zimmerit done for you!?

Hiya Nmayhew,

I've seen those sets and in my opinion they don't cut it when compared to a zim job completed by many of the folks here in this forum. Plus, those add on panels often fit poorly. Check out some of the websites they offer on the Tiger I Mid Pro group.

Roy

Mayhem,

The way to look at it is time conservation, not cheating. Cavalier and Atak also make Zimmerit. There is also PE zimmerit, sold in sheets as well.

It all depends on where you want to spend your time. The zimmerit is all part of the process, if you want it to be.

What's going to happen is "Moses" is going to come along here. (not the guy with the long beard and shepard staff, moses). He does awesome zimmerit. He' got some great pictures and some great links. you might be able to search in past forums and find it. He'll set you up.

Good luck

Hey Nick..seems Build22 knew I was going to chime in here (thanks for the kind words Build) Ok, Hannats offers some great stuff and if I was ever going to use pre-fabricated zim, I would go with Resin. Whether it be the ones you have described, Verlinden's resin cast hulls, Atak's or Cavalier's Resin Sheets. I am not a big fan of PE zim. Regardlesss if it is from Verlinden or Eduard, I just think the zim is to uniform and it just doesn't look realistic to me. PE zim also needs alot of work, and usually you will have to put a thin coat of thinned down putty over it it giv,e it texture and fill in all the gaps.

I am a firm believer in doing the zimmerit yourself. It is time consuming, but very rewarding once you find a technique that suits you. Now, I totally understand that it can be a task..and many modelers cringe at the thought of putting putty all over a 45 dollar kit with no guarentee it will come out well enough to put on a display. But with the right tools, the right putty, and the enough practice, you'll be looking to zim every German Armor you see.

There are a few posts within these forums describing and showing my technique on zimmerit. I have used everything from Milliput 2 part epoxy, Tamaiya epoxy, Tamiya Basic Putty, Squadron Putty, and even dry wall compound. But in the end I found that Tamiya's Polyester Putty is the medium that enables me to get the zimmerit just right. Do a search in thr forums with my name and zimmerit as a keyword..and you will see what I am talking about.

Again, I am not saying that using a Resin cast hull or pre-fab zim is bad. I love the offerings that are out there. I just find that when I do my own zim..it is really my work.

Good luck Nick

Regards

Mo/Rob

Hey guys!
I've never tried the applique zimmerit (PE, resin, whatever) but it seems to me doing it yourself with putty is EASIER! And probably quicker!

And like the fellas have already said, the putty zimm looks much better. IMHO.
You certainly can't get any closer to the real thing!

However, I wouldn't say using the resin or PE pieces is "cheating."
I just think it'd be harder!

Bottom line:
Do whatcha like!

I agree J-Hulk. Using pre-fab is definately not cheating by any means. But doing yourself is much more rewarding I feel.

I used Eduards PE zimm on my DML Elefant, and I'm not well pleased with it. The pattern its self seems to be random enough, but I don't think it's deep enough (weathering may help here), it doesn't fit closely enough to some of the fixtures, and where the edges come together (or don't), there are gaps and it just doesn't look right. They also are kind of selective in what they zimm. Not all parts are necessarily included. Also, have you ever tried to super glue down a 3 inch long, 3/4 inch wide piece of PE and get it aligned?? It can be an experience!

I've never tried the resin stuff. Maybe it's better.

Bill

When using PE Zim, it is best to use 5 minute epoxy glue to adhere it. It allows you to have more working time, to allign the peices.

Now Mo, what's the fun and challange in that??

Bill

No fun at all Bill Thaats why we use Putty

hey guys,
build22 and moses thank you for your help.
the only putty i've got at present is "humbrol model filler"...has anyone used this and is it any good?
anyway, you've given me some good pointers so thanks.
nick
ps my girlfriend is with me at the moment and can't believe how quick all you guys replied to me, and help each other out in general. she thinks it's quite funny but i just think it's really cool!

Ahh NP Nick. I am sitting here at work, doing nothing so..might as well do something right

Moses

When it comes to zim - you're the guy!

Basically, the same way we're talking about. As a sticky paste with a trowel. Apparently, sometimes it wasn't too perfect! Makes ME feel better!!

Bill

Hi guys,

I had always thought that the zim coating on actual tanks is quite thin and I have had problems simulating that on my Tiger I. Using a putty (even at its thinnest possible application) makes it quite thick for its scale.

I decided to use the hobby knife and cut the surface of the model to simulate zim.

I don't know if it's acceptable, though.



Sorry, this pic is fuzzy.

oops...

there...

HI all
I'm halfwau thru a DML elefant and i've decided to use the Eduard pe zimmerit for mine.What i'm using to attach it to the model is Satin varnish,it's a technique used in model railways for attaching locomotive nameplates etc.so far it seems to be working ok.
Just thought i'd share this with you.
Pete

Stormbringer,

I've got the Eduard pe zimm on my Elefant, too. I haven't been real happy with it. I hope you have better luck. I got mine on with zap-a-gap ca and it worked okay. I don't like the gaps left in the edges where the pe zimm doesn't quite meet. Also, the lid of the tool box is supposed to be zimmed and Eduard didn't include that in the kit. Also, I've got the Eduard pe detail set for it, and the Royal fenders. Aber is coming out with fender and detail sets for it soon. I'd wait for their fender set, if you are going to do that in pe and haven't gotten one yet.

My Elefant is on temporary hold while I'm working on the Tiger for this group build!

Best of luck,

Bill