armotek newbie

Ray Brown · Post by **Ray Brown** » Thu Jul 07, 2011 4:27 am

g'day. i've been perusing the forum for awhile and recently ordered the panzer iv. the detail and work i've seen is outstanding. such high standards. i notice there seems to be a bit of modifying and machining going on. i dont have those facilitities so i'm wondering how much modifying and adjusting needs to be done to the standard kit that i will recieve. i'm a great believer in detail and authencity but can't afford to much authentcy...lol

thanks in advance

Paul Morris · Post by **Paul Morris** » Thu Jul 07, 2011 6:29 am

Morning Ray.

Welcome to the forum

I think you will be very pleased with the standard kit that you will receive from Mark and Gill the kits are much improved since they took over with each successive release being that little bit better than the last, you can build your model to a very good standard using only kit supplied parts and then its up to you how far you want to go down the super detail rout but mostly this can be done a little at a time as and when you wish, and for this you will have no trouble finding all the help you may or may not need right here on the forum.
Cheers Paul.

Ray Brown · Post by **Ray Brown** » Thu Jul 07, 2011 8:25 am

cheers paul. i'll like to do similiar to ur panzer with the side plates and weathered look. very impressive.

Stephen White · Post by **Stephen White** » Thu Jul 07, 2011 9:10 am

Ray

I'll echo Paul's wise words and welcome too.

The standard kits are first class and will go together with a minimum of fitting and adjusting, fine tuning really. There are some pitfalls, all of which are covered in the instructions and on the forum.

For example, the taper lock fitting should be done by the book. There are also disadvantages in using a lot of lubricant if you're going to run the tank, particularly in sandy conditions, where a combination of grease and sand can form a very effective grinding paste.

As for detailing, as Paul says, it isn't a case of all or nothing. My approach has been to look at original photos and select those features which give the tank its character. Concentrating on those draws the eye and raises the whole model. I wouldn't advocate trying to replicate every detail unless you want the tank to be a work in progress for a lifetime. Some do, in my case it just feels like it.

Good luck. There are lots of skilled and knowledgeable craftsmen here who have always been ready to help.

Regards

Stephen

John Fitzsimons · Post by **John Fitzsimons** » Thu Jul 07, 2011 9:49 am

Hi Ray,

Posted a long reply earlier but it did'nt go on?

Anyway basics.

I was a newbie since december 2010. Working on a Late tiger 1. I have no engineering skills and basic tools. Mainly a dremel. Lots of help received from the beginning from members.

It is worth posting your build from the start as that way experienced builders can help if they think you need it. Saved me more than once.

A hydraulic table is a worthwhile investment along with a scissor jack.

I have also ordered a Panzer IV so see you in the Panzer IV section soon.

Now is a good time to start research.

You will enjoy the kit and the aftersales service from Mark and Gill is excellent. Looking forward to seeing the kit content.

willie leonard · Post by **willie leonard** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 2:46 am

Hey Ray,
The worst part about becoming a Armortek owner is the long,long wait.But once those box'es show up on your doorstep its nothing but fun.
While you could get away with the basic hand tools described in the directions a couple things that to me were a
must-a small bench grinder with a wire wheel and a dremel
set.Hacker Schorr is optional.Good Luck with your build,and
look forward to seeing your mark iv.

Ray Brown · Post by **Ray Brown** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 4:11 am

is the beer mandatory lol

Rich Stinchcomb · Post by **Rich Stinchcomb** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 11:18 am

Mike Kasputis built and detailed a first generation Armortek Pz IV using side skirts. He modeled the brass side skirts from the PZ IV prototype at Aberdeen Proving Grounds.

John Fitzsimons · Post by **John Fitzsimons** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 2:10 pm

I wonder if mike kept the plans. Looks great with the shurzen. 2nd generation should be vastly improved as a kit.

Tiger build slow at present as ran out of beer. Have electronics sorted though. If I can do it anybody can.

Paul Morris · Post by **Paul Morris** » Fri Jul 08, 2011 4:17 pm

Hi fellas.

This is also a first generation Panzer 4 but my customer decided to only go for the turret and not the whole hog but part or full skirt they do make a great difference to the model, not too difficlut to do either.

Cheers Paul