Tiger 131

Post by **Eusi** » Fri Oct 09, 2015 12:09 am

Hi All,

I figured I would try and document my next project. Tiger 131 with some extras. Using the new Dragon kit, a voyager PE upgrade set, a metal bucket from Aber, Aber antenna array, Aber MG, and also have some Fruil tracks on the way as well as a set of Master Box figures. I was contemplating going with a metal barrel but decided against it after inspecting the one provided with the kit.

The plan is to build a small, completely fictitious diorama positioning the figures from the Master Box Rommel and German Tank Crew set around 131, set somewhere in Tunisia.

Anyway, here is what I have so far to start the build with. Will try and have the first build update sometime next week.

Post by **d6mst0** » Fri Oct 09, 2015 3:06 am

Hey, that was my plan with my Tiger 131....LOL. It may not happen if I don't win my bid on the Rommel/tank crew figures I have bidded on evil bay. Good luck, I will be watching this build.

Post by **Coen** » Fri Oct 09, 2015 10:19 am

Great idea!
Should be really cool to see.

YouTube · Post by **PanzerGarage** » Mon Oct 12, 2015 6:30 am

Nice plan. I have not built my 131 yet so looking forward to seeing yours done. Great idea with scenario

Post by **Eusi** » Fri Oct 16, 2015 1:52 pm

Thanks for the comments guys.

Should make some decent progress on this over the weekend so will post pics then. In the mean time I have a question.

I've been doing research on the colors of Tunisian tigers. I'm about as novice as it gets when it comes to knowing the right colors. So browsing through the inter-webs I did learn that the color at that point was definitely not dunkelgelb, but rather a darker yellow with more brown/red hues. Is this correct?

My understanding is that the restored Bovington tiger was meticulously researched as far as the paint color and is as close to accurate as it gets. My final question is what color was the primer underneath? I've heard some say that it was a dark German grey. My understanding is that they were not using the red oxide at this point?

I appreciate anyone who can shed any light on this. Thanks!

YouTube · Post by **PanzerGarage** » Sat Oct 17, 2015 8:08 am

Hi mate,
I am no expert in African Tigers (I mainly do East Front) but here's what I can offer. I also have this kit so understand. I will assume you are doing the 131 option. The kits main researcher was David Byrden so it is accurate with regards to paint - use the RAL numbers to match your brand of paint.
*I use oil based paint so Modelmaster make both RAL 7008 and 8000 (instructions) but technically you could also use RAL 8020 Braun 2/3 of the vehicle and 1/3 Grau RAL 7027, as these latter ones are by the book for Tropen but hey they are all very similar so would not lose sleep on them. You will find the equivalent in acrylics. Some Tropens went to southern Russia as well
*The 131 you have has normal Early Tiger exhaust shrouds, not the initial Tunisian ones you see in that Voyager kit (Dragon are doing a re-release of that Tiger - Dragon 6608).
*You are correct it was not Dunkelgelb. Option A in the instructions is accurate though so follow that.
*With regards to Dark Grey, it is quite an early Tiger due to the feifels, so prior to March 43 - I am not sure when 131 was made but someone on here probably will know. Some of the first Tigers that went to Tunisia started as grey (I think mainly from 501 not 504 as 504 Tigers were received feb 43) and were over painted in the two tone (eg the Tigers with the square vented exhaust shroud). As for 131 due to it being an early Tiger rather than initial, I would suggest it was painted dual tone at the factory as they were after the initial batch Tigers were diverted to Africa
*Primer. You are correct about the red oxide RAL 8012 and as far as I am aware they were all primed in that colour.
If I come across anything else that maybe useful will let you know

Post by **Coen** » Sat Oct 17, 2015 1:20 pm

David Byrden is the end of all things when it comes to tiger I details. If you really want to make sure I would ask his advise. He's a member here on the forum. DByrden is his handle. I believe he even helped to develop this very kit for Dragon.

Post by **mannloon** » Sat Oct 17, 2015 3:35 pm

Eusi wrote:Thanks for the comments guys.

Should make some decent progress on this over the weekend so will post pics then. In the mean time I have a question.

I've been doing research on the colors of Tunisian tigers. I'm about as novice as it gets when it comes to knowing the right colors. So browsing through the inter-webs I did learn that the color at that point was definitely not dunkelgelb, but rather a darker yellow with more brown/red hues. Is this correct?

