Global Scale Modeller

Well good God, you have all nearly done.........
I saw the dates creeping up towards the January 1st start, and thought that my ability to get going on a this dedication build would not stump me.
How little did I know .
Work has been ballistic since the return to work in the New Year 15, and then I have been bogged down in illness.
I wrote this morning on my illness on my Chieftain Mk5 blog elsewhere this morning.
Suffice to say, that I was struck down with Influenza last Saturday and have not been out of my bed for a week.
Today is my first day typing on PC. I have managed to take a few photos of the After-Market and kit I have bought.
I have gone for a fairly basic kit (35216) that appears from the embossed date on the inside of the Lower Hull as created in 1989.
I have never built a Tiger of any sort and this by listening and looking seemed a good basic starter into the wonderful world of Tiger.
The choice in this box is to build a four versions A, B, C or D and five different colour specs.
I have decided to go for Tank No. 332, Spz Abt, 503, Russia, October 1943.
I have mistakenly bought two lots of Eduard PE (not a foggiest why ), and the PE is not half of the Chieftain PE that I have been playing with previously so this is not scaring me at present.

So, lets get on with some pictures and some building.

Replacement barrel (no instructions so may need some guidance chaps).

Tracks.


Thank you for having me, and boy do I need to get my finger out.
Some mighty fine builds on this thread, really fine.
Love and Peace chaps,
John

More PE?! You're nuts! Is the barrel hollow all the way through? Only asking as I'm struggling to get mine drilled out, so may order another. Cheers bud, feel better soon

Can't wait to see this one evolve!

chief5437 wrote:More PE?! You're nuts! Is the barrel hollow all the way through? Only asking as I'm struggling to get mine drilled out, so may order another. Cheers bud, feel better soon

Hi Chief, yup more nuts than a pack of Brazils with some Pecans for garnish.
I have to say, I thought it was only one plate of PE, then turns into three
Not as fiddly though, as with the Chieftain and all those locker Hasp & Clasps.
Good to see you about,
John

PaulAyrey wrote:Can't wait to see this one evolve!

Cheers Paul. It will evolve or die like a DoDo
Thanks mate,
John

Donkeywalloper wrote:

chief5437 wrote:More PE?! You're nuts! Is the barrel hollow all the way through? Only asking as I'm struggling to get mine drilled out, so may order another. Cheers bud, feel better soon

Hi Chief, yup more nuts than a pack of Brazils with some Pecans for garnish.
I have to say, I thought it was only one plate of PE, then turns into three
Not as fiddly though, as with the Chieftain and all those locker Hasp & Clasps.
Good to see you about,
John

More nuts than a bag of nuts, in a nut shop, that's mistakenly ordered in an extra months worth of nuts, on 'order a months worth, get 3 months worth for free' day! Lol!

However..... Is that barrel drilled out?

Great to see you on board John and good to hear the illness is been wrestled into submission!

Hello Chief

Sorry for delay in response regarding barrel.
My barrel has its inside turned out to a depth of 1cm (quite rough with a lot of swarf and metal filings, but will be cleaned with some wire wool).
Hope that helps,

John

I'm glad to see that you've managed to kick yourself out of bed buddy. I managed a good case of the influenza two years ago and I was down for the count for 2 weeks. Three days of which I remember. It's good to have you back at the bench and the keyboard

That's a great kit for building your first tiger, they're both easy and fun to build. So win win. The PE that you bought I can't speak for as I've never used Eduard's Tiger PE (I don't much care for eduard's PE), even still, I'm interested to see how it works and what your thoughts are on it.
Also a very good subject choice. Should be a fun build for you.

