ARMOR - Tamiya 1/16 Tiger 1 Group Build - FineScale Modeler - Essential magazine for scale model builders, model kit reviews, how-to scale modeling, and scale modeling products

roowalker

Member since
April 2004
From: S.C. Beach

Posted by roowalker on Sunday, September 25, 2005 5:53 PM

Hey Wlad!
Thanks for the link to Schumos latest updates...ready made cable mounting
will be a Blessing....my current,completed Tigers I made those bits out of brass
& styrene---tedious pain in the backside!!
Yes ,the S-Mine launchers come with precisely cut brass tubing,very thin.
Only thing you need to add is the electrical firing lead & a small piece
of strip for the end of the tube...
Yes, the tow cables are flexible & hold your bends,loops,etc.perfectly
without annealing....no more burnt fingers,big propane torches,
fires,or loud cursing.. plus they are the correct diameter& twist..
Wlad,the supplementary side armor mounts fascinate me..
would love to see more info,even if its just conjecture.
Regards,
Mike

Reply

Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, September 25, 2005 6:41 PM

Wlad:

Glad to see ya back, and that you're feeling better. No, you dinna put me off, just perhaps made me a bit more cautious about how I applied my Zimm.

Those T1 cable mounts look good, but I want those properly-threaded wingbolts... I'm ~NOT~ gonna look back to see how long I've been begging for someone to make 'em. I was almost ready to ~pay~ someone to assemble mine for me on some M1 threaded rod (even if I had to thread it myself)

I did notice that none of the stores carries quite the same stock, even of the Schumo stuff. And BYA doesn't note most of the "Coming Soon" stuff that TZ does. I do agree, TZ's prices are often higher than anyone elses... but after you add shipping to ETO's, he's often higher than BYA's.

Glad to hear the S-Mine throwers come with tubing. It had me wondering too. The turret smoke launchers have the arms & plates, but not the pots. You have to use the styrene ones, or replace 'em with brass tube. I busted my arms, so I'm just going to re-make them from brass strip.

I see TZ has a 'new' Commander fig listed, with three head options (Tamiya or Verlinden copy?) plus 88mm ammo (rounds w/ shells) and rounds w/ crates (Aber knock-off?)

Looking forward to some other non-Tiger parts... gotta spruce up my King-Kitty, and then the 'targets'...

A slight beg though... anyone know of a super-duper Kitty (Leopard 1A4, as opposed to the Ultra-Kitty 2A6) thats available, let me know.

Reply
Edit

Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, September 26, 2005 5:07 AM

Wlad,
thanks for the update to Schumo`s site. Some nice little goodies there. Not just for theTiger but also the King and the Shermie. Hope the gear reductions are for the Sherman as well as it needs slowing down to the Tiger`s performance. Its awsome with one of Bobs reductions fitted. See it trickle very slowly over an obstacle and hear the throttle blipping. Heaven. As its now back in bits Im contemplating the suspension upgrade to make it look as good. Then of course there are those loverly looking tow cables. I see there are bits for the king Tiger with Porsche turret too, but no support for the inner barrel. Wonder if I can tempt them to make one with an e-mail?.
WWB,
there is an old single motor clutch type 1A4 on E-Bay at the moment. might be worth a look at but, hey, its not a real Tiger.
tankmech

Reply
Edit

Jeff Herne

Member since
January 2003

Posted by Jeff Herne on Monday, September 26, 2005 12:24 PM

Update:

Spent the evening zimmeriting the rear of the King Tiger while laying on the couch and watching football. Unfortunately, I'm still quite sick (borderline pneumonia), so I'm limited to building on a tray table in the TV room, and spraying is out of the question at the moment. Maybe this evening I'll feel well enough to spend some time in the shop. I'm about 95% complete on this King Tiger, and I'd really like to have it done by the weekend.

Jeff

Reply

Tankmaster7

Member since
August 2004
From: Nowhere. (Long Island)

Posted by Tankmaster7 on Monday, September 26, 2005 6:10 PM

QUOTE: Originally posted by Jeff Herne

Update:

Spent the evening zimmeriting the rear of the King Tiger while laying on the couch and watching football. Unfortunately, I'm still quite sick (borderline pneumonia), so I'm limited to building on a tray table in the TV room, and spraying is out of the question at the moment. Maybe this evening I'll feel well enough to spend some time in the shop. I'm about 95% complete on this King Tiger, and I'd really like to have it done by the weekend.

