| 'Virugrat' Yamaha Viragor rat bike The 2012 Kingston Modelrama show had a Cat (Cougars, Jaguars, etc.) and Rat Rod theme. While looking on the Internet for ideas, I came across a Virago rat bike. It looked like a natural for the theme. Base Kit(s): Tamiya Yamaha Virago (kit number 14052) Finished: Apr 2012 Modifications/Additions: Scratchbuilt - scratchbuilt exhaust system from solder and aluminum tube - scratchbuilt gas tank from sheet styrene - scratchbuilt seat from sheet styrene base and Milliput - scratchbuilt handlebars from brass rod - front fender and one front brake disk removed - front fork tubes made from polished aluminum rod - removed centerstand and various body pieces - shortened rear fender and added aluminum foil reflector behind taillight - added exterior oil lines on engine - rear brake rod replaced with stainless steel wire - front and rear axles replaced with threaded aluminum rod and brass nuts and washers - added mounting bracket for starter motor - throttle cables, brake lines, clutch cable all replaced with aftermarket or scratchbuilt connectors, wires and tubing - custom printed license plate - paint on frame, bodywork and wheels and is Tamiya acrylic flat black - some engine and suspension pieces were painted Alclad aluminum and then the black paint was chipped off while drying - paint on seat is Tamiya semi-gloss black acrylic - Alclad steel on exhaust, polished aluminum on front brake disk Awards: Kingston Modelrama, Kingston, ON, May 2012 - 1st place motorcycles Toronto Model Show, Toronto, ON, Sep 2012 - 1st place motorcycles Click on Thumbnail to see detailed image. These images are 1024 x 768 and should load reasonably quickly, depending on your connection speed. Before weathering Some photos during construction |
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