Dragon Elefant w/Zimmerit - Now Complete! Final Photo Update March 9th:

Cheers Karl,

I've got that covered buddy. I'm following this SBS article and I've got a long way to go yet. The author used a dust-fade so that's hopefully what I'll be doing too.

Ben

Hi guys,

Here's a few photos to show where I'm at. She has shoes on and is looking mean!

The tracks are on, I've added a lot of weathering to the lower hull. Mig Pigments and AK Mud and Earth effects used on hull walls behind wheels and on the wheel rims.

I've applied some oil and fuel stains to the engine deck - very effective.

Tracks have been treated with AK's Blemishing Solution and look great. Following treatment I used a simple flat file to expose some worn metal then added AK Track Wash to tone it all down.

I'll be wrapping this build up this week as I'm off road for  as I need to put the spare tracks on the front (I'm not sure about using the ones on the rear yet), paint and fit the rear sledge hammer and sort out the tow cable. I'm undecided about using the Periscope yet.

One thing I noticed - with the tracks fitted this thing is HEAVY!

She's looking really good and the clour really works well so I apologise for the mediocre photos - my camera isn't the best so you can't appreciate it fully. My camera does the job and as a better one would cost too much it will have to suffice for the time being!

My Godfather Dave will be doing the proper photos next weekend for the final update posting!

Engine deck - note the Mig oil/fuel stains on the deck, Effective:

Question I:I'm not exactly sure where the exhaust outlet is - it's not obvious? I'm thinking that it is the piece at the rear above where the Jack is stowed? It's a curved part that is shielded by a PE mesh pice? I want to show some black soot pigment near the outlet.

*I made up one of my lovely Lion Roar DIY tow cables for this build but somehow messed up and it's an inch too short! I was thinking about showing a cable where it had frayed and snapped due to poor maintenance or a direct hit from a shell maybe. I've always liked the look of a tow cable eyelet hanging from a shackle trailing frayed cable. I could also mount the other end on the side mounting hook and show some cable trailing along the fender?

Question II: Now then, would this 'scenario' re the tow cable described above have been possible or would the crew have ditched this damaged cable asap? I think this looks pretty cool but I won't do it if it's a big no-no!

Thanks for looking guys - I hope you like her so far!

If anyone can help re the questions that would be great

Have a good week at work guys and take care,

Ben

Looking good Ben. I do love them Elephants.

Looks really good Ben! The fuel spills on the deck look pretty realistic and the tracks turned out great! I remember how heavy my KT was after getting the Friuls installed on it. What did you use for the worn areas around the hard edges and such? Gives it a very heavy metal underneath look.

Cheers Jester,

I dry-brushed all the casemate corners and all other areas that would have been exposed to wear with Windsor and Newton Paynes Grey Oil paint. I then used AK's paint called 'chipping colour' (LOL!) to do the very small chips all round and on the Cupola ring and used a 5/0 brush to paint Games Workshop Boltgun Metal on some very select areas like the lifting hooks to show exposed fresh bare metal.

It's a mish mash of all methods really and it works well. AK's chipping Colour is a great neutral colour, almost a Black/Brown, and works great on DY/light Brown colour vehicles. I'm sold on it now!

I finished off with my Silver Karisma 949 Pencil being put onto other select edges and the outer wheel rims - that was a great move as it shows them up as being steel really well (the 949 Karisma is EXCELLENT).

Guys - I definately recommend you invest in some AK Chipping colour and Games Workshop Boltgun Metal for your next builds. 

Ben

Cool Ben, I have been eyeing the AK stuff for a while now. Looks like I am going to have to commit and pick some up!

Looking good Ben,I especially like your work on the tracks

Anthony

that camo came out looking great after the weathering the idea with the tow cable sounds cool but I can't comment rather if they would have ditched it or not but why not go with it if you like the idea

Cheers guys,

Kind words and comments all round - much appreciated!

Ben

Hi fellas,

Okay - the annual Hinckley Model Show that my club has a table at is looming (one day - Sunday 24th March). I can't build in the week due to various restraints and am working overtime tomorrow from home so decided to try and get this Elefant 'just about' finished today. I'm going to be asking for your opinions on a couple of things that I'm still undecided on so if I go with them I'll complete them tomorrow - job done!

I was so busy at work yesterday evening that I decided to make a list of all outstanding jobs left to do

• Paint Sledgehammer and PE mounting brackets and fix to tank
• Fit spare links - front and back
• Add additional oil stains and add small streaks around engine deck sidewalls like spillage
• Add some faded green onto rear Notek
• Apply final light matt coat (Vallejo airbrush varnish)
• Apply final pigment coat

ALL of this has been done today so I'm going to show you todays photos that I took with my own rubbish camera and I'll then tell you what I'm undecided on and hopefully I'll get some feedback from you guys to help me decide on what currently remains (in my mind) 'undecided!

As per my last Tiger I E my Godfather Dave will be taking 'the 'completed' photos with his mega bucks Nikkon set-up. We have arranged to do it next Saturday and I'll complete this blog then 

• Here we go - I hope you like:

Below - spare links on: All Blackened with AK's stuff and treated with Mig's 'Standard Rust Wash'.

Below - Rear spare links in place. Sledgehammer on-PE latch release handle glued onto moulded clamp. 

Below - this is the only thing left to do; make up a DIY Lion Roar tow cable but this time the correct length!

• The main question I had re your feedback related to the Periscope. The kit one was a HORROR but I've found a properly moulded clear plastic one with lens detail in the spares tub (it can be seen in the above photo) but I'm not sure if I want to use it - what do you reckon. I assume the Casemate Periscope could be removed when not in use - it wasn't permanently fixed in place, was it?
• Also, I'd like to add stowage - any suggestions? I want to add a cloth that has been draped over the rear spare links. Am I best to use tissue paper dipped in a PVA Glue and Water mixture? What is the ratio?

