Star Wars 1/12 scale Aratech 74-Z Military Speeder Bike (Completed: fully-painted plus water decals)

 Even with engagement of hobby activities at an all time high, it still has taken me the better part of the year to complete my first project. Because of how my projects usually stack up, the completion rate tends to rise towards the end of the year. And that's providing no hobby malaise has set in. Taking the Scout Trooper into account, this Star Wars Speeder Bike project actually began two years ago. As such, it's technically a long overdue project that's finally complete. So here then is the fully painted 1/12 scale Aratech 74-Z Military Speeder Bike, inclusive of water decals.

1/12 scale Aratech 74-Z Military Speeder Bike - Completed: fully painted plus water decals

 Prior to work on the Speeder Bike, I had used only one water decal for the Scout Trooper. And although I did use more for the bike, about 13 decals, I also did not use all the available decals for it. On some key areas of the Speeder Bike, for example the red triangular symbols and the large round red button on the center command console, I had painted the details rather than use water decals. As a rule of thumb, if I can paint the details then I usually do not use the water decal equivalents on the model kit. This was the case for the Speeder Bike you see here as well as the Scout Trooper.

Remaining water decals after limited use on the Scout Trooper

Remaining water decals after limited use on the Speeder Bike

 Weathering on the Speeder Bike was kept to a minimum. Most of it comprised scratches on the steering vanes, hull, and, black metal parts as well as some soot and grime on parts of the hull. Adopting this minimalist approach suits what I intend to eventually do with the Speeder Bike. It gives the bike just enough wear and tear to look realistic but not to look decrepit. That makes the bike, in my opinion at least, suitable to be used in a propaganda shot in my Join-the-Empire vignettes. 

Closeup view of the Speeder Bike's front end, specifically the Steering Vanes

Tiny decals with red letterings reside on both the outrigger and base of the handlebar

Apart from the red lettering decals, there is an equally tiny decal with white letterings (see side of the Speeder Bike's hull, towards the right end of the picture)

Center control panel comprises mainly painted details and a tiny reddish orange decal

 All the water decals that were used on the Speeder Bike consisted of two type. It was either red or white letterings against a black background. There were other type decals such as the triangular and square red shapes, of which I used the latter on the center command console. For the former i.e. the triangular red shaped decals, I decided to paint the parts instead of using decals. 

Towards the rear of the Speeder Bike there are two tiny decals ...

... one on the left side armor, and the other at the back between the two air brakes.

 Some decals had a shiny look to them, especially the tiny one located at the nose section of the Speeder Bike. I am fairly comfortable leaving things alone. But if I were to do something to mitigate the glossy shine of the decals, then I may used flat/matte topcoat over the said decals.

Decals with red letterings are located on the right side of the bike's Repulsor Block ...

... as well as on the Power Cell (the contraption that looks like an engine turbine).

Identical decals are located on the side of the hull and base of the handlebar

A tiny decal (white letters/black background) can be found on the nose of the Speeder Bike

Closeup view of the Speeder Bike's Steering Vanes, this time from the other side

 Do the decals make the Speeder Bike look better? While the answer to that is subjective, I feel that the water decals do make the bike look that little bit better. Enough to make the effort worthwhile.

Star Wars Speeder Bike: Fully painted including water decals (isometric view, front)

Star Wars Speeder Bike: Fully painted including water decals (isometric view, back)

 Below is a YouTube video showcasing the Bandai Star Wars 1/12 scale Aratech 74-Z Military Speeder Bike in all its glory - fully-painted together with most of the water decals applied.

 So as this blog post nears its end, does this means it will be the last you see of the Speeder Bike? Nope. I'm gonna milk it for all its worth. The bike is going to be showcased in two additional blog posts and videos: one together with the Scout Trooper, and another together with both the Scout Trooper and Girl's Rider figurine once she is completed. The latter is part of my Join-the-Empire vignettes. Meanwhile, two other projects are gathering pace i.e. the Space Battleship Yamato as well as the Evangelion Unit-01 Test Type. More on both projects soon, I promise. Until then stay safe and be well.