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Anthony Ricco
41 articles

16 - Tamiya 1/12 Yamaha Virago

January 2, 2022 · in Automotive · · 20 · 1.5K

What a enjoyable build, my first and I'll definitely do more - Bikes are so much fun.
Didn't really like the red and gold scheme of the kit so decided to do a Copper, Chrome and black version.

I also wanted to play around with exhaust staining and I'm very happy with how it came out.

Moral of this story - buy a kit - they are awesome.

Reader reactions:
6  Awesome

13 additional images. Click to enlarge.


20 responses

  1. Looks great Anthony! I fully agree with your statement that bikes are fun. I think it's a combination of crafty kit engineering and the mix of painted finish and detailed mechanical bits that you can actually see when the kit is finished. Add the fact that they are typically "larger" scale, means the resolution offers more detail... I like your chosen color scheme, looks just right! Well done, sir.

  2. Thanks so much Andrew - Appreciate the comments, yeah I need to get more bike kits for sure. Have you done any, don't see them on your profile.

    • Yeah, you'll have to click the green "visit blog" button to see the full article listing.. I built Tamiya's 2019 new model Honda Monkey125 last year, and it was a great kit. I've also got a Suzuki Katana 90% done on the shelf that I'll finish before long, and did a few others in my past modeling life (teen years).

  3. Really nice build Anthony. The heat weathering on the pipes is dead on. And I agree, your color choice is better than red.

  4. That's a beautiful build, and the kit has some very nice detail!

  5. Great looking Virago, Anthony! Really like the job you did on the instrument clusters and engine. My stepdad had a 750cc (?) Virago, and a next door neighbor owned the 535 version, both of which looked really similar to the 1000.

    Definitely agree about building more m/c models, you don't see them on shelves very often but there are some interesting subjects out there.

  6. You’re right, these 1/12 bike kits are the business, and this one looks great in your custom colour scheme. I’ve posted a few here over the years, mainly Moto GP machines, please check them out if you have time.

    • Wow George - I just had a look at your page and it's going to keep me busy for a while, amazing works, your bikes are fantastic but all your work is top quality.

  7. Fantastic build, Anthony! Yes, bikes look so much fun to build and I already have a few kits to build someday!
    Well done!

  8. You can't kid me! That's a real one and you're just saying it's a model. 🙂

    Very nice work - it really does "look real."

  9. Absolurely great results, Anthony @anthonyricco
    Very realistic looks with all the chrome.

  10. Well done sir
    Alcad II lacquer paint would be the answer

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