Ducati 900 NCR Racer
This is my latest build in the (mainly) Tamiya 1/12 series of motor cycles. Keeping with Ducati's tradition of modifying their road bikes for racing, the firm of NCR (consisting of three ex Ducati engineers) was entrusted with the preparation of their racing bikes. NCR was founded in 1959, and amongst others, prepared Mike Hailwood's bike that won the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy race. This is an example of one of their machines prepared for the TT Formula 1 and other endurance events, and is equipped with Brembo suspension, Dellorto carburetors and Campagnolo wheels. It's one of Tamiya's older kits in this series, but it is still a well detailed model that doesn't show its age, and comes complete with Cartograph decals. It's built mainly as per the instructions, but I did drill out the ventilation holes in the brake discs, and added a couple of extra cables. It's finished in Tamiya's Italian red out of a spray can, and I think the colour scheme, enhanced by the silver and gold, is very attractive. Unfortunately I had a bit of an accident when photographing it. With the welcome start of Spring we have had some lovely sunshine, and I thought I would try some outside photography for a change. While setting up my camera a sudden gust of wind caught the model causing it to crash down on to some concrete some 6 feet below! I have a policy of only cementing parts that really need it when building, and luckily this paid off, as some parts became detached, rather than actually breaking. Some damage was suffered, however, and I spent a few hours reassembling and repairing. The second photography session went better, and I think the sunshine flatters the finish.
Thank you for looking, George.
George, that is stunning! What a classic and a great save after the shunt.
Excellent, George, Up to your usual great standards.
Gotta hand it to ya, George...you sure got a way with them bikes! Beautiful job.
George,
I continue to be in awe of your skill in building these bikes. Absolutely outstanding
Being a biker I love looking at your builds and this is just as good as all your others, that is to say excellent, it reminds me a bit of my SV 650 Suzuki..
N.
Another winner George! You have these down pat. I love the clean precise presentation of these bike models. Perfect.
Good looking bike George. I am not familiar with how these bike kits go together. Are the body panels meant to be removable or are you taking the pictures before buttoning them up?
I've got a couple of old Revell of Germany kits, the Norton comes to mind, and was wondering if you have had any experience with them.
Thanks for looking, Al. On most of these kits the various panels are held on screws and are therefore removable. In practise, however, there is usually some 'plumbing' to be removed as well. Generally, I take the pictures before final assembly. This one is a little unusual in that there are only two 'body' parts, the front cowling and the fuel tank and seat assembly. I'm afraid I'm not familiar with the old Revell kits, but I would love to see the Norton when you've built it.
I also have their Black Vincent which as far as I know was the only kit available of that bike.
beautiful work
Nice clean build, great save after the "crash".
Amazing job, this one of my favorite bikes ever!
Cracking work again George! You can't tell its a write off! I would have been devastated when it fell.
How small is the drill you used on the discs and where do you get them?
I'll be getting back into modeling myself in the summer, moving back to Newcastle after a good 6 months on the road. I've got another R1 as an Xmas present off the in-laws, a Tamiya kit, not a real one! I might try and convert it to a racer.
Hi Richard, thanks for your comments. I used a 0.4mm drill on this kit. Supplies are limited in China, so I bought a set of six drill bits from Tamiya (ref 74044 and a pin vice). I'm sure there are far cheaper alternatives available in the UK, you could try an on line shop called Eileen's Emporium (weird name, I know), they cater mainly for railway modellers, but have some great modelling tools and supplies that you'll find useful. Also, if you have a model railway exhibition anyway near you on your travels there's bound to be a supplier. Glad you'll be settling down in Newcastle again, looking forward to seeing your R1.
Cheers George. I'm glad to be settling down again myself! I've been having modeling withdrawal!
Boy, that's really sweet..!
George, beautiful job on your model of a beautiful bike. I am a real fan of Ducati, and was lucky enough to buy a brand new 900 SD "Darmah" in 1978. Your model has the exact Campagnolo wheels that my Darmah had. The bevel drive Ducati 90 degree "V" (or "L") twins are iconic machines, much more personality (and gear whine sound) than the later belt drive models. Had my Ducati for 10 years, but in 1988 I wanted to take some long rides, and bought a new Kawasaki Concours. I couldn't afford 3 bikes (have also a 1969 Norton Commando), so the Ducati, sadly, had to go. Anyway, Dr. Taglioni had some great ideas (desmodromic valve operation for one, something I remember adjusting myself), and put them into existence with Ducati, and gave us something to savor! I recently discovered my old 1/12 Tamiya model (built) of the Ducati 900 Supersport, and am glad I had saved it. I think I will take some pics of it and post on iModeler. I am so happy that your photo adventure mishap turned out OK in the end. I also take my model photos outside, I find natural light is best, and have had a couple of exciting moments with the wind! Many thanks for showing your very nice Ducati. It brought back memories!
Thanks for your kind comments, Robert, you're obviously a real biker. Looking forward to seeing your photographs of the 900 Supersport. I see that Tamiya are about to release a kit of the new Panigale...
Really? I want one!
As per normal for you George, yet another fantastic bike.
Have soft spot for the Duke...
Well done George.
really excellent building with this old kit !
nice bike...
What a beautiful bike, I'm a real s****r for the Italian bikes. love this one