Thanks everyone for the support! This is why I'm confident this Tiger II will turn out well for this GB!

 I'm in the process of finishing an Academy Panzer IV, then I'm diving into the Tiger.

Thanks Clemens, I'm sure I'll need a lot of help.  My version doesn't have the Zimmerit molded on, but each tank I have markings for has it.  I've never modeled Zimmerit so I'm sure I'll have all kinds of questions once I get going on it.

Would you mind telling me the kit number of your Tiger 2? Some (if not most?) King Tigers used in the Ardennes didn't have Zimmerit. I have plenty of spare decals for BoB Tigers so I could send you some of them if you don't want to add Zimerit to your model...

It's kit #6312.  Here's the box art:

Here are photos of the two tanks that I have built so far. The first was a M4 Sherman from Tamiya which was my first tank ever built. The second is the King Tiger from Dragon that is still not finished. The tiger frustrated me to the point that I put this kit away for almost a year now. Putting the tracks together with the Million pieces was painful for a second Tank build. I figured I would show you all what I have Done in the Tank modeling department. I hope you enjoy them.

Ye, all versions of the Porsche turreted Tiger II's have Zimm. I normally add mine using Milliput white.

Jsmyth, if you want to completely ignore my comments about avoiding Dragon kits feel fee. Sounds like this could be one that is suitable for those new to armour, they certainly do exist. And looks like there's going to be enough Dragon Tiger II's being built to take tips off.

J, I hadn't realised the Tiger II was so far along. That's a bit much to join in, as with most GB's, partly started kits are normally allowed as long as its only a little done. Looks like all of the construction has been done on this one.

Bish

I wasn't adding the tank to the GB I was just showing the two Tanks I have built. I am still researching what I want to build for this GB. Sorry for the confusion.

Sorry J, my fault, I jumped to the wrong conclusion. I just re read that first post and I can see what your saying now. I look forward to seeing which kit \you decide to do.

Jsmyth,

The Sherman looks great, and I'm not seeing anything out of the ordinary on the Tiger II.

Granted the picture does not tell the whole story of your Tiger build, but to me it still looks like it will be quality build once completed.

hogfanfs

I was looking at the Academy Panzer IV for a build in this group. How was the quality of that kit?

Jsmyth

hogfanfs

I was looking at the Academy Panzer IV for a build in this group. How was the quality of that kit?

Jsmyth,

This is the kit I'm building:

Well, I just went thru all 19 pages here so far, and some good loking builds are hppening here. Jibber, your Brumbar looks particularly sharp! Nomad, I like your Panzer Lehr 251. I really like the link for the photos and info about them!

As for me, today at AMPS was build night, and I started off my Panther G. Boy those 1/48 Tamiya kits practicly fall together! I will get some photos up tomorrow....

Glad to hear you have started SP. I have heard good things about those 48th kits, look forward to seeing the build.

Stik I've been wanting to do a couple 48's, I'd really like to see how your doing on it. Cant wait to see some pics.

Jibber and Bish, those Tamiya 48th scale armor kits really are the bomb! They practicly fall together they are so well engineered. Mind you I have not yet added the few pieces of plastic to metal that need to be done, but the engineering really needs to be expereinced to be appreciated. It is just that good!

Seeing how last night was a "build night" at the monthly AMPS meeting, and pizza and beer were involved, not to mention 20-30+ guys building elbow to elbow at long bench work tables, I bounced around in the instructions and tried to keep it as simple as possible for the construction work.

upper hull so far

turret so far- I left the gun tube loose for seam clean up when there is no beer involved

and a test fit of everything together so far... 

if you notice the open engine hatch and MG ball mount space, that is where the screws go in to attach the upper hull to the lowed hull. Then you glue (or place if you fell so inclined) those items over those openings.

If Tamiya had come out with these kits before I decided to standardize my AFV builds in 1/35 I would have been all over them based off this expereince. it's a true shame that they (or nobody else) does any modern armor in 1/48... except for the Warrior IFV from Airfix. At least not in new tooled or decently detailed kits of post 1975 vintage. Talk about a huge gap needing to be filled. This kit is really a gem so far.

Looking really nice there Stik.

I am surprised Dragon hasn't gone for kits in this scale.

Its looking good Stik, sounded like a lot of fun.

Looks good SP! I"ve built that kit and a few others in the Tamiya 1/48th range and yeah they're pretty much shake-the-box kits- really good engineering and quality!  

Stik: First, nice looking build. Now, before you go any further, take the louvers off the left side of the engine deck - they were only on the right side vents.

Pyr, part of the rules of our AMPS GB is strictly OOB. No AM  or scratchwork changes allowed. But seriously, the whole reason that I did not finish the engine and rear deck area that night is because I wanted to check my references on that area. I know that there was a lot of changes and variation there during the course of G production.

That Panther looks really nice, Stik! If it's anything like the 35th Tamiya kits, it sure is a blast to build!

Bish

I picked up my kit today for this build. I'm going to build Tamiya 1/35 Panther Ausf A. Please can you ad me to the list.

Will do Jamie. Is this the really old Tamiya kit, 35065.

Bish

I believe it is. Alls it says is kit #35. I hope it will turn out to be a good build. I have never built a and old Tamiya kit before.

#35, that's interesting, have you got a pic of the box top.

Bish

Here is a photo of the box.

Ye, that's the one, No 65, you through me then. This is from the same vintage as the Su 85 I am building. If it has the motorization holes underneath, these are easy enough to full, though I have left mine as I secure it to a base anyway.

Are you planning on adding Zimmerite.

Jsmyth: Good choice, if I remember correctly that was the second 1/35th kit I built as a kid. Not too accurate but as I remember a good clean build without any major problems.

Bish

Sorry I posted the wrong kit number. I'm looking forward to wrapping up the B-17 this weekend so I can start on this bad boy. I have never done Zimmerite before. It seems very hard to do. We will see.

Gamera

Thanks for the input. It's good to hear what I will be getting into.