I have been modeling aircraft for a while now and decided to try the fun world of AFV’s. I bought a Timaya Tiger 1 tank and notice it suggests Zimmerit that I need to put on almost right away, since the instructions start on the lower hull. I have a couple of Timaya tools for Zimmerit application, but am wondering what putty you guys are using? - I have a very good hobby shop near me that stocks Squadron green and white, Valejo acrylic putty, miliput, and a fw others. Looks like fun to try - so can those of you with some experience, send me your suggestions? - I am familiar with Vallejo acrylic, as I use it on planes all the time. The Squadron putty looks a little thick ( perhaps thin it with lacquer thinner?) - anyways, let me know and thank you to all who respond
Personally I use Milliput white for adding Zimm. When I mix it up I do it in water. I find having it wet makes application easier. I use Zimm stamps, not sure how the Tamiya tools work on it.
I have limited experience doing Zimm. Usually I have used Squadron putty. Practice on some scrap first to get your basic technique down, then go for it.
I am gonna try that on whatever my next project is for appling putty zimm. The Green stuff worked just fine on the few that I have done. My Green dried up near the end of the tube and all I have now is the White tube I bought.
Just be careful about thinning the Squadron putty too much–it will wind up settling after you make the zimmerit ridges, and will lose its ridges–like as if it were formed of ice and you sat it in the sun. Try, if possible, to use it unthinned for best results.
Another vote for Milliput from me. It doesn’t attack the plastic surface so if you are unhappy with how it has gone on you can wash it off with water & start again.
There’s a great article in the Osprey Modelling book, Modelling the Panzer IV in 1/72 Scale, by Alex Clark. He basically rolls the milliput flat between wax paper, carefully peels it off the paper and applies it to the sides. Then he trims it and uses water to smooth it over. He then uses a stamp with the proper pattern.
I can’t imagine trying to do zimmerit with Squadron green or white putty. Maybe a small corner where two sheets of Cavalier zimmerit come together, but that’s about it.
It is a tedious time consumng task with Squadron putty and those Tamiya tools. I have done a StuG.IV, Sturmpanzr IV, and King Tiger that way. A Panther also, but it was easier because I did a “tile” pattern using an xacto once the putty had set a bit. all in 1/35. I can not imagine doing zimm in 1/72… yikes!!! On some older builds I used putty and a flattened nail head to produce each individual ridge…
I find them really easy to use. I prefer to keep the Miliput wet while I am working it, and now and again, the putty will lift off with the stamp, but not very often and its easy to deal with.
Not sure if you can get Airwaves stuff in the US. The brand is owned by Hannants, I now you can get some Hannants stuff over there.
If you can’t get them in the states, let me know. I think you have to have a minimum order for Hannants to send it abroad and the postage could be very high.