The page has been revamped for Rene Lehmann
Click here for Grand Valley Model Car Club Website
Recently Completed - Nov 2014 to Jan 2015
Now that the colder weather has started, more model building has been happening.
Suzuki RGVΓ500 Telefonica GP bike
BMW K100 cafe bike
(site last updated ______, next update ____y, 2015)
=========================================================================================
Recently Completed - Aug - Oct 2014
A lot of model shows happened this fall - Toronto car show, London, NNL (Sylvania, OH), Tudor (Breslau) and Ajax. Not as much
completion of models as I would have liked.
Dodge Viper SRT-10
=========================================================================================
Recently Completed - June - July 2014
The website has been updated a bit early - the gallery pages have all been revamped so that the models are grouped according
to the manufacturer or theme and now include thumbnails so you get an idea of what the model looks like. The gallery pages
also use tables, which should make it easier to edit in future. Check them out below or use the left side menu.
Motorcycle Gallery
Car Gallery
Sci-Fi Plus Gallery
In addition to revamping the web pages, the following models were completed:
1974 'Team Canada' Brabham BT42 (updated)
Porsche 904
2008 Mustang CobraJet
=========================================================================================
Recently Completed - Jan 2014 - May 2014
The Daytona 24 hour build event had a number of participants from around North America. I was hoping to finish a number of 1:
24 scale motorcycle models, but came down with a very bad cold and gave up after about 7 hours.
The Heritagecon Model show was held in Hamilton in March. About double the number of vendors were there and it was a pretty
good show.
The Kingston Modelrama show was held on May 4th, with the usual number of vendors and a good turnout of modellers.
1963 Lotus 29 - Dan Gurney (updated photos)
1:24 scale racing motorcycles
Honda CB1100R
James Bond 1967 Toyota 2000GT
=========================================================================================
Recently Completed - Oct 2013 - Jan 2014
I've come across two interesting websites recently:
Car Club (GVMCC)'.
BMW R90S
James Bond Aston Martin DB5
Honda RA272 Grand Prix Race Car
=========================================================================================
Recently Completed - May - Oct 2013
I'm still puzzled by something in modelling industry of which the Aston Martin DBS kit is a good example. Model car and motorcycle
manufacturers never seem to write instructions in the sequence you need to assemble the models correctly. For example, with this
kit, there are two parts - the rear portion of the bodywork that makes up the spoiler and the front valance that need to be dealt
with. In the instructions, these parts are attached in steps 18 and 16, respectively, after other body parts have been attached.
However, in order to do the model properly, these parts need to be attached much earlier, any gaps filled in (if necessary) and
then the whole body prepped and painted. With Tamiya kits, you can do the bodywork early in the build sequence because you
will rarely find fit problems at the end. With older domestic kits, I always do a complete dry fit of the body, interior and chassis as I
have experienced fit problems when everything comes together for final assembly.
Similar to the assembly sequence issues, I have yet to see instructions where the proper painting sequence is outlined. That is,
subassemblies are put together, then all the parts of the same colour are identified in a series of painting steps. This would make
building much more logical and avoid the problem we have all encountered of getting to step 20 and realize we have to get out the
airbrush to paint a part a colour we have already used in a previous step. I'm not sure whether this practice stems from
instructions originally being done for aircraft, armour and ships, where you can often do 90%+ of the assembly without every
having to paint a single part. Then at, or near, the end you can airbrush or spray the entire model in one step. I've seen build
sequences online or in magazines in which the authors follow a more logical building sequence, but never have I seen kit
instructions that do so. I'm almost tempted to start an online movement to rewrite model car instructions in a more logical
1983 San Marino Motorcycle Grand Prix (MotoGP) diorama
1983 Honda NS500 MotoGP bike
1983 Yamaha YZR500 (OW70) MotoGP bike
James Bond Aston Martin DBS
=========================================================================================
Recently Completed - Jan to Apr 2013
New Collections Gallery added to left navigation panel
Photos from 2013 Kingston Modelrama are posted here
We had a Daytona 24 hour build (which went for about 12 hours), our 12 hour build (only one finished in the allotted time)
and the Hamilton IPMS Heritagecon show.
Another couple of articles were/will be published
- "Chain Gang" (photoetch motorcycle chains) in Model Cars
- "Building a 1/12 Yamaha MotoGP, or Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Modelmaking" in Random Thoughts
Shelby Mustang 1968 GT500KR
Shelby Mustang 2008 GT500KR
Mustang II
Yamaha Majesty
=========================================================================================
Recently Completed - Nov 2012 to Jan 2013
The Ajax show was the only one in the last few months. We had our 12 hour build over the Christmas break and there
was the booth at the 2013 Motorcycle Supershow in early January.