Thanks guys - all feedback and suggestions are very welcome!

Update either tomorrow or when I post the completed pictures next weekend and wrap this blog up! What a great build this has been!

Take care,

Ben

Very nice looking job Ben.

Here's the 1% you need.

 In the excitement of applying a super paint job it can be easy to forget a small but very important detail.

So, in regards to that, remember that the roadwheels are entirely metal so you need to give some semblance of shine to those contact points on the wheels, track horns and sprocket teeth.

Thanks DM,

I really appreciate your feedback and am VERY glad you my paintjob. It's just a bit different and will add some variety to my cabinet!

Re. The wear on the running gear is something I totally overlooked today - I'd forgotten to put it on my list!

I'll fix that up tomorrow or at least between now and final photos next weekend. I had highlighted the edges of the steel rims with a silver Karisma pencil. It hasn't shown up in these phots but the highlight has had the edge taken off it by my dry pigment so I'll make sure I re-do that Manny.

Thanks for reminding me about the sprocket teeth and guide horns  I'd totally overlooked those today!

Cheers buddy,

Ben

Very nice build Ben-great camo scheme & weathering-looks like a winner from here.

Cheers Bob

I really want you guys to be able to see her as I can hence the assistance of my Godfather for the final photos!

Has anyone got any info on how to make the best cloth/rag? I have various tissue papers and PVA glue,

Ben

Hinksy

http://cs.finescale.com/fsm/modeling_subjects/f/3/p/1642235/editpost.aspx?ReturnUrl= I had highlighted the edges of the steel rims with a silver Karisma pencil. It hasn't shown up in these phots but the highlight has had the edge taken off it by my dry pigment so I'll make sure I re-do that Manny.

  But only on the "inside" edge of the roadwheels. The load bearing surfaces of the aforesaid should only reflect the effect of use in accordance with any recent activity.

I'm not Manny!

Oh dear

Why did I put that - autopilot! I need sleep! It's Steve! DOH!

Thanks for the tips, not Manny (or Steve) 

Ben

Sweet Ben. Love the fuel stains and the numbers on the rear hatch.

Cheers Eric,

It's all come together nicely - thanks for the 's!

Just a bit left to do - namely highlight them teeth and guide horns a bit and have a second attempt at a tow cable.

I probably won't post any photos now until I get the final set done next week by Godfather Dave.

Thanks dude!

Ben

Hi fellas,

Well, the highlighting of the sprocket teeth and guide horns has been done to great effect

I've painted and fitted the tow-cable and I'm not 'taken' by it?

I'm not sure what the problem is with it but in my eyes it doesn't add anything to the build? I mean It's a pretty sparse build anyway with no Periscope and pretty beat up with no stowage either unless you count spare tracks and a sledgehammer so it doesn't look odd not being there.

It's been painted up and if I change my mind later it's there to use. I know it should have one (in theory) but this is a very late war tank destroyer fighting the Red Army onslaught in defence of the Reich.

Perhaps it snapped, perhaps it was lost - all I know is that it isn't going onto my Elefant at the minute

The really good news is that Godfather Dave has had to cancel his appointment thing next weekend so it's photo time next weekend after-all then a final update with final photos!

I'm then planning to complete the little Willys Jeep that I have painted in sub assemblies before moving onto the sweeet Dragon Pz.IV G that is forever taunting me from the stash everytime I open my modelling cupboard!

It would be nice to have that lil' Jeep ready for the show table

Thanks again guys - I hope you all have a great week!

Ben

Hi guys,

Just a quick post to finalise the blog! She's complete! The Elefant is done!

I might add an RB 2m Antennae before the show in a couple of weeks but am undecided.

Please let me know what you think and thanks to everyone who has given support and help during the journey!

It's been a great build and what a great kit!

Here you go chaps - Photos taken by my Godfather, Dave!

Thanks for looking fellas!

So, I'm now going to do a bit more work on my Tamiya Willys Jeep and see if I can get that done - I'll be resurrecting the old blog that I started on here a while ago.

Then onto my Dragon Pz. IV Ausf. G c/w Whitewash (Kharkov).

Thanks again guys!

Ben

Great job Ben-very impressive build.  I especially like the weathering.  You should do well at the show.

Thanks Bob,

That means a lot coming from you buddy!

At this show the competition builds are displayed in a small room upstairs so I'm not sure about the competition yet.

I think I'd rather have this build on our display table this time as I know a lot of my UK friends will be looking out for it. Tbh I'm not sure yet?

Thanks again Bob,

Ben

Very nice Ben! I was worried too in the beginning that the camo was going to be too light but I think it turned out spot on. Great job!

Excellent work Ben! You really did the old monster justice.

Regards

Fred

Ben, thats come out a real beaut. Great work on this.

I gotta say, Ben---I was very dubious about that camo too--I would have done it over, darker,---but in the final product, that's a might fine model and the camo works just fine. You've come a long way on your weathering and finishing skills from what I can see and what I remember since I've been back online here.

Sincerest best luck at the show---I hope you're properly recognized.

Nice work, fingers crossed for your comp.

Phil

Wow thanks guys!

I really appreciate your generous, kind words!

I admit it was a fluke as I had NO intention for a finish like this but I stuck with it and it worked!

The guys at tonights meeting were VERY impressed so I'm buzzing right now!

Thanks again fellas,

Ben

Nice finish Ben,another good one for your ever growing cabinet

Very sweet Ben. The Elefant is my favorite TD and you did it justice. Well done bud and good luck.