Tamiya Tiger 1 - nearly finished pics

[James-06scl]

Hello all,

I'm pretty new here, and thoroughly enjoying the forum.... 

This is the first tank I've ever built, it's pretty much a straight build right from the box.  After taking the pics, I noticed that there are a few areas that I could have spent a little more time on, particularly the removal of mold lines etc.  During the build I realized that the "dancing devil" stencil was not used on this unit, however I take a little modelers license on that one, as I think it's a great looking logo, especially on a Tiger.
I've likely overdone the rust and weathering a little, as it probably didn't survive long enough to acquire that amount.
She's not finished yet, as there are a few more details I'd like to add, as well as the list of internal function mods I am working on.

In any case, I've read and picked up lots of great info here and on other forums and thought I'd share what I've picked up and tried to apply to this tank.

Regards,
James

[James-06scl]

Just a sec, while I resize these pics...thx

[Saxondog]

Welcome to the forum.Resizing would help in viewing such a fine TIGER-I,The weathering looks great to me,and very well done.The cables have a well used look,very well done weathering job also.The tools are perfect.the wear on the gun barrel from recoiling is also a nice detail,you have done a fine job overall,and for your first tank it's obvious you have some skill.Saxondog

[James-06scl]

Saxondog,
Thanks for the kind words...
I had to laugh about the wear on the barrel, as it really has been caused by the recoiling of the unit when operating.  I had quite a time with it, having to sand it down as a result of too much paint more than once, as it was causing the recoil to jam.  So basically it's real wear, and not something I really did.
It made me wonder how the real tanks worked, did they grease this part, or was their contact and wear on them as well.
Apparently the dark muzzle look isn't really authentic, but I like it, so I did it anyway.

[Saxondog]

I understand as I have recoil with airsoft,my barrel was a custom job and at first I had the same problem,but found the barrel was twisting a little so a little adjustment and no more drag,I also have a grey TIGER-I and because of some very good instruction have created a much better looking tank,under tips and tricks their is a child board on painting and weathering in grey,not that you need any help,but you may want to take a look at some of the technique's discussed on that board,and I am still changing and weathering as I go along.Your use of the dancing devil may be historically inaccurate but your TIGER-I looks ready to drive,hope you enjoy this forum it really is the best.You can make friends here,I tried others but found a home here.A large group of skilled people all willing to share their skills.That is not allways the case in some groups,but here members enjoy sharing skills.Best of luck with your TIGER-I,what do you think your next tank will be? I'm leaning toward a Jagdpanther.Blake

[James-06scl]

Blake,
I agree, there is a great deal of info here, some great "how to" threads.  I've spent a fair bit of time here reading, and learning, including the child board on weathering, that you mentioned.  As luck would have it, I read an article on forced perspective, and varying shades in Fine Scale Modeler magazine, just as I had the primer and base coat of German Grey on the Tiger.  The article made an impression on me, and I repainted over the German Grey with at least 6 different shades of much lighter grey.  Good job I did, or it would have been black when I finished with the weathering...lol.  There are many beautiful models featured here on this forum, lots to learn, and very interesting seeing how others get on with these.
I imagine the next tank will be a Sherman.  That may be a bit though, this Tiger has been a total money pit...lol,
James

[tankman]

Very nice job on your Tiger 1 a real credit to you.
Alan

[Saxondog]

James,I understand the money pit.My TIGER-I was a s&s Heng-Long then asiatam hull,creeping death turret,drive,idler,tracks all metal.Then the turret rework redesign plus Tamiya barrel three different a/r gun assemblies,various other upgrades,replace all electronics and transmitter due to gun overload.3:1 asiatam gearbox,impact drive 12-tooth gears,Gruapner speed 400 motors.3300mah battery.decals,paint,more paint.If I added it all up I would be killed by my wife.Then purchased 1/6 scale static TIGER-I which was damaged in shipping and that is still unresolved.Now I did have some eBay income,and sold two motorcycles that I did not need or use anymore,and I have over the years spent a good amount of money on ship models,I have friends that go to bars every weekend and out to eat which cost money,so I'm just a big kid.Life is good and I am grateful.Blake

[edelweiss3945]

your first tank?! excellent work m8, nothing like hitting the ground running! really fine paint work , very convincing a credit to you. martin

[oz]

very nice indeed' if this is your first tank then you must be really happy with it, well done....................cheers oz