Taigen Tiger 1 Abs Body Tools and Clasps

[DannyBoy1]

Hi everyone. Kind of stumped. I have a Taigen ABS hull with molded on tools and the clasps details are absolutely rubbish. Is it possible to just photoetch over the part where the clasp is with a photoetch kit or would i have to shave all the tools off and do alot of reworking and then fit photoetch. Id like to just photoetch over the clasp area if possible to atleast give better detail than this Tiger 1 ABS upper hull has out the box. Thanks in advance. Appreicate it.

[jarndice]

You have discovered the biggest drawback of Taigen/Torro Armour,
I avoid Taigen Bodies for that reason, Instead Buy A Heng LongTiger 1 Body and Turret and the accessories and other impedimenta comes on a seperate sprue solving the problem you have come upon, The Taigen Tiger 1 Metal Hull is a straitforward swap and comes with a quick release, This does not solve your problem but at least you have an alternative for your next Tiger 1,
The last Taigen Tank I worked on I gave it a winter finish which allowed me to shape "Green Putty" around the Tools and paint the putty white so you have the impression of drifting snow,
You can scrape the tools off and some such as the excess spare radio aerial holder simply peel off once you start the cut,
Keep the blade flat to the item you are cutting and work your way into it, It is a slow process although it did have one benefit,
It finally drove me to drink.

[PainlessWolf]

Good Morning,
With patience and good etching tools (scribing blade set and files), you can give the molded on tools the appearance of regular glued on accessories. The PE clamps are then a great way to add detail!
regards,
Painless

[Herr Dr. Professor]

I certainly agree that separate tools are preferable. I have painstakingly painted quite a few Taigen/Torro relief-cast tools, and the results are not too bad. However, the next time I take on a Taigen or Torro tank, I will try PainlessWolf's technique of scribing around the tools to create a better sense of depth. I will also put a dark wash where I scribe to increase the effect all the more.

[Dogberry]

Why not get rid of the molded tools and have a go at scratch building the tools. If you are up for PE clamps you can make tools. All you need is a bit of imagination and ingenuity. I have made cleaning rods for my tiger out of Bamboo barbecue skewers and jack blocks for the Hooben Elefant from scrap bits and pieces. If it fails make it look like it’s been shot up. I often wondered how long the shovel on the front glacis of a Tiger 1 survived in combat, or what it would look like after a burst of automatic fire.


You could even leave some of the tools off and just put the clamps on, Take a look at photos of tanks in action they were missing all sort of equipment.

[DannyBoy1]

Thank you for the information all. I have made my decision. I am going to take off all the tools with a scriber or knife and sand and file and get as flat as possible. Then get the voyager/aber PE sets for cleaning rods, clamps/clasps and a tools set. Any handy tips on getting these tools off lads? Thanks in advance.

[Jimster]

The fun of modeling 1/16 tanks is now on full display!

[Jimster]

I remove things like that with a fresh chisel blade. Go slowly and give it a wiggle left and right. You’ll get the feel for it. Practice.

[MrChef]

Rotary tool for the Win!

[MrChef]

I'm personally a broad strokes guy but I do not like the look of the molded in tools on the Taigen Tiger. The late Tiger has a different configuration of tools because of the turret protection ring. So I sourced a King Tiger set of tools, did a little modification and there we have it. Just a mock up but gives you an idea. There are highly skilled detail oriented modelers here with alot more finesse and patience to work with photo-etch. I just know what I don't and do like and what looks good enough to me. Oh and of course I'm heavy handed with weathering when it's all said and done.