Yamaha YZR-M1 'Spiderman' GP bike
MV Agusta F4 1000
Star Wars Naboo Starfighter
==========================================================================================
Why motorcycles and why 1/12 scale?
I've always had a problem getting a really good paint job - probably a matter of not being patient enough. So I decided to
concentrate on building motorcycles and not as many cars. There is usually less bodywork that needs to be painted with a
motorcycle kit as opposed to a car. The downside is that bodywork on bike models can be as complicated as car bodies,
especially when it comes to polishing out a paint job. The other aspect of motorcycle modelling is that it the engine and brake
parts are usually out for everyone to see and detailing is critical. The exception to this are the modern GP bikes that have full
fairings.
I prefer building older bikes for two reasons:
- Many older racing bikes did not have fairings and it never made sense to me to do a lot of engine detailing and then not be able
to see it under a fairing.
- The bikes I've seen at a lot of model contests and photos appear to have a 'sameness' to them. There are a lot of modern GP
racing bikes and if you've seen one Honda RC211V, you've pretty well seen them all. Not to take away from some of the
workmanship people put into these kits, I like to see a lot more variety in the shape and style of motorcycle models that I build.
I find that I prefer 1:12 scale for building for a few reasons:
- A 1:12 scale motorcycle takes up about the same shelf space as a 1:24 scale car, so you are not giving up space (which we all
know we never have enough of)
- There are a great variety of 1/12 scale kits, more than most people could build in a lifetime. I have a motorcyle kit database that
has over 350 different motorcycle kits that have been produced. With kit bashing and scratch building, the limits are only your
imagination.
- Detailing bolt heads and nuts is more accurate in 1:12 scale compared to 1:24 scale. For example, a 12 mm bolt head would be
1 mm in 1:12 scale and you could see that as a hex head without a magnifying glass. Miniature hex head screws of 00-90 size can
be used for wheel axle nuts, swing arm pivots and steering heads. These scale to about 24 mm bolts (2 inches) in 1:1. There are
very few places where these can be scaled properly in 1:24 scale because they represent a 48 mm (4 inch) bolt head!
- The detailling also extends to braided fittings and throttle and other return springs - much more in scale accuracy can be
achieved in 1:12 scale.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Introduction - Jan 1, 2005
I build scale models of various kinds, mostly 1/12 scale motorcycles, but also 1/24 scale cars and some sci-fi models. You can see
the models in the various galleries section, which includes both pictures and descriptions of the models.
I live in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, about an hour west of Toronto. Like many modellers today, I built model kits as a kid and
enjoyed it thoroughly. Then school, marriage, career and family kind of got in the way of my building and I did not build a model
for close to 20 years. In the early part of 2003, I started building again and had about a dozen unbuilt kits at that time. Thanks to
eBay and Internet vendors, I now have all the kits I need to build the 4 dozen or so projects that I've identified. I have had some
success in entering local model contests, which has encouraged me to keep building.
I have most of the tools I need, which include an airbrush, material to cast resin parts and a Sherline mini-lathe and milling machine
attachment.
I have found a great community of model builders thanks, in part, to the Internet. People have been very willing to offer help and
suggestions for any project that I have. I wish to return the favour and if you have any questions about the models you see,
please contact me.
May 25, 2008
Added pages for Honda RC211V, Porsche 959 cabriole, Porsche 935-78 Le Mans, Renault Alpine A224B, Renault Alpine A224A
Updated photos for Porsche 936-78 no 7
January 2008
Added pages for 2006 Mustang Boss 302, L'il Red Express Truck, Porsche 936-78 no 7, Bumblebee New - Camaro Concept car
Added page for results of 2008 Motorcycle Supershow model contest
October 2007
Added page for James Bond 'Little Nellie' Autogyro, Lotus 25
Added page of announcements for upcoming Motorcycle Supershow Contest
July 2, 2007
Added page for 1967 LeMans Shelby Mustang
May 6, 2007
Added Contest Photo page and photos from 2007 Modelrama
March 2, 2007
Added pages for Kawasaki AR50, Flathead Rat Trike, Crusader chopper
Added one tip about motorcycle cables
Jan 8, 2007
Added pages for Sopwith Triplane, Diamond Chopper
Added page of 2007 Motorcycle Supershow Contest results
Added some additonal links
October 30, 2006
Added pages for Matrix Ducati 996, 1962 Ford Thunderbird, F4 Phantom Jet
Updated some links
Added airplanes to Sci-Fi Gallery page and renamed gallery to 'Sci-Fi Plus'
Updated Tips page with white decals and CA glue applicator.
