Tamiya 1/35 Brummbar Late Production

Post by **BigWall** » Mon May 11, 2020 2:22 am

I enjoy reading about everyone else's projects so I thought I would share my current WIP. Hopefully you find it as interesting as I find your works.

I'm building Tamiya's 1/35 Brummbar Late Production model. This has new tooling and went together extremely well. This is an out of the box build other than the Tamiya stick on zimmerit.

I'm a very slow modeler and have been working on this since January or February. This is the third model I've built since coming back to the hobby after 20 years. I started this model before joining the forum so I'll try to do better photographing my progress going forward.

Here's a photo from when construction was completed.

Brummbar 1 by Big Wall, on Flickr

And some pictures as the paint went on.

Brummbar 2 by Big Wall, on Flickr

Brummbar 3 by Big Wall, on Flickr

I harmonized the three colors with a very thin overspray of Tamiya XF-60 Dark Yellow

Brummbar 4 by Big Wall, on Flickr

I used oil paints for a dot filter, pin wash and to start weathering. I'm currently working on adding chips and scratches

Brummbar 5 by Big Wall, on Flickr

Joe

Post by **digger303** » Mon May 11, 2020 4:07 am

going well

Post by **krusty69** » Mon May 11, 2020 5:10 am

love the paint

did you freehand or mask?
and if you masked how did you do it?

Post by **Hawkmoon** » Mon May 11, 2020 7:43 am

Looks good tome and very nice work

Post by **BigWall** » Mon May 11, 2020 11:34 pm

krusty69 wrote: Mon May 11, 2020 5:10 am love the paint
did you freehand or mask?
and if you masked how did you do it?

Thank you.

I used a pencil to draw the borders and then freehanded. I did have a bad seal in my airbrush which caused a lot of splattering in areas. I touched up some spots with a brush and thin paint.

Thanks for checking out my work!

Post by **BigWall** » Mon May 11, 2020 11:37 pm

Thanks for looking in everyone!

Post by **CygnusX1** » Fri May 15, 2020 7:18 pm

Looks good; did you have any issues with those zim stickers staying... well, stuck?
Read some about them not sticking so well, especially to anything with any sort of curve in it.
Also look like a right barista to cut out... looking really nice though, great work.

Post by **BigWall** » Sat May 16, 2020 2:21 am

CygnusX1 wrote: Fri May 15, 2020 7:18 pm Looks good; did you have any issues with those zim stickers staying... well, stuck?
Read some about them not sticking so well, especially to anything with any sort of curve in it.
Also look like a right barista to cut out... looking really nice though, great work.

Thank you.

I really didn't have any problems with the zim staying stuck but most of the surfaces are flat. There are a couple small areas on the front plate that are tightly curved. I had a little self imposed trouble with one and the other went on fine. I found that if I burnished them down well it wasn't a problem getting them to stick. On the one that was a problem I just put a little CA under it and it was fine. Some of the corners where the pieces meet looked a little funky so I used Vallejo putty on a few small areas.

Cutting them out did take quite a while but I'm a slow modeler anyway and it's hobby time so I enjoyed it.

Post by **CygnusX1** » Sat May 16, 2020 6:35 pm

BigWall wrote: Sat May 16, 2020 2:21 am Thank you.

I really didn't have any problems with the zim staying stuck but most of the surfaces are flat. There are a couple small areas on the front plate that are tightly curved. I had a little self imposed trouble with one and the other went on fine. I found that if I burnished them down well it wasn't a problem getting them to stick. On the one that was a problem I just put a little CA under it and it was fine. Some of the corners where the pieces meet looked a little funky so I used Vallejo putty on a few small areas.

Cutting them out did take quite a while but I'm a slow modeler anyway and it's hobby time so I enjoyed it.

Nice. I kinda/sort wish Tamiya did zim stickers for some of their other kits tbh - anything Pz4 related would be nice as getting putty zim into all those small gaps and such on the back plate and around the front transmission covers is

I tried zim using a pyrogravure on a Pz4 once and it just looked exactly like what it was; lines burnt into plastic, even under paint.
Good to know that this set seems to work though, but I don't think I'mt going to buy a Tamiya Brummbar just to give it a go, especially as I already have 2 Dragon Brummbar's sitting in my stash.

Post by **BigWall** » Sun May 17, 2020 1:32 am

CygnusX1 wrote: Sat May 16, 2020 6:35 pm Nice. I kinda/sort wish Tamiya did zim stickers for some of their other kits tbh - anything Pz4 related would be nice as getting putty zim into all those small gaps and such on the back plate and around the front transmission covers is
I tried zim using a pyrogravure on a Pz4 once and it just looked exactly like what it was; lines burnt into plastic, even under paint.
Good to know that this set seems to work though, but I don't think I'mt going to buy a Tamiya Brummbar just to give it a go, especially as I already have 2 Dragon Brummbar's sitting in my stash.

