Repair Motorcycle Model

[jeremy]

Hi, I broke the handlebars on the 2nd day I received it. Anyone know to fix it? My idea is drill a hole on the bar and motor then insert a metal stick/rod at the center so it won't break easily next time. But problem is I lost another handlebar so probably need to replicate it. I don't know so anyone here know how to replicate part? If replicate then need to paint the handle and help me fix as well. I am willing to pay. But if I found another handlebar, then I might fix it myself.

[Phoon]

By pinning brass rod with superglue definitely solve your problem. As to replicate or recast another handle will be an issue. Not many modelers here have the knowledge of recasting. In addition, to recast a small little tiny thing will be difficult as it involve alot of prep works and expensive too in another way.

Sounds like searching a needle in a stray of hay, but you can try your luck by getting second hand relevant kit via lowyat.net.....

[zero1st]

if the shape of the handlebars is simple enuf i might suggest u to scratch build the part ur self rather then recast .... base on the pic seem like u need a pla rod, a pla pipe, and a pla strip to reconstruct the shape out ....

while trying to look for the parts at lowyat.net like phoon suggest try give the scratch build a go .... u might fail a few time .... but there is no harm right

[Rayloke]

Yeah looking at the amount of detail (or lacck of it) on the handlebar, scratch build would be a much easier n less costly option.

[jeremy]

Thanks for all the advice. Today I also figure out want to scratch build because it look simple. But problem is I still don't know how to use pla-plate, stick for scratch build. Handle I maybe can if I refer some scratch build tutorial but the brake will be a problem because it have curve. If anyone willing to teach me or provide good tutorial video, I will appreciate.

[Rayloke]

scratching building, different modeler has different approaches.

For me, I will first cut our the shape of the brake grip/handle (as if it's being pressed flat). then gripping on one end, use a hair dryer, slowly blow onto it while use some round-tube thing (eg a pen) to bend it. Blow n bend , blow n bend, until i get the correct curve.

[jeremy]

Hot air will make it soft to bend?

[banzai]

Hair-dryer or maybe hot water. You can try it, I've shaped styrene using both before. Ray covered how he does it with a hair dryer... With hot water what I'd do is dip the plastic piece in to the hot water (tweezers unless you have fingers made of asbestos) for a short time before taking it out and shaping it. How long depends on how thick the piece is. Best is to try with a spare piece first.

It should soften a little but not too much, enough to bend slowly. Plastic will be a little hot at first. Not hot enough to burn but hot enough to be uncomfortable.

[Rayloke]

Oooo yes banzai's right.....

On the bright side, if u use bare fingers, at least at the end of the session, u get some plastic with the shape u want and mebbe a finger or two well cooked for supper.....

[jeremy]

Thanks your the advice. I will try it after I get the material.