September 29, 2006
Added page for Porsche 936-78
June 4, 2006
Added pages for TIE Interceptor, Death Star diorama
Added page for Supershow Motorcycle Model Contest
April 10, 2006
Added pages for Spiderman, TIE Fighter - Battle Damaged, Ferrari 312T4 (updated), Ferrari Mythos
Added page about 10 Ultimate Motorcycles
February 1, 2006
Added pages for Vespa Scooter and Tomahawk motorcycle
January 10, 2006
Added results of Supershow Model Contest.
Added link to Guelph Plastic Modellers Group on home page.
Added pages for Suzuki RG500, Star Trek Enterprise, updated Suzuki Katana and Suzuki RM250
Added detaiing ideas to 'Tips' page
December 10, 2005
Added page for BMW R100RS model.
Split 'Links and Resources' into several separate pages
Removed 'Current Projects' page
Some minor changes to various pages
November 2005
Added page for SuperShow Model Contest and update from MegaCity Madness Contest
September 26 2005
Added page for Chevy Trike.
Added new photos for Suzuki Carbon Plastic frame motorcycle
July 29 2005
Added page for Porsche 962C Joest LeMans race car.
Added page of progress photos for Porsche 962C Rothmans Canada LeMans race car.
Added page and build notes for Suzuki Carbon Plastic frame motorcycle
June 12 2005
Updated and added a number of links
Updated Current Projects page with progress pictures.
Updated home page with new comments
May 18 2005
Added page for Star Wars TIE X1 Darth Vader's ship (1/72 scale)
Updated Current Projects page with progress pictures.
Updated home page with new comments.
March 18 2005
Added page and build notes for Honda VF750 Interceptor Superbike.
Added page for Star Wars TIE Fighters
Updated home page with new comments.
Updated Current Projects page.
February 9 2005
Added Tips page.
January 21 2005
Added page for Yamaha YZR500 Grand Prix motorcycle.
January 18 2005
Added page for Off Road Dune Buggy.
December 2004
Original site launched, with about 13 pages of scale model descriptions and pages.
Click here for Grand Valley Model Car Club Website
Recently Completed - Nov 2014 to Jan 2015
Now that the colder weather has started, more model building has been happening.
Suzuki RGVΓ500 Telefonica GP bike
BMW K100 cafe bike
(site last updated ______, next update ____y, 2015)
=========================================================================================
Recently Completed - Aug - Oct 2014
A lot of model shows happened this fall - Toronto car show, London, NNL (Sylvania, OH), Tudor (Breslau) and Ajax. Not as much
completion of models as I would have liked.
Dodge Viper SRT-10
=========================================================================================
Recently Completed - June - July 2014
The website has been updated a bit early - the gallery pages have all been revamped so that the models are grouped according
to the manufacturer or theme and now include thumbnails so you get an idea of what the model looks like. The gallery pages
also use tables, which should make it easier to edit in future. Check them out below or use the left side menu.
Motorcycle Gallery
Car Gallery
Sci-Fi Plus Gallery
In addition to revamping the web pages, the following models were completed:
1974 'Team Canada' Brabham BT42 (updated)
Porsche 904
2008 Mustang CobraJet
=========================================================================================
Recently Completed - Jan 2014 - May 2014
The Daytona 24 hour build event had a number of participants from around North America. I was hoping to finish a number of 1:
24 scale motorcycle models, but came down with a very bad cold and gave up after about 7 hours.
The Heritagecon Model show was held in Hamilton in March. About double the number of vendors were there and it was a pretty
good show.
The Kingston Modelrama show was held on May 4th, with the usual number of vendors and a good turnout of modellers.
1963 Lotus 29 - Dan Gurney (updated photos)
1:24 scale racing motorcycles
Honda CB1100R
James Bond 1967 Toyota 2000GT
=========================================================================================
Recently Completed - Oct 2013 - Jan 2014
I've come across two interesting websites recently:
- Kit Lotus
This is a website dedicated to Lotus models of all kinds. They have a bi-monthly newsletter that you can subscribe to and
have published a build article of mine on the Lotus 25.
Amalgam Models
They build fantastic, large scale models of Formula One race cars. Some of the models come as unbuilt kits, at museum
like prices. Check out the incredible detail.
Car Club (GVMCC)'.
