[D-DAY] My Tiger 1 Normandy build

[cmryanuk]

Hi all, about 7 years ago I bought a built but unpainted Tamiya Tiger 1 early full option from a model fair. I was really into the tank warfare then and had a modded HL T1 based on the Bovington Tiger.

In my enthusiasm I bought this tank and decided to partially dismantle it and change it to an early/mid T1. The project got underway with lots of metal replacement parts and an Aber brass detailing set. I started the process of modifying it but without a clear idea in mind if what I wanted to do.

And then I bought a Land Rover and started on much more heavy work and modifications to go green-laning. The model building ground to a halt, the tigers put in a crate, and all the other tanks were put on the shed.

I've always been a model-builder since a kid, and a few years ago found a cardboard box full of Airfix 1:72 WW2 fighters I built between 12 and 16. I also found some Tamiya 1:35 Panzers that I built in my 30's and attempted some weathering with moderate success. Nothing too clever, but evert day is a school day. They're now on display again

So back to the Tiger, 7 years ago I had started Zimmeriting it with milliput and after reading every entry in the HL Normandy Tiger thread decided to carry on with Magic Sculpt instead, and try again with the Aber brass. Those brass catches nearly drove me insane - I'm no microsurgeon and you need to be!

This is where I'm up to...

[Ad Lav]

Very nice start

[cmryanuk]

Thank you. I know there are many better builds but I'm working with hand tools and my eyes. I have no engineering experience or machine tools. I hope to get an end result that is achievable for an amateur builder and better than the stock kit. I'm learning from others and working out what is achievable with my time and limitations

[Ecam]

I have some experience and power tools, I could never pull off what you are doing. Impressive Zimmerit and working with those micro latches would send me back to the funny farm. Great work!

[Herr Dr. Professor]

I'm glad you came back to modeling, cmryanuk. Because of work, I had to curtail my modeling for about thirty years, but when I felt retirement coming on, I dug out some fifty-five-old-modeling tools and started drooling. Those miniature latches impress me, too, Eric. I think there are various sources for them. Where did you get them, cmryanuk?

[cmryanuk]

Hi Herr Dr, IIRC they are part if the Aber Ausf E set 16050. I can't recommend it for anyone without a lot of experience in photoetch. It's incredibly fiddly. The first 4 part latch took me an hour, the second 45 mins.
But I'm really enjoying getting back into modelling.
Thanks for the support, Chris

[cmryanuk]

This is the kit label

[cmryanuk]

Real zimmerit from Abt 501 334. It's neither perfect nor regular. Don't beat yourself up. I over-stressed trying to make it regular. Wrong approach.

Note the flat section on the right for the unit insignia. I've also seen this placed on the left of the glacis plate

[jarndice]

I have found that while "Voyager" do not make much PE in 1/16 what there is is much easier to work than Abers PE including the catches.

[cmryanuk]

Can I please ask for some help/advice?
I'm adding metal cable mounts and to match the mid production version so the early Tamiya moulded cable isn't usable. What is the best material to use for a replacement cable? Just to be clear this is the lightweight cable that is mounted to the left side of the Hull. I want something that is easy to bend and will hold shape.
Thanks