BMW R/75 Motorcycle w/Side-car 1/48th Bandai
Being a model builder primarily of what some consider the one true scale, 1/48th the plethora of aircraft models has never really been an issue. The availability of vehicles though was not so abundant. Bandai issued a large series of 1/48th scale armor and vehicles and I have quite a collection of them, and while good, seem somewhat crude compared to the Tamiya offerings.
Still Bandai was very prolific when they were making these kits and I haven't seen one of these yet from Tamiya. The kit itself isn't too bad, although I had to scratch build the side-car seat and add the floor boards as well as the machine gun, jerry can and a few other details. The decals were ancient and resisted just about every decal agent I could find. I think I got them to settle down with just straight vinegar.
When done I was really pleased with the results, and amazingly this little gem has actually place at local shows in the motorcycle section. Believe me I NEVER expected that!
8 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Spiros Pendedekas said on May 3, 2020
Fantastic model, Walt! A lot of quality effort has been put at this kit and it shows.
It just looks "right".
All the best!
Tom Bebout said on May 3, 2020
Nicely done Walt, especially in that scale. I can see it chasing Steve McQueen over country roads in The Great Escape. I like it.
gary sausmikat said on May 3, 2020
Well done and very cool! No problem finding space for your last two builds.
Erik Gjørup said on May 4, 2020
@luftwaffe-birdman that is a nice little bike you have here. I built the Tamiya offering, but did not post it here on iModeler, but I have several more in the stash. I have bought a set of AM photoetch and resin for them, and when my skills are up to it they will be built. I did however post a Opel Blitz https://imodeler.com/2019/03/opel-blitz-tamiya-1-48/ here on iModeler. I constantly search for 1/48 vehicles and stuff in the hope that I will transit to full dioramas for my 109's (and other aircraft) I will have to look for Bandai second-hand items it seems - thank you for sharing!
Walt B said on May 4, 2020
Thanks Erik, I really enjoy those little 1/48th vehicles. I tend to focus more on the vehicles that can compliment my aircraft when I put them on a base, although I do build armor too. Your Blitz looks good, I converted the old Bandai kit into a German Fuel Truck, I haven't posted pics of it here because I wasn't real happy with it. Maybe I will, I have an Me 410 that it might look good next too. Thanks again Erik