BMW R90S
James Bond Aston Martin DB5
Honda RA272 Grand Prix Race Car
=========================================================================================
Recently Completed - May - Oct 2013
I'm still puzzled by something in modelling industry of which the Aston Martin DBS kit is a good example. Model car and motorcycle
manufacturers never seem to write instructions in the sequence you need to assemble the models correctly. For example, with this
kit, there are two parts - the rear portion of the bodywork that makes up the spoiler and the front valance that need to be dealt
with. In the instructions, these parts are attached in steps 18 and 16, respectively, after other body parts have been attached.
However, in order to do the model properly, these parts need to be attached much earlier, any gaps filled in (if necessary) and
then the whole body prepped and painted. With Tamiya kits, you can do the bodywork early in the build sequence because you
will rarely find fit problems at the end. With older domestic kits, I always do a complete dry fit of the body, interior and chassis as I
have experienced fit problems when everything comes together for final assembly.
Similar to the assembly sequence issues, I have yet to see instructions where the proper painting sequence is outlined. That is,
subassemblies are put together, then all the parts of the same colour are identified in a series of painting steps. This would make
building much more logical and avoid the problem we have all encountered of getting to step 20 and realize we have to get out the
airbrush to paint a part a colour we have already used in a previous step. I'm not sure whether this practice stems from
instructions originally being done for aircraft, armour and ships, where you can often do 90%+ of the assembly without every
having to paint a single part. Then at, or near, the end you can airbrush or spray the entire model in one step. I've seen build
sequences online or in magazines in which the authors follow a more logical building sequence, but never have I seen kit
instructions that do so. I'm almost tempted to start an online movement to rewrite model car instructions in a more logical
1983 San Marino Motorcycle Grand Prix (MotoGP) diorama
1983 Honda NS500 MotoGP bike
1983 Yamaha YZR500 (OW70) MotoGP bike
James Bond Aston Martin DBS
=========================================================================================
Recently Completed - Jan to Apr 2013
New Collections Gallery added to left navigation panel
Photos from 2013 Kingston Modelrama are posted here
We had a Daytona 24 hour build (which went for about 12 hours), our 12 hour build (only one finished in the allotted time)
and the Hamilton IPMS Heritagecon show.
Another couple of articles were/will be published
- "Chain Gang" (photoetch motorcycle chains) in Model Cars
- "Building a 1/12 Yamaha MotoGP, or Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Modelmaking" in Random Thoughts
Shelby Mustang 1968 GT500KR
Shelby Mustang 2008 GT500KR
Mustang II
Yamaha Majesty
=========================================================================================
Recently Completed - Nov 2012 to Jan 2013
The Ajax show was the only one in the last few months. We had our 12 hour build over the Christmas break and there
was the booth at the 2013 Motorcycle Supershow in early January.
Yamaha YZR-M1 'Spiderman' GP bike
MV Agusta F4 1000
Star Wars Naboo Starfighter
==========================================================================================
Why motorcycles and why 1/12 scale?
I've always had a problem getting a really good paint job - probably a matter of not being patient enough. So I decided to
concentrate on building motorcycles and not as many cars. There is usually less bodywork that needs to be painted with a
motorcycle kit as opposed to a car. The downside is that bodywork on bike models can be as complicated as car bodies,
especially when it comes to polishing out a paint job. The other aspect of motorcycle modelling is that it the engine and brake
parts are usually out for everyone to see and detailing is critical. The exception to this are the modern GP bikes that have full
fairings.
I prefer building older bikes for two reasons:
- Many older racing bikes did not have fairings and it never made sense to me to do a lot of engine detailing and then not be able
to see it under a fairing.
- The bikes I've seen at a lot of model contests and photos appear to have a 'sameness' to them. There are a lot of modern GP
racing bikes and if you've seen one Honda RC211V, you've pretty well seen them all. Not to take away from some of the
workmanship people put into these kits, I like to see a lot more variety in the shape and style of motorcycle models that I build.
I find that I prefer 1:12 scale for building for a few reasons:
- A 1:12 scale motorcycle takes up about the same shelf space as a 1:24 scale car, so you are not giving up space (which we all
know we never have enough of)
- There are a great variety of 1/12 scale kits, more than most people could build in a lifetime. I have a motorcyle kit database that
has over 350 different motorcycle kits that have been produced. With kit bashing and scratch building, the limits are only your
imagination.
- Detailing bolt heads and nuts is more accurate in 1:12 scale compared to 1:24 scale. For example, a 12 mm bolt head would be
1 mm in 1:12 scale and you could see that as a hex head without a magnifying glass. Miniature hex head screws of 00-90 size can
be used for wheel axle nuts, swing arm pivots and steering heads. These scale to about 24 mm bolts (2 inches) in 1:1. There are
very few places where these can be scaled properly in 1:24 scale because they represent a 48 mm (4 inch) bolt head!