My understanding is that the restored Bovington tiger was meticulously researched as far as the paint color and is as close to accurate as it gets. My final question is what color was the primer underneath? I've heard some say that it was a dark German grey. My understanding is that they were not using the red oxide at this point?

I appreciate anyone who can shed any light on this. Thanks!

From what I've read (most of which is on a few forums by David and other Tiger people) and as well in the Tiger manual written by the Bovington people which has sample paint images found on 131 you are correct and are referring to RAL 8000 for the base color and RAL 7008 for the over sprayed camo (I'll double check to make sure as I'm posting this off the top of my head). The primer, I cannot tell you though. I don't think any Panzer Gray was found on 131 during restoration, and I've seen her in Red Oxide but that was done at Bovington during restoration. and they tried to be as accurate as possible so maybe.

The order to paint tanks Dunkelgelb instead of base gray was issued on February 18th of 43. I'm not sure how that relates to 131 being shipped to the med and then to Africa. I would assume it's a late 42 manufacture by the lack of S-Mine brackets. So if they were being painted Gray in the factory at any point it could have been, but I don't think it was. That's just my personal opinion.

Post by **jbellos1** » Sat Oct 17, 2015 4:42 pm

This is so awesome! Get to see this kit being built AND learn about the Tiger I at the same time from some serious Tiger I experts...where else could this take place but here? Right, nowhere else. Thank you Eusi and all you contributors, we are listening and we are watching this build of a much anticipated kit.

Post by **Eusi** » Mon Oct 19, 2015 2:51 am

Thank you very much for the info guys, I appreciate it. Luckily I am still a ways away from getting any paint on this guy so will give me enough time to make sure I have the proper info.

Anyway, very little progress over the last week. Sorry for the bad photos as well my camera battery was dying and did not want to wait until it charged.

So managed to get the Master Box figures assembled. Will only be using 4 out of the 6 that come in the box. As can be expected with Master Box, decent quality sculpts with manageable mold lines. Once assembled I was a little disappointed with the number of seems that needed filling but it wasn't too bad.

The tiger itself. Got the hull about half done. Most of the back is done and started working on the top of the hull. The PE from Voyager is good quality and I have had no issues with it yet. So this is my 3rd Dragon Tiger that I've built and 7th or so kit overall. The other two Dragon Tigers did not have any fit issues other from a few minor ones. This kit so far I have had to fill some pretty bad seems when joining the back plate to the hull. Also the top plate needed some filling and sanding to sit in the hull properly. Overall not horrible, but I've been spoiled enough by the previous Dragon kits to expect better.

The turret is just dry fit for the time being, wanted to position the figures for the pictures. Most of the hatches I will be leaving open. Hoping to finish assembling this guy during the week and get some paint on it next weekend. Sorry ahead of time if I don't document the build process in detail. I am much more about the painting than the building so just trying to get the build done so I can move on to the fun stuff!

Thanks everyone.

Post by **PaulAyrey** » Wed Oct 21, 2015 6:10 am

Great stuff! Lots of info and discussion, really look forward to seeing this !

Post by **Eusi** » Mon Oct 26, 2015 2:59 am

Hi Everyone,

So unfortunately I was not able to get this guy completely assembled this weekend, although i made some decent progress.

What's left is the tow cables, side skirts and wheels, as well as the tracks when they arrive.

So the further I got into this build, the more I realized as to what an excellent kit this is.

The detail is done incredibly well. I have used only about a quarter of the Voyager PE, and will probably end p using about 1/3 of the set when the build is done. It just simply has not been necessary to replace most of the styrene parts with PE. No other fit issues other than the few in the beginning. There is however an error in the instructions. The instructions do not point out that you need to attach the rear tow hook attachment points to the bottom hull. In the second picture you can see the white strips of filler. I realized that's where the parts fit after I had filled the holes and putty had dried already, so oh well.

Looking forward to finishing this build this week and get some painting started. So far all of the research I have been able to do, I think I will go with the scheme that the Bovington 131 is in.

