Tamiya's 1/48 Tiger I (Initial Production)

[Les]

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____________________________________________________________Notes About This Build_____________________________________________



I am hoping this will be the first tank I have finished since I was a kid; therefore the primary goal is to finish the build itself. While I have added aftermarket in the form of tracks and a photo etch set, those who are experienced Tiger I builders and fans may find this thread lacking in detail (with both the kit accuracy as well as the research). It is not my intention to stir up controversy in form of a Tiger debate, so I hope that those viewing will understand that as a novice builder my main focus will be the building process and the weathering that will accompany it. There will be plenty of time in future builds to focus more on the exact placement of parts and authentic decal markings. This project is a complete experiment, filled with many firsts; therefore I hope that you will be able to enjoy the journey with me while being able to overlook the finer points of detail that seems to always follow model making (especially in regards to a popular subject such as the tiger tank).



With the allowed time given, I have decided to focus only on the tank. If I have time left after, I will attempt to create a small base for it (sorry, no diorama with this build). Should I have the time to make the base, I will be incorporating mud into the process (yes, it does get cold and wet in parts of the desert). In the instructions included with the kit, there is mention of the Battle of Tebourba in late 1942. I have found images online, as well as video, showing wet conditions (after rain) before the battle. This scenario allows me to incorporate some mud effects on the tank while still holding to the North Africa theme should I get to the point of making a base. The only problem with this is the tank number decals that come with the set (731 & 813). As far as I can tell, these tanks came about later (1943). If I am able to locate some aftermarket quickly I will try to find a match to the first Tigers sent to Africa; otherwise, I will use one from the set. I also understand that there may be issue with the placement of certain things (such as the tow cable) that may not be accurate to these vehicles and/or timeframe of the battle. I will not be attempting any modifications outside of the aftermarket kit that I have purchased.

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The build itself will consist of the kit; FriulModel aftermarket tracks; and a VoyagerModel photo etch upgrade set, detailed below:

______________________________________Tamiya 32529 Tiger I (Initial Production) 1/48 Scale______________________________________


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This kit comes packaged in a typical light cardboard top-opening box. Within the box are: 1 x fold-out instructions; 1 x bag with decal sheet; 1 x metal chases attached to the box to prevent damage to the plastic sprue by shifting inside the box; and 4 x bags with plastic sprue. All bags are sealed by the familiar staple method that Tamiya is known for (and some modelers resent).

_____________________________________FruilModel 8142 Tiger I (Early Type Tracks) 1/48 Scale_____________________________________

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This aftermarket set comes in a small cardboard package that opens on one side. Within the box are: 1 x small instruction sheet; 1 x small roll of wire; and 2 x small plastic bags which contain individual track links (the box lists 220 of these).

________________________VoyagerModel VPE 48020 (for Tamiya 32529) Tiger I INITIAL Version Africa___________________________

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This aftermarket set comes in a small cardboard package that opens on one side. Within the box are: 1 x fold-out instructions; and 1 x plastic bag containing a photo etch sheet, plastic rod, and string.

post under construction

[NotthernModeller]

Ohhh very nice stuff indeed

[arilo76]

Really looking forward to see it complete

[Sturm]

Curious to see how this turns out