Im building a 1/35 tiger 1 and need to know two things would all mid series tiger 1 have zimmerit on them and if so how do i do this? Whats the best way for the best result?
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Welcome to the forum Nicholas! Some of the very first mid Tigers may have not had any Zimmerit. I believe some times I’ve seen some people saying Zimmerit came out the same month the mid production started, while others say that it was a few months later. What kit is it? That might help, because then I could maybe figure out whether it is a “early mid” or a “middle mid” or a “late mid.” This website has information on the main Tiger I changes.
http://www.alanhamby.com/changes.shtml
Also you could check out this website, it has a lot of information on the Tiger.
https://tiger1.info/
As to your question about how to model Zimmerit - I’ve never actually done it on a Tiger, but from what experience I have with it, I’d recommend a LIANG Zimmerit tool (main stuff in 0229A, some extras in 0229B). Along with it, you could get some Green Stuff World Epoxy Putty (the blue and yellow bar) or some Tamiya Epoxy Putty.
It’s a tamiya kit. I’m probably being a bit over enthusiastic as it’s my first kit in ages like 15 years. And as a kid I remember seeing the tiger 1 in Brittany which didn’t have zimmerit on it you can Google the Brittany tiger to get pictures of it although I think that particular tiger was repainted by the local community after a t had its insides scrapped.
I guess this is the kit? https://www.scalemates.com/kits/tamiya-35194-tiger-i--133016 If that’s the kit, then it looks like it’s a January 1944 production, so a “late mid.” In February the late version replaced it. Since Zimmerit was used on Tigers from the summer of 1943 onwards, you’ll need to add Zimmerit.
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You could use an aftermarket zimm kit,I also usually get kits that have the molded on zimm.I never tried to add my own with paste.Try some Youtube videos
I have tried many methods for zimmerit…..
Soldering iron - melting the plastic to form the ridges.
- Looks good when done right
- East to paint as it’s all plastic, like new kits molded in
- Completely customizable for chips, damage, unusual patterns
- Very difficult to maintain consistency
Putty - texturing epoxy or filler to make ridges
- Requires good tools to make proper texture
- Most work in small batches to complete before too dry to shape
- Best way to make waffle zimmerit and other unusual patterns
- Odours and fumes from amount of putty used at a time
- Good for large flat areas, difficult to get into tight areas
Resin / plastic sheets - Aftermarket and Italeri made some
- East to apply and paint
- Can add considerable thickness to model as they are applied onto kit surface
- Difficult to modify for damage etc
Zimmerit stickers - made by Tamiya
- Come in sets for specific vehicle types
- Made for Tamiya kits, but can be used on other kits with modifications
- Thin product which seems in scale
- Can be pricey
I now mostly use the Zimmerit stickers for ease of use and general pleasing appearance. I will sometimes use Squadron white putty for homemade if I can’t find what I need. I suggest getting an old kit out with some flat sides to practice on using a variety of ways to see what you like. Or just buy the kits with premolded zimmerit or the Tamiya sheets - easiest ways and nearly impossible to screw up.
Use a putty, like Tamiya putty, applied in a thin layer, and use a razor saw to make the vertical and horizontal lines in the paste.
The only time that I made zimmerit from scratch, I used Squadron’s green putty and I don’t even know if they still sell it and if they do I wouldn’t recommend it. It was so long ago I can’t remember what object I used to press into the putty to make the German waffle pattern.