Armortek

Excuse me, Phill, how did you proceed to open the hatches? Thank you very much, Ivano

Ivano, I simply removed a total of 4 mm from the outside face of the mantlet pivot mount, in this case it left 2 mm clearance between the mantlet and the turret angles. I would measure each individual Tigers discrepancy to calculate what was to be removed from that vehicle, don't just remove 4 mm!

Thank you very much, Ivano

Now I have rather a lot going on so I will split the progress over a few days as I feel the tips for the newbies are worth going into some detail.
A little tip, a couple of drops of thin cyno on the hinge pins will keep the clamp tight, tight enough to hold the track segment in place along with the pins either side. You can then assemble the tracks segments by ( from right to left) placing on the bottom pin and then gently slipping the top angle in position, add the track pins and they should stay there. Nothing bugs me more than seeing badly hung spare track links!

I have also made a start on the turret bin, I intend to demonstrate how you can make the naive kit bin look like a more sophisticated example, it just takes a little work....but that's for the next exciting update.

The standard kit turret bin my way

What a Great Build. Love what you have done and your plans for the storage bin.

Later Tim

Phil

Love the fact that you are thinking about us newbies during this build, which really is appreciated. I am really interested on how you apply the rivets as all this is a dark art to me. I take it that the catches for the bin are 6th scale icons?

Once again many thanks for your advice and patience.

Allan

The bin continued.

Wow. That's a great looking bin. I am assuming the rivets are glued in.

Vince

Phil,

I'd be docking the wages of your mechanics, they are always laying down on the job! I bet they leave you to do all the work!

Vince yes, glued in place but drilled right through, I broke 6 drill bits in the process! Phil I will have a word with the plastic army but they just won't listen lol! you will like tomorrow's post as I have started on the three colour camo, and weathering, in prep for the final top coat. Maybe a bit premature but but it needed starting.

The bin looks great. Hard to believe its the stock version. My steel bin part got bent in several places, so not sure if it will work or not. I may discard the stock bin to a bigger (trash bin), but probably should make a attempt at salvage.

Great work Phil, thanks for posting the details. This Tiger build is phenomenal, off the charts.

Bob you always say such positive things on this forum...love your outlook buddy, our world could do with more people like you Have a go with that stock bin!

Here's a taster of tomorrows post. We have kill rings, three colour camo, black wash, rubbing back, highlights, then it will all be covered up with?

Sorry for pestering you with all my questions but still learning as I go.
For the camo are you using an airbrush or rattle can?

Vince

No problem Vince, a bit of both. To start with rattle cans then air brush for a more controlled application, you have to be so careful with the cans as they spit everywhere, so masking up is a must. The zimmerit to flat steel (ali) is a massive painting coverage contrast so its takes some patients and practice. When the final plate welds are done I have to White wash the entire thing, there I said it! But for now I need to hold back as we are still waiting for the many parts that have been ordered from across the pond so we can finish up the interior, I don't want to bump the deck welds as anymore than I have to.
I may experiment with the white wash on say the fenders to get the finish that we are looking for, ie very worn and flaky with the three colour camo showing through....All good wholesome fun!