Donkeywalloper wrote:Hello Chief

Sorry for delay in response regarding barrel.
My barrel has its inside turned out to a depth of 1cm (quite rough with a lot of swarf and metal filings, but will be cleaned with some wire wool).
Hope that helps,

John

Cheers John, that does help. Thanks buddy, glad you're feeling a bit better

Coen wrote:I'm glad to see that you've managed to kick yourself out of bed buddy. I managed a good case of the influenza two years ago and I was down for the count for 2 weeks. Three days of which I remember. It's good to have you back at the bench and the keyboard

That's a great kit for building your first tiger, they're both easy and fun to build. So win win. The PE that you bought I can't speak for as I've never used Eduard's Tiger PE (I don't much care for eduard's PE), even still, I'm interested to see how it works and what your thoughts are on it.
Also a very good subject choice. Should be a fun build for you.

Hello Mike (& Family Coen)

Many thanks for your Get Well soons.
Definitely not the best I have felt, and have noticed that as I pull into my 50th year (April), that the body gets hit harder and takes so much longer to knock out shots and damage from the illness Howitzers.
Managed today (Wednesday) some first quality time at Bench in over three weeks.
My sense of concentration is not brilliant and that will improve I'm sure with the days.
Managed to construct today:
Idler Wheels and Drive Sprockets.
Also PE'd the Rear two Fenders and all the hinges and hooks associated.
I'm leaning towards getting the Lower Hull and Rear Panel complete by end of week.
Then next week, I may try my first venture into Fruil Track time.
Slowly, slowly catchy hairy bugger
Cheers to you mate,
John

Afternoon all

Hope your all well and dandy
I did knuckle down to a solid day of work on this kit and hope to post some photos of progress real soon.
I am having some real problems with the Eduard Photo Etch.
Its not very good quality and its proving, even for me to be a bit of a balls ache.
It got to this point when trying to curl some pieces for the Crow-Bar. They really are a complete !%£$&*().
Now I did hear our Lord Almighty Coen say that Aber are better.
Anyone got a link for some supplier?
This leads me on to say, I have a complete Eduard PE Kit (unused and not even bag split) for a Tiger Early available for anyone interested.
I suppose after dissing this PE set down, I am stuck with it
Love and Peace.
John
PS: Some of the work on here is really outstanding and am looking in trouble.

Get paid and you need something to award you for your hard work........yeah okay!, skivvying and dipping and diving can be hard work.
Bought Mark Healy's The Tiger Tank Story (Story (History Press).
Love and Peace
John

Annnnd because of you John.... So have I.
Haha
I also just bought Flower Class Corvettes: Shipcraft special, by John Lambert.
I feel shame

Hehehehehe
Just two boys with toys
Have to say just can't wait for it to arrive.
At least I maybe able to catch up on some reading time, to make up for the lack of build time.
Work is such a right royal pain in the ass
Good to hear from you mate. Looks like your quite busy managing this wonderful SIG in your honour (what's that like?).
Well best get ready for work.
Look after yourself
John

LOL, nice one Mr Amazon.
Got to work and it was there.
I thought it would be bigger (Greedy Boy, it was only £9.99).
I managed to get a sneaky look.
The photos of the build process and the amazing lathe for forming the Turret Ring are really amazing.
Now back to work, you naughty person.
John

Lucky bugger... Mine will be weeks before it arrives.

I'm not managing the gb John. I try to read everyone's posts and watch as many vids as I can though. I sorta feel like I have to. I would feel like I was being rude if I didn't.

Hehehehehehe, sorry Mike.
It will be well worth the wait and I won't mention any more of its contents
Its inspirational to see you guiding, giving advice and dipping in and out with kind words.
Its why we love you so much.........................
John

[quote="Donkeywalloper"]Hehehehehehe, sorry Mike.
It will be well worth the wait and I won't mention any more of its contents
Its inspirational to see you guiding, giving advice and dipping in and out with kind words.
Its why we love you so much.........................
John[/quote


I totally agree John, his Lordship is like a...er....technical helpline who you actually enjoy.... Bless him x

Hehehehehehe, yeah your right Tim.
A Help-Line you want to listen to and does not charge you for the call (Heavens, if only that was true in life).
Love and Peace
John

