Hello everybody, just started this new project after moving from MN to WI and setting up my workshop again.
I got both the Italeri kit and Jaguar upgrades from a fellow modeler at a recent model show for $20. I know Dragon released a berg tiger (p) a while ago, but despite that, this kit sound like a lot of fun to me...

Here most of the resin parts.....


The Jaguar update set:


This update set was also included, guess will save most of the parts for another project.

No clear instructions are provided with Jaguar update set, I looked on the web and not very many pictures of this rare kit.....in any case, finally figured out that the front glacis and rear portion of the kit need to be removed to fit the resin parts as follows:


Dry fitting a few of the parts:



Will be back with more updates soon!
Mirko

This is cool, is it a unit from the 653rd?

Wow that looks like a handfull....and a very nice handfull at that. I love this type of project. The kind that will keep ya up at night and maybe make ya swear....but are just to beutiful to resist! I can't wait to see the progress. It looks like a great project. God bless you for not choosing the easier way (Dragon Kit) but rather choosing the kit(s) that will be a challenge!

Yes, just three were built, but missed the Battle of Kursk, arriving in August, 1943. Following heavy losses in July, the 654th handed over its surviving Ferdinands to the 653rd, and each company received a Bergetiger P. They were rebuilt along with the Ferdinands in early 1944. One went to Italy with the first company, and the other two went with the second and third companies to the eastern front.

Hello guys and thanks for following and yes, I am planning to do the 653rd berge sent to Italy.

Today progress includes attaching the rear resin modifications:



This is the type of CA glue that I use when I work with resins and PE, it's a gel so takes longer to dry and allows for repositioning...


I was about to start attaching the foreword plates and decided to leave a hatch open therefore I have to improve the rudimentary interior provided by the kit. I did a quick search on the web and find some ideas...using a beer can I scratched a few pieces and here the results...





Will post more tomorrow

Gerald: Awesome background, thanks! The only reason I'm even aware of the 653rd is because my first project is a Jagdtiger, and from what I understand there were only two operators of those heavy tank destroyers.

Mirko: I can almost see the finished project already.. I'm starting to wonder if that's normal or if I'm just not getting enough sleep

Hello again, I just added the rear main lower plate as seen, very good fitting, only minimal putty and sanding will be required later:



I added a few other simple details form my spares box in order to provide something to the interior and make it look more interesting. Using a few strips of wood and styrene these results were obtained:



A few modifications to the driver seat replacing the original piece with a one from spares and adding some metal details...





Opened a side window to add more light:



Gas mask, levers, MP40 and a back pack added just for fun.....



Well, I am done with the interior...will post more on the rest of the build soon...

Mirko

Some updates for today Sunday 11th, no more building after 1pm...World Cup Final priority 1!

In any case, interior panzer airbrushed with a mix of flat white and buff, attached the main posterior upper plate and worked on wheels and suspension.




I go with Spain!

Mirko

Great progress, I like what you did with the drivers compartment. Looks like you will have a nice model when it is all finished.

Keep up the progress.

ahh PBR nice, bring back memories of my days in NY (upper state).

Conversion looks good so far. Lots of great detail in the drivers compartment. Those two big hatches will let it be shown off too.

Thanks Phil and Scott. I have realized I will have to tie down my hands before keeping on adding more interiors..hahaha...this was supposed to be a quick build.....

Anyhow, here some updates:

Attached more resin parts to the main structure.....



Finished interiors with tamiya acrylics and a raw umber oil wash....





Planning on closing the hull today and start working on putty/sanding before applying zimmerit....

Mirko

Very nice Mirko, I'm looking forward to seeing this through the hatches once the rest of the hull is in place.

Thanks, by the way nice work on that resin MkIV.....

The rucksack inside looks abit shiny and the wear of the leather is a bit heavy on the higher areas.
Dont for get to add silver/aluminum to the buckles on the bag and gun strap and gas mask strap.

Progress for today:

A few bolts and PE handles added for more detail...




Zimmerit done!!! With Tamiya's polyester putty and tamiya's tools. This putty does not attach well to resin....I tried regular green putty on the front but didn't work well...




Will let dry and continue.....by the way, any suggestions of where to buy chains online for this kit?

Mirko

Progress, yeah maybe I will actually get some when things die down at work this weekend

As for the chains, check out Tankrats (Give him a call and he or Face should be able to set you up with the correct chain)
or you can check out carriers of Verlinden products. Verlinden has a line of metal chains, but they have been hard for me to find.

After a few days some progress:

Working on the crane.....





I found this chain in a Michael's hobby store for 2.99 and fits perfectly! ..............



Drilling some *&*%#@!! tiny holes...




Be back soon......

whoa, good progress with the details and work involved. Following this build.
I thought this was going to be an AM product build only, but there is a lot of builder style to this one
Cool

very nice project you have there! looking forward to seeing more

Ok, after a few days away from the workshop here some progresses from yesterday:

Main pulley and crane modified by adding some cable, homemade bolts with stretched sprue and some other goodies...





I decided to add a fuel barrel and maybe later a couple of mechanics working on it...


And finally, since the Italeri kit came without rear fenders I scratched a couple of them, bolts still pending on the hinges....


WIll add a few more things and hopefully next post will already have the base dunkelgelb on top....!!!!

Thanks for following

Mirko

This just keeps looking better and better, I'm actually learning a lot from your build

Well, after a few days of vacations here my current progress:

I went to M&Models in Oak Lawn, IL, very good store. I bought a few details for other kits and came with some new ideas. For example, instead of using the towing cable provided I decided to scratch them and take the opportunity to practice soldering skills, this is the result:




Almost forgot to mention that I layered the base camo, paints used were Polly Scale Dunkelgelb and Olivegrun......



Springs scratched and attached...


Also, just for fun, instead of replacing with after market parts I drilled this links and made some bolts with stretched sprue:



Hope you like the updates!

Mirko

looks good. I really like your idea with the tow cables. I myself use (HVAC control wire) it's really fine copper wire. I like your solder cables though, pretty neat. Good detail on the hand made springs as well. - Bobby

Ok, so after a few days off I made some progress last night. I started the chipping process with no major references as I have not been able to find lots of information about this subject.
I just assumed since this was a service vehicle most of the flat and angle surfaces must be heavily transited and therefore the paint damaged.

Usually I use a 5/0 or 10/0 round paintbrush to apply chipping but I was feeling kinda tired so I tried a piece of sponge instead with a combination of Tamiya paints:



Here the results after the first round of chipping....




I started painting some accessories.....




Finally, I have no reference at all about the exact location of the markings of this kit, so again, took some liberty on assigning the "white crosses" which where hand painted with oils (I tried the easy way....putting a decal but the zimerit didn't helped much...)




Let me know what you think guys. I have been looking for mechanics figures but unable to find a good set to fit on this kit...will see.

Ok, getting very close to finishing this kit, still need to add some oils and pastel chalks and metal effect to certain surfaces, tracks, etc. I have been looking for mechanics but so far only found old Tamiya's...any suggestions are welcome.