I have a large scale sculpt planned for a motorbike fairing and I see most manufacturers seem to favour clay.

I was wondering if anyone can advise what sort of clay is best to use for such a construction and how things are supported to hold onto the chassis of the vehicle?

I know this isn't starwars related but the process is the same.

Thanks in advance.

Stay away from Plasticine. I understand it has something in it that messes with silicone molds and doesn't allow it to cure. I haven't had my tea yet so I don't remember what it is.

One idea is to visit a motorcycle shop and ask the people there how the fairings are attached. I did a quick Google search, and a cursory view suggests there are mounting brackets. The mounting brackets may very well be brand specific (i.e. designed specifically for certain makes of motorcycle) and are part of the kit. I think fairings are specific to the motorcycle design as well.

If you're going to go commercial with this, it might be good to look up fairings on a patent website like freepatentsonline.com and do an exhaustive Google search.

It's for a Street Hawk rep so not a commercial venture.

I have bikes myself so I understand the fitting mechanism but it's the whole sculpting process that's new to me (for bikes anyway).

My suggestion would be to start with as large a piece of styrofoam as you can. You may have to glue them together using styrofoam glue to create a block. A hot-knife or hot wire can be used to carve the generic shape. You can add clay later to it, as the foam will serve as a nice armature.

If you have a friend to help you, a strong fan blowing directly at it while unloading a fire extinguisher at it -- to check for the aerodynamics.

Thanks Mac

Working with styrofoam you have to remember to wear a protective mouth mask, as it's toxic to breathe and get into your lungs.

Safety first.

Aww, man, you take the fun out of things. That's how I see colors and shapes where there are none!