NOTE-PICTURES NOW ADDED, PLEASE GIVE ME SOME FEEDBACK…!
Well, I’ve nearly completed my Tiger. It’s a 1/48 Tamiya Tiger I and it’s gone very well for a first attempt. I’ve really got the bug now.
I had the turret assembled first (the easy bit) then today I’ve been putting the main hull together. I love the Tamiya die-cast hull-the model feels superb and the extra weight really adds to the realism. All I’ve got left to do is is the painting & affixing of some very small parts and then it’s down to the weathering-that should be fun! I’ve done as much homework as I can, I’ve got a good selection of paints, powders and tools so it’s trial and error time now.
The one thing I really struggled on with this kit was the bloody tracks! I’m sure a skilled modeller would have them sorted in no time but as a total newbie the plastic tracks with straight links and single pieces that you build around the sprue to form the curves are sooo fiddly-they look great when assembled but a LOT of patience required!
I’ve got the tank crew on order with my local shop and I’m planning on making a very small and basic diorama.
I’ve also got my next build planned-a British Sherman with the long barelled 17 pounder gun which looks like a nice kit, again Tamiya 1/48. It has the die-cast hull again which is why I chose it. I’ve looked at other kits and I get the impression Tamiya are one of the best.
I’ll post a picture or two prior to completion-I’d love to hear some suggestions and verdicts. I’m not sure how far I’m going to go with this build yet.
Glad to hear you are moving along on your build Ben. One word though…
PICS![:D]
We love us some WIP photos on this forum. Plus it is a lot easier for folks to help you out along the way (not neccesarily me cuz I pretty much suck) and help get you over any stumbling blocks you may encounter. You’ll be amazed at what 50 different sets of eyeballs looking at your work can do for you.
I think you’re the frst that I’ve heard that likes the die-cast hulls on the Tamiya 1/48’s. Most seem to dislike it for the lack of detail and the arms already cast to the hull.
With this being my first build I haven’t used any other kits to compare the Tamiya hull against. It certainly helps when you are very new to modelling (the hull being pre cast) but what I really like is the weight it gives my Tiger. It really feels the business when you pick it up.
I’ve got my next kit on order which is again a Tamiya 1/48 but this time a Sherman-this too has the die-cast hull.
After the Sherman I’ll try a different kit and see how I get on with a normal hull.
Okay, pictures coming shortly-remember this is my FIRST EVER TANK and is still very much a WIP so decals and weathering are still to be applied.
I’d love some oppinions and feedback but go gently with me!
Since my earlier photos I’ve completed attaching & painting all the extras ie exhaust, cables, tools & fixing the decals.
As far as the build goes I’m pretty pleased-this is my first ever tank, EVER, the kit wasn’t easy but I did it! The tracks were a nightmare hence the odd hint of superglue but that will be well hidden in the weathering, dry brushing and general mudding-up that I’ll be doing tomorrow.
The brown dust effect on the wheels was the result of a quick test with some Tamiya weathering powders-it comes in a flip up case with applicator, apparently it’s good for beginners. It looks good I think?
She’s been put to one side now for 24 hours to set. Please let me know what you think and any suggestions or advice are very welcome indeed…
I’ll put my pictures in my next post as soon as I figure out how to get my camera working properly!
Ben, not bad at all for a first attempt. It certainly looks like a Tiger. As you have already learned, a little super-glue goes a long way[:D. I’m not sure what you are using to apply it but in the future, try using as needle or maybe a toothpick and just apply the absolute least amount neccessary.
Did you brush paint or use an AB? I only ask because it looks like there are a few brush strokes on the fender.
Having said all that, it looks like everything that is supposed to be there is[tup] From all appearances you have the right idea as far as construction goes, just try and take it easy in the CA. Keep it up and I cant wait to see some weathering.
I only have the basic kit at present so all paint has been applied by brush.
Yeah, the superglue doesn’t look good I know BUT I was having real trouble with these single link tracks and I just could not get them to stay put. I’m planning on covering the glue up with mud effect so it won’t be too noticeable when finished.
As it’s my first ever build I’ll treat this as ‘suck it and see’ model i.e. trying different techniques for weathering on it & dry-brushing etc etc…
To be honest I wasn’t expecting it to be half this good so I’m pretty chuffed but PLEASE don’t be shy with criticisms and suggestions-they are vital for me to learn with at the minute!!!
Thanks guys and all the best-I’ll leave her overnight and apply some dry-brushing and mud tomorrow and I’ll get another photo or two on here.
2 questions…
What does ‘CA’ mean and Disastermaster-why the big laughing face? Is it that bad? [;)]
No problem Ben. One thing that I missed on my first look was the barrel. A few sweeps with some sandpaper will get that seam out. Itr actually takes more than just a few but you get the idea. You can use a stick type or the paper kind. I would recommend turning the barrel as you sand it so you don’t end up with flat spots. I would go ahead and do it on this one if it was mine and then just repaint it.
I “never” attempt to discourage anyone, especialy the new guys. I do however attempt to promote humor, good will and sometimes a fairly decent build for inspiration.
I honestly didn’t think that was the case (hence the wink) but I had to ask [:I]
Right-CA aka superglue, got it!!
A final question-the local hobby model shop who got me kitted out with my Tiger kit, the paints, my brushes and knives, glues etc also gave me a freebie tin of clear varnish to put on after everything was completed ie weathering, mud, drybrushing etc…
Do I need to apply this stuff? What do you guys do? It’s a clear varnish in a spray can.
Use an airbrush for it. That is what will determine the finish (depending on how far you take it). Will you have a flat finish or a shiny one? Sometimes semi-gloss (satin) can work out beautifully but, as for me; I’m one of those flat finish guys.
On monotone paint schemes, dry-brushing lighter tones of the base on the raised area will go a long way in making detail pop out. A few washes would better blend the upper half with the lower area, thus the wheels won’t stand out as they do. A fairly good effort overall.
First off, welcome to the world of armor building and second welcome to the FSM forums! For your first build you’ve got a lot going for you and you clearly are wanting to try out some of the more advanced techniques. As DM suggested the key here is to be patient, take your time, and get a good handle on the basics at the same time. Some things that you’ll want to pay attention to are mold seams such as what you have on your rear air cleaner cannisters, being careful with the glue, and also working on the details such as things like the wood block on the hull roof. There’s no magic solution and forums like this are great places to absorb and see how other modelers tackle things. If you have questions, the best way to get answers is to be specific and just ask away, the guys here are very helpful and never hesitate to help out a fellow modeler.
I also want to say bravo on not being afraid to post up your work and seek out helpful advice. As for the question about the lacquer coat, if it’s in a spray can you don’t need to do anything special except make sure it’s well shaken before you apply it and do it in quick passes so you don’t get a too heavy coat in the process. If it’s a flat lacquer, this is typically done at the very end and insures you get a dead flat finish to your paint. Very useful tool depending. [;)]
Hinksy - I see the gang has joined in. Feel free to as questions. More help will come.
Welcome to our little family and have fun…as I told you in the PM, this is the important build save it and measure your future progress by looking back at this one.
