Tamiya Tiger detailing questions

[stevepni]

I happen to know Santa is bringing me the Tamiya 1/35 Tiger tank (mid production), and I wondered where I can get any bits for additional detailing such as photoetch or resin parts?

Also what about track links - the kit has individual plastic ones which don't look bad, but what about metal ones? Do they look much better and if so where can I get them?

And also paint colour - most I've seen are the yellow but what about grey, which I prefer the look of. I am planning a diorama with the cargo truck, figures for reloading ammo etc and possibly a motorbike or two.

Thanks

Edited December 17, 2010 by stevepni

[Derbyeomanry]

For the tracks I use Friulmodel white metal jobbies. Look great - not too much prep or clean up - have great sag when fitted

Used them on this 1/48th Tiger

[Andy K]

Depends what you want to do and how far you want to go (and spend) as there are LOADS of detailing bits for Tigers. Everything from tracks, etchy bits, resin bits, tools, commanders cupola's etc etc etc. As regards colours the general rule is everything was grey up to 1943 then dark yellow. You'll need to know when your Tiger was built, what unit it was with etc to decide the colour.

Your best bet is to model an actual vehicle.

Oh and there's loads of decals for Tigers too

[Alfisti]

Have a look at this site for info on Tigers,loads of useful info on the type you want to model TIGER

Companies such as LionRoar and Eduard produce some very nice etch sets to detail up your Tiger,try Hannants or LSA Models,and IMHO the very least you should add are the mesh intake covers and side fenders.For a good comparison on available goodies,have a look at the Perth military modelling (PMMS,sorry,cannot link his webpage!)site as he lists a goodly amount of accessories available to plaster over your Tiger.You can also try this site which provides details on the real thing and modelsTiger!info/

HTH.......Dave.

Edited December 18, 2010 by Alfisti

[stevepni]

Thanks for the helpful replies, I was thinking of the mesh intakes and possibly the engine, maybe a few bits to clutter the body with, and possibly the tracks depending on how good the plastic ones look when done.

Now I've started looking I realise how much is available!

I'll look at those sites and some reference pictures, although dare I say it I just want to make a good detailed model and if it's not absolutely 100% accurate in terms of colour/unit/time thats Ok with me.

[Andy K]

To be honest I thought the tracks in the kit were pretty good. If you cover them in mud it makes no difference anyway

[alanmac]

Hi

As this version is the commonly referred to "Mid Production" you'll be wanting to add a zimmerit anti magnetic coating to it. There were a few that missed the official order for application but these number a handful, thirty I believe. You could of course say it was one of the thirty but then you'd need to track down their units and designation numbers to continue that accuracy when it came to markings.

If depicting zimmerit either by DIY methods or buying resin/PE sets for application puts you off, you could consider swapping this for the "Early version" kit which had the same rubber rimmed tyres as the mid but had the plainer looking drum cupola and hatch for the commander. You could then do that in the grey you mentioned without issues.

There are many other changes, in minor detail which finding out about is almost a hobby on its own !! all "Late versions" had zimmerit so no exceptions there I'm afraid.

This series of tanks, the Tiger 1 as its commonly known must be the most popular by far when it comes to aftermarket bits. Every single PE manufacturer makes a set for it, from old stalwarts like Eduard and Aber, right through to Voyager, Lion Roar, etc. from the Far East to newish companies like ET Model.

You could get away with a minimum of PE, just the engine covers in mesh or replacing the fenders, or you could go so wild it glitters like a disco ball from all the brass additions and replacements.

If you go replacement tracks, and although the kit has individual links so it seems, what they don't have is the hollow guide horns. If you want to make these accurate you'll need aftermarket tracks.

Fruil have already been mentioned but as I said before this is a popular tank so there exists many manufacturers of new track. Make sure you get the version right for the "Mid". The tank during its "Early-mid-late" changes had different track, and a narrower transport track which had to be used on the railway flatbeds due to this monsters width. Which also required removale of the outer set of wheels.

Others to look out for are ModelKasten, MasterClub, and AFV Club (these would be my choice and will grace my Sturmtiger when its done)

Hope it helps

Alan.

Edited December 18, 2010 by alanmac

[Andy K]

Re; zimmerit DON'T use etch as it looks awful and never sits on the model properly

[daz greenwood]

Cavalier do some nice Resin Zimmerit for the Tiger.

[alanmac]

Hi

I'd have to agree with other comments regarding brass zimmerit. What I've seen of it, it looks too "perfect" which is not the way it is however good the application.

For a stick on resin based set better to go for an offering from Atak or Cavalier.

Atak Resin Sets

Cavalier Resin Sets

The only trouble with that is I don't see one specifically from either manufacturer for the Tamiya kit

Alan

Edited December 18, 2010 by alanmac

[Alfisti]

Cavalier zimmerit set CV101 is designed for the Tamiya kits of the mid and late prod Tiger I's.Moulded in a thin resin material that is easy to cut,and you can also damage it up to your taste.Also comes with resin pieces to replace kit details that have to be sanded off to fix zimmerit to kit parts.Probably best to fix zimmerit with 2 part epoxy glue which allows some time for final positioning of pieces,and,lightly sand the back side of the zimmerit pieces to help the glue 'grab' the pieces.Wash zimmerit first too in a mild detergent and rinse off with warm(not hot!) water to remove mould release agents that may be present.I did a Tiger II some years back with this stuff and I was very impressed (mind you,I am easily pleased!)with the final result as it was eay to cut away from the film and apply and looked the business.ATAK are also very good,albeit a little more expensive.Have fun.

Dave.

[stevepni]

Plenty for me to think about then!

Thanks for all the replies.