1/72 German Armor Group Build

I have painted the tracks for  my Tiger! Now I only have to detail it and put tracks on and I'm finished.

Hey does anyone know how to get a smooth paint job? Last night I made it Panzer Grey and it was rough and uneven.

315rooster wrote:

Duke Maddog wrote: Yeah, somebody wasn't thinking when they decided to do that. I tried my best to make them look as real as possible. Thanks for the compliment on this guy. I'm going to shoot him with a duller coat to see if I can flatten him out a bit. Same with the Jagdpanzer. You ought to try a mixture of Tamiya Flat Base and Future.  I hear that it works quite well.  Let me know what you use.  I've been looking for a different Dullcoat, but the only one I currently like is the spraycan stuff from Testor.

Actually, that is exactly what I use! The dullcoat you see on the Jagdtiger, Jagdpanther and Panther F are all covered in my most recent mixture, so as you can see when it is mixed right, yes it does work quite well. I definitely had more Tamiya Flat Base in my most recent mix than I did in the mix used on the Jagdpanzer IV and StuG. I'm going to re-shoot them with this newest mix to dull them up some more.

I guess I should have been more 'clear' in my comments. (did I say that?!)

Thanks Grant! Great minds think alike. Good luck on your dullcoat search too.

You go guy! Get some! And try to save some cash for lunch out too. 

Lookingt forward to seeing what kits you score.

Good news everyone! I might go to a hobby shop this weekend!!!!

Duke, nice work as always on your builds. (a big thumbs up) I too appreciate the weathering (AKA mud) on the panthers and thanks for the tips on the techniques.

Looking forward to seeing more pictures from everyone else and I hope to get to mine soon to.

Duke Maddog wrote:

Yeah, somebody wasn't thinking when they decided to do that. I tried my best to make them look as real as possible. Thanks for the compliment on this guy. I'm going to shoot him with a duller coat to see if I can flatten him out a bit. Same with the Jagdpanzer.

You ought to try a mixture of Tamiya Flat Base and Future.  I hear that it works quite well.  Let me know what you use.  I've been looking for a different Dullcoat, but the only one I currently like is the spraycan stuff from Testor.

Duke Maddog wrote:

Will congrats, that's great! I'm looking forward to seeing this Tiger go together. And hey, try to find those troops before the wreak havoc on your Allied armor and soldiers! Grant gave you good advice on painting the tracks. Go with what he said. Oh, and I like Revell's Tiger myself. but DML Makes a great kit, especially since they already add the Zimm to it!

Well I have a few thing I dont care for about the kit. And Duke I have no allied armor for them to destroy lol

Will congrats, that's great! I'm looking forward to seeing this Tiger go together. And hey, try to find those troops before the wreak havoc on your Allied armor and soldiers!

Grant gave you good advice on painting the tracks. Go with what he said.

Oh, and I like Revell's Tiger myself. but DML Makes a great kit, especially since they already add the Zimm to it!

315rooster wrote:

Duke, Nice work on the kits.  We should have levels for the group build badge.  1 kit: bronze border.  2 kits: silver border.  3 kits: gold border.  Each additional kit: Add an oak leaf.  I like the dirt on the lower chassis (specifically on the panthers).  What are your methods for this?  Does the Dragon Jagdtiger have PE screens?  Does the Jagdpanther also?

Cool idea for the Group Build Badge. So far I think only you and I have built multiples for a Group Build though.

The dirt on the lower chassis was brushed on using Pollyscale Acrylic 'Dirt' color. I used a 1/4-inch wide brush, dipped it in the paint, wiped off most of the excess on a paper towel so that the brush was about half dry. Not quite dry-brush dry, but a little wetter so that the paint went on opaquely and unevenly. I first of all brushed over the wheels; not worrying whether any got on the skirts. Then after the wheels, I used a little less paint on the skirts, brushing up and back toward the rear of the tank, as if it was splashing up as the tank was rolling by.

Yes, both the Jagdtiger and Jagdpanther have P/E screens. They came in the kits.

315rooster wrote:

Did the Jagdtiger or the Jagdpanther give you any problems?  I'm only asking because of previous experiences with Dragon kits that I've had (specifically the Abrams and the Challenger).

Actually no. The hardest part for me was getting the P/E screens to lay down and stay glued to the engine decks. Other than that, these practically fell  together as smooth as silk. I had no problems with gaps or anything.

315rooster wrote:

Nice work on the Stug.  My only complaint about Dragon's work is those pesky additional wheels on the hull.  They can package two piece wheels for the road wheels (wheel and wheel cover), but they make the wheel, wheel cover, and mount all from the same piece on the hull (where it is easier to see).

Yeah, somebody wasn't thinking when they decided to do that. I tried my best to make them look as real as possible. Thanks for the compliment on this guy. I'm going to shoot him with a duller coat to see if I can flatten him out a bit. Same with the Jagdpanzer.