Aw shucks

Well not so much work at Bench, as work comes first (how you gonna pay for the bits and bobs? ).
So in-between work and work......
Bit of time trawling Net and circulating ideas on the Tigger.
So the last weeks purchases:
1 x Set of Buckets and Funnels.
1 x Tiger 1 Towing Cables, for towing Tiger (remarkable that).
1 x Dragons Teeth dio kit (see where this is going ).
1 x Scale Wooden Crates.
1 x 1/35 Bicycle..............
Got the weekend off but still not a chance to get the door shut on MC and settle down to some work on this kit.
My head is full of ideas, and my fingers are itchy to play with plastic and glue, and yet the world conspires to keep me working and away from the Bench.
Your all soldiering along full steam, and all I can do is sit and watch, salivating at the skills and artistry being put into these fine builds.

I want to come out and play but bugger if life is being a right royal pain in the anus.
Love you all,
John

I sympathise with John old son, I'm only managing to snatch a bit of time here and there but don't shoot your bolt mate, sounds like you've got something special brewing

Blimey mate, I hope your not thinking I have got something special brewing.......
Thanks for the encouragement that is very appreciated at present.
You look down the builds and think, are all these people retired?
I find it so frustrating at present that the hobby I love seems so difficult to spend time with.
Hope you have a great weekend Tim.
Best wishes,
John

Well good afternoon all

Its a beautiful, almost spring like day here in Burton upon Trent.
Mrs DW is out at work, and I have a little time to myself before going to work.
I am way behind on this build, and some of this is due to sickness earlier in year, and some just down to work (work is crap at moment, with a major fall out with Boss. Nothing I have done wrong, he just does not like me ).
Have spent all weekend worrying about work, even though off.
Even a pleasant visit to Mum & Dad, left me with long journeys pondering my future. 50 is coming up and I have to admit to being scared and a bit lost.
I look at these builds by my esteemed fellow modellers and feel in awe.
The builds are way ahead of me and some look to be close to completion.
I'm battling my inner demons and feel like I am viewing the finishers from the start line .
Anyhoo......carry on John and get on with it
So whilst I await the slooooow Photo Bucket upload of some piccies, I shall tell you what I have done so far, or more to the point so little done so far.
Obviously like all of these Tiger builds, the wheels, oh God the wheels.
Every build you look at on here, always a picture appears of multiple wheels. Tales of worn out Ultimate Sanders and strained eyes
So may as well add a picture of my wheels.


Nothing special to see. Each cleaned up and ready for a bit of work with my Dremel bit to create some "Texture" on the rims in a few places.
The reference books so far have been the Haynes (Tank Museum) Tiger Tank, Owners Workshop Manual and my new addition, Mark Healys, The Tiger Tank Story.


I have a wife who is a Spa Manager, and many years of work in the Beauty business. This gives me access to supplies of Baby-Buds and other bits-bobs that can be used for use in Modelling.
This though was a rare treat. Mrs DW had some new Make-Up brushes so I grabbed the old brushes.

The big brush would be wonderful for grabbing weathering powders and applying to builds. One of the brushes is a very soft application brush that looks perfect for Dry-Brushing. All will get used
Long way off, but for accessorizing the Tiger I shall be using these.

Also some After-Market Tow Cables to replace the kit supplied.

Anyway, some parts of build so far.
Front Drivers and MG plate and Air Filters.

Upper Hull, with Engine PE Grills and you'll notice this Tiger will be "Buttoned" down for the fight.

Lower Hull with Torsion Bars fitted (does this shot make the whole hull look bent



Right that's the lot for a while.
I shall up-date more hopefully this week with some more areas built.
Great builds so far by you talented chaps.
Till the next time,
Love and Peace,
John

John old son, don't worry about the time left there's plenty. I'm sorry to hear that your struggling a bit John, I'm not sure what to say without sounding patronising. If its any help, my partner absolutely can't stand our little hobby, constantly going on about how sad we all are... I'm 48 this year, so I know where your coming from mate. So keep your pecker up old son and just do a bit when you can.

