Malone, beautiful Tiger. Just the right amount of weathering if you ask me. That zimmerit is perfect.

Bobbaily.  It's the dragon kit. The holes were for mounting the tools etc. also there is a lot of chunky detail to remove.

Wingnut   That's one sweet set up.

Deaf panzer. Your build looks ultra clean. I'm excited to see how the alpine figures come out.

Sorry to say nothing to report on mine tonight. Me and the misses had the walking dead marathon dvred so we got glued to the idiot box.

Marc- I enjoyed following your WIP and I still find it hard to believe it is only in 1/72 scale.  

Ben- I know I have said this already

Guys- Holy smokes!!!  My last Tiger post is on 11th page already.  I am so glad this GB is still kicking! Finally found the way back to my work bench over the weekend.  My plan to work on Tiger over long holiday weekend failed big time.  Here's why...

Nice owner at my fav hobby shop gave this kit to my son for free while we were shopping.  My son wanted to build it as soon as we got home. LOL Soon he wants me to paint it too... 

Back to my Tiger... Jack was correct.  I found a good diagram in one of my reference books.  I will fill in the pin marks when I have the chance.  Photo for discussion purpose only! 

Also I have corrected the length of turret MG... it was too long earlier.

Finally started the turret...

Was planning to use this set but realized they are not dressed properly for the winter in Russia and they are really for early Panzers.

This arrived today... going to use them.

Hoping things slow down at work due to the holidays that I can have more bench time during week nights if I am not too tired. 

Tojo... looking good buddy... keep at it.

Ben... It looks great.

MD...  Nice completion and a good start all at the same time.

OK... officially done now.  The guys are glued in w/cigarette burning, jack, jack block, cupola MG and blister MG added.

To me this is one of those that falls in the gray area between a base and a dio.  A bit more than the former but not as elaborate as the latter.  Lots of stupid title ran though my head but I think I like... very unofficial of course...

"When do you 3 dummkoffs start smoking?"

Build #3 TBA... soon!

Malone-Again, nice job on the Tiger.  I really like the camo scheme.

Questions about your current build-what brand is it and I noticed the big holes filled in-was it necessary to drill out some imperfections or remove some raised detail?  You may have mentioned it & if so, I apologize.

and some more in progress shots, i finally get to add some pieces tonight

here some completes

hinsky, here's those pics

Sweet Ben. Can't wait to see my favorite tank built up.

Hi guys,

Righto - I feel I've been a bit hasty in claming my build as 'complete' because it isn't. It will be complete when it's on the base and I'm happy with it!

Jgeratic - thanks for the photo of the extinguisher. I'm sure I've got a PE extinguisher mount/clamp somewhere and a spare extinguisher so I'm going to do that again. As for the Bow MG - the muzzle is fine, I've just checked but thanks for raising it as potential oversight on my part. Finally, the metallic spots on the hatch were an oversight so I'll be taking some weathering product to that area to tone it down. Thanks matey

I've also just noticed that I forgot to show wear on the drive-sprocket teeth so I'll be sorting that asap too!

So, the Tiger I isn't finished but will be completed over the next few weekends - I'll claim my badge then!

I also want to sort my good camera out and take some decent photos so I'm going to need to sort out some extra lighting and buy some proper background paper - taking final photos on the kitchen worktop beneath the undercupboard flourescent lighting was lazy - apologies

I'm also going to start the Christmas Panther next so I'll be entering that into this GB too

Take care guys,

Ben

Ben, your Tiger turned out great, really grubby n' grimy  like a battle hardened  veteran.  Is the dark dirt on the lowers representative of wet mud?  If so then the base should reflect this I think.

For the fire extinguisher to stand out, maybe adding some dark pin washes around the straps, and possibly add a label to it?  Some of the tool clamps could also use the above pin wash.  Missing-lynx has a good thread on panzer fire extinguishers, and lots of pics.

http://www.network54.com/Forum/47207/thread/1163250742/external+fire+extingushers

It looks like there is a MG in the mantlet, if there isn't then just ignore this part.  In the photo from a bird's eye view, it looks like the muzzle is dark yellow - maybe it is suppose to be that colour?

Lastly, I think the darker exposed metal looks very convincing, while the brighter metallic  spots might be a bit too much, particularly the hinges on the loader's hatch on the turret top.  (I dunno, maybe judges aren't this anal - lol).

regards,

Jack

Thanks Ben, I appreciate you and your WIP. It's been a pleasure to follow.

If you go for that gorgeous Panther G, you'd qualify for two badges. 

Hinsky I'm gonna post a pic that will help tomorrow. Along with a few others. But I've seen them grey, green, tan and red.

Looks great to me Ben! Love the dark streaking effects you did on the turret.

Come on- go Christmas Panther- it's newest so you must want to build it the most!

Thanks Duke - that's the kind of honest feedback I need.

I'm calling it 'done' but whilst I'm working on the base and shell cases it's stuff like this that can be looked at.

