Hobby Boss 1/35 King Tiger

Post by **Gary30** » Wed Sep 02, 2020 7:39 am

This is going to be my entry into this GB, the box is HUGE and weighs a ton, so enough to keep me busy until Christmas with a few other things I have going on, it will be my first attempt at zimmerit and first attempt at painting a camo scheme.....what could possibly go wrong....right?!

Sprue shots:

I purchased a Tamiya Zimmerit tool set so I’m going to go down the DIY route rather than use the kit sheets which are very uniform.

Thanks for looking.

Post by **robwuk** » Wed Sep 02, 2020 9:11 am

Always shied away from tri-tone German camo (the 2 times I attempted it I really struggled). Look forward to watching this progress - maybe you will inspire me to try one for myself

Post by **Gary30** » Wed Sep 02, 2020 9:15 am

robwuk wrote: Wed Sep 02, 2020 9:11 am Always shied away from tri-tone German camo (the 2 times I attempted it I really struggled). Look forward to watching this progress - maybe you will inspire me to try one for myself

Cheers! Yes I've decided on a tri-tone scheme, should be 'interesting' if nothing else!

Post by **Rugash** » Wed Sep 02, 2020 11:11 am

Cool, how will you be doing the zimmerit?

I have an old Nichimo kit of the same (same as Tamiya I think), no where near as detailed or accurate as this kit would be.
I will be doing zimmerit on mine as well, I have the trumpeter zimmerit tools.

Post by **SMAddict66** » Wed Sep 02, 2020 11:21 am

Good luck with build and I’ll be following your progress to learn the joys of laying down some zimmerit.

Post by **Gary30** » Wed Sep 02, 2020 12:14 pm

Rugash wrote: Wed Sep 02, 2020 11:11 am Cool, how will you be doing the zimmerit?

I have an old Nichimo kit of the same (same as Tamiya I think), no where near as detailed or accurate as this kit would be.
I will be doing zimmerit on mine as well, I have the trumpeter zimmerit tools.

Well the kit comes with zimmerit plating that you attach, but the criticism is that it's a really uniform pattern and so not all that realistic, so I'm in two minds as to what to do, I think I'll probably end up using the kit zimmerit and then trying to take out some of the uniformity by sanding it, or adding putty in places, or trying to show damage to the surface etc.

I might look into the putty and zimmerit tool method though, plenty to consider at this stage.

Post by **digger303** » Wed Sep 02, 2020 12:15 pm

Good I want to see how the product you choose works for you concerning the zim.

Post by **Quax** » Wed Sep 02, 2020 1:57 pm

looks a nice kit, I'll be watching with interest too to see how you get on with the zim

Paul

Post by **aur0ra145** » Thu Sep 03, 2020 3:58 am

Very interested to see the zimmerit. I have the Tamiya tools; but, I've never attempted to use them.

Post by **Tomcat64** » Thu Sep 03, 2020 3:45 pm

Another hefty piece of kit! Looking forward to seeing this come together.

If you're going to airbrush the tri-tone camo I'd suggest trying it out on a postcard-sized piece of plastic first to try and get comfortable with how it goes down

Post by **Gary30** » Fri Sep 04, 2020 8:26 am

Tomcat64 wrote: Thu Sep 03, 2020 3:45 pm Another hefty piece of kit! Looking forward to seeing this come together.

If you're going to airbrush the tri-tone camo I'd suggest trying it out on a postcard-sized piece of plastic first to try and get comfortable with how it goes down

Yes, my first attempt at camo, and my first attempt at camo with an airbursh, in for a penny and all that! I will do a few practice runs first.

Post by **Mpfiend** » Thu Oct 29, 2020 3:27 pm

Hi Gary,
Found it, look forward to seeing progress on this, I like a king tiger build
I hope you don't mind, here is one I did a couple of years ago. it was one of the older Dragon kits that are now hard to find.

Post by **digger303** » Thu Oct 29, 2020 11:38 pm

Mpfiend wrote: Thu Oct 29, 2020 3:27 pm Hi Gary,
Found it, look forward to seeing progress on this, I like a king tiger build
I hope you don't mind, here is one I did a couple of years ago. it was one of the older Dragon kits that are now hard to find.

