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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 more for style than for functionality. Particularly in the fairings, fenders and air boxes. Before adding are 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.

 
Contact Coaster
http://home.interlog.com/~khartlen
+/tips/cf.htm
Last revised on: March 2, 2004
Copyright © 1998-2003, Kenneth W. Hartlen. All rights reserved.

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