ARMOR - Tamiya 1/35th Tiger 1 MID PRO Group build

Bill,

I purchased the Aber Tiger 1 “super set” for a model I hope to have completed before the next millennia. Its small, but its mighty, mighty pain in my behind!! The set comes with: 3 large sized brass sheets, two smaller sheets that contain the chains, and the grills, 3 cables, wire, a balsa wood block, a Jordio barrel, some tubes and rods. Oh, and I almost forgot, a 35 page instruction book!!!!

Right now all I have completed are the fenders, but I have started the air filters, the detail on the rear of the hull, and I fabricated one of the cables. This is a good set, but I am not sure what it contains compared to the regular PE set for the Tiger. There are probably going to be a lot of parts that I don’t end up using. You might want to just get the regular aber pe set, the eduard barrel (which I think is better than the JR barrel), and just get your own wire.

There was a post a while back about what would be your dream kit. Well mine is the Tamiya Tiger one with the Aber “super set” and Modelkasten tracks. It turns out that I have it, but it is going to be quite a challenge. Bill, if you want to try to do a team build, I would be happy to team up after this Mid tiger is done.

Roy,

If you’re talking about my site, then I used the Tamiya zim applicators. I would suggest listening to everything Moses says about applying zim to your model, he is the certified expert with the epoxy putty, and Tamiya tools on this forum.

I just wanted to add that if anyone in this build is looking for a good reference book on the Tiger without spending 60 bucks, check out Achtung Panzer No. 6. The book has LOTS of drawings of the small little details, dates that things were modified, and scale CAD drawings of 3 different Tiger variations. Oh, did I mention that it also includes sections on the King Tiger, Elephant/Ferdi, and Sturmmorserwagen?? I have noticed a few misprinted dates, and I think I see at least one problem with one of the little sketches. However, THIS IS A GREAT TIGER BOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!! I would say this is the perfect reference for anyone who wants to start adding detail to their models, but does not want to spend $150 on books to start a reference library.

Sorry, I just thought I would let you guys know.

Erick,

Well said about Moses. he is certifiable...er certifiabley the best, that is!

I forgot that the Aber super set is for an early! Where's my brain?? I think I've burnt it up on all the polystyrene putty fumes! lol The early I've got is the Academy with the interior. I don't know how much of that set is applicable to it. I've noticed that Aber has an external, and maybe an internal, set for that kit. Hmmm, maybe it's Eduard. Anyway, one of them does.
I've got the Eduard barrel for the Tiger, but I'm not sure if I got the original or the "improved" version. Still haven't found anyone that knows the difference in them. I like it a lot. I hung it on the front of the mantlet and it looks impressive. I almost wish I could leave it unpainted! I've also got the Aber side fenders for the Tiger. They don't look too daunting, for a Aber set, but the position of the braces under the fenders isn't indicated very well. In thinking about it, they must have gone very near, if not right at, the end of each individual "panel". Things like that are always tough for me to get perpendicular. But I've got some ideas, for a change! LoL

I'm thinking about priming the lower surfaces (behind the running gear, and the running gear its self) with Testors Panzer red brown. (I don't have the bottle here with me for the exact name). I may mix a little raw sienna or burnt sienna oil paint in with it. Have to see how it goes.

Thanks for the book ref, Erick.

As always, thanks for the info.

Later, dudes;

Bill

Bill, I think you'll notice on the Aber brass sheet that comes with the fender set, there is a jig built into the edge of the sheet. Should be a bunch of notches cut out of it. That’s the spacing for the braces, and actually I didn’t use the little braces provided. I just put some sheet styrene under each notch on the fender, so it looked like the brace was there. Someone will have to be standing on their head and really close to the model to notice it when its done and plus, I figured that I would probably end up gluing the jig to the model if I put the braces on that way. If your going to use the braces provided, I suggest gluing them to the fenders first, not the model.

Erick;
Nope, no jig on mine. It's pretty smooth all the way around! Must be a different fret! This is set 35A12 and has the exhust shrouds, smoke dischargers, and turret escape hatch with it.
It looks like a pretty nice set, but, DANG, I wish when the say to use a rod or a piece of sheet styrene, they'd give a thickness!!!!!!!

How far in form each skirt panel do the braces go? are they right up against the ends?
In my instructions, it looks like they are maby 1/32" or so in. Right on the outside of the hole for the mounting bolt. (oh, I've got a multitude of little (very little) etched bolt heads to go on the bolt locations for the skirts! YaHa.....why do I insist on doing this to myself??

Thanks for your continued help!

Bill

Ok Bill, here goes….

