Are you a giant, or is that bike really small? (Tamiya Ducati Yamaha YZF-R1)

Member Name: pie_master

Product:	Tamiya Ducati Yamaha YZF-R1
Date:	29/06/09 (24 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good fun to build! Looks great when finished.

Disadvantages: A bit fiddly - impatient folks need not apply!

I can't afford a real R1 - so this is the closest I can get (plus it is a bit cheaper than the real bike too!).

I bought this kit for around £18.00 at a high street modelling shop but a quick look on the internet indicates that you may be able to get it a bit cheaper!

I'm not a 'serious' model builder, but I do really enjoy making these kits as the concentration required can be quite calming after a hectic day! I'd recommend these road-bike kits as well if you are just starting out as they are a little bit simpler than the race bike kits, which tend to contain dozenas of transfers etc!

This model was fun to build, but did take a bit of time. The kit consists of plastic sheets with pre-formed parts which you snap off, file down (to make the edges/joins smooth) and glue together. Depending on your enthusiasm you can also paint these parts before or after assembly for a 'proper' look. Once assembled, you can stick on the transfers which have all the logos.

This is really a quite detailed kit (as most Tamiya kits are), so it is probably more suitable for the older modeller. You begin with the engine block, and then go onto the chassis, the suspension, wheels and finally the fairing.

I'd estimate that this kit took me around 12 hours to complete ( comprising about 30 minutes per night) although it may take you longer if you really want a near-perfect finished product.

In addition to the kit you'll also need to purchase some plastic cement and some paints. You'll find that the instructions list several paints although I 'made do' with black, red, silver and gold!

I'd personally recommend going for the best colours for the finished paint scheme - red & white!

Summary: A good little kit - hope you enjoy making it as much as I did!