315rooster wrote:

Regarding the Lang, I just don't get it.  I'm wondering if I had an early issue of the kit.  I'm wondering if they use different sets of tracks on the regular panzer IVs.  The tracks are definately different.  Nice work on that one also. Grant

That's possible that you got an earlier version. Mine was a re-release put out several years ago. It came in the newer box that was all blue with boxart and red lettering. It's a good possibility they revised the tracks when they re-popped this one. They are very flexible and fit quite well on this issue. Thanks for the compliment on this one too.

Grant the kit is not very good. It has Link-and-length tracks a large number of usless parts and decals for only two machines. I would go with the DML kit, unless you have something against Zim. 

Duke,

Nice work on the kits.  We should have levels for the group build badge.  1 kit: bronze border.  2 kits: silver border.  3 kits: gold border.  Each additional kit: Add an oak leaf. 

I like the dirt on the lower chassis (specifically on the panthers).  What are your methods for this?  Does the Dragon Jagdtiger have PE screens?  Does the Jagdpanther also?

Did the Jagdtiger or the Jagdpanther give you any problems?  I'm only asking because of previous experiences with Dragon kits that I've had (specifically the Abrams and the Challenger).

Nice work on the Stug.  My only complait about Dragon's work is those pesky additional wheels on the hull.  They can package two piece wheels for the road wheels (wheel and wheel cover), but they make the wheel, wheel cover, and mount all from the same piece on the hull (where it is easier to see).

Regarding the Lang, I just don't get it.  I'm wondering if I had an early issue of the kit.  I'm wondering if they use different sets of tracks on the regular panzer IVs.  The tracks are definately different.  Nice work on that one also.

Grant

willjanuary wrote:

Eveyone I have found A 1/72 KIT!!!!!!!! I finished everything but painting (been' windy in Alabama!LOL) and the tracks. How should I paint the tracks? The kit is a Revell Germany Tiger I  w/ 40 infrantrymen (which I lost!!)

I just looked at the kit.  I'd say paint them a gray primer.  Once dry, do multiple washes of rust, dirt, and a lighter dirt and such to give a texture to the tracks.  Be sure that each wash is completely dry between washes.  Once the washes are finished, I'd dry brush with an acrylic silver (I use Golden Acrylics Iridescent Silver (Fine) with a bit of Testors Acryl Flat Black mixed in).

Good luck  How did the tracks go together on this one?

Eveyone I have found A 1/72 KIT!!!!!!!! I finished everything but painting (been' windy in Alabama!LOL) and the tracks. How should I paint the tracks? The kit is a Revell Germany Tiger I  w/ 40 infrantrymen (which I lost!!)

Okay, as promised, I have Pics of my latest finished models for this Group Build. I want to apologize for the flash glare in these photos. I tried to minimize it as much as possible.

First is the Hasegawa 1/72 scale Panther F:



Next is the Dragon 1/72 scale Jagdtiger (Porsche):



and finally, the Dragon 1/72 scale Jagdpanther:



Thanks for looking, and for letting me participate in this Build. Comments are welcome.

Oh , and these next shots are for you to look at Grant. This first one is to show you what pattern I chose for my StuG to give you an idea for yours:



and here are the pics of my Hasegawa Jagdpanzer IV  showing the tracks:





If it helped, my Lang came in the blue Hasegawa box with red lettering.I don't know if they put newer tracks in those boxes or what. I hope this helped.

Sounds good Grant. I'll be looking forward to pics.

My models are finished. I also have pics of my JP IV & StuG so you can see them too.

Pics coming soon.

PanzerWulff wrote:

I would say go with a handbrushed scheme after basecoating with an airbrush I STRONGLY reccomend using a good set of RED SABLE brushes instead of nylon or taklon the natural bristles tend to lay down a smoother coat than synthetics if you cant find red sable (just about any art supply store or craft store should have them) camel hair brushes ( they're darker brown) should do a well cared for set is worth the extra expense. I myself only use synthetics for drybrushing and some special applications

I've been doing some reading, and I'll probably use acrylic paint with the "red sables" that I'll soon be purchasing.  I'm going to thin the camo colors for multiple coats that hopefully won't be too heavy.

The scheme will be similar to the box art on the Tamiya Steyr 1500A box with the subtle red and green squiggles.  I only plan on putting camo on the vertical surfaces, the gun assembly, and above the transmission.  I plan on many dirt/sand/filter washes to blend in these camo colors.

I'll start the base coat this week.  Thanks for the info and compliments y'all.

Grant

Grant, those are looking awesome! I'll get a pic of my StuG IV so you can check out the pattern on it when I get my Jagdpanzer pics taken.

GRANT I would say go with a handbrushed scheme after basecoating with an airbrush I STRONGLY reccomend using a good set of RED SABLE brushes instead of nylon or taklon the natural bristles tend to lay down a smoother coat than synthetics if you cant find red sable (just about any art supply store or craft store should have them) camel hair brushes ( they're darker brown) should do a well cared for set is worth the extra expense. I myself only use synthetics for drybrushing and some special applications

So here are the progress with the Stug IV (early) and the Panther II.  That is a big gun on a small turret.



