It been a while since I posted on here or had any updates with my 222 project, but for the last year I have been working on a RC Late production Tiger I for a customer. The model now is in it's final phases and will soon be completed. the tank features lots of scratch built details and aftermarket parts.
The model started off as a partially started Armortek Tiger I kit. The tank was started by antoher builder who decided to sell it off as he was not going to finish it. Like with all their kits the tank is all scale thickness aluminum. All parts are either laser cut, CNC milled, or are cast alloy.
The model was assembled as a mock up state, when I first started the project I took the tank apart to bare hull and progressed on the build from there.
I first started with the tank's suspension. Like with all armortek german tank models the suspension is functional and uses real torsion bars instead of springs. All bare steel parts that were exposed and had surface rust on them were all cleaned off and reassembled,
the wheels were then prepainted assembled and remounted
Once the suspension was wrapped, I tuned my attention to the tank's RC equipment. The tank uses the stock armortek RC setup which works very well,
Because of the client's requirements of having the engine compartment detailing I needed to rearrange the internal layout of the electronics.
The engine compartment was completely scratch built and it's internal details were all fabricated
https://scontent.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xfp1/v/t1.0-9/10299150_292436927583691_2749505969252524923_n.jpg?oh=194dbaf9088ae89a430e8ea51c7b1d27&oe=55E828E3
Once the compartment was completed I then turned to the tank's Maybach HL230. For the engine I used my Resin HL230 kit, the engine was modded in order to have it's animations. The engine has it's flywheel and it's fan clutch drives fully functional. The exhaust manifolds are also hollow for use of the smoke system.
The fan / radiator clusters were also assembled. Like with the engine this is fully functional and is one of my resin sets
the parts were then all installed, because the tank is RC and access may be needed in the future for repairs or maintenance all parts in the engine compartment are designed to disconnect. To make things more difficult they still have to be able to function.
The tank is also fitted with a sound system and a proportional smoke system, which will all add to the realism of the model
To refill the smoke fluid the tank features an on board fuel pump. This lets the opperator refuel the system via a long hose and it will prevent any smoke fluid landing on the paint finish, the refuel ports are on the fuel fillers of the real tank.
The tank also has remote lighting, which powers both the headlight and the tail light
All of the functions are controlled under the radio operator hatch, this is also where the tank is recharged
For the tank's tin work for the fenders I used 6th scale icons Photoetch brass sets, they are very nice, but require a certain skill set to assemble them
the side skirts are the kit ones but were cleaned off and the interior bulkheads were all added
For the top deck, the top deck is designed to be removed for maintenance purposes,
The rest of the details were all revised, The grills and engine hatch were improved with interior detailing, tool posts were all redesigned to be more accurate, and all fastener locations were deleted.
The tank's turret was also detailed, with improved interior detailing on the copula, and other external fittings. Mechanically the turret rotates, gun elevates, barrel recoils and flashes when fired (like a giant tamiya 1/16).
A 6th scale Icons rear bustle bin was also used, again beautiful kit but only for really advanced builders
Before the tank was painted it went for one last pre paint test run, then off to paint
Once in paint exposed areas received a coat of primer, then everything went into dunkelgelb
For the pattern the tank is painted for SS-PZ.Abt.102 Normandy, 1944.
After the pattern the tank's markings were added. The markings are all stenciled and painted on. The pattern also got some counter shading, but was left mostly clean. This was done as per the customer's request as he wants to continue the weathering on his end.
The tank's tracks have also been painted and installed. Being made of metal and the tank being RC they will weather themselves after driven for a short distance. which should happen after these rain storms stop ;)
Currently the last of the tools and other external fittings are being painted / installed. Once mounted the model will be completed!!
More pics of the project were taken during the construction. There were all posted on the ECA facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.215315678629150.1073741846.125690767591642&type=3
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.449129345247781.1073741874.125690767591642&type=3
Also during the duration of the build project update videos were posted on youtube, there I go further into detail on what was done to the model and the mods that I made to it
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLd7tR3_WI_vsSbHsTMJod0zihVM20zeVU
Once completed I'll post some final pics.