I’m about to build my first tank model since I was 16 or so (I’m 44). I have the Academy 1/35 Tiger I Early with interior, ModelKasten tracks, the Eduard Interior photoetch set, and the following Aber detail set:
I also have an Eduard aluminum barrell which I may substitute (or sell on eBay or keep for the next build)…My goal is to build the Michael Wittman S04 Russian Front version, although I really would like to try doing Zimmerit with Milliput and a Tamiya Zimmerit tool, so I’ll probably do another version with Zimmerit. Any more suggestions from all you experienced builders out there? I’ve spent scads of money and don’t want to ruin the thing. I also have a pretty decent supply of books/resources. Help! Thanks!!
Nice kit, early tigers didnt have the zimmerit.So dont worry about that.You got some nice photo-etch sets there also. I would like to know more on the Eduard interior for my next build,so keeps us informed with progress pic if you can.I’ve done Wittmans SO4 four times already. all lost to the most feard weapon on the battlefield. The three year old…LOL…LOL.Just take your time dryfit every thing, need help just post on the forum some great guys here that will help. Few guys just did this kit and put up some pics in there post.Just got done with mine not to long ago myself. Do your research also.have fun and goodluck.
Thank you for the suggestions–I’ve never read anything specific about the Early Production Tigers and Zimmerit–but come to think of it, I’ve never seen a photo of one with Zimmerit either…oh, well. Your link to your photos was a link to your photobucket sign in page–no photos were visible…
I’ll take photos and post them once I get started on the thing…I’d like to do a few lesser efforts before I tackle the Academy kit, which is pretty intimidating for us newbies…thanks!
All I can say is, be very careful with those Modelkasten tracks, now Im a Modelkasten man myself but I also know how difficult they are, and how little handling they can take. Be sure not to get any glue on the tips of the pins before you insertr them, many people just put a load of glue on them before they insert them but that will make the pin shrink a bit and increase the risk that the track will fall apart later. Also take your time with those guide horns, you have more than 300 to glue on, don’t rush it. Make sure you install them correctly and use as little glue as possible or the track will no longer be workable.
Here is a pic of some Modelkasten tracks I did for a King Tiger, they still need paint.
Wow, TMN1, very nice build, ver sharp. What photoetch sets did you use? The King Tiger was an awesome tank, even by today’s standards. Thanks for the advice–hope I’m not in over my head. Do you attach the tools, etc. before or after painting? I also bought some Karaya towing cables–perhaps I’m going a little over the top for a first build, but I do have alot of patience for this sort of thing, and that’s probably important. I am considering doing a diorama, but I think an “exterior only” version might be better for that purpose–perhaps the Tamiya or maybe the new Dragon Tiger I. Any other suggestions? I’ve bought several Luftwaffe planes I had planned to work on, but the more I think about it, the more I think the Tiger would be alot more fun. Thanks!
Well it sounds like you’ve taken every concievable step to ensure that this is going to be a beautiful project Rory! I hope you find the enjoyment, relaxation, and satisfaction that comes with this great hobby. Look forward to seeing some of your progress pics as you move along. There are some wonderfully gifted folks here who will more then happliy share tips, and solutions. Semper Fi, mike
Thanks, Im almost ashamed to tell you that FSM is no longer the kind of home to me that is once was so I have posted the progress pics on another forum, these are just a tiny amount of them. The PE is the Aber set, by far the best available, unfortunately they don’t make an interior set ( as far as I know ) Its very small and very hard to do ( it took me 8 hours of concentrated work to do to the 8 tool clamps AAARRGGGG )