Hey John, don't worry mate I too am sat in the slow lane while all these "Pros" build superb Tigers in their sleep!..lol...
...and I should feel the shame more as I am a 45 year old "stay at home Dad" with a 6 month old to take care of, so should be inundated with Model time.......
But alas, rearranging the home and having no real modelling space for now has really slowed the builds down...
Its not even the building..... Its the painting that's the problem for me!..
On a plus, there is still around 6 weeks or so of build time to complete so......
We'll crawl lazily over the finish line together, hand in hand..... Last minute no doubt!
Apart from that, well done dude, she is starting to look the business.
Once the paint goes on you'll be all but finished!..
Take care, don't worry, stay safe and well!..

Joesdad wrote:John old son, don't worry about the time left there's plenty. I'm sorry to hear that your struggling a bit John, I'm not sure what to say without sounding patronising. If its any help, my partner absolutely can't stand our little hobby, constantly going on about how sad we all are... I'm 48 this year, so I know where your coming from mate. So keep your pecker up old son and just do a bit when you can.

Hi Tim
You know, thats all sometimes you need from you lovely chaps. Some wise words and a kindly sentence and that lifts the heart and frees the mind a bit.
Thank you for just being there.

John

wappynutter wrote:Hey John, don't worry mate I too am sat in the slow lane while all these "Pros" build superb Tigers in their sleep!..lol...
...and I should feel the shame more as I am a 45 year old "stay at home Dad" with a 6 month old to take care of, so should be inundated with Model time.......
But alas, rearranging the home and having no real modelling space for now has really slowed the builds down...
Its not even the building..... Its the painting that's the problem for me!..
On a plus, there is still around 6 weeks or so of build time to complete so......
We'll crawl lazily over the finish line together, hand in hand..... Last minute no doubt!
Apart from that, well done dude, she is starting to look the business.
Once the paint goes on you'll be all but finished!..
Take care, don't worry, stay safe and well!..

Again Andy, all I need in this world is that that you wrote.
Everyone on here is either battling work, home, work and home or just themselves.
Thank you.
Thank you so much for the kindness you showed to me in writing a few words.
This is what ISM is about.
You take care and I'll see you at the finish line with something that resembles a Tigger
John

The only real important thing about the build John is that you enjoy it... not that you finish it on time.
As far as I'm concerned, any build that I have a good time with and I learn from, no matter the result, is a total success.
I've have many lemons that I thought made the sweetest lemonade.
Just enjoy the build, if you can't enjoy your work, then at least you can have this.

Hi Mike
Your so right.
I am enjoying the build, no probs there.
I probably as normal set myself to higher goal, but that is just me.
I have to say, the modelling is my saving grace every day.
It holds me together.
I love it so much and it calms my restless mind.
Thank you for your kind words mate.
As you will deduce from the time, I am on the Night-Shift again and having a tea and a read of through the builds.
Its a legendary SIG. The work going in and the research is just mindblowing.
You take care mate.
John

Just caught up with your thread John, and totally understand your plight. Work, family, and real life sometimes take more hours than there is in a day, but when I can spend just a few hours on our hobby, the stress of life can just melt away...or maybe its just the glue fumes Anyway, enjoy your time with the your Tiger, because that's what its all about I also agree with your comment on this SiG. So many awesome builds going on here, I need a drool bib

Progress looks great so far John and don't worry about finishing in time - if you do then great, if you don't, you're still part of the build and we'll all love what you've done!

Sorry to hear about work as well. You know what they say about bosses - they're just like nappies (diapers), hang about your ar$e all day long and are all full of sh*t!!

