Here is the pics that I said I would try to get up. This project is in it’s very early stages, but the zimmerit has been applied using Tamiya’s Polyester 2 part Putty and Tamiya’s #7 Zimmerit tools. Believe me when I say, it is not as hard as it looks. My picture taking is horrible so bare with me. Enjoy and comments and critisms are very welcomed…
Holy Moses!(bet you’ve never heard that one), now that’s what a Tiger II should look like. If you saw mine you’d wet your pants. The pics turned out great by the way. Question 1: How thick did you apply the putty before using the tool? Question 2: What did you use to apply it? Question 3: How long did it take you to apply from start to finish? Thanks yet again.
Thanks tigerman, actually you do not need to apply the putty that thick (about .5 millimeter). Tamiya Poleyester Putty is very easy to work with for about 5-10 minutes, so I spread a layer across a section with a putty spatula and the starting from left to right move the tool at a slight angle, jogging it up or down every 2 mm or so to break up the pattern. The Putty is also very easy to remove if you get it on a part you do not want it without crazing the plastic. The application of the zimmeirt took about 3 modelling sessions. I would do the right and front side of the hull, then after that do the right and front side of the turret. Then do the opposite sides the next day.
I hope all try it, because I will never use Epoxy Putty again when doing zimmerit.
That is amazing Zimmerit. It makes my King Tiger look very inferior. (although my new stuff looks good) I’ll just curl up in this dark corner now.
Maybe I could just mail you my model and you could return it when your finished applying the zimmerit. Ha Ha. I think that I’ll find an old model(steal one of my sons, just kidding) or get a sheet of styrene and practice before I do it for real. And if that fails to look a quarter as good as yours did, then I’ll whimp out and buy some.
Fine bit of work on the Zimmerit Rob … so this is what the Tiger II looked like before it met one of my mighty Shermans. Such a cute little tank. LOL
Honestly … your Zimmerit work to this point is flawless. It is going to be really interesting when you start to rough it up a bit and weather it. I think it’ll be a fine finish.
Once again…art work!
i think you should post a tutorial on RonUSMC’s gallery site on your zimmerit technique.
Mike
Very neat job, Moses!
Awesome, Moses. You must have a steady hand. Were you a surgeon in a former life?
I think you should do a tutorial for us in the HInts and Tips section. The results are quite impressive.
Spectacular Zim on the Tiger ll, Moses!!!
Very Impressive Moses!!! I’m sold on the idea for sure. I"ve got to get to my hobby shop and get some “stuff”.[:D]
Does that putty “chip and flake” off good for damage weathering after it’s dry? How well does it adhere to the plastic and does it, how do I say this…I guess I’m trying to ask what kind of bond does it make? Is it very permanant (chemically bonds) or can it be chipped off fairly easily (just sticks kind of bond)??
Thanks, and again, that looks awesome!!
Eric
that looks really good. i probably would of gone for the aftermarket zimmeret. i wish i could do it like that it looks cool
Question. I’m using plaster compound for an Elefant. I know it’s too thick, and it’s ok for this one. But for the future, if I use spakling again, is there a way to thin it down?
Thanks guys…like I said, with a little practice, the rewards are far better then using prefabricated zimmerit.
Erush…the putty adheres very well to the surface once dried. Unlike Epoxy Putty, you do not need to scribe the surface for better adhesion. You can simulate battle damage very easily. The Polyester putty is very easy to work with for the first 5-10 minutes, so you can use some basic low tack tape, tear it in irregular pieces and put on model before applying the zim. Once the Zimmerit is applied to the section, you then remove the tape. I didn’t simulate that on this model, for I am going for a more complete Tiger II, one that has just entered the battle field. As for it being permanant, I have to say yes…once the Putty toatlly cures it is just as solid as an Epoxy Putty (it can be sanded as well.
Ron it would be my pleasure to do some Zimmerit tips for the hints and tips section. Just let me know, and I can start up a new project showing how to do it from start to finish.
Thanks again guys for the kind words, and I really hope these pics persuade a few of you to give it a try.
Cheers Rob
Isaah I have never used spakle for my zimmerit but I know it can be done. Most modellers who use spakle use the screwdriver method if I am not mistaken, and the spakle, even thinned down, might be difficult to use with Tamiya’s tool. Practice on sheet styrene before ever trying a new technique on a model. Nothing worse then ruining a 40 dollar kit. Try the Polyester Putty, you will not be disappointed.
Rob,
Wow! What can I say. I’ve tried several methods and puttys on an old Tamiya King Tiger turret. I wound up stripping it all off. (No, it wasn’t easy!! lol) What a job you have done. I bought a set of Eduard’s photo etch for my DML Elefant, but am pretty unhappy with it. Your pics inspire me to try another “strip and redo” for it!
Is it possible for you to scan the box of the putty you used? I’ve seen Tamiya’s Basic type and their two part (ribbon) epoxy putty, but I don’t think I’ve seen the type your talking about. If you could share a pic of the box, I’d know what ot look for.
Thanks, and again, terrific!!
Bill W.
wipw,
Here it is.
After I saw Moses’ pics, I bought 2 tubes and Tamiya’s Zim tool!
i,ll have to get some of that
i kneed to get the courage up to start my Panther Ausf A late
Nice job Moses. A couple questions if you don’t mind…
Have you painted a model after using the Tamiya tools for zim. yet??? The last one that I did with the Tamiya tools, the zim did not show up well after painting. While I believe that the tools are to scale, im not sure that they provide enough of a contrast for all that hard work to show up well. Anyway, I was hoping you might have some advice for me.
Do you know if you can vary the setting time on the Tamiya putty with the catalyst?
Thanks for the pics Moses.[:I]