I’m attempting my first armor project— unless you conside a Star Wars Tank armor— it’s a Tamiya 1/35 Tiger I (late version) which I understand is a pretty good model. I have a million questions, but will ask just a few here. I’ve been reading some threads under techniques about assembling the track links, which has been really informative, since I had not a clue about how to go about doing that. At least now I have a basic description of the process. Thanks for the tips!
I’m going to apply zimmerit to the appropriate surfaces and I have read about how to do that and have even practiced a bit on some spare parts. Questions: How thick is the putty layer supposed to be, and is it supposed to extend all the way to the edges of a piece (in other words are there any assembly problems caused by improper placement or thickness of the zimmerit?). Is there a secret to how firm the putty should be before using a tool to scribe the pattern (I’m thinking that you should only do a small area at a time…). What about the holes in the body parts, and how about the other parts that will be attached to those holes through the zimmerit (again, partly a question about putty thickness)? My first guess would be that you cover the holes with the putty and go back and redrill them with a pin vise. Am I close?
One more— Are there any instructional books, videos, DVD’s, workbench reviews, etc. for this particular model (or something close)? The instructions that come with the kit answer almost none of my assembly questions, and I know almost nothing about painting/assembly sequences for a tank. I want to do a good job on this one, but realize that since I have never attempted one before I am clueless. Help, please! I need some basic technical assistance to get off on the right foot.
First of all, I would not suggest doing zim right away on your first build. It is very challenging for a first timer. I have not done zim on my of my builds, even through I got all the tools, afraid I will ruin the build.
For the painting of the tank, most assemble the whole thing leaving off just the tools, road wheels and tracks; they paint those separately and add them later.
Hope that helps, there was a thread here that was on the way you build, somewhere lol.
Hi TomB,
I salute your bravery building a Tiger tank for your first AFV [tup].
Anyway, zimmerit questions has been asked for quite a few. If you search in the forum, you will find bunch of zimmerit related topic. But here are related zimmerit topic that I believe should be sufficient in answering your question;
Tamiya Tiger I tank is easy build, no hassle and no troubles what so ever. I am practicing zimmerit with putty right now on one side of my Academy Tiger I and hot iron on the other side that I built many many moons ago. It should be a fun project.
By the way, show us that Star Wars thingy that you’ve mentioned.
Wish I could, but I don’t know “computer” or photography enough to do that yet. Sounds like a new trick this old dog should learn, though. I can see how it will be really useful for communicating through this forum. I’ve learned more in a few weeks of following the various threads than I had in a couple of years of trial and error. When I figure it out, I try to get you a photo. Thanks,
Welcome Tom. Great choice on a starter kit. It really goes together beautifully. Zim and indy tracks may be your only hangups. I think the zim will be harder. I haven’t made my own yet, whimped out and bought Cavalier resin. Excellent stuff. I tried to find a review, but the best i could find was the Mid production and little was said about the construction. Good luck and feel free to ask all the questions you want.
About zimmerit, answers depends somewhat on what technique you use. I just finished a Panther and zimm’ed it with Tamiya 2 part polyester putty and raked in the grooves with Tamiya’s sawtooth zimmerit tools. You want the putty layer to be thin, no thick than the depth of the teeth of the zimmerit tool. Any more putty than that is just excess that will get scraped off by the tool. For this technique, unless your putty is extremely thin and runny, you probably want to start immediatly rather than letting it firm up. For other techniques such as stamping or pressing in with a screwdriver, you probably do need to let it frim up.
You’re definitely correct about working small areas. For my Pather, I was usually able to do each flat surface with one batch of putty, although excessive hardener in one batch forced me to make a second batch while doing one of the sides of the tank.
Generally, the Germans applied the zimm all the way to edges of the panels to which is was applied. Do a little a research to dig up some photos of the Tigers with zimmerit.
I think it seems easier to zim over everything and then drill out holes and scrape away any areas where parts are glued on. The one caveat that comes to mind, is to see how hard or soft the cured putty is. Tamiya’s polyester putty is reasonably soft and easy drill through and scrape away. Other putties like the Liquitext Modeleing Paste that Jeffe Herne used on his large Tiger II seem a lot harder, so experiment and use your judgement.
Thanks, that’s really helpful. I’m using Tamiya Putty, basic type (the grey stuff). I don’t have zimmerit tools and was planning to press in the pattern using a small chisel tip or screwdriver. Another “dumb” question-- should the zimmerit be applied to the individual pieces before assembly or afterward? I was just assuming I’d do the pieces individually (because it’s easier to spread the putty) and then assemble, but now I’m thinking that’s wrong and it makes more sense to apply the zimmerit after assembly. Is there a right way to do this?
The feedback you guys have provided makes me realize that applying zimmerit is a tough job (maybe tougher than track links?–yikes!), and I had thoughts of wussing out and leaving it off; but if my Tiger I is a “late version” wouldn’t it have normally had the zimmerit applied? If it’s supposed to be there, I’m going to give it a try. I’m sure I will learn a lot from the attempt, but I totally agree with the previous comment about it making perfect sense for the kit manufacturers to include zimmerit panels with the kit. Too expensive???-- I don’t see aircraft kit manufacturers providing smooth parts with instructions on carving your own panel lines…
Thanks for the feedback. A couple of people asked to see a photo of the Star Wars tank, but I don’t know how to attach a photo to one of these messages. I did manage to get a digital photo and it’s on my computer now. I just need to know how to attach it so you can see it. I looked in frequently asked question about adding attachments and I don’t understand what they’re talking about. Again, just technologically challenged, and trying to catch up.
Go to www.photobucket.com and open up a free account. Up load your pics and it will give you image codes. Copy them, then use Ctrl V to paste them into the reply or post.
If I were to do zim, I would assemble all first except small stuff like tools; the zim would be easy to make the pattern with the screwdriver.
Thank you Anthony! I hope I have followed your instructions correctly. If so, there should be a photo of the Star Wars tank I refered to in my initial post. Cross your fingers…
Yes, that works fine too, just need to put [ IMG ] in front of it, and [ /IMG ] (no space inbetween the bracket and letter) at the end and it shows up right away.
It looks great! Huge! You did good on the weathering.
