Yeah, yeah I know what some people are thinking, "oh jeez not another Tiger" :-). Anyway, I know I've mentioned this build to at least one other person and I've finally reached the point where I'm ready to start shooting some paint on it. This is the Dragon kit, which by now everyone has heard about so I won't bore you with how nice it is. It is pretty much out of the box except for some Friul tracks and a few small scratched details. I didn't use all the PE in the kit, I feel some of it isn't needed as the styrene parts are very nice.
The zimmerit is milliput and represents a first for me, as it is my first serious try at doing it myself. I have to say the zim is a "love/hate" thing, it's very satisfying knowing I did it myself , but it's still a pain to apply . I have to say I'm not totally satisfied with the final look, but I know where I made my mistakes and what I will do differently next time I tackle the stuff. the turret especially came out "messier" than planned. (contrary to popular belief, not all zim was applied in a hap-hazard fashion, this is especially true of the Tiger I)
Plans for paint and markings are SS102 in Normandy. Their Tigers were painted in a very distinctive scheme that I've always found interesting. Apologies for the pics, I'm still trying to work out my lighting set up. Just when I think I've got it figured out something happens and I'm not happy with the pics. Anyway here they are, all comments welcome.

Mike

Mike:

You got yourself a nice looking tiger. Zim looks good. cant wait to see it painted.

I never get tired of Tigers and this is a build worth showing. Thanks

BH

Your Zim looks real good. I have the same kit and i'am debating weather to get Friul tracks also. I'am not to crazy about the kit tracks.

looks really good. I'm pretty sure the Pilsen don't belong on the Normandy late T1 turrets, more of a "final" feature, am I mistaken? Zim looks very good to me, maybe a little thick but without paint it is hard to say. A great Tiger!


regards,Steve

Hey Mike ..nice job so far ..I chickened out and bought the Attak set for the zimmerit ...You deserve credit for the job you did...Now lets see some paint on this baby...
Just a note to Crockett I believe all 102 tigers were finals ...but never say never..

Rick

In most cases you are correct Steve, but the particular tank I'm modeling had them, they are visible in 2 different pics of it. After talking with a couple of people who are well versed on the subject, this is the case with at least a couple more of 102's Tigers. Apparently they retrofitted the pilzen to some of their tanks.

Thanks for the comments guys.
Mike

Hi there,

very nice looking indeed, cant wait to see the finished build. Can you share how u did the Zim?

Cheers!

PS: And I don;t believe people will get sick fof Tigers!

Those Friul tracks and the track hanger handles look really good. So does the zimmerit, which method did you use?

I can't see it clearly from the picture, have you drilled out the coaxial MG?

Keep us posted. Have you decided on the camo scheme yet?

Dan, the zim was done using superfine milliput which is a 2 part epoxy putty. Before you start rough up the surface of the model with some sandpaper so the putty has something to "hold on to". Once the milliput is mixed I sprinkle my work surface and the putty with baby powder to keep it from sticking. Then using a rolling pin I roll it out as thin as possible. Once it is about the thickness of a piece of paper cut the size you need with your trusty x-acto knife, dip a finger in some water to remove the baby powder from one side then stick this side to the tank. Now press it out with your fingers to get rid of any airbubbles and to thin it more, if needed, trim off any excess again with your hobby knife. Once you reach this point let it sit for about 25-30 minutes so it has time to adhere to the surface, otherwise it will pull free when you are making the pattern. Next use the tool of your choice, roller, screwdriver, stamp, etc. to get the desired effect. keep a small bowl of water nearby to dip your tool in to prevent it from sticking. This is just a quick discription but I hope you get the idea.


Thanks for that Donald, I had forgotten. It is a little hollow from the slide molding but it could use a little more. Camo scheme will be three color from the SS102 in Normandy.

Thanks for the positive comments guys.

Cheers,
Mike

Mike,

Thanks for the detailed stuff! Sounds tricky, but will attempt that when I am ready to do the Tiger Late.

Cheers!