Jeff

you're not the only one jeff. i've had a tremendous hacking cough for 2 weeks now that makes me nearly throw up every time. And I still have to go to school. Feel better soon so you can get back to building! Looking forward to seeing some progress pics from you guys. Not in the build myself, but I like to see the big tanks.

-Tanky

Welcome to the United States of America, a subsidiary of Exxon Mobil Corporation, in partnership with Halliburton. Security for your constitutional rights provided by Blackwater International.

Reply

Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, September 26, 2005 9:08 PM

Damn...

Think its the seasonal shift... I've got a bug of some sore too, gotta drag my butt to get some antibiotics and cough-syrup to avoid loosing a lung. I've had pneumo twice, and worse (bugs growing in my blood twice) and don't like suffering through a 105.8 fever. Too much fisk of loosing those oh-so-essential modelling brain cells!

Tankmech:

Been pointed at a few, but unless I can liquidate something fast, buying is out. Thats why I posted assorted adverts asking for trades. I did see the other detailing things, and got a few Q's to ask Schumo or John at BYA about, like are the ends on the M4/M26 cables the smaller ones from the M26 kit, or big like the old 1A4 ones (yea, the 1A4's were about 40% bigger)

Jeff:

Take care of yourself Jeff... (you to Tamnmaster) want ya to recover so we can see the pics of these tanks. Used to make models as a kid, and used to have nurses screaming at me about the smells of glue and thinner in my hospital room... *sigh* If only I'd been able to get high off 'em... ( no I never really tried )

( why green? For the crap we hack up when we're sick... )

Hope to have some pics when I get a few doses of meds down, and the weather co-operates (been a bit wet up here in Ottawa)

Reply
Edit

Jeff Herne

Member since
January 2003

Posted by Jeff Herne on Tuesday, September 27, 2005 6:46 PM

Ok, as promised...here's some pics of my King TIger. It's nowhere near done, obviously, and I've yet to sand the zimmerit down to acceptable scale levels.

I'll probably add paint tonight...depending on how I feel. Not a good idea to be spraying enamels when you're recovering from a sinus infection...

JH

Reply

Tankmaster7

Member since
August 2004
From: Nowhere. (Long Island)

Posted by Tankmaster7 on Tuesday, September 27, 2005 9:46 PM

Looks great Jeff. Another thing I discovered is that handling 1/72 PE cockpit pieces while you have a sporadic hacking cough is bad. Is the zimmerit milliput?

-Tanky

Welcome to the United States of America, a subsidiary of Exxon Mobil Corporation, in partnership with Halliburton. Security for your constitutional rights provided by Blackwater International.

Reply

Jeff Herne

Member since
January 2003

Posted by Jeff Herne on Wednesday, September 28, 2005 8:51 AM

Zimmerit is a new product (well, new to us anyway). It's been around for awhile but to my knowledge no one has ever tried it...you'll read about it in the upcoming article.

J

Reply

Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, October 1, 2005 10:38 PM

Arrgg...

You're gonna make us buy the mag just to read about this stuff?

*sigh*

Guess I'll have to reply on third-hand accounts, cause my electricity bill just blew any hobby spending for the next few months (possibly even Scrooge'd Xmas for me)

Reply
Edit

Jeff Herne

Member since
January 2003

Posted by Jeff Herne on Monday, October 3, 2005 10:55 AM

Awww come on now, did you really think I'd give away the information for free?? Shock [:O]

It's part of the main focus of the story, so let's just call this a teaser!!

I added the paint last night, with no weathering or washes, it looks very toy-like despite the size. I've also realized that I can't photograph the overall shots as well as I'd like, so I'm on hold until I can get the fellas in photogrpahy to shoot a couple of in-progress shots for me. Hopefully, I can start the wash tonight.

Jeff

Reply

Jeff Herne

Member since
January 2003

Posted by Jeff Herne on Tuesday, October 4, 2005 8:52 AM

Here's the King Kitty...this is a terrible photo, but hey, I'm saving the good ones for the story! :-)

Jeff

Reply

Jeff Herne

Member since
January 2003

Posted by Jeff Herne on Monday, October 10, 2005 4:12 PM

Update: The weathering is done except for the dust and mud. The model recieved a heavy wash to tone down the paint, and some drybrushing and an overall coat light mist of dunkelgelb to blend everything in. I'm actually quite surprised at my own work on this one, I didn't think it was going to come out looking as good as it does.

