Honda Azzurro English

Meanwhile I'm waiting to receive the last two 1/12 motorcycles Tamiya's releases, I'm enjoying my last kit that became to my hand, the Honda NSR 500, Nastro Azzurro team, version 2000.
I should accept I like motorcycles, the 1/6 and mainly the 1/12 of competition with their showy decorations (decals for modelers), but I am not an expert and my knowledge about teams and races is poor, however I will try to give you an idea of what you'll find in the box, if you decide to buy one.

This last Tamiya's release (14082) it is not very different from the ' 99 Repsol Honda (14077) and the ' 98 Movistar Honda Pons (14072) versions.

The kit

If you have already built, for example, the ' 98 Movistar Honda Pons, there are not much new things here, you will find the same parts branches, in metallic grey, white and a chromed one, almost without modifications, except in the exhaust pipes. Some parts of these branches won't be used, being replaced by new ones, (in a small branch) where the new exhaust, fenders and shocks (with the new brakes configuration), a new electronic box, and a pair of new parts, are provided.
The booklet is the same one with small changes, and new guide for decals application. Tamiya provides a soft self-adhesive sheet, with drawings that once cut they will be used to mask the body, which has a slightly complex painting, but if you have already built this models type before, you won't have problems.

The chassis, as well as the rear wheel frame, is chromed, I usually remove the chrome layer from this kind of parts. This allows us an easy building, without leaving gaps. For painting the assembly chassis, I advise to apply a light layer of Testor Metalizer aluminum (non buffing ) and then a layer of Humbrol Metalcote aluminum (buffing), which should be smoothly polished, achieving a surprising effect.

The rest of this Honda motorcycle building isn't more complex than the previous models, except as always, for the diversity of colors that each small part should be painted, the masking job is exhausting. My technique is to paint at first the more extensive or clearer color with Tamiya enamel and then to mask to continue with the second color, but sometimes I prefer (for small parts) to apply several layers of Tamiya's acrylic paint, very diluted, with an appropriated brush, it simplifies the work and with the practice the result will be good.

As always it is necessary to add some carbon fiber decal to the motor air intakes and the rear fender.
You can also replace the exhaust carbon fiber decals by more convincing ones and the rivets by Photo-etched ones.

Another interesting idea to improve the aspect, is to replace the brakes vinyl tubes and electric wires in general, by those used in electronics from 0,45 up to 0,80 mm, this looks more real. The joint can be achieved with small vinyl pieces that at the same time look like protection covers. Besides, you can also add on the instruments panel decals, a drop of Microscale Kristal Klear.

Conclusion
Another great quality Tamiya´s new success, with nothing new except for the colors, but if we think that a Studio 27 decal set costs almost the same that this kit, we are in front of a great opportunity of adding other NSR500 to our collection.
An advice, if you have never built a NSR500 and can get the #71 issue of Tamiya Model Magazine

Article.jpg (34162 bytes)

International (December /January ' 98, ' 99), you'll find an interesting note written by the editor about building a ' 98 Movistar Honda Pons, some ideas were really very useful to me and I think that it's a good article. If you cannot get it, send me an email and I'll try to send you a copy. Good luck and to the racetracks!

Support us ordering our notes in PDF > Here