Nice

Post by **Gary30** » Fri Oct 30, 2020 7:42 am

Mpfiend wrote: Thu Oct 29, 2020 3:27 pm Hi Gary,
Found it, look forward to seeing progress on this, I like a king tiger build
I hope you don't mind, here is one I did a couple of years ago. it was one of the older Dragon kits that are now hard to find.

Wow! Seeting the bar pretty high there

That looks great, I'd be made up if mine came out looking anything like that, weathering is fantastic!

Post by **Mpfiend** » Fri Oct 30, 2020 12:45 pm

Thanks Gent's
Gary, I'm sure you will making a cracking job on yours.

Post by **ForeverPlasticKits** » Sat Oct 31, 2020 11:14 pm

Excellent choice for this heavy tank, let's start it!

Post by **Rugash** » Mon Nov 02, 2020 10:13 am

Hi Gary, I've been missing off here for a little while. How have you been going with the Tiger?

Post by **Gary30** » Tue Nov 10, 2020 8:19 am

Rugash wrote: Mon Nov 02, 2020 10:13 am Hi Gary, I've been missing off here for a little while. How have you been going with the Tiger?

Hey Matt!

I've been slow updating this thread (as usual) but there isn't much to show at the moment. The lower hull and torsion bars are all built up, and all the road wheels are prepped ready for paint. At the moment I am halfway through building the tracks, there are lots of them! Two nights works and I am nearly done on one side, I was dreading them, but they actually go together ok and work well, much better than rubber bands and way cheaper than investing in metal tracks for a kit that didn't cost much in the first place. It's time consuming building them but quite therapeutic with some background music.

I'll take some in progress pics soon. Thanks for looking in.

Post by **Mpfiend** » Tue Nov 17, 2020 2:15 pm

Hi Gary,
How are you getting on with this? any progress pics to show us?

Post by **Gary30** » Thu Nov 19, 2020 7:43 am

Morning all, I thought it was about time I provided a proper update on this, it's actually a really fun build and I'm impressed with the quality of the kit, it's great value for money compared to other manufacturers! I've been enjoying just plodding on with it and not thinking too much about taking photos, but I took a few last night to show you where I'm at:

Lower hull and torsion bars are all complete, working suspension btw:

Both sets of tracks are complete (this is one side only) 92 links per side and 92 guide horns to glue....took a while!

But still enjoyable

My first time having any dealings with Zimmerit, I wanted to get as far away from the uniformity of the kit supplied Zim sheets, so I definitely wasn't being too precious about getting it perfect, I'm planning on a fairly heavy weathering, so wanted a 'battle scarred' look to things, and most tanks I've seen IRL, the Zimmerit is quite rough, so I'm happy with it, I think it'll come alive once I get some primer on there and start painting. It matches the bow gun port kit item quite well I think. I used an instant grab adhesive and the Tamiya zimmerit combs, I'd maybe use a wood filler next time as the stuff I'm using dries very quickly so you don't get much time, but it does produce that nice grainy effect

Started work on the turret:

Rear engine plate is pretty much complete, needs the jack installing, I will detail paint as I go with this one

And a quick mock up of the gun in the turret basket, I'm going to try and model it with one of the hatches open so all this detail isn't completely lost

Thanks for looking in! Looking forward to getting some paint on this kitty now, she's a BIG girl

Post by **Stokesy44** » Thu Nov 19, 2020 8:34 am

That zim work looks really good. Should be stunning when painted.

Post by **Gary30** » Thu Nov 19, 2020 10:21 am

Stokesy44 wrote: Thu Nov 19, 2020 8:34 am That zim work looks really good. Should be stunning when painted.

Thanks! I'm hoping a bit of beginners luck will be on my side as I've never tried anything like this before.

Camo schemes are easy right?