I tried to apply decals over the zim but they wouldn't take, so I hand-painted the numbers. I've added most of the stowage and cables, and tonight I'll probably yank the tracks and start weathering them while watching baseball and football.

I'm also tracking down the history of the actual vehicle. I've learned where and when it was lost, so now I'm looking for the crew names and if they survived. I'm thinking because of the working suspension and tracks, I might attach this one to a base to minimize it rolling around and getting dinged. I might even go back and add a figure...who knows.

Jeff

Reply

Jeff Herne

Member since
January 2003

Posted by Jeff Herne on Tuesday, October 11, 2005 9:43 AM

Geez, I can hear crickets in here...

Here's the results of last night's work...still haven't added any weathering yet.

Jeff

Reply

roowalker

Member since
April 2004
From: S.C. Beach

Posted by roowalker on Wednesday, October 12, 2005 4:28 PM

Great job on the Zim,Jeff. After all the discussion
re. thickness you sure turned out a credible finish!!
Can't wait to see Her after all the bits & finish are
done.
Regards,
Mike

Reply

Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 12, 2005 9:36 PM

Jeff:

The zimm looks really good... and the painting of the numbers and balkenkreuz looks appropriate for one applied over zimm.

You used the new Schumo-kits track holders, right? Did they come with the correct placement template I've heard about? I ask as I was told the 'stock' placement (i.e. the molded in wedges) puts the tracks in the ~wrong~ position.

Are you going to stuff something inside the armored sight hood on the right side of the turret and in the cupola 'scope openings? They do look terrible open, don't they... Too bad no-one is casting clear 'scope' materials for the tanks yet, even if Schumo did make an open cupola for the Pershing.

Reply
Edit

Jeff Herne

Member since
January 2003

Posted by Jeff Herne on Thursday, October 13, 2005 10:10 AM

You mean like this???

The scopes came from Backyard Armor. I ordered the Tiger I late conversion set and they were included in that kit, so I contacted John and got an extra set. They're quite nice, but I don't know if he intends to sell them separately.

As for the track holders, I didn't have any troubles with the template I got in the package. I never even bothered to grind off the raised pyramids on the side of the turret, as the track fit over it without difficulty.

Jeff

Reply

Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, October 22, 2005 1:43 PM

Hello, here's some of my 1/16 tanks, KTs and Tiger 1s included. Tiger S02 was my first model ever.

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/lhamto/album?.dir=746b&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//photos.yahoo.com/ph//my_photos

Reply
Edit

Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, October 23, 2005 11:45 AM

I was just wondering if someone could get me the dimensions of the king tiger's tracks, all i need is the total length of the tracks and the width. we are currently looking to build an ROV using these tank tracks so if someone coudl get me the dimensions that would be definately appreciated. As well, do the stock tracks provide much grip, since we are looking to build an ROV that climbs stairs. thanks, regards ..
-Neil

Reply
Edit

Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, October 23, 2005 8:04 PM

Martian:

If you're going to be making one that can climb stairs, you'll want metal ones like Kenny Kong makes. The grey composite stock ones will not hold up to extreme manuevering, as the area where the link-pins are is not fully sealed. Kenny fixed this when he cast his, and they are very good, and provide a lot of traction.

Willy Loewer has a video of one of his modified Kitties climbing at least 45 degree slopes: http://www.customrcmodels.com/id455.htm (scan down until you see the King kitty on the ramps...)

You can get Kenny's tracks through: www.BackyardArmor.com or direct off Kenny (PM or email me for his addy)

Track total run length: 870mm
Track link width: 51mm (combat tracks, transport tracks are narrower)

Hope that helps you out.

Reply
Edit

Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, October 24, 2005 1:42 AM

I have been playing with different mediums to simulate zim on the 1/16 scale Tiger.
This may seem a little strange ,but using white acrylic (wall) tile adhesive is the best I have found, it takes longer to cure , so if you mess up ,just wipe it of do it again. I made tools for applying the adhesive using the serated cutting edge of a clingfilm roll . I also tried different cutting edges from sticky tape holders.
Apply the adhesive then let it sit for about 30 seconds to a minute, then start zim'in.
Oh! and by keeping the tool damp gives a smoother finish to the ridges. Try it on some plastic sheet see what yer think.

