Hello all!

[ALPHA]

Thanks for the speedy replies guys! So, is there anything I would want to keep an eye on with the Tiger or Panther? Specifically repairs? Which parts aren't so reliable etc? Silly question but is there terrains I should avoid? Apart from completely submerging it in water. With the winter drawing in id like to know if snow is a complete 'no-no' and if shallow puddles are to be given a miss also! Apologies for the continuous questions, just didn't want to have it giving me problems I could have avoided. Thanks guys!

Several trains of thought on the subject Desert... with me I read the instruction book at least once... usually has the precautions in them...most of the cautions and warnings are universal and included with every tank no matter the brand ....I Generally do what it says not to do....just to see how the tank performs before altering anything
With the exception of wet sand and snow...I have run my tanks through just about everything...even shallow puddles of water with no problems ...haven't shot any dogs or people with them...but it's fun to think about lol
Won't be doing wet sand....because there were two others who have already tried...one tore up his track link pins ...the other blew his gearbox ...Snow I still would like to have a go

Advantages to the Tiger is there are a lot more parts out there for them...with more vendors for those parts where the Panther...though parts are available...limited Vendors carry the really nice stuff and most are in Germany


Hope that helps

ALPHA

[DesertRat]

Cheers for the advice, ALPHA. So wet sand is completely out, just one last question, I've noticed some pretty nice tanks on here, the paintwork, and detailing is often superb! How'd you guys do it? What type of paint, and the methods? Is it a literal case of free-hand detailing? Cheers, DR.

[jarndice]

Desert Rat, if you scroll down to HENG LONG BUILDS, pick a Tiger 1 build and spend time absorbing the words and the photographs then move on to another and do the same, trust me we all were absolute beginners once upon a time, truly practice does make perfect, that is why your first Tank really ought to be a cheap model so that you will not mind too much if you c*ck it up, after you get the Tank you would be advised to take notice of PAINLESS'S advise and research the Tank you are interested in building, its whole history, then if you need tools search this site to find out what you will find most useful and finally do get on good terms with both your partner and your Bank Manager. This is fun but it is not cheap. Please keep on asking questions we cannot read your mind, and just because we have probably been asked these questions before they are new to you. shaun

[Bogeyman]

Hi,

Welcome to the forum, lots of good advice already given from the guys above, enjoy ask lots of questions if you need to.

John

[billpe]

As alpha says wet sand will destroy tracks, mainly warp the pins. Some of the after market tracks like Impact tracks have much more durable pins but they're the same price as a HL pro and I'd still be very cautious with them.

Snow is a different matter and It's worth noting that RC tigers suffer the same problems as real tigers did, except in the RC version its ice and not debris that builds up between the wheels. On all the tanks I've run in snow they all suffer from building up with snow on the idlers and sprockets. This gets compacted, it freezes and puts enormous pressure on the running gear, gear boxes and idler mounts.

It's actually fairly easy to make these tanks electronics water resistant though but full immersion is pretty hard to do.

[ALPHA]

Cheers for the advice, ALPHA. So wet sand is completely out, just one last question, I've noticed some pretty nice tanks on here, the paintwork, and detailing is often superb! How'd you guys do it? What type of paint, and the methods? Is it a literal case of free-hand detailing? Cheers, DR.

Yeah I wouldn't take a chance in wet sand The paint and detail...just go to whichever post and ask (check the date of the post lol)...everyone is friendly enough...and assist you with what you need to know


ALPHA

PS, I did put a request in for separate Categories for Tigers and Shermans with the Moderators ....it hasn't hit home yet with them... but would have been perfect for someone in your inquisitive situation...We have the Tiger Thread...but it's mostly comprised of finished models and not the builds themselves...you could try to ask some of the members that participated in the Tiger Thread... and they might direct you to their builds

[DesertRat]

appreciate the help gents, I'll use these coming days to browse the forums before purchasing over the weekend! I'm looking forward to getting involved! Again, thanks for the quick replies to each question! DR.

[tanker 242]

hi desert rat welcome to the forum iff you look on the forums list you will find usefull tips on painting & weathering , I learnt to do mine on 1/35 scale Tamiya kits using humbrol paints & weathering powders then,just aply`d them to the 1/16 I moved on to , tanker 242, ps I have used my tiger 1 ,kv 1 panzer 4 on very short grass [ as long as you keep the tracks clear of grass build up] & shallow puddles no problem, as yet have got to try my new t34/85 on them , as for what one you get look on the forums first & you`ll get a lot of good advice .

[billpe]

The painting is a different matter, there are many techniques to get what you want. The basic painting is fairly simple, brush, rattle can or airbrush, with or without masking.

For the weathering, rather than explaining, watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqeXw1b7P4g. He explains pretty much all the various techniques and shows you the basics on how to achieve them. Takes some practice, so it's good to use a 1:35 model to try stuff out on.

[Merlin707]

Hi DesertRat, welcome.

I mirror the above comments, if you search for Forgebear on eBay he has a nice Tiger and I believe a couple of Panthers.
I recently bought a fully modded Tiger from him and the service was beyond excellent.
Definitely worth a look if it's a Tiger you want.