I really wonder how kind time will be to the stick on zim. I plan on trying to make my own zim with epoxy putty on my next build, a tiger. I ordered what I need but it's sitting in Melbourne right now. I guess I may have to build something else if it doesn't show up in time. I panic bought a few kits when I knew the lock down was coming.

Post by **CygnusX1** » Thu May 21, 2020 2:01 am

BigWall wrote: Sun May 17, 2020 1:32 am I really wonder how kind time will be to the stick on zim. I plan on trying to make my own zim with epoxy putty on my next build, a tiger. I ordered what I need but it's sitting in Melbourne right now. I guess I may have to build something else if it doesn't show up in time. I panic bought a few kits when I knew the lock down was coming.

Hmmn - I'm guessing that if you got a nice coat of paint and varnish down on that zim it would stay put. Time will be the factor though I guess...
I've done putty zim on a Tiger 1. I recommend you putty the panels before you put them together; dry fit the body and turret, and then mark or mask where the fitment lines are so you don't put putty where they're supposed to glue together, and then do some "filling in" when it's all together. I think you'll find it easier, especially on the back plate where you have to go around the exhausts and all those tools and whatnot... and good luck!.

Post by **BigWall** » Thu May 21, 2020 2:49 am

CygnusX1 wrote: Thu May 21, 2020 2:01 am Hmmn - I'm guessing that if you got a nice coat of paint and varnish down on that zim it would stay put. Time will be the factor though I guess...
I've done putty zim on a Tiger 1. I recommend you putty the panels before you put them together; dry fit the body and turret, and then mark or mask where the fitment lines are so you don't put putty where they're supposed to glue together, and then do some "filling in" when it's all together. I think you'll find it easier, especially on the back plate where you have to go around the exhausts and all those tools and whatnot... and good luck!.

Thanks for the pointers.

Post by **BigWall** » Thu Jul 02, 2020 3:29 am

Wow! I didn't realize how much time had passed since I started this thread! I'm a slow modeler to begin with, but with warmer weather arriving, I've spent more time outdoors. We haven't taken many pictures this year but here are a few:

Here in Colorado

IMG_5327 by Big Wall, on Flickr

In Moab, Utah

20200524_142900 by Big Wall, on Flickr

20200523_155524 by Big Wall, on Flickr

As far as the Brummbar goes, I think I've completed as much of the chipping and scratching as I'm going to do and have done some oil paint washes. It is my first time trying chipping/scratching. I think it came out ok. Here's where it sits now:

Brummbar 8 by Big Wall, on Flickr

Brummbar 6 by Big Wall, on Flickr

Brummbar 7 by Big Wall, on Flickr

I still need to work on the lower hull/wheels/tracks and small detail parts and probably some weathering with pigments.

Any thoughts on what I could do differently or better are always welcome.

Post by **Tomcat64** » Fri Jul 03, 2020 3:43 pm

Lovely work beating up that Brummbar Joe

that really does look great.

Cracking photos of the great outdoors as well

Post by **BigWall** » Fri Jul 03, 2020 11:32 pm

Thank you!

Post by **digger303** » Sat Jul 04, 2020 12:37 am

Tomcat64 wrote: Fri Jul 03, 2020 3:43 pm Lovely work beating up that Brummbar Joe that really does look great.

Cracking photos of the great outdoors as well

Post by **BigWall** » Sat Jul 04, 2020 4:46 am

Thank you Digger!

Post by **aur0ra145** » Sat Jul 04, 2020 5:43 am

Such a cool build!

Post by **BigWall** » Sun Jul 05, 2020 2:57 am

Thanks for looking in!

Post by **Stokesy44** » Sun Jul 05, 2020 9:20 am

BigWall wrote: Sat May 16, 2020 2:21 am
CygnusX1 wrote: Fri May 15, 2020 7:18 pm Looks good; did you have any issues with those zim stickers staying... well, stuck?
Read some about them not sticking so well, especially to anything with any sort of curve in it.
Also look like a right barista to cut out... looking really nice though, great work.
Thank you.

I really didn't have any problems with the zim staying stuck but most of the surfaces are flat. There are a couple small areas on the front plate that are tightly curved. I had a little self imposed trouble with one and the other went on fine. I found that if I burnished them down well it wasn't a problem getting them to stick. On the one that was a problem I just put a little CA under it and it was fine. Some of the corners where the pieces meet looked a little funky so I used Vallejo putty on a few small areas.

