Thought I’d share my latest effort…it’s Tamiya’s 1/16 scale King Tiger, sPzAbt 503, as it appeared in Budapest, Hungary, October 14, 1944. This model will appear in the March issue of FSM, where all your questions will be answered about paint, zimmerit, and the art of motorcycle repair. I’ve placed my Dragon 1/72 King Tiger (also sPzAbt 503) next to it for size comparison.
Now…before anyone says “Nice clean build”, here’s some background…this Tiger is one of the 45 that was issue to sPzAbt 503 in October of 1944. These tanks were trained to Budapest, and went into immediate action within the city. Here’s a well-known pic…
These tanks were brand new, and were operating on cobble-stoned streets, so no mud, and no operational damage like bent or missing fenders.
Although there is some dusting on the model, the flash washed it out…
Beautiful job. I realize that dents, dirt, and weathering are all a natural part of a tank’s life, but they all were pristine at some point, if only for a few minutes. It is nice to see a clean build once in a while.
Well I for one like subtle weathering, so yours looks just fine to me. Seriously, it looks splendid. I’m looking forward to the article to learn about the secret zim you cooked up. Man we are having a field day with all these big cats this week.
It’s nice to see one more than once in a while. Tanks can get dirty, but they aren’t necessarily dirty. And the only tanks that seem inevitably badly maintained are those in the armies of third-world countries. Most crews in capable and professional armies do what they can to repair damage to their tank, including its paint coat, as soon as possible.
Jeff, if I were not blocked to the pictures by websense I’m sure I’d be praising the build-up right now. [;)]
Jeff,
Thx for ruining MY King’s birthday! LOL, kidding[;)]. THAT is just absolutely OUTSTANDING!!![bow] It’s…perfect! [tup][tup][tup][tup][tup], I am not a believer in “heavy weathering” either, but…being a beginner model builder (and human), I like to hear nice things said about my build, so… I basically built it to suit others instead of me[B)][BH]. I have seen pix of STuGs sitting out in the weather in Eastern Europe that after 60 odd years still do not look as “worn” or rusted as some of the AFVs’ I have seen on sites and E-bay. I mean they would fall apart around their tracks after the first round out of the barrel! Thanks to you and the guys who responded to your post, I am going to start building them like they really were, no way would a German crew let their means of living look that way (while they were still able to use them anyway). Thanks for showing such a beautiful and cared for model!
I’m with Mr. Dunn here, I love to look at the great work displayed on this site, but I am blocked with a number of the photo servers it seems when at work…
Jeff,
Just want to chime in with the rest of the gang…OUTSTSANDING.
Your approach to finishing is ideal for 1:16,we are better off leaving the
tired ,torn,& battered for the 1:35 folks.1:16 naturally predominates in
a display setting,& your Big Putz not only replicates your chosen prototype,
but would show beautifully in a living room or den.
Regards,
Mike
I wouldn’t be able to see those either! We are denied attachments to e-mail except documents. I’ll just have a look-see the next time I log on to the internet at home.
