air-intake semi-gloss black and started to apply carbon fiber decals on the air intake housing.



Adding Carbon Fiber Decals and the Radiator Pipes

The carbon fiber decals are being added in the picture. I used Microsol decal setting solution to settle down the decals over the air-intake housing. The radiator pipes were coated with buffing Metallic Aluminum Plate. After few minutes of buffing, I was able to bring out that metal shines.



Detailing the Engine Parts View #1



Detailing the Engine Parts View #2


Detailing the Engine Parts View #3

I did nothing special to enhance the engine details. I followed the instruction guide and performed the appropriate painting work. I used the buffing metallizer throughout the assembling process. I washed the engine components with a mixture of an acrylic black and the Windex fluid to bring out the surface texture.

The suspension arm was assembled as well. The suspension spring is a real spring which was supplied by the kit.



Painting Small Parts


Who Doesn't Make Mistake?

The cold and snowy weather could have caused the paint bubbles. Or it could have been the airbrush pressure being screwed up... I had paint problems after airbrushing a glossy black to the wheels. I used the paint thinner to strip off the initial coat and I airbrush-ed the wheels again. The paint thinner odor wasn't something I wanted to deal with; I ended up getting a bad headache. At any rate, the result was satisfying even though I screwed up the paint job at first.



The Rear Wheel Assembly

The rear rotor looks good to me. I drilled out the all the holes on the rotor as well. I also black-washed the rotor hub to bring out a details.



Attaching the Rear Wheel to the Main Chassis

I added stains to the bike chain to gave an oily look. The rear wheel arm was attached to the engine frame.



Preparing Exhaust Pipes

After the rear wheel arm was attached, I began the exhaust pipe assembly. I used a sharp hobby knife to remove pin marks and trim lines. The exhaust pipe will receive a very thin metallic coat, it is important to make the surface very clean.


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