Post by **mannloon** » Mon Oct 26, 2015 3:12 am

The last few early Tiger kits have been really Great. People get understandably annoyed by how many kits there are, but the kits have been getting better and better in regards to plastic parts and engineering. We did lose the goodies and I still hate the kit tracks, but the kits themselves are very well made.

Post by **Eusi** » Mon Oct 26, 2015 1:26 pm

Yeah I agree. I'm actually a little annoyed with myself that I didn't take a closer look at the kit details before ordering the PE set. Granted the price wasn't bad but it's starting to seem more and more of a waste. Realistically the only PE I am happy to be using instead of the kit parts are the side skirts and rear fenders.

I have a short day at work today so planning on putting a couple of more hours into this build tonight. Hoping to get it finished or as close to it as I can.

Post by **Eusi** » Tue Oct 27, 2015 1:17 am

Hi All,

So here is a small update. Did not get nearly as much done tonight as I was hoping. Only managed to get the side skirts installed.

So my buyers remorse has given way to a bit of satisfaction after installing these. It is a world of improvement over the ones supplied with the kit. Granted, the ones with the kit can be sanded down and cut up, but I honestly think the PE ones really make a difference.

If any of you are beginners like me, a bunch of PE on a kit may be a bit intimidating. So figured I would share a couple of tips I picked up during my so far very short modeling career.

So tip one. Being rather cheap, I refuse to make my wallet cry by buying the over priced PE bending tools. What I got instead was a set of cheap, metal tweezers of all shapes and sizes. With a bit of practice I am managing to get good results bending the PE, and the tweezers were only about 10 bucks for a set of 15 different kinds.

Tip two. My first real experience with PE is the Trumpeter 1/350 USS Hornet. I ended up getting all the PE upgrades. (Still hope to finish that kit one day.) After spending dozens of hours installing a good amount of PE I realized how fragile and brittle it was being glued with CA glue (super glue). CA glue is very brittle by nature, so although it will produce a very strong bond, it does not afford for much flexibility so any small nudge can dislodge the parts. Also CA glue seems to lose it's bonding strength after awhile and will become even more brittle over time. So to help strengthen the bond and afford for a little flexibility, I started using PVA or white glue. (Elmer's wood glue, etc.) What I do is use my CA glue for the initial bond. After that has completely dried, I got back over the bond area with watered down PVA glue. The idea here is once the PVA glue is dry it helps strengthen the bond and allow me to bump and nudge the parts during further assembly and painting, without them breaking off.

So given my slow progress so far the original plan was to have this guy at least primed by now The new plan is to hopefully be done with the assembly by the end of the week, prime and let dry over the weekend. Hoping to start painting by early next week. Since I have decided to go with the Bovington scheme, my next step is to get the color match close. Paints I normally use are Vallejo so will be sticking with those. My main issue is that Vallejo doesn't have anything close enough to the color I am after. Although I am not a huge fan of mixing large batches of paint, it is what I will end up doing. Will probably end up using Vallejo Middlestone with a small amount of a red brown to bring out the warmer tones.

Anyway, thanks again for the comments everyone, next update will come towards the end of the week.

Post by **mannloon** » Tue Oct 27, 2015 2:01 am

You can use Vallejo if that's what you use normally but Tamiya desert yellow and khaki is a near perfect match for the actual paint colors.

This is before I toned her down a bit with oils. Can't seem to find those pictures.

Post by **Eusi** » Tue Oct 27, 2015 2:10 am

Thanks for sharing. Took your advice and ordered the Tamiya paints. They should be here by the time I start painting, will make life a bit easier. You're right about the color match being close to perfect. Looks spot on.

Post by **mick** » Tue Oct 27, 2015 8:07 am

great work

Post by **arkbuilder2012** » Tue Oct 27, 2015 3:29 pm

Looks good. Does the kit come with its own PE or should I plan on buying an after-market set?

Disregard the above - answered on page 2

Post by **Eusi** » Tue Oct 27, 2015 4:34 pm

It does come with a small fret for the engine grill covers and a few other small details. That said the details on the styrene are very good. Realistically if I were planning this project again I would not bother buying the extra PE that I did. The Voyager set was close to 40 bucks shipped. That's more than halfway to getting another kit. Not worth the investment given the great kit detail.

