Tim Sloan shares with us his build of Dragons premium kit modeled as unit 113 from 1.Kp 653 sPzAbt Kursk 1943, Enjoy!



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Thanks!

extraordinary work by Tim, the weatheirng and camo are sublime.
when did they start putting zimm on these after kursk?

After Kursk, many of the Ferdinands were sent back to the Niebelungen Werke in Austria to have several modifications done to them:

Zimmerit
Commanders Cupola
Bow Machine Gun with additional armor around it (300mm total)
Wider Tracks (from 600mm to 640mm)

Some had the modifications done later as they were rushed to help deal with the Russian Armor in the Nikopol bridgehead.

Beautiful work as always Tim!

Tim,

What is your trick with the track? Fruil or Dragon?

Excellent job, Tim. I like the way you have subtle chipping in the right places. Your weathering of the suspension and tracks is superb.

Thanks for sharing

Magnificant build, there's only one thing I can think of that would keep me from believing I was looking att the real thing., the background. I could sure use some tracks pointers from Tim, that's not all, did anyone else notice how real that tow cable looks?

Chuck

Thanks everybody for the compliments..really appreciate any feedback.

The tracks... theyre the kit supplied magic tracks, assembled using a track jig, I make two runs, one for the top and one for the bottom, using liquid cement. Laying the top run first, and wrapped halfway around the drive sprocket and idler wheel, I also stick some balsa wood chunks on top ,to help form the track sag..then add the lower run..leaving this to set a few hours before doing the other side..

Painting the tracks.. After theyre assembled and set up over night , I spray them with flat black primer. Then airbrush on some Vallejo camo black brown. seal with dullcoat, and add washes off MiG pigments to suit the area..for this I used Russian earth..I think...cant remember. Then I'll hit the worn areas with a graphite pencil.

Cables and weathering..
I work around dozers and track loaders just about everyday, so I study their weathering and worn areas, as well as the cables (almost the same kind) great source for reference..keeping in mind different use, and also different metals used..I assume.

You better get after the crew and get their track tension corrected before they throw a track! I just can't believe that is the kit's track! I have used Fruil with a blackening agent to get close to that look.

Tim,

Looking at a profile view it looks like the gun mantle sits too far away from the front....? Is this just me or am I seeing things?

Very nice model not meant to criticize just an observation....

Regards, Paul

Thats a beuty! I especially like the tracks and the ballmount for the main gun.

Cheers

Nice job Tim. Very well done. Very well painted too. Thanks for sharing.

I looked at my 653rd History and it looks OK. Some crews turned it around to get to the bolts easier and the would make the plate closer to the gun compartment. When the unit was rebuilt in winter 1944 all were turned around.

The tool box on the side was relocated to the rear after Kursk where a lot of tools were damaged or lost due to battle damage. Some had two boxes, one in orginal position and one in the back.

Sweet. I wish I had the talent. Mine never turn out so well. Not bad, but not this quality. Keep on posting for us poor learners to admire!

Very nice job Tim.
I have a question: It is correct the tool box position and the air deflectors on the rear plate?
In "AJ-Press - Tank Power 22 - Ferdinand, Elefant Vol.1" on page 84, this tank destroyer is without air deflectors.

I loaned out the book I used with this model, so I couldnt check. I know the tool box was relocated, and if you say it doesnt have the deflectors, then I guess it doesnt..its been a while since I built this model.

After Kursk the tool boxes were moved to the air defector in the rear. Not all were done at that time, but when they did the rebuild during the winter of 1944 all were relocated at the factory.

But, there were some that had two tool boxes.

The name Elefant came after the rebuild was done and it seems that only Adolf was the one calling them that. when the last two vehicles are lost outside of Berlin they were still called Ferdinands or "Ferdies" by the officiers and crews.

Nicely weathered tank! I really like the tracks on this one.

Fantastic weathering - love the rust streaks and the look of the toolbox's original position particularly.

Al

I have to agree... the old tool box location is just masterful! incredable detail.... just incredable...

-Chris

Tim,

Outstanding job!

-Eddy

thankyou gentlemen, really appreciated