Tarquinio Provini Models

B. R. NICHOLLS

MAKING UP A PROTAR model from the well known kits marketed by ex-world champion Tarquinio Provini should be given just as much care as tuning a machine for the road. Then you will have a model to be proud of, for they are made with perfection in mind. Italian engineering skill is known the world over and that skill has been applied to the models; tooling up for the Gilera model for example,cost almost $21,000 and for the Guzzi V8 almost half as much again. Attention to detail is such that suspension units operate and natural ly the wheels go around while the brake plate remains stationary.

The Guzzi V8 engine alone has fortysix parts to assemble so perhaps the beginner would be well advised to start off by making the more simple single cylinder Morini or Mondial. Instruction sheets are printed in English, French, German and Italian and should be read carefully before any work is started on the model. Far 'better results are obtained by using a bottled cement applied with a small brush rather than that obtained in a tube as it is easier and cleaner to apply. Also, it is best to have a small sharp blade such as a scalpel, manicure cutters, a nail file and couple of clothespins. The last named are particularly useful for holding the frame together after gluing. The cutters enable parts to. be cut cleanly and easily while the blade or file is used to clean away the "flash" which is the model makers term for superfluous material left by the mold. Always use cement sparingly.

Negotiations are underway for CYCLE WORLD BOOKS to sell the Provini/Protar motorcycle models.

TARQUINIO PROVINI MODELS

Tires can be removed by pulling away from the rim. Care must be taken to ensure the rear "chain" is working properly before fixing the rear spindle nut. Five models are available at present: Morini,Benelli, Gilera, Mondial and Guzzi while the MV4 is imminent and Suzuki and Yamaha twins are planned, as is a BMW sidecar outfit and some vintage models in due course.

Start off with the Mondial (there are 135 pieces),take it slowly but surely and you will have a model to be proud of.Then try the beautiful Gilera. The neighbor will want you to make one for his bookcase and that is another way to get a convert to the sport of motorcycling even if it is only as a spectator.

Make sure, however, you do not cut away pegs that are meant to fit into holes provided to ensure a perfect joint. They are used on the Gilera to enable that the correct sides are put on the engine, by being offset. ■

Next month CYCLE WORLD will do a complete coverage on all of the American models.