YouTube · Post by **PanzerGarage** » Tue Oct 27, 2015 11:22 pm

Mate, this kit is looking great. Glad to see you stuck with 131 Bovington - I think we all need a Bovington Tiger in out Tiger collection. As for PE I still detest using it despite it looking good. I am so glad the modern kit standards are that good that you can forgo using it as you suggest.
Look forward to seeing how this develops. Good luck.

Adam, your 131 is outstanding. I usually use Oil based paint but when I do the 131 myself I will remember your Tamiya suggestion - although its been a while since using acrylics and would hate to stuff it up!

Post by **Eusi** » Wed Oct 28, 2015 12:09 am

Thanks bud, appreciate the kind words. I agree with you about modern kits. That said I feel like it's spoiled me a little. I have a hard time justifying investing time into a Tamiya kit for instance when I can have a dragon or a Meng.

Post by **mannloon** » Wed Oct 28, 2015 7:19 pm

PanzerGarage wrote:Mate, this kit is looking great. Glad to see you stuck with 131 Bovington - I think we all need a Bovington Tiger in out Tiger collection. As for PE I still detest using it despite it looking good. I am so glad the modern kit standards are that good that you can forgo using it as you suggest.
Look forward to seeing how this develops. Good luck.

Adam, your 131 is outstanding. I usually use Oil based paint but when I do the 131 myself I will remember your Tamiya suggestion - although its been a while since using acrylics and would hate to stuff it up!

Thanks man, I actually never really finished that build, it's still sitting 95% done on my shelf. That's Tamiya 35216 with some scratch building and AFV Club tracks.

Post by **Eusi** » Sat Apr 16, 2016 6:21 pm

Hey All,

So it's only been what, 5 months since my last post? Ended up getting real busy with the holidays, work, family, etc, had little time for the hobby. Fortunately things have settled back down and I am back at the desk. Resurrecting this build and thread, I really want to finish this guy off. Just a quick pic of the tiger primed. Planning on getting the base coat and camo done tonight.

Post by **mick** » Sat Apr 16, 2016 6:56 pm

great start

Post by **Tiger131** » Sat Apr 16, 2016 10:54 pm

Looking real nice been to see the real thing great day out nd your doing a great job your tiger buddy

Post by **d6mst0** » Sun Apr 17, 2016 12:06 am

Shaping up real nice. Looking forward to the next set of pics.

Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Sun Apr 17, 2016 11:25 am

Keep us posted mate.

Post by **Eusi** » Sun Apr 17, 2016 8:37 pm

Hey Guys,

So here is the weekend progress. I got the base coat on the camo done and gave the tools/cables a black undercoat, along with the rubber wheels. Next up is painted the tools, chipping, followed by a gloss coat in preparation for decals and weathering.

I forgot how much of a pain the road wheels can be to attach on the dragon tigers. Ran into some fit issues with them painted. Next time I think I will be attaching them prior to painting.

Also may start on assembling the fruil tracks tonight depending on how I am doing with time.

Post by **SergioSolo** » Mon Apr 18, 2016 1:52 am

It looks great! Thinking about getting one of those

Post by **CrazyHistorian** » Mon Apr 18, 2016 11:54 am

It's a shame I have not seen this thread before! Should be more attentive)

Awesome looking model

Post by **Eusi** » Mon Apr 18, 2016 1:19 pm

Hey guys,

Thanks for all the comments. Really appreciate it. Definitely nice motivation to keep plugging away at this beast.

I managed to get the tools and accessories done last night before going to bed as well as some minor chipping. It's all a little stark right now but that will all blend together a bit better once the weathering goes on.

Next up will be a gloss coat in preparation for the decals, followed by a pin wash, and then the weathering.

Thanks again.

Post by **Stokesy44** » Mon Apr 18, 2016 2:41 pm

Very nice, chipping looks pretty cool.

Great stuff so far.

Post by **InitialProduction1** » Mon Apr 18, 2016 4:33 pm

Really great build Eusi, love your camo, what tracks you going to use? I need to get mirrored Friulmodel tracks for my Dragon initial production tiger, again very cool.

Post by **Eusi** » Tue Apr 19, 2016 12:39 am

Thanks again for all the comments guys.

@InitialProduction1 - Using the ones you need to get, mirrored Friul. Got all the links drilled and sanded, still need to put them together though. Thinking may be tonight's project. Long day at work, Not sure if I have the energy for any serious painting.

