Carbon Fibre (CF)
A lot of the latest GP bikes, and even some street bikes, make extensive use of CF to reduce weight. On street bikes its usually more for style than for functionality. Before adding any CF effects, check your 1:1 references.
CF Decals
All too often I see modellers use incorrect scale CF decals. Even 1/12 scale CF
decals used on 1/12 GP bikes simply doesn't look right. They are far too bold when
compared to 1:1 reference pictures. I have centerfold style pictures of the NSR500 '99,
YZR500 '99 and RGV500 '99 that are roughly 1/6 scale and the CF is barely perceivable. In
a lot of cases, I think it would be more realistic to use 1/20, 1/24 or 1/25 scale CF
decals on a 1/12 motorcycle.
Painting
The best looking CF on GP bikes that I have seen, are those that have simulated
the CF using paint. The modellers did this by painting the parts a base colour such as
black. Then laying a fine mesh over the part and misting a dark grey or the appropriate
colour through the mesh. Looks very nice. Its subtle and far more realistic looking to
me.
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