If your set of fenders has four holes on each fender, then the hex bolt head goes on one side, and the little square “fender bolts” that are welded to the hull go directly on the other side. These fender bolts were welded onto the hull so that they would not have to drill into the superstructure to make holes to mount the fenders. Now, if your set of fenders does not have these little holes, I would suggest taking the kit fenders and using them as a template. Just hold the kit fenders upside-down over the Aber ones, and match up the bolts that way. All the bolts should be symmetric on each side. Good luck with it! I found my fenders worth the work, yes even the little hinges.

Oh, before I forget!!!! About the front fenders, be careful!!!. You will need to use a dremel, or similar tool to remove the front fenders from the kit. I used the molded lines on the bottom of the kit as a reference, DO NOT DO THIS!!!!!!! Leave lots of room, and test fit as you go. I ended up gluing sheet styrene back on and filling the mess I had with putty. I debated even sending off for a new part. Oh well….

I will try to continue to make all the mistakes I can in order to be able to warn you in advance Bill. LOL

Believe me, I’m no help. I just need to keep you enticed so that I wont be the only one struggling here!!!

Mine set has the holes in the fenders. I just wasn't sure if the braces go right under the holes. But I think I get what you mean. I confused again, mentor, sorry. Why did you have to remove the front kit fenders? Are you using them on the model? I figured the Aber set would come with front and rear brass fenders.
I got not time to work on models last night. I'm tempted to say that I should have lots of time over this long weekend, but when I say something like that, I invariably don't get any! So I'll just say that I hope you all have a great weekend and that EVERYONE gets lots of modeling time in!! lol

Bill

I rarely, and I emphasize rarely...use brass front or rear fenders. I always find myself having problems in the end. I have used Aber's front fenders on a Panzer III a while ago, but was not happy. Those fenders are a kit in itself.

I agree Moses, a pain in the behind they are. I wanted them to bend slightly in; like i have seen in sooooo many photos, so i put them on. Plus, i got the aber "super set", Might as well use it.

Bill
did your set come with the front and rear fenders?

Not this one. It has just the side fenders, exhaust shrouds, smoke mine dischargers, and the fittings/brackets for them. There are two more sets (Aber) I'm looking at. One is a detail set for a late, but figure, with care, I can get a lot off it, the other has the front/rear fenders, etc.
One thing that is real weird about Aber, you never know what's going to be in the set. I mean, put the exhaust shrouds in with the side fenders?? And the smoke dischargers??? What's that all about. They must have taken some very good lessons from us capitalists at sometime. I understand they did a similar thing with the Marder III set. Stuff you need to finish up everything on the hull is in the set with the fenders. That way you get to buy both (or in my case, all 3) sets!

The Eduard set has two medium and one small fret in it. It covers more stuff (though to less detail, of course) than any one of the Aber sets. For instance, it has all the fenders in it. But it's for an early, I believe. Not sure if it will go well on an Academy Early or not.

Bill

Yah, I forgot they did that. I have a Pz III on the waiting list, and they did not include the fenders, but it does have the front and rear ones that get folded. You have to buy the main fenders separately; same thing with my Ferdi. I had to get both update sets to get a complete set of fenders for that Ferdi of mine!!!

Oh, by the way poor Horus is about to join the AS club. I will get those parts mailed today on my way to school. Sorry it took so long, i have been kind of busy lately.

Erick, I've got a set of Royal fenders for my DML Elefant. I hope the Abers are a whole lot easier!! I'm about ready to pout mine into the "oops, somehow the got all squished up into a little ball and there's nothing more I can do with them, isn't that too bad!" file!

Bill

QUOTE: "oops, somehow the got all squished up into a little ball and there's nothing more I can do with them, isn't that too bad!" file!

Oh .... battle damage .... great idea !!!!!!!

Close, AS damage is a little more accurate! You know, ever since they invented that AS Smart Bomb, there's just no telling what might happen!! LOL

Bill

I only go so far with Photoetched. I probably only use about 1/3 of a fret. There are many pieces that I feel just do not need to be used on most kits. As in the build for the Tiger I Mid Pro...the kit is so beutifully molded, that using alot of extra detail can lead to overkill. Unless you see yourself as being a good super detailer. Pieces like tool clamps, engine grills, side skirts, and a few other details definately leads to a better model. But I also think it leads to added frustration.

I am definately going to be getting pics up by Sunday..and I basically have only used photoetched on the grills, tool clamps, fire extinguisher, side skirts and towing cables. That is about it, and that is really all I think need to be replaced. Oh and of course Jordi Rubio Barrel.

Consider me Devils advocate

Mo, I think most of us are right there with you. At least I am. Shouldn't speak for anyone else!

One of my DML kits (can't remember if it's the Elefant or one of the Panthers) has an exquisitly cast antenna storage tube (I think that's what it is) with unbelieavable detail on the clamp that holds the cap on the real thing. Well, along comes Mr. P.E. (Eduard in this case, I think) and expects you to carve it all off and replace it with brass. Sometimes I just don't get it. And I fall into the trap more often than not of thinking, "Well, if it's in the pe set, it must be much better. And besides, I paid for it, it would be a shame for it to go to waste." The word "anal" comes to mind when I think of my thought processes, for some reason.