Cutting them out did take quite a while but I'm a slow modeler anyway and it's hobby time so I enjoyed it.

Yep, sounds exactly like my experience with Tamiya Zim stickers. Fits beautifully and any recalcitrant edges get 'encouraged' with CA. Finish looks great, better than PE Zim IMHO.

Post by **Stokesy44** » Sun Jul 05, 2020 9:24 am

Tomcat64 wrote: Fri Jul 03, 2020 3:43 pm Lovely work beating up that Brummbar Joe that really does look great.

Cracking photos of the great outdoors as well

Agree on both counts. The final pic of the kit is beautiful, the weathering work has really animated the surfaces without darkening the kit at all. Unless the picture lies I wouldn't be looking to do too much more - not on the upper hull anyway.

Post by **BigWall** » Sun Jul 05, 2020 7:10 pm

Thank you for your kind words! I think I'm with you. Other than touch ups, the upper hull is probably done.

Post by **BigWall** » Thu Jul 16, 2020 3:43 am

Just a small update. I've been working on the small details like the jack, tow cables and tools. I guess I keep putting off working on the lower hull and wheels because I'm not sure what to do with them. One lesson I've learned is that I should have worked on the lower hull first so that I don't have to worry about messing up the upper hull.

Brummbar 10 by Big Wall, on Flickr

Brummbar 9 by Big Wall, on Flickr

Post by **Stokesy44** » Thu Jul 16, 2020 8:25 am

I think the lower hull and wheels look pretty good already.

How are you doing with the tracks? They should finish off the lower hull nicely.

Post by **digger303** » Thu Jul 16, 2020 9:59 am

Looks the business, don't think you have too much to worry about.

Post by **Tomcat64** » Thu Jul 16, 2020 11:14 am

Yeah I can only agree with what the guys have already said - that looks good to me

Post by **jchrisf** » Thu Jul 16, 2020 5:44 pm

Wow.. that looks great!

Post by **BigWall** » Fri Jul 17, 2020 1:58 am

Stokesy44 wrote: Thu Jul 16, 2020 8:25 am I think the lower hull and wheels look pretty good already.

How are you doing with the tracks? They should finish off the lower hull nicely.

Thank you! I haven't touched the tracks yet. The wheels are just painted with dark yellow over the black primer with varying thicknesses of paint to give each wheel a slightly different look. I'm not sure how I like them yet. maybe just some light weathering will wrap them up. I think the lower hull at least needs some dirt/light mud remnants in the corners and where it would fall on the suspension. Maybe a few scratches and a bit of dirt on the bottom of the hull as well. I guess all I really know is that I'm really enjoying this build.

Post by **BigWall** » Fri Jul 17, 2020 2:01 am

Thank you Digger, Neil and Jchrisf. I appreciate you all looking in.

Post by **Stokesy44** » Sat Jul 18, 2020 9:42 am

After watching you make such a great job of what looks like a superb kit from Tamiya I've put it on my wish list.

As this is your fault I'll send you a PM with my bank details so you can reimburse me!

Post by **BigWall** » Sun Jul 19, 2020 4:54 am

Stokesy44 wrote: Sat Jul 18, 2020 9:42 am After watching you make such a great job of what looks like a superb kit from Tamiya I've put it on my wish list.

As this is your fault I'll send you a PM with my bank details so you can reimburse me!

Thank you.

I'll forward that directly to my wife and have it sent out promptly.

Post by **Kunjuro** » Sun Jul 19, 2020 4:23 pm

Amazing work on this Brummbar mate! I really ought to build mine up too hehe

Post by **BigWall** » Sun Jul 19, 2020 4:59 pm

Kunjuro wrote: Sun Jul 19, 2020 4:23 pm Amazing work on this Brummbar mate! I really ought to build mine up too hehe

thank you! I have to admit, I'm really enjoying this build.

Post by **BigWall** » Mon Aug 17, 2020 2:08 am

Here's an update on my incredibly slow build. There's just too much to enjoy in the summer months.

I tried a different technique with the muffler this time. Overall I'm pretty pleased with it.

Brummbar 11 by Big Wall, on Flickr

I also got one track mounted along with the wheels. I need to do some more work with the rubber wheels. I'm not too happy with them.

Brummbar 12 by Big Wall, on Flickr

And finally, a picture with the shurzen sitting in place.

Brummbar 16 by Big Wall, on Flickr

As always, any suggestions are welcome and thanks for looking.

Post by **Parker** » Mon Aug 17, 2020 4:17 am

That weathering!

Post by **digger303** » Mon Aug 17, 2020 7:31 am

BigWall wrote: Mon Aug 17, 2020 2:08 am Here's an update on my incredibly slow build. There's just too much to enjoy in the summer months.

