Quick question,

First time trying paste type zimmerit, Do you build the kit complete or Zim as you go.

I was thinking of putting the zim on the parts prior to assembly but not sure if this will be the best way.

Suggestions ??

Using AFV Zimmerit tool

Thanks

Jeff

Zim was applied to a completed build, so doing it as you go risks seam lines where the parts join up. That being said, things like the sponson which are assembled "separately" anyway could be done that way.

What kit are you building?

I make partial builds and add zimm as I go. Fe for a Panther, I'll build the turret shell and add zimm, then do the basic hull and add zimm as I go. In real life all parts of the tank could be easily reached, but in scale that's not always the case.

Marc

I am building the Ryefield late tiger as Whittmanns 007

I was thinking the flat surfaces that meet at 90 degrees would be a little difficult to do. Also the mantlet would be easier prior to barrel install. Just trying to get a clue before going to far.

In the past I have used decal solutions such as DEF models zimmerit.

Kinda nervous about ruining a kit

Thanks for the advice

Jeff

I rolled my first zimmerit on this very kit, you can see it armorama Ryefield 5015 review. I rolled them on parts before attachment, and after assembly I adjusted the junctions as Robin pointed out.

Practice on an old kit or piece of plastic plate first, to get a feel for it.
What putty are you using?

It's usefull to apply talc to the roller, to keep the putty from sticking to the roller. Be prepared to clean the roller in between (I use a rounded x-acto blade), and do small sections at a time.

Researching a good putty for zimmerit. was gonna try zim-it-rite but it seems it is no longer available. The other popular options are Tamiya Poly-putty and Miliput

Not sure what to use yet

Jeff

Cody K,


Looks awesome, your work on the PE clamps is amazing. My eyes (52 years worth) make it difficult to work with PE but I keep trying.

Jeff

Being totally honest, I don't use DIY Zim. It almost NEVER looks right. ATAK is the best resin Zimmerit, and the choice I always prefer. Zimming your own round surfaces (mantlet, for example) is likely to end in tears. Atak gives you a pre-Zimmed mantlet.

I've had good experiences with Mori mori putty and Apoxy sculpt. I find the Atak sets too uniform and too thick. I've used one a Pz IV, and only used two pieces of the whole sheet.

I'll post some pics of a Panther I did with Mori mori putty, tomorrow.

Regards,

Marc

Here are the pics. Two of the zimm with Mori mori putty, which you can buy from Amazon. The third showing the tools. For spreading I use an x-acto blade with the wide side fitted in the handle. The other tool is for scribing parallel lines in the putty. It's made from a piece of plastic plate, with three pins superglued to it, and some Apoxy sculpt added, to hold them in place. Spacing between pins is 3 mm for the MAN pattern.

Apply the putty, smooth it out, use the AFV roller, and then add the lines.