Bill

Hey Moses, HELP!!!

You mentioned that you are using Modelkasten workables. I am using the late model spare track set to put on my turret. They do not come with instructions though, and I was wondering if you could please tell me what parts 4, 5, 6, and 7 are for on spur A

I have to say, these Modelkasten tracks are a little more complicated to put together but they have better detail than the Friulmodel links. I decided that my tank would be riding on the Friu links though because I can just sand of the paint to show the worn spots.

I got the dark brown undercoat on the hull. Have done the zimm on the turret and glasis. The only thing left to zimm is the front hull between the front fenders. That one shouldn't be too bad. Took my hull to a "local' (35 miles away) hobby shop. They wanted to know who's commercial zimm kit I'd used. Took a bit to convince them I'd done it with the putty, so maybe it'll be okay. I told them they shoud see Sir Zimoses's work!
I've got the "rubber" painted on one half of the rims. YaHa, what fun!! (And what a headache I've got!!) I'm working on the gun breach (why am I worried a bout the gun breach, and getting the interior buff color on it? Will it even be visible when the tank is done? It's not like I'm doing an interior model. Most that can happen is an open hatch or two that will be stuffed with people!)
Hoping to dunkelgelb the lower hull tonight.
My wife found her digital camera. Now all I've got to do is figure out how to use it, how to download the pics to the pc, and how to get them published here.

Busy, busy!

Have a nice one!

Bill

Bill, sounds like you are coming along nicely.

I have managed to paint my Tiger, but still need to do the road wheels, a couple washes, some dry brushing, and add some pastels.

Deakon, we have not heard from you in a while, how is yours coming? I am eager to see how your paintjob turned out over that excellent zim job you did.

Ok guys i am alive and well, and the parts did show up eric, just at my brothers house for some reason...lol ANywho i got the parts on now and i am going to paint the roadwheels and all tomm...then the track assembly begins,,,...:( oh well thats all for now:)

hey there guys...didn't mean to leave you all chomping on the bit waiting for an update [edog].. had a busy weekend.. and still didn't get half of the things i had planned finished ..
anyways..here are some pics ..after the basecoat [dunkelgelb]..i applied a heavy wash of dark oils..i have a jar that i keep all my left over oil washes in ..so it's really just very dirty thinner [white spirit]. with an inch of oil paint type goo at the bottom ..which i shake up an apply with a brush.. the metallization was done with oily steel enamel.[drybrushed]
tracks were handpainted with a dark brown enamel .one of the exhaust stacks was removed to correspond with the damage to the muffler..the turret stowage bin and the exhaust mufflers were battle damaged with a motor tool......and thats about it so far ...D......

Very nice work, Deakon!
I'm diggin' the damage.

Yeah, really nice. That is one dirrrrty tank!

Looking real good! Is it me or does this beast appear to be shedding fenders?

Looking good Deakon .... really starting to look like a battle weary old veteran !!!

Looks good Deakon!! Just like any respectable tank should look, all beaten up.

I put a post in somewhere yesterday. Obviously, I was on the wrong thread. (Senility is coming ever closer!)

Duuuuh...I just saw the post above...sorry. Some of this will be a little repeated, but I'm not going to try and edit it all out!

I've got the "rubber" painted on half the road wheels (yea, fun!). I've got the turret together, finally, and all the zimm is done except the very front between the front fenders. (Unless I decide to strip some of it off and redo it.) Most of the tank is not a very dark dunkelgelb, due to the brown undercoat. My wife found her digital camera. My 14 year old was going to unload it for me so I can start taking pictures. Still don't really know what to do with them, but I'm sure you guys will help me out!

Hope you all had a good Labor Day weekend (N. Americaners...sorry you guys in the rest of the planet!)

Take care.

Bill

Ok this is a quick responce. I have company over , and I will ellaborate more tomorrow when I am doing nothing at work!!

I did absolutely nothing over this weekend, so my progress has not increased..YAY.. Edog..I will get back to you on teh tracks for the turret. I usually use the kits, as they are easier to put on, but I will look into it. Till tomorrow!!

Looks like all I have to do now is one more wash, some pastels, and a dull coat. I will try to get some pics up by next weekend. I also have some figures planned, but they need to be painted still.

This has really been a fun build!!

hey ho...hi guys. just finished the first drybrushing stage, with a lightened base colour.on top of the filthy oil wash and the metalizing drybrushing it recieved in the last update..this turned out quite well as you can see by the pics, the difference in visible details is amazing..
tracks and wheels are next. more pics when i complete the next stage
REGARDS....D....