Presenting the AFV late Tiger, modeled after Pz Abltng 505 vehicle 312 (see pic) Eastern front April/May '44.
Markings: Archer fine transfers
Paint: Tamiya Acrylics
AM : Fruil tracks
Features: I added the weld seam around the turret roof, removed “pilsen”, added figures, boarding log, headlight wire, zimmerit was by hot solder iron, added the travel lock (r/rear hull deck).
Kit: Turret is very accurate, however is extremely difficult to assemble, as it is a four part assembly. Torsion bar “working” suspension is excellent, hull components fit up is superb. Rubber band tracks are horrible. Right sprocket index is off teeth between inner and outer do not align!
Man, that looks great crockett. That Zimm job turn out real good with the old soldering iron. Very nice Im about to do tiger 300 of 505 My self, after my inital dragon tiger is done. I dont work as fast as you.But your build makes me wont to build it right now. Great job!
Steve-
Looks good. I have this kit and those tracks are…well thank goodness for Friuls! I’ve heard just enough negative things about this kit, at least when compared to Dragon’s latest entries, that I’ve almost considered not trying it. When I look at your effort it looks to me like it builds into a decent kit. I suppose like any kit there’s good things and not so good things. Good job!
I think it looks great, you did a good job… but forgot the horse (not the markings but the walking one in the photo). I like the camo colours, again good job. And thanks for the rundown on the kit.
Looks excellent! I particulardly find the Zimmerit quite effective. Looks worlds better than the “watch crown” method I’ve seen, which really does nothing for me. I think when I tackle doing zimmerit, I’m going to go with the putty method, either Tamiya or Milliput, with a Gum Ka zim applicator…I don’t trust myself enough to go at the surface of a $40+ model with a hot iron…you are a braver man than I. Outstanding job, my friend.
Rory
Rory: The “Pilsen” were the bosses on the turret roof for the jib boom attachment that was not yet in the production system at the time these Tigers were built.
Tankmaster,
Thank you, and I don’t mind at all. This tank was almost brand new when photographed, so I tried to stay as true to the photo as I could, and used sparing techniques to “weather” it.
After major assemblies were complete, I sprayed the entire model with Tamiya flat black. Then, filling in with Dark Yellow and Red Brown, careful to leave the preshaded areas around the suspension, turret and hull decking covered with a lighter coat. This gives the depth at scale that I am looking for.
I sprayed the assembled fruil strands with Gun Metal and installed them when the base coat was cured. After detailing tools and installing, a detailed ( but not overbearing )wash was applied around hinge points, etc. with then a mist coat of Pactra “weathering” color was applied from the bottom up. Blending the entire vehicle coloration. This step is really what makes the realism for me. Finally, some Gunze dark GLOSS gray was carefully applied to 90 degree areas to simulate minor paint chipping and wear ( grab handles, etc.) The gloss gives the metallic patina that really looks cool.
The rear travel lock was scratched and the weld seam around the turret roof was done with Tamiya white putty.
Small point, and probably not significant–the main barrel lock on the Tiger I was first used in November 1943 and discontinued in February 1944–a few months prior to the photo your build is based on…however, it is entirely conceivable that tanks with the barrel lock on the rear deck remained in service with the lock intact, so it’s probably accurate nevertheless. Anyway, I got that tidbit of info from this great site:
My opinion still hasn’t changed about hot iron zimmerit, though. I still think it’s too heavy, and just doesn’t capture the look of real zimmerit. If you look at the reference photo you posted, it’s almost impossible to detect any zimmerit at all, it’s so thin. (For those who do not know, Steve and I discussed this in a previous thread.)
Erik:
After all the negative comments, I was suprised at the finished AFV kit. I like it. Of course the track is crap, and the turret build is, well “challenging” to say the least, I like the accuracy of the turret. When you compare it against Tamiya, you can really see the difference. Even though you don’t get the features and options for the price tag, It builds well and the torsion bar “working” suspension is great! The torsion bars are very flexible and will be a plus for Dio builders as they really respond realisticly.
Brian,
Well, we’ll just have to agree to disagree on this one. Thanks for your input. I will never go back to the putty again after this. I think it looks very good and will continue to use this technique, improving as I gain practice.
