Jim Apitz' Batcycle |
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Initially, I was disappointed with Polar Lights re-issue of Aurora's Batcycle kit. The model did not match photos I had seen of
the 1966 movie bike in many key areas. Then, while researching the bike on the 1966Batmobile.com web site, I found out why. The bike that was lent to Aurora as a go-by was not the original bike.
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It was a replica touring bike that only vaguely resembled the original. Aurora actually did a great job of replicating what they
had been given to work with.
To make my model look more like the original bike seen in the 1966 movie "Batman", many alterations were made.
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The Bike: The front forks and molded on fender were removed and replaced with a scratchbuilt fender and aluminum forks.
The bike's seat was restyled with the correct diamond pattern upholstery. A radio and shelf were made to sit inside the fairing. The bike's engine concealment panel was modified, and aluminum exhaust
pipes replaced the kit's plastic versions. I filed down the windscreen's raised chrome strip and made a new one from foil. Cables were added to the handle bars and a starter peg was added, along with a
rear foot peg.
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The Sidecar:
A simulated upholstered panel was made for the interior's right side. The rocket tube area was opened up and detailed with aluminum tubes for a more realistic effect. Small, simulated snaps were made for the sidecar's rear panel from plastic rod, and a wingnut was scratchbuilt from a common pin.
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The Go-Cart:
Although PL's kit matches the replica's cart perfectly, my go-cart was extensively modified to match the movie version. The top was reshaped, and a seat, footpads, and gas tank were added. Phot-etched screen was used to replicate the heat shield that sits over the engine, which was also scratchbuilt.
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The bike was finished using automotive lacquer, acryllics, and permanent markers. Some of Andy Garringer's excellent Batcycle
vinyl decals were used, and I made a set of waterslide decals for all the white areas with graphics and the speedometer. Although barely apparent in the photos, a very thin red stripe wraps around the
white areas, just like the original.
Jim Apitz
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