The ultimate motorcycle model kit
We All remember small-scale model plastic construction kits when we were young, but now you can get your hands on what’s being branded the ‘world’s first full-size plastic motorcycle kit’. And the life-size plastic kits look incredible.
This is a full-size plastic motorcycle kit that looks realistic and can be assembled and painted by any competent adult. A unique feature allows somebody to sit astride the motorcycle for photos without any weight going through the lightweight model itself.
Peter Manning, a professional product designer innovator, has received investment into his company Full Size Kits from MHP www.mhp-uk.com a large UK plastics manufacturer which will produce the kits.
He said: “I am a Harley-Davidson owner and enthusiast and know that a 1960s classic motorcycle would be popular. I designed the kit so that it could be produced in easy-toassemble parts.
“It had to be light enough to pick up and hang on the wall and weighs 16 kg. There is also a commercial market for themed bars or retail displays where assembled kits will also be available. I am passionate about the project which I have been working on for two years.”
The kit has been designed so that it could be manufactured to be cost viable and not too heavy. Vacuumformings rather than injection moulded plastic was the way to go giving low tooling cost and simplicity.
Designing a motorcycle so that it could all be vacuumformed and look realistic was quite a task. Peter added: “I got permission from Haynes Motor Museum to photograph and take measurements of its classic 1960s HarleyDavidson Duo-Glide. I have applied for a patent, which is currently being processed.
“I spent weeks drawing up full-size drawings of all the components in three elevation fullsize dimensioned drawings as vacuum formings. These were so that the two CAD (computer aided design) engineers could produce 3D models of all parts and then assemble them on the computer.
“The CAD files took three months and were essential for the production of the tooling. There are more than 50 vacuumformed ABS plastic parts and over 180 components in total including metal handlebars and side stand. As the sample parts were produced and sent down to me from the manufacturer I began to paint and assemble the first sample kit. It was very exciting and like Christmas opening the large boxes every time I received one from the manufacturer. It was very satisfying seeing the individual plastic components and then the final assembled kit, which looks fantastic.
“The first kit available to reserve is the Route ‘66’ Classic and we intend to produce a range of motorcycles which may include a licensed Triumph Bonneville and a Manx Norton.”
Check out: www.fullsizekits.com