tigertc

Thankyou!
I tried my best with the officer. I wish I could get in for a closer picture, as I think Tamiya let the model down a bit in detail, I may order one of the Dragon figures, they look great. Also I have no Idea how you guys get round the "doll effect". I'm still experimenting though, eventually I want mine to look as good as NigeD's and the mod's. More photo's later she's changed a bit. Major decision coming up, Weather or not to weather, that is the question! I tried a little rust effect on the spare tracks and it looks so-so. I think I used the wrong base coat (used gun metal with redbrown wash). I have ordered metal spare track links. and I am now thinking with all the other metal extras that eventually she will be too heavy to move.

Nigel.D

Tiger with the tracks just paint them oily steel then a dark brown wash over the top when dry get one of those kitchen sponges (the ones with the nylon scourer on one side) and give the tracks a good going over. thisa will reveal the metal in the raised bits and just town down some of the recessed stuff.

tigertc

Thanks Nige, Model shop for some paint on monday! Then wait till the girlfriend goes out to nick her scourer!!

tigertc

Fitted metal sprocket guides & brass drive shaft supprts (getting ready for metal tracks). Brass shaft supports seem to be a really tight fit, I think ones with real bearings would be better as there is not a reservoir for grease on the brass ones. Also had to drill a hole in the sub frame for one of the brass support ring screws (filled me with dread) as no instructions came with them, logic denoted it was the only way they could fit.

Soldering the engine grill support frames. (Something i now wish i had super glued). If you decide to solder these you will first need a degree in microsoldering, it is an absolute nightmare.

Finally got one done (After 30 minutes fiddly, squinting). Screwed it in, then realised it was in the wrong way round. Doh!!!!!!! .

This bit was a little easier, you just solder brass wire around the mesh (20 minutes).

This project is now taking on Mortgage proportions! Next up suspension & track tension.

Nigel.D

looking really really good mate i got to admit though the metal tracks were the best bit of kit i bought along with the new tensioners the old ones are just not up to the job looking forward to some more pics :-)

Nigel.D

Tiger mate i have 2 rear mudflaps (white metal ) from tankzone if you want em. I am looking at making some pe, or lead types, to simulate a bit of wear dents etc

tigertc

Fitted commanders hatch. Beware the spring and washer that is suppilied with this version of hatch do not sit properly some fiddling is necessary to make it close fully.

Fitted grill hatches and give them 1st lick of paint. Note on the side armour where i did some touching up. It has dried a different colour and from the same paint pot too!!!!! . Also added shears and crank (well I think they are shears!

Bigger is better! A few bits of armour that my kid has been playing with for a couple of years, all have sustained battle damage (He plays rough, Ive lost count of how many times they have been glued back together!) Kids eh!

My son's baby tiger, If I remember correctly It's a 1/72 Tamiya Tiger 1 Early Prod. I may be wrong though, it was some time ago.

Some video of my son attempting to blow up our house!
http://www.savefile.com/files/7381805

Nigel.D

Its a late prod one but bloody good for 1/72

tigertc

I was wrong its not 1/72. It must be 1/48 or 1/32 its just under quarter size of the 1/16 King tiger. BTW the video link at the bottom of last post is from the turret cam on the Tiger. Sorry bout the Poo quality I had to compress it to death for the free file hosting. I still need metal tracks, but I am going to wait for the right price. Apparently there are two types available- open and closed pin. Open pin i can get for about 50 quid.....for some reason closed pin are around £120-170. I dont understand the difference apart from the closed pin bit. And none of the sellers seem to want to explain. Any ideas?

Nigel.D

open pin are the same as the tamiya ones only metal (the track pins connect at the edges only) closed pin is where the pins connect the track completely along its width