When scratch building, I visualize the completed model and draw an overall view in scale. Then, I brake it down into sub assemblies in my mind, and identify each components more clearly. After that, I draw sketches of each sub assembly, and start building.
I searched on the web for reference, and I also bought a road bike maintenance book to gain overall knowledge about it.
As for the Moulton Pylon, I divided it into the following sub assemblies.
| Front and rear frames |
| Tires, wheels and wheel hubs |
| Chain |
| Front suspension assembly |
| Crank & pedals |
| Cassette Sprocket |
| Rear derailleur |
| Front derailleur |
| Dual pivot brake |
| Steering handle, gear and brake levers |
| Seat |
| Brake and gear wires |
| Decals, emblems |
After sub assemblies were determined, I started thinking what kind of materials to use and how to proceed for the building and assembly.
| The frames can be made from metal pipes and rods, glued or soldered together |
| Rubber tires are found in another bicycle model |
| Rims are from plastic sheet, and spokes are made with 0.2 mm wire or insect pins |
| The chain is made with photo etched part, originally designed for a 1/12 motorcycle |
| The tapered suspension rods are from the junk box. Carbon fiber decal is going to be used |
| Crank arms can made from plastic sheet |
| Sprockets can be an existing part from another model |
| Derailleurs are made from a laminar plastic sheet and metal rods |
| Brake arms are carved from a laminar plastic sheet |
| Handle bar is a plastic rod, and levers can be made from pieces of plastic sheet |
| Seat can be made by heat-and-press method |
| Wires are stripped electrical cords, twisted to simulate the braided look |
| Alclad II, Gunze lacquer and Tamiya enamel paints are going to be used for painting |
| Decals and emblems are going to be printed with ALPS MD-5000 |
In order to assemble this list, I had to stare at my reference photos so many times for so long, and I must have been appeared weird. Although the procedure for each component was determined, the actual work involved a lot more thinking, because sometimes the plans don't work, and I needed some adjustments as I go along.