Because I've never painted one of those before either

Post by **digger303** » Thu Nov 19, 2020 10:31 am

Good to hear your having fun with it. It looks quite impressive kit and your making your own zim. You don't see a lot of that. I thought I would have a crack at doing that sometime, but the question in my mind is what product to use, Maybe the wood putty like you said is a good option, but which one ?
Enjoying your posts

Post by **Gary30** » Thu Nov 19, 2020 10:45 am

digger303 wrote: Thu Nov 19, 2020 10:31 am Good to hear your having fun with it. It looks quite impressive kit and your making your own zim. You don't see a lot of that. I thought I would have a crack at doing that sometime, but the question in my mind is what product to use, Maybe the wood putty like you said is a good option, but which one ?
Enjoying your posts

It's actually quite straightforward and goes on pretty quick once you take the leap of faith to 'ruin' a perfectly good kit

but the medium choice is definitely the key to it. I'm not sure how well stocked your garage / garden shed is, but I'd definitely try a few different fillers / adhesives if you have some old tubes lying round and see which one you like rather than buying new stuff, it really doesn't take much to cover the whole model.

I was finding the stuff I used (the absolute cheapest no brand rubbish I could find on Amazon

) was drying a bit too fast, and was trying to clog up the teeth on the zimmerit tool, so I had to keep cleaning the tool before every 'pass'. It would've been much easier with something that didn't dry so fast, but I don't think it would've achieved that grainy look so it's just a case of trying a few and see what you prefer, the application itself is the easy part.

Post by **Stokesy44** » Thu Nov 19, 2020 11:57 am

Gary30 wrote: Thu Nov 19, 2020 10:21 am
Stokesy44 wrote: Thu Nov 19, 2020 8:34 am That zim work looks really good. Should be stunning when painted.
Thanks! I'm hoping a bit of beginners luck will be on my side as I've never tried anything like this before.

Camo schemes are easy right? Because I've never painted one of those before either

Remember the camo was field applied, it doesn’t have to be perfect.

Post by **digger303** » Thu Nov 19, 2020 1:17 pm

Gary30 wrote: Thu Nov 19, 2020 10:45 am
digger303 wrote: Thu Nov 19, 2020 10:31 am Good to hear your having fun with it. It looks quite impressive kit and your making your own zim. You don't see a lot of that. I thought I would have a crack at doing that sometime, but the question in my mind is what product to use, Maybe the wood putty like you said is a good option, but which one ?
Enjoying your posts
It's actually quite straightforward and goes on pretty quick once you take the leap of faith to 'ruin' a perfectly good kit but the medium choice is definitely the key to it. I'm not sure how well stocked your garage / garden shed is, but I'd definitely try a few different fillers / adhesives if you have some old tubes lying round and see which one you like rather than buying new stuff, it really doesn't take much to cover the whole model.

I was finding the stuff I used (the absolute cheapest no brand rubbish I could find on Amazon ) was drying a bit too fast, and was trying to clog up the teeth on the zimmerit tool, so I had to keep cleaning the tool before every 'pass'. It would've been much easier with something that didn't dry so fast, but I don't think it would've achieved that grainy look so it's just a case of trying a few and see what you prefer, the application itself is the easy part.

I seem to remember Scott mentioning glaziers putty as being good. Can't remember what for...may have been as a filler can't remember the brand now either....sorry

Post by **BigWall** » Thu Nov 19, 2020 3:29 pm

Nice start! She's looking good.

Post by **Gary30** » Thu Nov 19, 2020 3:30 pm

Stokesy44 wrote: Thu Nov 19, 2020 11:57 am
Gary30 wrote: Thu Nov 19, 2020 10:21 am
Stokesy44 wrote: Thu Nov 19, 2020 8:34 am That zim work looks really good. Should be stunning when painted.
Thanks! I'm hoping a bit of beginners luck will be on my side as I've never tried anything like this before.
Camo schemes are easy right? Because I've never painted one of those before either
Remember the camo was field applied, it doesn’t have to be perfect.

I like your thinking...as perfect it won't be!

Post by **BigWall** » Thu Nov 19, 2020 4:27 pm

As far as camo goes, I've found that I like to draw the lines with a pencil first. You can then brush the camo on or use an airbrush. If you want a sharp line and are using an airbrush, you can use a brush on the edges with the paint you've already thinned down for your airbrush. Work in small areas at a time so you don't end up with a distinct edge between the brushed paint and the airbrushed paint.

Post by **Tomcat64** » Fri Nov 20, 2020 3:56 pm

That's come together really well Gary - and love the "scruffy" zim - looks really effective.

