Tamiya 1/35 King Tiger- Ardennes Boxing- 1st ever armour build

[Antb]

Hi Folks, 

 

Ive long had an interest in the second world war including armour but have always modelled aircraft. Following a visit to the Tank Museum last year I took the plunge and picked up the 1/35 Tamiya King Tiger Ardennes boxing. It sat in the stash for a while and I didn't think id get around to building it as it never took my fancy however a few weeks ago it appealed to me so I gave it a bash. 

 

This is the first ever armour build I have undertaken and really enjoyed it- no filler and no sanding for starters! I didn't like the vinyl tracks and have had one snap on me after installing but the break was at the top so its not visible. 

 

I also didn't like the mesh sheet provided for the engine grills so didn't use it- I didn't want to just order a PE fret in the current climate as its not worth risking the postie just for that- ill get one and add it later down the line. 

 

Paints were Tamiya XF60, XF 61 and XF64. Weathering done with Abteilung oils, Mig pigments European earth and dark earth and weathering plaster. Figures painted with Vallejo acrylics. For the ambush camo I cut out a load of random dots on the Cricut and used this as masks to spray the camo pattern- involved lots of placement, spraying, peeling and then again for the next colours. Really enjoyable though. 

 

I built the base from scratch and includes part of an Acer that me and the boy broke when we were playing football in the garden- just don't tell the Mrs! 

 

Id be really grateful for feedback. 

 

Apologies for the mass of photos, the lights great this morning and I got snap happy. 

 

EDIT: The white frosting isn't visible on the tank in real life, its the light reflecting. Also, forgot to mention first time I attempted stretching sprue for the aerial wire- that was an interesting experience... 

 

Edited April 22, 2020 by Antb

[FalkeEins]

 

 

 your towing cables look most convincing .. in fact the whole thing looks top notch!

[Shashman]

Excellent! It looks so real!

[Antb]

Thanks Chaps

[M3talpig]

Very nice ambush paint figures look nicely animated and the whole thing works well....first out of the box .....i would say that's a winner there mate 

[Antb]

12 hours ago, M3talpig said:

Very nice ambush paint figures look nicely animated and the whole thing works well....first out of the box .....i would say that's a winner there mate 

Thanks that's very kind of you

[Bullbasket]

For a first AFV, you've done a great job, especially the cammo. Nice one.

 

John.

[flounder_al]

Excellent build, especially for a first armour kit. I'm going to be doing this scheme but using the Meng kit.

[WeekendModeler]

Excellent job all around. It doesn't resemble a first effort at all.

[Antb]

Thanks chaps