Post by **Eusi** » Fri Apr 22, 2016 12:40 pm

Hey all,

Quick update and a request.

First off, no pics but I did manage to get the gloss coat on the tiger. I did however manage to lose the decal sheet. I moved at the beginning of the year and lost it somewhere during the move. So while I'll be doing a bit of research on my end, does anyone know where I can get aftermarket decals for the 131? Preferably somewhere in the US but beggars can't be choosers so I'll settle for anything at this point.

Thanks!

Post by **Tomi** » Fri Apr 29, 2016 3:37 pm

Great job, and useful topic as I just got Dragon 131 from local hobby store. Don't know when I'm going to build it though, too many projects and so little time

Post by **Tiger213** » Thu May 05, 2016 6:58 pm

nice and clean built. I love the chipping and details.

any progress?

Post by **Eusi** » Sun May 08, 2016 11:04 pm

Hey guys,

Sorry for the long delay between updates.When I lost the decals I set the tiger aside and moved on to some other projects.Consequently I ended up finding the decals about an hour after I ordered the Star Decals Afrika Tigers set. Oh well, guess I'll have to build another Africa Tiger or three.

Last weekend I got the decals on and got the oil pin wash on. Let that sit over the week and then got back at it this weekend. Got quite a bit accomplished this weekend. The friul tracks got assembled, painted and installed, the tiger got some subtle streaking with oil paints, the chipping got accented a bit. I let that dry overnight and sprayed the entire model with some matt varnish. That was followed up with a very light dark brown oil filter. Pictures below are up to that point. She's almost done. What's left is the dry dust pigments to the lower hull and wheels. After that I think I will be calling it done and move on the the base and figures. Last picture is a mock up of the base and figures positioned on the tank. I got a set of 1/35 maps of Tunisia so Rommel will be holding one in his hand.

Already starting to contemplate what my next build should be. Thinking maybe another Tiger, late war SS. Also tempted by the Meng Abrams, or a Panther maybe? Lastly I'm contemplating some Soviet armor. What do you guys think?

Post by **Stokesy44** » Mon May 09, 2016 10:45 am

What a beauty. Superb work. The differences in the pre and post-washing photos shows what a great effect you've got there.

I've got two Tigers in the cupboard but neither is a DAK. Hand into pocket for wallet time me thinks!

Post by **InitialProduction1** » Mon May 09, 2016 12:08 pm

Awesome build Eusi,

Post by **Eusi** » Sun May 15, 2016 1:46 am

Thanks for the comments guys. Really appreciate it.

I went out and got some white poster board to try my hand at a different background. Seeing Catdude01's FT-17 build and the great results he was getting on a white background I figured I'd give it a go. Still have to play with my camera settings a bit but am fairly pleased with the results.

I am calling the tiger done. Only changes from my last update is some minor dry pigment weathering on the wheels, tracks and bottom of the hull. I wanted to leave it minimal to represent the dry dirt of Tunisia. Yes, lots of dust, but not much mud accumulation for the most part.

Anyway, below are the photos. Next week I should have an update with a start on the figures. Going to try and give you guys a more details look at how I paint my figures.

Thanks!

Post by **OliveDrab** » Sun May 15, 2016 5:24 am

Man she's a beauty, excellent modelling work

Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Sun May 15, 2016 6:38 am

Great build mate, only hope my M4 comes out half as good.

Post by **Tiger131** » Sun May 15, 2016 7:34 am

Cracking build and superb weathering top stuff

Post by **InitialProduction1** » Sun May 15, 2016 10:28 am

Really did 131 proud Eusi,

looking forward to the figures,

Post by **ForTheWatch** » Sun May 15, 2016 8:43 pm

love it! looks awesome!

Post by **Eusi** » Mon May 16, 2016 10:15 pm

Thanks again for all the kind words guys. Definitely keeps me motivated to keep building.

Looking at the finished model and the pictures, I think what I will try and improve on is the cleanliness of the lines. Some of the shading lines are too thick for my taste.

Anyway, will have some figure updates for everyone this weekend. Started work on the base as well.

Post by **Bissyboat** » Sat Jun 04, 2016 10:34 pm

Bovington Tiger. What a stunner!