As Joe & Stokesy already said the camo was field applied so there's no rules, just take your time and don't be put off about needing to go back and rework areas if you're not happy with them, it all adds to the variety.

Post by **Gary30** » Tue Nov 24, 2020 9:24 am

Thanks for all the tips gents, really itching to get painting now, but still a fair bit to do to finish the construction first!

Just a quick 'in progress' photo, rear upper engine deck is done and installed, some really nice detail parts, and a chunk of PE parts still to be fitted, this really is a great value for money kit, fit is good too.

Thanks for looking.

Post by **Tomcat64** » Fri Nov 27, 2020 9:41 am

Great to see you're still making progress on this one Gary

Post by **BigWall** » Fri Nov 27, 2020 3:21 pm

It's looking good!

Post by **digger303** » Fri Nov 27, 2020 10:59 pm

I can see why you like this kit so much. It does look sharp.

Post by **Kevthemodeller** » Sat Nov 28, 2020 9:35 am

Great looking zim Gary, looking forward to seeing this one come together

Post by **Gary30** » Fri Dec 04, 2020 9:40 am

I've been beavering away in the background, and this big cat is just about ready for some primer now I think, some fiddly PE work but it was still a fun build. Wheels are still loose and just mocked up here:

Hoping to get some time this weekend to blow some paint at it.

Post by **digger303** » Fri Dec 04, 2020 11:50 am

Gary30 wrote: Fri Dec 04, 2020 9:40 am I've been beavering away in the background, and this big cat is just about ready for some primer now I think, some fiddly PE work but it was still a fun build. Wheels are still loose and just mocked up here:

Hoping to get some time this weekend to blow some paint at it.

I hope you do to really want to see what the paint does on ya zim.

Post by **Donkeywalloper** » Fri Dec 04, 2020 3:06 pm

Awesome build chap and great detail.
DW

Post by **ForeverPlasticKits** » Fri Dec 04, 2020 6:57 pm

I can't wait to see it painted!

Post by **Stokesy44** » Fri Dec 04, 2020 8:34 pm

Really nice work on the zim Sir. Get some paint on that beauty!

Post by **Gary30** » Sat Dec 05, 2020 4:34 pm

Got some primer down on her and then a coat of ‘red oxide’ primer (my own blend) I’m going to be attempting some chipping so a hairspray coat is going on top of this before the base colour.

Just a sneak preview:

Post by **BigWall** » Sat Dec 05, 2020 5:27 pm

Very nice progress. It's looking great!

Post by **digger303** » Sun Dec 06, 2020 3:38 am

Post by **Stokesy44** » Sun Dec 06, 2020 10:30 am

Beautiful paint job. The zim on the from glacis plate has come out really well.

Post by **Mpfiend** » Mon Dec 07, 2020 9:35 am

Coming along very nicely

Post by **Gary30** » Tue Dec 08, 2020 9:13 pm

Everything together now, chipping coat under this base coat and it chips nicely so going in with the camo scheme next. Nice to finally have it put together.

Post by **BigWall** » Wed Dec 09, 2020 12:06 am

The paint is looking great! Nice work!

Post by **aur0ra145** » Thu Dec 10, 2020 2:24 am

Really good looking build so far!

Post by **Tomcat64** » Fri Dec 11, 2020 11:43 am

Nice work Gary - can you remember what you used to mix up the red oxide? That's come out really nicely.

Post by **Gary30** » Fri Dec 11, 2020 9:49 pm

Tomcat64 wrote: Fri Dec 11, 2020 11:43 am Nice work Gary - can you remember what you used to mix up the red oxide? That's come out really nicely.

It was mostly Vallejo fire red, with a bit of white and I think some ‘normal’ red mixed in for good measure to lighten it up a touch, I usually mix my own shades as then everything is unique...plus my wallet thanks me haha!

I managed a few hours this evening to lay the camo down, for my very first attempt at camo and doing it freehand I’m pretty happy with how it came out, it’s quite effective at making it look not like a tank, that’s the goal after all.

I’ve just given it a gloss coat now and will start with some detail painting and weathering over the weekend if I get some spare time, deadline is fast approaching to get it done now