OliveDrab wrote:Just caught up with your thread John, and totally understand your plight. Work, family, and real life sometimes take more hours than there is in a day, but when I can spend just a few hours on our hobby, the stress of life can just melt away...or maybe its just the glue fumes Anyway, enjoy your time with the your Tiger, because that's what its all about I also agree with your comment on this SiG. So many awesome builds going on here, I need a drool bib

OD
Thank you for kind words mate.
I think instead of the glue fumes I may switch to a bit more Mr Surfacer
Its a lovely build mate.
I sat this afternoon and all I wanted to do was work on one bit of the kit.
I removed the Axe moulded hull fastenings and replaced with PE.
Only a small thing but quite satisfying.
Love and Peace mate.
John

alextheblue wrote:Progress looks great so far John and don't worry about finishing in time - if you do then great, if you don't, you're still part of the build and we'll all love what you've done!

Sorry to hear about work as well. You know what they say about bosses - they're just like nappies (diapers), hang about your ar$e all day long and are all full of sh*t!!

Cheers Alex for pulling a smile out of my ugly face.
Your a bloody star.
John

Morning all

Got in to work tonight and was greeted by a little box that would have formerly contained Phillips Light-Bulbs.
This had me confused as I had ordered a hell of a lot of Lamps last week for the building, but none on this small scale and no Phillips brand .
Turned the box over and let out the famous,
"Aha".
Its from www.fieldsofglory.co.uk
It contains my Dragons Teeth (very nice and moulded in Plaster of Paris).
Four crates.
But the topping on the cake is the little 1/35 Bicycle in Resin.
Its a beautifully moulded cracker.
It will be perfect slung over the back of the Tiger.
I have also tonight ordered from www.emodels.co.uk
The Ammo Weathering Tools Set paint set.
Mrs DW is in for a operation tomorrow, so will not have a lot of time for up-dates on Tiger for a few days.
I'm gonna being employing my best bedside manner and helping around the house like the proverbial Trojan.
Sleep on fellow modellers (except you lucky chaps in the US and Canada, who are probably getting stuck in as I speak).
John

Howdy chaps

Well having finished Nights on Monday morning and spending as little time as one should resting. I have then had a really good Spring Clean of house from top to bottom.
I have been the proverbial House Husband.
Laundry done.
Cleaning done.
Pets all cleaned out, done.
I had promised myself that Tuesday was my day of days for me......nothing but me and Mr Tiger.
I had nothing planned but a visit to that sacred of places, The Man-Cave.
Lagging so far behind these fabulous builds, I just wanted to get some relaxing and engaging work done on this build.
This I have managed without to much interruption.
My goal today was to try and get the majority of the PE done on the Tools.
So in a nice bright, well lit MC, the fun of bending tiny brass went on
The most fiddly bits are those handle clasps, oooh those handles


Yeah, bits of C/A overspill, but it can be scraped off with a sharp knife.
A lot of the little mistakes will be covered with Alclad Primer and paint.


Now onto the rear Tool-Kit box.
The arrow points to a mistake I made that only surfaced when taking photos.
The clasp for the lock is a wee high.
When your looking at it, its barley perceptible, but it will need correcting with a bend once glue has gone off.

This was a fiddly subject with a lot of scraping off of moulded detail then some tiny bits bent all over the shop for effect. I am a PE nutter

Rear Lower Hull Plate has had its PE Mud-Guards attached and they look passable. You decide chaps..........
I need to damage them a little. Bit to clean and new for my liking.



Plus one of the Exhaust Covers. I am only attaching one of the covers as I have seen plenty of Tiger photos of battle damaged vehicles with one, two and none. We for this subject will have one, dented unit.

