Zimmerit is a very distinct feature on most German Tanks and SPG's which were manufactured between September 1943 and September 1944. Applied in the factory during construction or if a vehicle received a major re-fit, it's rough, ridged finish is both appealing and terrifying to modellers of German AFV's. For many years the only way to replicate Zimmerit was either with Putty or a hot-knife. Both need a steady hand and a bit of flair, as especially the hot-knife method leaves no room for error, and this often resulted in people leaving the Zimmerit off altogether.
Fast forward a few years, and today we find ourselves with a multitude of Zimmerit substitutes, which have made the application of Zimmerit much easier. Ranging from thick injection molded plastic panels to paper thin resin sheets, there is now a product and/or technique to suit all skills (and wallets..). Photo-etch falls in between these to, not as thick as the (over scale) injection plastic sheets, and not quite as thin as the resin.
As a major producer of Photo-etch up-date sets, Eduard has naturally turned to brass to create Zimmerit for a number of vehicles.
the set in detail
The set is packed in a zip lock bag, with two stiff card inserts to protect the Photo-etch sheets from damage. The set consists of two frets, with a total of 42 parts. The instructions only take two pages, but are clear and there should be no problem getting all the parts in the right place.
The set contains parts to cover all external areas of the model, apart from the main mudguards, superstructure roof and engine deck. There are no 'damaged' areas, so if you want to depict a battle weary vehicle with worn and chipped Zimmerit you'll have to cut the brass parts yourself. Whilst this is not difficult, and it let's you decide where the damage is, you will need a reasonable cutter for this, as the brass is to thick to cut with an Exacto knife.
conclusion
This is a good set to add Zimmerit to the Brummbar, and fits well without the need to trim parts after they have been attached. It's clean, uniform pattern makes it most suitable for a 'factory fresh' finish. Eduard is 'advertising' this on their website at the 'reduced' price of $10.95, which makes it great value as well.
SUMMARY
If you are planning on building Dragons late Brummbar, you will have to add Zimmerit. There are different techniques to re-create Zimmerit, and this Photo-etch set from Eduard is one of them.
Our Thanks to Eduard! This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.
Thank you for the review Henk. This is perfect for those of us that are a little hesitant to try making zimmerit on our own. Do you know if they are planning on releasing sets for other vehicles as well? This is something that I am definitely interested in.
Thanks again, HARV
Id rather go with the Atak zimmerit set for this kit. I do not think the Eduard zimmerit bears resemblence with the real thing in 1/35.
Also a Cavalier sheet would be a better option.
Also should one want to depict flaked zimmerit it will be a harder task than with the other mentioned products.
Have you used it on the Dragom Brumbär?
In my opinion theyre more suitable for 1/72.
Harv,
Eduard already do a lot of Zimmerit sets, look on the Eduard website for more details.
Toke,
I have not yet used it on the Brummbaer kit, but I have dry-fitted some parts against a kit, and the fit is good. I have the set for the Panther D, which I am hoping to build soon, and have attached a number of pieces on that kit. The part that goes on the turret wall follows the curves very well, and the openings for the pistol and communication ports fit perfectly. A more complex shape are the rear stowage boxes, and they are no problem either.
I am not familiar with Atak sets, and have only looked at Cavalier 'in the wrapper' (at a show), so I can't speak from experience. I have been told that they are good, if different, but they are more expensive.
Does this set bear resemblance to the real thing? Well, the pattern is right, if a little simplified, and after it's been painted and weathered it resembles Zimmerit.
We don't do 'comparison' reviews on Armorama, so a review is just that, it tells you what's in the box, if it's correct, if it fits, what it's like to work with. We don't offer an opinion as to which brand is better, as that is a very subjective choice, and something which can (and will... ) be debated for ever. Like here .
Cheers
Henk
I have the Dragon kit sitting in my cupboard as zimmerite is one thing I hate doing myself. This set may be the thing I need to get so that the kit will see day light.
Steve
I see that the pattern depicted looks more "hand-applied" than some of their earlier sets, which were too regular. I have seen a couple of models that were well-finished using the Eduard Zimmerit, but the key is to thoroughly putty all edges and joints so it doesn't look like aluminum siding. Some smears and smudges added to the surface with the body putty will also help create the illusion of a solid layer of putty.
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