How do you think I should paint it? I was under the impression that is should match the basecoat or be of a similar shade?

Cheers buddy,

Ben

Hinsky: it looks great to me man, the only concern I have is the fire extinguisher on the back deck. I would either change the tone or paint it a different color. Just to give it separation from the overall color of the tiger. Otherwise it's spot on. Good job.

Tiger man:  I'm still waiting for some proper lighting for my final pics. My lamps at the desk are just too yellow.  Still plugging holes in the panther.  Honestly this guy reminds me of Swiss cheese.

Hi guys,

Well, after a few frantic hours this afternoon I'm pleased to be able to say that the TIGER I IS COMPLETE! 

I started the day by adding a light airbrushing of Vallejo Matt Varnish and I then added the pigments - both loose and fixed using thinners. The exhausts have been treated with black soot and the engine deck has been treated with thinned Mig Grease/Oil mixture and Black Soot.

The Friuls, apart from being blackened using AK's Burnishing Fluid have been coloured by flooding them with a mix of Mig Russian Earth Pigment and Thinner which dries to a nice dry mud appearance - I finished them off prior to fitting by filing the guide horns and raised areas on the treads.

Before I post photos for you guys to look over I'd like to mention that I'm going to be taking this build to a lot of shows next year so I'm going to be making up a simple rocky base. The spent shells will be added when she is on the base. I'll be starting the base next weekend onwards and will be working on it as and when but I'd like to have the base ready by Christmas. I'll still be posting updates but the build is complete. I might add a couple of spare helmets on the turret links etc but this is my entry into the GB:

1/35 Tiger I Ausf E in Anzio, Italy 1944 (c/w Friuls and RB Barrel):

Thanks for looking guys - I'd love to hear any comments and suggestions for the base that I'll be building.

A huge thanks goes to Tigerman who has been a great host for this great GB! Thanks Buddy!

I'll be starting a new build after Christmas but am undecided between that Elefant, Pz. IV G, my Christmas Panther or my Flakpanzer I A (all 1/35 Dragon kits)! Not forgetting that Bronco Comet too! 

I'm feeling a bit of love for that Elefant at the minute but that Panther looks great too!

Cheers guys,

Ben

Malone, I must have missed your completed build, can you post another picture so i can get it on page one with the others. thanks.

Dave, you're still working on the panther correct?

Ben, that zimmerit really does look great on the Tiger, especially after the wash. I too have the same Panther G in my stash. I heard it was a flawless kit and the G is my favoirte. I built the older Night fighting one years ago and it was a decent kit, but heard it was a knock off of the Gunze multi-media kit.

Tojo, glad to see some work. I feel so useless here anymore, it's very frustrating. Hopefully I can get my camo on next weekend.

Malone, good for you on another entry.

Ben-Again, very nice build.  Are you going to build your Panther G for this GB?  Hope so-that's the kit I'm working on and would love to see how you tackle it.

Tojo-Great start-looking forward to more progress pics.

Ben - Absolutely Outstanding. I really love the weathering effects. Looking forward to the final pics so I can give this sweet cat a thorough looking over.

Tojo - Very nice start. Heck, it appears you're a bit further along than me.

Nice one Ben, thanks.

I have that DVD and I could not agree more.  Very informative.  And very simple techniques that have great results. 

I have the winter technique DVD too but have not looked  at it yet.  But since I had a Panther A in my hands today thanking that it would look nice in a winter scheme.  Guess i will be watching that video soon. 

Eric... i think I will likely have a 3rd entry fore the build.

Ben that Tiger is smokin'.  I like the tracks added tot ge front.

Hey Bish,

I use anything between a size 0 brush to a size 5/0 brush to apply the streaking effects. First off you make sure that you shake the bottle well and keep stirring it as all the good stuff sinks to the bottom very quickly.

On the turret roof for example I used 'Winter Streaking Grime' and a size 0 brush. I applied many lines on the sloped area of the roof - too many but it doesn't matter. I wait about 3 minutes and then take a flat tipped brush humidified with AK Odourless Thinner and gently 'pull' the painted lines down the turret until they change from thick lines to quite faint, thin ones.  For this I used a sturdy bristled flat-tipped brush about 0.75" wide. It's honestly very simple matey - if I can do it then you definately can Bish!

Note: when applying the streaks before thinning them dont paint them on in broad stokes. I put the right amount on the small brush and 'flick' it up and down quite quickly so the brush just makes contact. Don't paint it on as if painting a line.

I'm sure I've shown you this link but just incase - watch this clip from 24 minutes onwards and you will have an idea. Unfortunately he is showing run off from around riveted areas so is displaying a lot more control than I would use it for on my turret roof as he is trying to shape the streaks:

The AK Washes, Fading and Oils DVD is what you need!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJH6LqczUK0

Good luck old buddy,

Ben  

I was finally able to get a small start on my Tamiya Early Tiger

Ben, thats coming on nicely. I have that panther kit on my to buy list. Look forward to seeing you build it.