Regards Keith

Reply
Edit

Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, October 24, 2005 2:01 PM

QUOTE: Originally posted by WhiteWolf McBride

Martian:

If you're going to be making one that can climb stairs, you'll want metal ones like Kenny Kong makes. The grey composite stock ones will not hold up to extreme manuevering, as the area where the link-pins are is not fully sealed. Kenny fixed this when he cast his, and they are very good, and provide a lot of traction.

Willy Loewer has a video of one of his modified Kitties climbing at least 45 degree slopes: http://www.customrcmodels.com/id455.htm (scan down until you see the King kitty on the ramps...)

You can get Kenny's tracks through: www.BackyardArmor.com or direct off Kenny (PM or email me for his addy)

Track total run length: 870mm
Track link width: 51mm (combat tracks, transport tracks are narrower)

Hope that helps you out.

Thank you that helps alot !!! i looked at the backyard armor website but the tracks seemed kind of expensive. We were quoted $85 for the stock tank tracks which i believe are aluminum, maybe because those are zinc they are more expensive. The aluminum tracks should hold up well enough for what we are looking to design. We just couldn't get the dimensions from our source so we would know how many sets of tracks we would have to link. We are designing an ROV for an engineering design project and these tracks I believe will be perfect for what we are doing. We will be designing our own frame and machining our own components, just the tracks would obviously be extremely hard to fabricate.

thanks again,
-Neil

Reply
Edit

Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, October 24, 2005 10:03 PM

Neil:

Negative on the stock tracks. They ~look~ metal, but they are a composite plastic compound. I doubt they would last very long in your application. I'll bet you dinna get a price quote from Karen @ the AAF Tank Museum. She can get about 25% off the Tamiya MSRP price at www.tamiyausa.com as the MSRP is $49.00 (one set, both sides)

And if you want different pattern links, look at the Sherman & Pershing tracks, in particular the T66 cleat pattern. You can buy the appropriate drive sprocket as well (to match the track) and I'm sure if you talked with Kenny, he might be willing to sell you as much as you need without any wastage.

Reply
Edit

Wlad

Member since
July 2004
From: London, UK

Posted by Wlad on Tuesday, October 25, 2005 8:08 PM

mar1tian,

I agree with WW. But since I think grip will be the most crucial factor in your project perhaps look at more modern tracks with rubber pads on them http://www.backyardarmor.com/New%20Main.htm

Regards,

Wlad.

PS. Forgive my ignorance but what is a ROV? and please keep us informed of your progress.

Reply

Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, October 27, 2005 5:35 AM

Wlad:

ROV stands for remotely operated vehicle. This can be wire-controlled, like the Goliath demolitions mini-tank, or like many units these days, are full R/C rigs, which often bear other acronyms like UAV, etc.

Now if only someone would kit us up a 1/16 Goliath kit... that would be ~sweet~... can think of a perfect way to deploy it too... *smile*

Reply
Edit

Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, October 29, 2005 9:52 PM

Hi guys.
I know someone has asked this before but could somebody please tell me.
How do I add a pic to my posts, I tried to cut and paste.

Reply
Edit

Wlad

Member since
July 2004
From: London, UK

Posted by Wlad on Sunday, October 30, 2005 11:40 AM

Hi droogie,

There is a thread that tells you how to go about it on the forum http://www.finescale.com/fsm/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=4462

Regards,

Wlad

Reply

Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, November 1, 2005 2:08 AM

Thanks Wlad

Droogie.

Reply
Edit

Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, November 4, 2005 2:38 AM

Hi Guys.

Here are a few pix of the practice zim (0.5mm thick) I did on the extra mantlet that comes with the static Tiger. Check them out see what you think.[http://rongeorge.com/albums/upload/IMG_zim.thumb.jpg]
[http://rongeorge.com/albums/upload/IMG_zim2.thumb.jpg]
[http://rongeorge.com/albums/upload/IMG_zim3.thumb.jpg]
Next up BYA's Late conversion so I need zim!

Reply
Edit

Anonymous

Member since
November 2005

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, November 4, 2005 9:22 PM

Droogie:

Ya posted the thumbnail links, and not quite right. If you wanted to just link to them, use the full images:

http://rongeorge.com/albums/upload/IMG_zim.jpg
http://rongeorge.com/albums/upload/IMG_zim2.jpg
http://rongeorge.com/albums/upload/IMG_zim3.jpg

Or use the 'insert image' icon up top (4th from the right side in 'Format')