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The Last Befehlspanzer VI ausf B

PAINTING

The entire model was primed with thinned Mr surfacer 1000. After some hesitation the Octopus camouflage scheme was chosen as it matched well the spirit of the project.

A dark green base of Model Master Olivgrun 1943 n°2097 was applied. The light yellow bands were done with a mix of Tamiya XF-60 Dark Yellow and X-2 White. The next step was to add with a brush green circles over the yellow bands. When a camouflage pattern was done the big green areas and parts like hatches were lightened up to visually break the model up. The last stage was the addition of balkenkreuzs using the Eduard's adhesive stencils and kill rings on the barrel.
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WEATHERING

After sealing everything together with a protective coat of Johnson's Klear, MIG Productions Dark Brown wash was applied on the whole surface of the vehicle. Few moments later most of it was wiped off with a brush moistened with white spirit leaving a light layer of dirt. Once dry I sealed the whole model once again with a coat of acrylic satin clear. The next day a few more dark washes, pin washes and streaks were made.
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This was a good time to start work on the chipping. A light green shade was used as the base and was followed by Tamiya XF-9 Red Hull on the inside. I decided to let myself go here, a question of personal preference and taste for well worn vehicles. Following the process three MIG filters (yellow, green and light grey) were evenly applied to the hull and turret.

The next move was the mud. A mix of water, earth pigments, white glue and plaster was applied to the lower hull, wheels and tracks. When everything had dried the mud was coloured up with some more earth & dust pigments. Continuing the weathering with earth tones the lower zones of the turret and upper hull were airbrushed with a mix of Tamiya XF-53 Neutral Grey, XF-57 Buff and XF-52 Flat Earth. I let it dry for a day and than rain marks were added with highly diluted Tamiya XF-57 Buff (5% paint 95% thinner). Then everything was sealed with a layer of well diluted Models Master Dullcote.

Moving further on, a mix of dusty pigments was applied on the upper hull and turret in most of the corners where the dust would have accumulated. To fix the pigments Tamiya thinner was used using a thin brush. Details like tools, exhausts and cleaning rods were painted with oils and weathered with pigments to match up with the rest of the tank.

To finish up the model a few rusty pieces of steel cable were attached to the turret and hull.

CONCLUSION

I had a lot of fun working on this project. I got completely hooked on the ultimate Tiger II idea. The Dragon kit itself is of a very good quality and accuracy it is also very easy to build. The accessories used added a great deal in upgrading the basic model.

I would like to thank all modellers who offered their help, advices and encouragement via forum discussions. Special thanks go to James McFarlane and Herbert Ackermans for their continuous support during the whole project. Thank you all.

The article has been featured in Novembers 2009 issue of Scale Military Magazine International.