I got two quick questions on the streaking grime. After you apply iy, how long do you wait until you go over it. And when you do, do you use a wide flat brush or a small pointed one.

Hi guys,

Some amazing work going on all-round!

Wingy - that is one amazing build! Superb!

First off, I feel that an apology is owed on my part for the massive lack of activity coming from this tiny corner of England!

We are so busy at work with the run up to Christmas really punishing us, that I have been working 7 day weeks for the last month! Apart from making them Friuls up which seemed to take forever I really needed a good weekend to get things sorted. Luckily, after kicking up a bit of a stink at work I've been allowed to take this weekend AND next weekend off work and use them for myself. All I have off this year is Christmas and Boxing Day and New Years Day - I'm working 2pm-10pm on New Years Eve Goddarnitt!

Saturday Update: I know the last time that you saw my build it was painted with filters, Gloss Varnish applied, decals all applied and Friuls were on for a test-fit. Basically she was looking like a really nice painted plastic model and was in desperate need of some good weathering to make her look like a real 60 ton tank!

• Remember - I want this to represent a fairly new tank with minimal 'physical' damage. I'm concentrating on grime effects and dirt, not chipping and denting.

Today I removed the friuls and applied a light Raw Umber Wash made with W&N Oils and AK Odourless Turpenoid. I then did a bit of dry brushing and light chipping. I broke out my AK Streaking Grimes (Rust Streaking Grimes and Winter Streaking Grimes - my favourites) These were built up on the glossy surface - mainly on the front and rear mudguards, side trackguards, sloping turret roof and the smooth surface of the rear turret bin. When dried these were streaked and I stopped when I had the look just right. I then thinned some Mig Grease/Oil mix and dotted that around the engine deck and stippled some AK Dry Mud effect around the lower sections of the hull. I've re-painted the hatch door interior and have just painted over the interior with Klear so I'll be putting the DY on that tomorrow and chipping it again.

I made up some spare Panzer III late version links and fitted them as if the crew had fitted them as additional armour around the driver's vision slot and bow MG. I rusted these up nicely as I want them to look like they have been pinched from an old knocked out Panzer. At present they have only been treated with Mig Dark Rust Pigment so more to come on them later.

Finally, using Mig Dark Wash, I have applied small pinwashes around panel lines and hatches etc - POP!

So, the tank WILL be completed tomorrow! I want to leave it overnight now to properly dry and after a short lie-in tomorrow morning I'm going to give her a final layer of Vallejo Matt Coat to tone it all down and take the Glossy shine off the build. When this has dried I will be applying some mixed, loose pigment with a brush - especially black soot around the Exhausts. I'll then do a bit of highlighting with a Graphite Stick.

Finally, all attention will turn to my Friuls. I'll start by flowing my Mig Russian Earth pigment wash mix around the links as this looks great when dry as it dries like dark, dry mud. When this has set I'll take a fine file to the tracks to expose bare metal on the guide horns and bare metal on the raised areas of the track that would be making contact with the ground.

When the Friuls are on the tank will be complete but NOT the build - there's still the base to come! It will be small and simple but will finish this build off perfectly as it will be going to shows with me! I don't want to start a new kit until next year so this should work perfectly timewise!

I'll provide more information on my base tomorrow. I'm looking forward to the base as I've got a couple of great ideas for it! The base isn't much bigger than the Tiger but will be a nice touch.

• Seeing as my tank will be complete tomorrow I want to show it in all it's glory so I've only taken one photo to wet your appetites! Proper full photos tomorrow!

Here she is - nice and grimy, nearly there:

Oh, btw - did I mention that I asked for Dragons Late Panther G for Christmas? Well, it arrived the other day and obviously I had to, erm, make sure everything was intact! Lovely looking kit!

Sorry to go on a bit but I wanted to bring you all up-to-date as I haven't been doing much this month - we are now back on track!

Take care folks,

Ben

sorry guys, this is what i'm building. so far so goo, the hull sure has alot of cosmetic work...

SMJ - Thanks for sharing the technique you used for the mud on your Tiger. It's something I will definitely try on one of my future "dirtier" builds. Of course I'll have to substitute "good 'ole Adirondack Mountain soil" with local fare. Hope it has the same effect. 

Armor86 - All that detail looks great. Thanks for the surface treatment. I love learning all these new things when I come here. Now all I need is a lot more time on my hands and a few more builds to practice on.

Malone - Panther is coming along nicely. Great job on all that snipping, filling and sanding. Tedious work that pays off in the end.

Jack - A ton of great info on uniforms. More reference material I don't have at my fingertips. One of those subjects that I haven't paid a whole lot of attention to, but really need to start to take it to the next level.

Marc - A picture of your magic wand, please. (... and now that I read that statement, this is in NO WAY a solicitation for lewd photos! LOL Think: "wizard")

Wow!! Everybody is so far ahead of me I might not ever catch up. One thing, my PE skills are lacking after seeing most of the others. Great jobs everybody.

It looks like I'll be able to start back working on my Tiger some time next week