The circle of panzer IV variants make up my references for the Stug IV.  Does anyone have any suggestions for painting the Stug IV?  I'm thinking that index card masks for a red and green scheme may be difficult with an airbrush.



The Panther II will be a flowing 3 color scheme but not an ambush scheme.

Grant

Frosty,

I'll be looking forward to seeing the E-100 in progress.  I was thinking of building the resin E-25 that I have, but I need to be in a special mood to start that kind of a painful kit.

Grant

Good call Grant. Looking forward to seeing pics.

Good advice on the zimm too. I had read about using a jeweler's flat blade screwdriver to groove the putty mix while it was still wet.

If you use the squadron putty, mix it with 40-50% plastic cement, and let it dry (solidify) for a while on the plastic.  That is the only way that my zim looked slightly less than BAD!!!!!!!!!!!.



I started the Panther II this morning with continual progress happening on the Stug IV.  As a precaution, I placed 1/2 an ounce of lead shot in the back half of the turret to balance the 2.5" long solid brass barrel.  The photo art on the kit shows that the turret is "cocked".  It was going to do the same for me.

Grant

willjanuary wrote:

Hey when do we get stars beside our GB name? Grant I think I may build that tank! Duke your lucky the jagdpanther has but on zim! I tried doing it with Squadron White putty....... I not even going to say what happened I'll just say this, it was BAD!!!!!!!!!!! lol

Lol! Yeah, that's why I never tried it myself. I figured eventually somebody would think to mold it in on the parts! Thank you Dragon!

Hey when do we get stars beside our GB name?

Grant I think I may build that tank!

Duke your lucky the jagdpanther has but on zim! I tried doing it with Squadron White putty....... I not even going to say what happened I'll just say this, it was BAD!!!!!!!!!!! lol

Duke:  The tracks are original, but the photo is from afar.  There is just a great deal of slack in the tracks (especially above the idler).  Aside from the tracks, I love the kit.

Attached is a better photo from Syrcon:



The Panther II kit is marked MT104 and was made as a limited edition kit by Hasegawa.  If I get a chance, I'll scan the box.  The kit is the exact same thing as the Panther F kit (including the extra wheels and turret for a G).  The only difference is the gun.  Included is a turned brass gun for the tank.  I believe that the tracks and road wheels may be wrong for the Panther II.  The rear deck may also need some modifications.  It is small scale, and I'm feeling an out-of-box build here.



Will:  The kit in the background is the Hasegawa Panzer IV G.  I love the kit.  The tracks are "forced" to look loose on this one.  I built it 5 years ago, and I believe that the missing fender if from my Springer when he was a pup.  He also ate the turret of a KV-1S.  Grrr.

Frostygirl does that mean you want to join?

Panzerwulff I don't know any other Panzer 46's

Grant what is that Panzer IV in the background of your pic?

 

 

 

Does anyone know of Panzer III Afrika Korps w/ Tank Commander?

Awesome work there! That jagdpanzer actually looks great. Did you already change the tracks? Because they look great to me from here. That reminds me, I was going to get a picture of mine for you. I apologize, I usually don't forget things like that. I'll try to post mine soon.

That StuG is looking good too. Nice work! Tell me more of the Panther II, I don't ever recall seeing that kit. I'd love to build that one too someday.

Panzerwulf, that is great. I'm glad Dragon made them easy. Now to wait till payday again to get some. Good luck on the bigger one! As for Wehrmacht-46 porjects, I know of at least four more
'paper projects' that were proposed and drawn up but never built. One was a real monster that made the Maus look small! I used to have a link to the address where I saw them but that got lost when my hard drive crashed.

DUKE there may be alot of roadwheels but it only took me about 15 minutes to assemble bolth sides as they go together pretty easily,although you cant see much easily once the vehicle is assembled and tracks applied.the kit impressed me so much I went and ordered the 1/35 scale Maus from DML i wish there were as many Wermacht-46 items as there are Luft-46 ones the only ones I know of are the Maus and the E-100

Duke,

You've motivated me to build a Hasegawa Panther (I'm now up to 2 kits for this build).  I'm going to build the rare and slightly inaccurate Panther II from Hasegawa...the kit in the pretty black box.

So here is the progress of the Stug IV.  I have to say that I'm loving the kit thus far.  No filler yet...

I'll probably have the parts ready for paint by this weekend.



The Jagdpanzer in the background was one that I referred to in earlier posts.  I just didn't have a good time with the tracks on that one.  I've since changed how I connect them.

Grant

I've heard that there are a ton of roadwheels on the Maus. I think maybe that's why I'm putting off buying them. I agree about the Russian markings. I'd heard the same thing. I think I also heard that the Russians kept those markings on it when they captured it and took it back for testing.

Well, progress has been slow for me. I'm trying to get several other projects caught up so I can coat them all at the same time. Once that's done, things will go faster.