I tried a different technique with the muffler this time. Overall I'm pretty pleased with it.
Brummbar 11 by Big Wall, on Flickr
As always, any suggestions are welcome and thanks for looking.

That muffler is pretty darn good and realistic.

...top marks and the rest of the build is right up there too.

:

Post by **Stokesy44** » Mon Aug 17, 2020 8:50 am

What’s wrong with the wheels? They look pretty good to me.

Post by **Hawkmoon** » Mon Aug 17, 2020 8:54 am

All looks good to me too great work that man

Post by **Tomcat64** » Mon Aug 17, 2020 3:53 pm

Superb work - that muffler looks great and as Stokesy said I can't see too much wrong with the wheels from here either!

Love the way you're detailing this up - cracking job

Post by **BigWall** » Tue Aug 18, 2020 12:56 am

Parker wrote: Mon Aug 17, 2020 4:17 am

That weathering!

Thank you Parker.

Post by **BigWall** » Tue Aug 18, 2020 12:57 am

digger303 wrote: Mon Aug 17, 2020 7:31 am
BigWall wrote: Mon Aug 17, 2020 2:08 am Here's an update on my incredibly slow build. There's just too much to enjoy in the summer months.

I tried a different technique with the muffler this time. Overall I'm pretty pleased with it.
Brummbar 11 by Big Wall, on Flickr
As always, any suggestions are welcome and thanks for looking.
That muffler is pretty darn good and realistic. ...top marks and the rest of the build is right up there too.
:

Thank you for looking in and for your comments Digger.

Post by **BigWall** » Tue Aug 18, 2020 1:07 am

Stokesy44 wrote: Mon Aug 17, 2020 8:50 am What’s wrong with the wheels? They look pretty good to me.

I saw a youtube video where the guy made a paste with water and dry pigments and painted it onto his tires. He then used his finger to rub it off, leaving it in the tread and leaving the rest of the tire looking nice and dusty. I think I left too much pigment on the sidewalls and can't get more to rub off. It stayed in the damaged areas I made to the rubber though and that's what I wanted. The effect came out ok but I'm trying something I've never seen before with one of the spare wheels and wanted it to come out better. I just need to do some more experimenting.

Post by **BigWall** » Tue Aug 18, 2020 1:08 am

Hawkmoon wrote: Mon Aug 17, 2020 8:54 am All looks good to me too great work that man

Thank you for looking in Andy.

Post by **BigWall** » Tue Aug 18, 2020 1:12 am

Tomcat64 wrote: Mon Aug 17, 2020 3:53 pm Superb work - that muffler looks great and as Stokesy said I can't see too much wrong with the wheels from here either!

Love the way you're detailing this up - cracking job

Thank you for your comments Neil! Please see my response to Stokesy above. I guess I just want them to come out more like the picture I had in my head.

Post by **BigWall** » Thu Aug 20, 2020 2:32 am

I think I've got my rubber wheels where I want them. I dry brushed some Tamiya German Gray over the rubber parts and brought them back to dirty rubber looking.

Brummbar 18 by Big Wall, on Flickr

After seeing the picture, I need to add some pigments between the steel wheels now.

So, while reading about Brummbars, I learned that the rubber wheels would get torn up due to the weight of the vehicle. On the version I'm building, the 2 front and back wheels on both sides were steel wheels. On later models the front 4 wheels were steel and even later, all of the wheels were steel. This made me create some damage on the rubber road wheels using an exacto knife. While doing this, I found I had to be careful because the plastic would chunk out if I was too enthusiastic. I saw a modern picture of a Brummbar and the spare wheels on the back of it were completely destroyed. This got me thinking about the spare steel wheels on my model. I could replace one of the rubber wheels with one of the steel spares, damage up the rubber wheel and place it on the back in the spare holder like it had been replaced. So now, there are 3 steel wheels on the front left side and I'm working on the damaged/replaced rubber wheel. Here's where I'm at.

Brummbar 19 by Big Wall, on Flickr

I've made it to the point where I just have little details like this to work on. Which is probably my favorite part along with painting and weathering.

Post by **BigWall** » Mon Aug 24, 2020 2:06 am

I made some good progress this weekend. Got both tracks on along with the skirts and started working on touch ups. I'm hoping to get this wrapped up this week so I can start on the WW2 group build.

Brummbar 20 by Big Wall, on Flickr

Brummbar 21 by Big Wall, on Flickr

Brummbar 22 by Big Wall, on Flickr

Brummbar 23 by Big Wall, on Flickr

Brummbar 24 by Big Wall, on Flickr

Brummbar 25 by Big Wall, on Flickr