Since this photo, I have been busy on this cover giving it some dents, cuts and bashes.
Now I have to shoot, as Mrs DW will be winding her way home soon and I have to get in the Kitchen and whisk up a thrilling Tea............
Jeez, talk about a emancipated New Man Think I left by balls in the cupboard with my High Heels
Love and wishes to you all,
John

Great work on those pe clamps, they are testing to do

Paul wrote:Great work on those pe clamps, they are testing to do

Thanks Paul, much appreciated.
They really do send you completely bossed eyed after a while.
Secret to that, is lots of Tea-Breaks (none of you will believe this seeing as what a man I am, I have just been baking Chocolate and Macadamia Nut Cookies ),
"Mr DW, your dress fitting is nearly ready",
Thanks for kind words mate.
John

Evening all

Well another fine day of "Me" time.
Only interruptions were on my mobile.
O2 can I sell you a new mobile? (No, bugger off).
House Insurance? (Maybe............... )
But apart from that, some cracking work managed today. Good frame of mind and tiredness from Nights now dissipating.
See what you think of build so far.
So with that in mind
Less talky talky, more buildy buildy.
Well, I'm pleased with progress so far.
Here's the pictures.....
Here's the RB Models barrel, no instructions for build and for you chaps more use to this kind of thing that's fine. For me though (novice) this was bloody hard work.
Same as Nero's build, quite a lot of reaming out of mantlet to accommodate shaft of barrel (that sounded all a bit rude ).
I could not work out what bits in bag were for, so had to download the British Army blueprints on the captured Tigers (Bovington) Muzzle Brake to work out what went where.
Got it right in end.



Inside of turret not painted as not visible, as all hatches will be down for war......but see later as maybe change of mind

The fit on the turret was extraordinarily good. But then again this is Tamiya.

Wee piece of PE to replace moulded on clip on Loaders Hatch.

Just a shot of small amount of tools used whilst bashing the kit today.
Good old Ultimate and TET.


So, I said the Tiger would be "Buttoned" down for Battle.
Well, could not resist one open hatch and doubt the interior will be visible when Oberst "To be named" is crammed in aperture. Bit of more PE.







As Mr Floyd would say, "Lot of lovely close ups on that darling",
Big loving close up of Tiggers rear with Tool-Box attached and trimmed PE (Oooops!).

Final shot of PE encased Fire Extinguisher.

That's your lot for the day.
Finally, gone from bugger all to a bit of a thing that looks like a Tiger.
Pleased with work so far?
Well yes I am Sir.
As always, Love and Peace to my Brothers in Glue.
John

Holy crap that is some nice P.E. work John.

Hillbilly wrote:Holy crap that is some nice P.E. work John.

Thank you Steve.
After all that tiny bending today, its difficult to see the bloody key-board to write to you
Thank you Sir.
John

Looking good John. Fantastic work on the PE mate it is a beast and can drive you wild when your trying to sort it out. But once done it's very rewarding to look at and admire.

That PE is awesome , a lot of work but will be regarding to see the end result ! A great Build so far !

She's looking great John. That PE really makes a difference....lovely.

Nige99 wrote:Looking good John. Fantastic work on the PE mate it is a beast and can drive you wild when your trying to sort it out. But once done it's very rewarding to look at and admire.

Cheers Nige, agreed it is a bit of a all consuming, eye-popping, finger twisting hell, but hopefully the end results will be worth it.
Thanks,
John

rodrant wrote:That PE is awesome , a lot of work but will be regarding to see the end result ! A great Build so far !

Thank you Antonio, its getting there and amazing what a couple of days work can pull together.

John

Joesdad wrote:She's looking great John. That PE really makes a difference....lovely.

Hi Tim

I have lost a few bits to the Carpet Monster (and worse still was the bloody Breaker Bar that sprang off towards God knows where, that will be lost in Action ).
Thanks for kind words mate.
John

I can't believe that you're doing all that PE John. That's an emense amount of work if you aren't used to it. However, it all looks great.
It looks like an Aber Set?
Very nice.

Thank you Mike
The kit is Eduard, but from advice and reviews I wish I had gone with Aber.
The kit is now assembled and requires only cables and tracks.
Just need to get more photos up on site.
Thank you so much for your great advice and kind words
John