Steampunk Harley - Tamiya 1/6 HD FLH Classic 'extreme' kit bash (Very Photo Heavy)

This build began on May 29, 2014, so it's two now.  A bit belated but I managed to flood the thread with photos in order to get here and keep things in sequence.  There is an actual, pragmatic, logical reason for these big test fits but I like doing them for morale boosting.  Let's hope it doesn't develop a 'terrible two's' phase.  Hope you enjoy.





I left out the head and tail light lenses because they're both glass ones and as a consequence they're too heavy for test fits.












There's a little bit of green masking tape in front of the handlebar posts.  That was to secure the headlight mount so it didn't just fall off.


For those who noticed the front forks haven't been primed yet, that's because I have some more plans for them, decoration wise.

And from here on my posts will revert to their usual weekly occurrence. Thanks for putting up with this barrage, I promise I won't do it again

Yes I asked if you sketched your ideas and enjoyed seeing them come to life on paper.
Been a pleasure to see it all again Kats, the lamps look stunning in primer and now the engine is coming together its really 'filling out'.
I look forward to future posts and progress. Thanks for an inspiration and educational build.

G

It looks like you are past the escale stage and up to date now Kats.

This is simply and amazing build.

I like your alternative use for the callipers!!

Holy Crap !! I have to stop and comment on the phenomenal detailing !! Just to realize what all parts those lights can have is just mind boggling !!!

Now, to go back and watch the engine construction !
What a trip !!!

Lesson well learned ! Don't miss any updates !! My breakfast and morning coffee got stone a$$ cold while I was absorbing all of this. JUST FANTASTIC !!!

Fantastic work,so just wondering what will be in the place of the fuel (gas ) tank - a water tank?
The water capacity would need to be quite large...

Thanks for taking the time to put all the WIP on Skid's KATS.

Looking forward to "the rest of the story"

good stuff Kats!

Kats: What with all the chaos around my house for the past month today is the first chance I've had to really look at this project. I have to fall back on my great grandaughter's favorite description of something that really impresses her
------- AMAZING!!!!!!!

You really need to consider making the trip to Salt Lake City next April for GSL. I honestly think we could be looking at a Best of Class or even Best of Show here. The only suggestion I can make is you might want to consider some hex nuts.

Kats, Brilliant work. This is making a very convincing 'steampunk' engine.
When the inlet and outlet are added together with your usual fantastic detailing
its going to be extremely impressive.

We're looking at "museum quality" or Hollywood film studio quality work. It is weird, certainly, and like good art, stunning. Thank you for sharing your creative process!

harron68 wrote:We're looking at "museum quality" or Hollywood film studio quality work.  It is weird, certainly, and like good art, stunning.  Thank you for sharing your creative process!

Xs 2....real work of art...!....

When one wonders how this can possibly get much better, each installment makes that happen !! Great work !!

Thank your lucky stars you live in tolerant Canada. Other places these postings could be used as evidence for your committal. As it stands, we'll miss you if and when Hollywood hires you away.

Wow!!!!!!!!!!

Curt, John, Gary, Harron, Mark, Clay & Buck - There needs to be an emoji for blushing with embarrassment, your very kind comments and encouragement is deeply appreciated.  Thank you guys!  

Been a busy week both at work and on the home front (Milady's choir group has a concert this weekend, today in fact) so my time in the workshop has been somewhat curtailed.  However, I did manage to do a little work so I thought I'd post what I have.  After the 'Two Years in less than two weeks' blitz I recently inflicted on the forum this might seem a bit sparse but it's a shift back to a more 'normal' posting rhythm for me.

I've been incorrectly calling this part a steam box when in fact it seems to be called a steam chest.  Also, my initial add ons to it seemed a bit shallow so in the second photo you'll notice some of the bits have been changed.  Regardless, here it is with a bit more body added to it.  This is just the first step, there will be much shaping to come, followed by the inevitable details.




A test fit and I am satisfied with the size of the steam chest.  In fact I am deeply gratified that this portion of the build is coming together the way it is, I was expecting a lot more adjusting and rethinking.


It's been a while since I worked on the crankcase.  Here it is with the connecting rod housing affixed and the start of the 'bolt downs' on the sides.


I have a feeling this is one of those build portions where I slow things down a tad in order to keep the little detailing tasks in order.  I've also been grabbing images of old pressure gauge dials from the Net in order to Photoshop them for future use.  And I've been mentally working out things like the proportionate size of the boiler and the arrangement of all the other stuff.  And as John suggested there will be more Hex Nuts ...  

Wow Kats!

I rarely looked in the Bike section on escale, but my eyes are peeled on this one.

This is a show winner and it's not even done. Excellent scratch building technic. A joy to read and follow along.

Damn you Kat's, I've told you before, I don't have any more superlatives.

This is the finest scratch building I have ever seen!!!

Looking killer Kats.