I am very new to building armor, as this will be my first piece ever. I have picked up a 1:72 Dragon Sd.Kfz.184 Elefant. After looking through the box, i am very impressed. Im really likeing the one piece vinyl tracks…
I know nothing about building armor, and even less about this particular piece of german armor.
I have done abit of reading, and I understand that the Elefant had something called Zimmerit that I would need to add inorder to build it realistically. What is this, and where can I find it/build it?
Any help/tips anybody could provide me in building this kit, whether it be photos, tips on the kit, help with weathering (havent done any before), or actual colours to use etc. would be really apreciated it.
Tis kit also contains afew photo etched parts. This is completely new to me, as Ive never used them before. Any special procedures for these parts? Can they be painted the same way?
Thanks for the help everybody, and Ill be sure to post my successes and failures.
First, Welcome to the forums. You’ve come to the right place for info, advice and support.
Now, for your questions. Zimmerit was an anti-magnetic coating put on their tanksby the Germans in order to prevent magnetic mines to be placed on their sides and turrets. It was a putty/paste that was given one of several textures. It can be replicated using modelling putty or it can be bought in brass photo-etch in an after market kit.
As far as photo etch goes, it is attached using cyano-acrylic glue (crazy glue). I would recommend using a gel type because it doesn’t dry as quickly, therefore the work time is longer. They should be given a light sanding before painting so that the paint adheres better (you can use primer first, but its usually not neccessary.
You should check out the thread covering the Elefant group build which is starting in March. There’s alot of info to be found there.
As far as paint colors and comouflage patterns go, try this link for ideas:
The Elefant has alot of surface area to paint. This is good, means you can do alot with it. If your going to go the putty route with the Zimmerit, practice on a piece of scrap plastic (anything milk container, soda bottle). Then again, thats good for the painting part too. Don’t worry, even if you think you messed it up, you can weather it and it will look perfect.