Vince's Tiger 1 late variant 2017

[Vince Cutajar]

I don't know if this is a stupid idea but the first thing that came to mind is to 3d print them.

Vince

[Ivano Costantini]

Too weak

[Vince Cutajar]

Finished the muzzle brake and installed it.

Well, that finishes the mechanical assembly of the model. Yippee!!

What else remains? I've done the track tensioning and changed the four bolts of the track tension covers, so those are off the to-do list.

I need to do something about the tow ropes and track ropes. I have to check if I can find locally any steel blackening solutions to remove the shine on the kit ropes. I am also experimenting with painting but needs more work.

Etch primed and then applied a dark wash with a brush.

I also need to paint a camo scheme but I suspect that this is the area where I will let the model down. I never used an airbrush before and still have not decided if it's worth investing in one for a one-off job.

Vince

[Stephen White]

Vince, great model, I've very much enjoyed your build thread. If I may offer a view, it would be a pity to short change your model by not using an airbrush! It's a skill, admittedly, but not one that millions haven't mastered without too much pain. A bit of practice on paper or on a plastic model and you're away. The secrets are to get a reliable air source and to understand how to vary the tightness of spray pattern. After that, the only problems that are likely to recur are paint related and that's about thinning and clogging. The use of a spray gun was very common in the Panzerwaffe, There is a comprehensive Knowledge Base Topic on airbrushing.

[Vince Cutajar]

Thank you Stephen for your comments.

The use of a spray gun was very common in the Panzerwaffe

Yes, I have seen photos of the crew using what looks like a spray gun, and I also saw a photo of the crew just sloshing it on (for a winter camo). Also, in late 1944, I wouldn't be surprised that brushes were also used.

I already have a good supply of air (large compressor). So basically all I would need is an adaptor from the workshop compressor to the airbrush line. Just need to take a decision if it's worth it or not.

Vince

[Phil Woollard]

Vince they're wise words from Stephen, how about trying the easy shading method to get you started, you will of course need to get yourself an airbrush system from say ebay. They are under 100 pounds with two air brushes! Or just 10 pounds for the air brush and adaptor.
The easy shading technique is very impressive, all you do is use a contrasting (darker) paint like a subtle brown and pick out every panel and every fitting, the wheels everything. When done it's transforms the vehicle with really very little skill, If you don't like it use your top coat and paint over it once more!

[Vince Cutajar]

Or just 10 pounds for the air brush and adaptor.

Are you sure Phil?

Vince

[Phil Woollard]

Take a look Vince, you don't need to spend a fortune. I generally buy a new airbrush for each commission, in the grand scheme of things it's peanuts!

[Vince Cutajar]

I have just ordered an airbrush kit which cost me 40 quid including delivery. Let's see what I get.

Have been experimenting with painting the wire ropes. I think I am close to getting what I like. Fingers crossed.

I have also been playing with the model. It's amazing how things get noticed after a while. Initially, I put a counterweight at the back of the recoil mechanism. Today, while playing with the model, I noticed that the barrel jumps slightly with the recoil. To cut a long story short, I just removed the counterweight and eliminated the barrel "jump". I guess by removing the counterweight the imbalance is now taking up the backlash (play) in the elevation mechanism. I am not worried about the imbalance because the new elevation motor with the lower gear ratio can take it easily.

Vince

[Stephen White]

Vince, on some tanks, jump is just what the gun does do. As the centre of mass moves rearwards with recoil, the gun becomes unbalanced and the muzzle does rise. So maybe worth looking at some film of Tiger firing to see it it's realistic or not. You may have stumbled on a winner.

[Vince Cutajar]

Really!!

I know Adrian once posted a link of a Tiger 1 firing when I was building my recoil module. Now to try to find it.

Vince

[Vince Cutajar]

Managed to find this on UTube:

Loved the video soundtrack.
Could not see any discernible barrel jump during recoil.

Vince

[Vince Cutajar]

More work on the steel ropes. I haven't found locally any steel blackening solutions so I have started painting them. First one finished. Does it look OK or shall I make it darker? I am hopeless when it comes to painting.

Vince

[Vince Cutajar]

A little progress on my Tiger painting saga. I got myself an airbrush kit, hooked it up to my workshop compressor and have been practicing a bit (viewtopic.php?f=32&p=72518#p72518).

I think I have decided on the camo scheme also for my Tiger 231. Luckily I found out that it is the Munster Tiger and found a lot of photos on the internet from which I can base my camo scheme.

Today, a little bored of airbrush practice I decided to test the three colours together to see if I need to change them. Luckily I kept the steel plate I had used to practice applying zim and had sprayed it with the basecoat. So all I needed to do was apply the other two colours as a test.

And here are a couple of closeup shots of the Munster Tiger to compare:
http://www.panzer-modell.de/referenz/in ... e/017g.jpg
http://www.panzer-modell.de/referenz/in ... e/016g.jpg

Yes, I know it is a museum piece but had to use something as a reference. I think the colours I choose are close enough. I used some modeller's masking tape to make my test but I am wondering if I should not use the masking tape and let the colours bleed into each other.

Vince

[davidwilkins]

Vince,

That is one very nice tiger that you have built there. I cannot offer any advice on painting but I do prefer the blended look with the different colours as this gives a bit more flexibility with the finish rather than a defined line finish. Just my thoughts from someone that has no experience at painting.

Keep up the good work.

David