Tamiya Tiger ll zim progress

Modeling Subjects Armor
1

Thought I would share the latest “hot iron” zim application on this Tamiya T2 currently on the bench.

Step 1: “Scale” the pattern by drawing the vertical spacing (2.5 - 3.0 mils) on the model with a straight edge and an automatic pencil:

Step 2: Begin by “drawing” in the pattern , keeping the iron at 30 degrees and drawing backward, keeping between the index lines:

Step 3: Reduce the tip angle to detail complex angles, radaii,and tight spots. Molding details such as tool mounting holes etc. can be worked around and left intact:

The best thing? A $10.00 soldering gun beats $30.00 worth of resin or PE zim anyday, and is always ready to go for the next kit.

Try it boys, it is as easy as drawing a line with a pencil, it is very forgiving, and above all EASY!

Steve

2

That looks really nice Crockett. I don’t think I’d have the guts to do that though, with my luck I’d end up with a pool of red-hot liquid magma. [oops]

Once again, a very nice looking job!

3

nice looking so far crockett! it sure doe beat the AM zim, but IMHO the putty/rake zim still remains king.

4

Looks great Steve. Wish I had your time and patience though. One thing about it that I see, is that there isn’t much room for error. That is different than I saw it being done, figuring you gently press is flush, rather than “draw” it on. Keep up the good work.

5

Your getting good with that soldering gun[:)]Looks better and better every time you do it.

6

Next stop Radio Shack for a soldering iron.

Looks great.

Bismark

7

[#ditto] Looks great and the way you left the mounting points intact sure looks easier than keeping putty out of them. Nice tip!

8

Thx Steve, this posting cleared my question marks!
Could this maybee go into sort of a static tips section Kalmbach?
Same as earlier postings about Friul and Karaya tracks assy and blackening?

Thank You for sharing Steve!

//Svenne

9

That does look amazing, but it will be a while before I’m brave enough to take my soldering iron to plastic!

10

That is absolutely awesome, how much you going to charge me to apply the zim to my KT when I breakdown and get one.

Very impressive…

Later Heater

11

I should try that sometime, it look awsome

BUT, do any of you have tip for puting decals on a zimmerit surface whenever I have tried it always turns into a disaster???

12

Damn, that looks great. Have always been afraid to try this. Don’t want to end up with a warped, melted mess. Going to have to give it a try on some scrap.

13

Steve “and drawing backward” what do you mean by this: right to left top to bottom etc. Thanks Neil

14

Neil and Rob-

Decals are no problem. I use Solvaset over zimmerit. Beware, this setting solution is “hotter” than micro sol/set products. First, I apply a nice brushed on coat of Future in the decal areas and let that set up for about a day. Then, decal as usual with careful application of Solvaset until the decals are soft enough to “press” into the zim grooves with a wet Q Tip.

The decals below were done using the method described and are the kit decals from Dragon:

By “drawing back” I simply mean use the hot iron by contacting the plastic surface and pulling backward, maintaining an approximate 30 degree angle. Once you have reached the boundary line, lift, and begin a new trough.

Regards,

Steve

15

I do have one interesting/stupid question, does this stink up the whole house with the smell of buring plastic?

16

No.