- The detailling also extends to braided fittings and throttle and other return springs - much more in scale accuracy can be
achieved in 1:12 scale.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Introduction - Jan 1, 2005
I build scale models of various kinds, mostly 1/12 scale motorcycles, but also 1/24 scale cars and some sci-fi models. You can see
the models in the various galleries section, which includes both pictures and descriptions of the models.
I live in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, about an hour west of Toronto. Like many modellers today, I built model kits as a kid and
enjoyed it thoroughly. Then school, marriage, career and family kind of got in the way of my building and I did not build a model
for close to 20 years. In the early part of 2003, I started building again and had about a dozen unbuilt kits at that time. Thanks to
eBay and Internet vendors, I now have all the kits I need to build the 4 dozen or so projects that I've identified. I have had some
success in entering local model contests, which has encouraged me to keep building.
I have most of the tools I need, which include an airbrush, material to cast resin parts and a Sherline mini-lathe and milling machine
attachment.
I have found a great community of model builders thanks, in part, to the Internet. People have been very willing to offer help and
suggestions for any project that I have. I wish to return the favour and if you have any questions about the models you see,
please contact me.
May 25, 2008
Added pages for Honda RC211V, Porsche 959 cabriole, Porsche 935-78 Le Mans, Renault Alpine A224B, Renault Alpine A224A
Updated photos for Porsche 936-78 no 7
January 2008
Added pages for 2006 Mustang Boss 302, L'il Red Express Truck, Porsche 936-78 no 7, Bumblebee New - Camaro Concept car
Added page for results of 2008 Motorcycle Supershow model contest
October 2007
Added page for James Bond 'Little Nellie' Autogyro, Lotus 25
Added page of announcements for upcoming Motorcycle Supershow Contest
July 2, 2007
Added page for 1967 LeMans Shelby Mustang
May 6, 2007
Added Contest Photo page and photos from 2007 Modelrama
March 2, 2007
Added pages for Kawasaki AR50, Flathead Rat Trike, Crusader chopper
Added one tip about motorcycle cables
Jan 8, 2007
Added pages for Sopwith Triplane, Diamond Chopper
Added page of 2007 Motorcycle Supershow Contest results
Added some additonal links
October 30, 2006
Added pages for Matrix Ducati 996, 1962 Ford Thunderbird, F4 Phantom Jet
Updated some links
Added airplanes to Sci-Fi Gallery page and renamed gallery to 'Sci-Fi Plus'
Updated Tips page with white decals and CA glue applicator.
September 29, 2006
Added page for Porsche 936-78
June 4, 2006
Added pages for TIE Interceptor, Death Star diorama
Added page for Supershow Motorcycle Model Contest
April 10, 2006
Added pages for Spiderman, TIE Fighter - Battle Damaged, Ferrari 312T4 (updated), Ferrari Mythos
Added page about 10 Ultimate Motorcycles
February 1, 2006
Added pages for Vespa Scooter and Tomahawk motorcycle
January 10, 2006
Added results of Supershow Model Contest.
Added link to Guelph Plastic Modellers Group on home page.
Added pages for Suzuki RG500, Star Trek Enterprise, updated Suzuki Katana and Suzuki RM250
Added detaiing ideas to 'Tips' page
December 10, 2005
Added page for BMW R100RS model.
Split 'Links and Resources' into several separate pages
Removed 'Current Projects' page
Some minor changes to various pages
November 2005
Added page for SuperShow Model Contest and update from MegaCity Madness Contest
September 26 2005
Added page for Chevy Trike.
Added new photos for Suzuki Carbon Plastic frame motorcycle
July 29 2005
Added page for Porsche 962C Joest LeMans race car.
Added page of progress photos for Porsche 962C Rothmans Canada LeMans race car.
Added page and build notes for Suzuki Carbon Plastic frame motorcycle
June 12 2005
Updated and added a number of links
Updated Current Projects page with progress pictures.
Updated home page with new comments
May 18 2005
Added page for Star Wars TIE X1 Darth Vader's ship (1/72 scale)
Updated Current Projects page with progress pictures.
Updated home page with new comments.
March 18 2005
Added page and build notes for Honda VF750 Interceptor Superbike.
Added page for Star Wars TIE Fighters
Updated home page with new comments.
Updated Current Projects page.
February 9 2005
Added Tips page.
January 21 2005
Added page for Yamaha YZR500 Grand Prix motorcycle.
January 18 2005
Added page for Off Road Dune Buggy.
December 2004
Original site launched, with about 13 pages of scale model descriptions and pages.
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