BIG CATS GROUP BUILD 2008

All comments are welcome, thats the only way we can learn and improve. And if it wasn't for some of the things i have learnt from this site in the past few months my Tiger wouldn't be at this standard.

 I'm going to build one of those photo boxes that was just posted on the 251 GB thread, but i know what you mean about the background. I just wanted to get some pics up quickly.

Yes, there is some shine on the barrel. There was also some on the hull, but the pastel chalks took that away. I use Microscale varnish but i think i need to change it. I didn't want to go to heavy on the weathering because these tanks where fairly new issue when they arrived in Normandy and i am portraying one that hasn't yet seen combat. But i think your right about the road wheels and spare tracks.

This is going to go into storage for the winter so will get some more pastels when the dio is done.

Speaking of the shine on the barrel. Has anyone else read Tony Greenlands stuff. I have his book from the Osprey Modelling Masterclass, Panzer Modelling. I was reading this alot in this build, though i only used a few of his tips.

As well as being an advocate of dry brushing right down to white, he also says you should have a semi gloss finish. Personally i don't agree, but does anyone else finish their models with a shine.

Excellent build Bish.  I love your kitty.  One tip would be to have a simple background for your pictures.  The "to busy" background subtracts from you build.  Try some construction paper or even a bed sheet.  The simple color background will make you build "pop" out.  ON the contruction, I have a question.  If I am seeing it right does the barrel have a little shine to it?  Might want to give the spare tracks a little more rust to them.  Or at least a darker rust color.  Another thing I would have done is weather the road wheels alittle more.

Please take these coments as constructive, I mean no bad critisim by them.  I to have learned by the comments left by others on this forum.

Keep up the great work.

Kim

Heres my finished Tiger I. Hope the pics come out ok, think i need to work on my photography.

This is the Tamiya Mid production model. It has the jordi barrel with tank workshop muzzle. The engine turret bin and some PE from verlinden with more PE from Eduard, and Fruil tracks. I used Xtracolor The dio will have to wait till next year.

Hope this qualifys me for my first GB badge.

Comments please.

Thanks wing_nut, I'll have to try that. I did notice the wash I did brought out the panel lines, rivets etc a little bit. What color would you reccomend for the pin wash? The sludge wash was done with burnt umber.

Erik

Scott, Erik... some beautiful work.

Erik, a pin wash is one applied more precisely than a sludge wash.  The wash is applied with a fine, pointed brush allowing capillary action pull the wash into and around small details to make them stand out.  Usually best done on a glossy surface as there can be considerable blooming, or running, with flat finishes.  I like to use a liner brush since the bristles are longer and still very pointed.  Being longer it holds more wash and many time just touch one spot on a panel line or the base of a hatch and the wash will flow completely around.

SMJmodeler wrote:

Geist wrote: This is my first time using oil washes. I deceided to go heavy because of the enviorment it would have served in. I REALLY like how this one is finishing up, great camo' and those washes DO help.  You may want to concetrate your mix and add some pin washes too.  What other weathering do you have in mind to complete the look...

I always hear the term pin wash. What is it and how does it work?

Erik

Scott: The Panther is looking good, I know you said you are going to do an 11pz. Panther. What kind of camo did they have? dark yellow (obviously) red brown/green or just green or just red brown, that kind of stuff. 11pz. is for some reason a big interest for me so I plan on doing a Panther from them sometime.

Erik: Your King looks great!! You did an excellent job on your first oil wash.

I'm hoping to have my King done by the middle of next week or earlier.

Geist wrote:

This is my first time using oil washes. I deceided to go heavy because of the enviorment it would have served in.

I REALLY like how this one is finishing up, great camo' and those washes DO help.  You may want to concetrate your mix and add some pin washes too. 

What other weathering do you have in mind to complete the look...

Scott it realy looks like you had some work to to on that PE great job.

Geist I realy like the weathering on your KT it's superb!

If only I had more work done.

Scott, the work on your Panther is looking impressive.

Here's an update for my build; my filthty Ardennes KT. I've still got some finishing up do. I should have it done later this week.

This is my first time useing oil washes. I deceided to go heavy because of the enviorment it would have served in.

Erik

Cool deal, hopefully we all can make it next year! 

