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Harley Davidson FLSTFB Fat Boy Lo

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Earlier this year I was asked by Jim Starkweather, CEO/Publisher Kit Maker Network to build (out of the box) Tamiya's 1/6th FAT BOY LO.

At first there was a reluctance on my part to take on the task. My reason for that was I don't normally build motorcycle model kits out of the box, preferring to build large scale motorcycles from scratch. With further contemplation of the request by Jim I decided to take on the task. I consider Jim and good friend and feel honored to help him with his endeavors in the world of model building.

The following are some thoughts of the OOBB (Out Of Box Build), 1/6th scale Fat Boy Lo, large scale motorcycle kit by Tamiya.

At first look into the kit I noticed the vast array of content jammed into the large box. The kit contains plastic, vinyl kit parts, decals along with sets of fastening metal screws and miniature tools to set the metal hardware. Everything is there for a successful kit build with only the model builder adding some plastic cement and detail paint.

The 32 page kit instructions booklet is well laid out detailing the 55 steps constructing the kit build from start to finish. Also included in the booklet is the parts layout with inventory of all the metal parts and fasteners. A vital resource during the build process.

The quality of the plastic and vinyl parts are of the highest. The parts that have chrome plating is the best quality that I have ever encountered in any kit. The decal sheet is well laid out and of good quality. The metal screws and other fastener are also good quality and extras are included in case of loss during the build. Also included is a supply of double sided adhesive tape for fastening parts.

My advice is to diligently go step by step, 1 thru 55, following instructions for a successful build. All the parts fit well and luckily seem to fall into place nicely. Plastic cement glue is necessary during the build but surprisingly many of the parts are assembled by snapping together. The metal screws and fasteners work well and with the tools provided help much with the build. I give much respect and credit to the Tamiya Company for the engineering of the kit and how good it goes together.

I can only say good things about the kit build with only a couple minor difficulties that can be easily worked out.

The motorcycle model is over 14 inches in length and actually looks like the REAL thing, but in miniature. It is fascinating for me to look at it, imagining me to get on the bike, start it and take it for a ride.

That is what it is all about, having fun building the model, have fun sitting back admiring the model and imagining having fun "playing" with the model. That is what makes me happy.

I want to thank Jim Starkweather for giving me the privilege to take on the task of building Tamiya's "Fat Boy Lo" large scale motorcycle kit.

Have fun, build a model.

Alexander W. De Leon

About the Author

About alex wencho de leon (alexwence)
FROM: TEXAS, UNITED STATES


Comments

JUL 06, 2014 - 03:32 PM
JUL 06, 2014 - 03:37 PM
Thank you for posting my thoughts and photos of the Fat Boy Lo build. alex wence
JUL 06, 2014 - 03:40 PM
JUL 06, 2014 - 03:46 PM
Some photos of the Fat Boy Lo.
JUL 06, 2014 - 03:49 PM
Alex thank you for doing this. That is one very impressive piece of work.
JUL 06, 2014 - 03:53 PM
You are most welcome. My pleasure.
JUL 06, 2014 - 06:02 PM
JUL 06, 2014 - 06:10 PM
LINK
JUL 06, 2014 - 06:13 PM
Well done Alex! These photos look like they are right out a Tamiya catalog as well. Thanks for showing everyone how this goes together with such detail (photos of those on page 2, etc.).
JUL 07, 2014 - 06:58 AM