WHAT'S IN THE BAG?

In the package you will find the following items:

1. Instruction sheet

2. Resin sheet of flexible zimmerit sections (contains 15 flexible zimmerit sections)

3. Small ziploc bag containing solid resin kit replacement parts. (contains 5 resin model kit replacement parts and one "waffle" pattern zimmerit stamping tool).

NOTE: The solid resin kit replacement parts are for use if you are building the version with the bolt on armor. These parts have the zimmerit applied and bolt detail that is very well cast.In the instructions for the application of the zimmerit, you have the option on certain parts of the vehicle to use the solid resin replacement parts or flexible zimmerit that does not have the "bolt-on armor" detail.It is important to inventory your set once you open it. You don't want to get half way done with your zimmerit application only to discover your missing a key piece.

INSTRUCTIONS

The instructions are pretty simple for the most part. It is basically a 8 1/2 x 11 sheet that is bi-folded to produce a 4 page instruction "booklet".

PAGE 1 consists of: the graphic image that you see inside the package.

PAGE 2 consists of:

1. A "Read Before Assembly" statement. If you have not used this type of product before (like me) read this carefully (3 or 4 times). This tells you all of the important stuff in regards to handling and applying the zimmerit product.

2. A diagram of the sheet containing the "flexible zimmerit" sections.----In this diagram, each flexible zimmerit section is shown as it appears on the zimmerit sheet. Each section is denoted with a number in this diagram. Familiarize yourself with the numbers of the respective sections PRIOR to beginning assembly. This will ensure a minimum amount of confusion once you start cutting pieces out and applying them.

3. Last but not least, 6 graphics are shown with definitions such as "cut" symbol, "drill" symbol, "apply to both sides" symbol, etc. These symbols do not appear in the instructions so I'm not to sure why they appear on this page.

PAGE 3 consists of two construction step diagrams.

Diagram one shows how the Cavalier Zimmerit pieces are combined into step one of the model kit assembly. The text for this section dictates what resin pieces in this conversion replace the kit parts and shows placement of the parts.

Diagram two shows the placement of the Cavalier Zimmerit sections in steps 3 through 6 of the model kit instructions.Something to note when you are reviewing these diagrams prior to assembly is the option that you are provided of replacing the model kit parts with either the solid resin zimmerit pieces or the flexible zimmerit pieces. You need to decide which you will use and make notes accordingly.

PAGE 4 consists of:

1. A "ZIMMERIT APPLICATION" statement---- This provides additional detailed guidance on preparing your model kit for zimmerit application and additional application instructions for the zimmerit.

2. A "FINISHING" section----This provides 5 steps of guidance on how to "finalize" your zimmerit application. It discusses things like sanding down edges, filling gaps, and replicating chipped paint, etc.

3. The last item on page 4 discusses producing German national insignia templates with decal sheet and airbrushing the insignia onto the applied zimmerit.

APPLICATION OF ZIMMERIT

If you have not used any of Cavalier's Zimmerit sets before, I cannot over emphasize the importance of carefully and thoroughly reading the instructions prior to beginning. I used the following tools to apply the zimmerit:

1. X-acto knife with #11 blades.

2. "5 Minute" epoxy-There are several brands available. I purchased mine at Wal-Mart.

3. Toothpicks (for stirring 5 minute epoxy and adjusting part placement).

4. Small plastic mixing cups (for mixing 5 minute epoxy).

5. Spiral tip Q-tips (for removing excess epoxy from seams and parts). I found these Q-tips in the ladies make-up section at Wal-Mart. 5-MINUTE EPOXY is the only thing that will work to apply the zimmerit. I tried liquid cement and CA glue to no avail.

Flexible zimmerit pieces:

1. Identify the proper piece on the page 2 diagram by cross referencing the number given in the instructions.

2. Carefully cut out the piece using the X-acto knife.

3. Typically these pieces fit perfectly on the kit. I had to do some minor trimming on a couple of pieces. Solid resin kit replacement parts-These were very easy to work with. I was able to remove all excess casting resin with my X-acto knife. All production seams were removed with an X-acto knife as well. The fit was perfect. The replacement pieces matched Tamiya's kit parts exactly. The only issue I had with applying the zimmerit was the fact that I had to practically do a seperate resin mix for each piece. This was a result of having to "babysit" each piece after it was initially applied. After you mix and apply the resin, you must hold the piece down so that it adheres flat to the model kit. If you don't keep an eye on each piece as you apply them, the edges have a tendency to not adhere completely to the kit. This leaves a tiny gap that has to be filled in with your favorite gap filler. Thus, by the time your piece has dried in place, your resin mix has hardened.

As you work each piece of zimmerit into place, excess epoxy will be pressed out from the edges. It is important to wipe up this excess epoxy before it hardens so that it does not compromise the finish of your kit (i.e. covers weld seams, leaves hard bumps where the surface shoud be smooth, etc). I used spiral tipped Q-tips to carefully mop up any excess epoxy as it appeared at the edges of the zimmerit. Though I considered it somewhat tedious, I think the end result is well worth the effort. And it beats the heck out of doing it the "manual way" with epoxy/seam filler.

ZIMMERIT TOOL

Included with this set is a "Zimmerit tool" that you can use to apply the same zimmerit pattern. In step 7 of the model kit there are areas that need to have zimmerit manually applied. This is done with your favorit Epoxy/seam filler. Simply cover the surface of the kit that needs the additonal zimmerit with the Epoxy seam filler and press in the patter with this nifty tool. Don't throw the tool away when you are done. It can always be used for "waffle" zimmerit application on future kits.