I finally managed to spend a few hours on my work bench yesterday while watching the Olympics.  This work session was all about the exhausts, PE exhaust brackets and the modifications necessary to accomodate the PE parts.

I carefully filed away the raised detail using the flat side of a needle file. Once the surface was almost flat I switched out to a medium then a fine sanding stick.

I filled the attachment guide holes with small little pegs made from stretched sprue.  These were then carefully sanded down using sanding sticks.

Here is a shot of the "test fit" of the PE brackets and the exhausts.

The exausts ends were just shallow cones and didn't look very realistic at all, so I drilled them out using various needle files.   

The exhaust brackets were super glued in place. 

Then the exhausts were attached to the rear hull plate.

There are two more small PE exhaust brackets that need to be curved, bended then put in place to clamp the exhausts to the exhaust bracket mount which I plan to take care of during my next build session.

espins1 wrote:

SMJmodeler wrote: I think Nationals is in Columbus, Ohio next year.  Looking forward to seeing that Panther Scott!!! I'm really going to try to make it next year.  The trip would also be a great excuse to checkout the Wright Patterson Air Force Museum!

Specter and I live very close to Columbus. We should all meet at the show.

Erik 

SMJmodeler wrote:

I think Nationals is in Columbus, Ohio next year.  Looking forward to seeing that Panther Scott!!!

I'm really going to try to make it next year.  The trip would also be a great excuse to checkout the Wright Patterson Air Force Museum! 

bufflehead wrote:

Last year's Nats in Anaheim was my first show!  I had a blast!  Apparently I just missed meeting Scott, we probably passed each other at the exhibit tables....most likely we were too busy taking photos!!  Too bad I couldn't make it to VA this year....lets see those pics dude!!

Ya, I'm bummed we missed each other.  Hopefully a bunch of us can make it to the next one!  

I am going to figure out some way to work in some bench time this weekend and get back to work on the Panther D w/zimmerit! 

Oh yes! Man, talk about a whirlwind "vacation" - two days of modeling insanity! This was my first show ever...going to be hard to top this one.

Tons of pics of some spectacular "big cat" builds kicking around.

dupes wrote:

I was wondering where you went, Scott! Bummed you missed out on Nationals this year - wow, what a turnout!

I had a ball at last year's Nationals and would have LOVED to have gone again this year but just had way too much going on to even consider leaving town for a few days.  Did you go? 

I was wondering where you went, Scott!

Bummed you missed out on Nationals this year - wow, what a turnout!

I just finished the tracks on my KT. I'll get some pics up sometime soon. They don't look half bad, they are an improvement over my first KT. I'm happy I've gotten this far on this kit. I've been gone so much this summer the KT was actually gathering dust on my bench.

Erik 

SMJmodeler wrote:

stick man wrote: This thread's gotten a bit dusty latly....... I've done a bit of work on my tiger nothing substanchebut I thout since I had the camra out. ...would that be MIG dust or pastels?

Mig dust it's definatly mig dust allthou pastels do have a good efect...

On the box art for my kit the weels look like thay are painted DK yellow but whernt thay actualy steel rimed? I wont to know so I know if I have to go back and paint the outside of the weels after air btushing.

stick man wrote:

This thread's gotten a bit dusty latly....... I've done a bit of work on my tiger nothing substanchebut I thout since I had the camra out.

...would that be MIG dust or pastels?  It's funny how threads go hot and cold.  With the amount of partcipants in this one though, I expect a HUGE flurry come fall. 

pordoi wrote:

It's still early but you're off to a good start, Stick man.  What are the plans for this Cat?  Don

Well it comes with markings for a tank that served in Poland because I think I'll be able to paint the tiger strips on it but my secound choice will be somthing from SS-PZ.Abt.101 Normandy but I'll probebly go with the first one.

It's still early but you're off to a good start, Stick man.  What are the plans for this Cat?

 Don

This thread's goten a bit dusty latly....... I've done a bit of work on my tiger nothing substanchebut I thout since I had the camra out.

Here's the lower hull man I love workabule suspention.

And the rear plate, it needs the jack added then it can be attached to the lower hull. 

doc-hm3 wrote:

SMJ, would you put me down for a Tamiya late Tiger I in 1/35th? Thanks!

Done, glad you could join us!