Tamiya Early Tiger 1 conversion to late Tiger 1

[Dogberry]

Brass Bits especially etch brass


I have posted a few things on the forum and people have been very complementary about them, but they have also made comment about the use of Brass for outdoor running or battling.

I have found the opposite. A small brass part properly made and properly fixed will take more hammer than a thin plastic or 3d resin part. Take a piece of rod 40 thou thick and 2 inches long, in brass, injection moulded plastic and 3d printed resin, which one will break first. They also look better as they are finer.

I find that size for size Brass can be a lot better IF you follow a few simple rules.

Wherever possible solder don’t glue, use 183C low melt solder in some cases you do not even have to touch the part with the soldering Iron.

When you have to glue use good quality CA glue and an activator.

Remember the simple rules of Glueing or soldering things together.
Keep it clean grease free, clean with solvent.

Smooth shiny surfaces are bad roughen them up with sandpaper.

If possible build in some support, a small 1mm(40thou) brass peg soldered to the rear of a piece and then glued into a drilled hole can make a small piece tremendously strong.

Yes I know I sometimes take it to extreme and some of the fine brass detail will break, but it keeps me out of mischief. I sit at my workbench listening to audio books instead of standing on street corners drinking beer getting into trouble with the Police.

[Herr Dr. Professor]

"183C low melt solder" Ah, gotta get some of that!

[Ad Lav]

That engine is cool!

And well done for working out the wheel conversion!

[Dogberry]

About ready for the paint Shop. The painting will have to wait for drier warmer days. I must admit I hate painting tanks. I have 6 or 7 tanks all waiting for the paint shop, next summer I must get them painted. I thought you all might enjoy a few photos of the very nearly finished conversion.

[Dogberry]

More Photos

[HERMAN BIX]

Ohh my God, that’s doesn’t need paint !!

[tankme]

Good looking Tiger there. I'm with ya, I hate painting also....and weathering.

[Herr Dr. Professor]

faint.jpg (318.87 KiB) Viewed 693 times

[jarndice]

When assembling the hinged front and rear fenders I first cut to size then glued 1mm plasticard to the back of the PE,
I bought a large box of dress pins,
Pin viced the holes for the hinges and the outside edges of the fenders to take the place of faux rivets,
Pushed the dress pins through the predrilled holes and CAd them in place on the inside of the fender,
Once dry snipped the excess pin lengths off.
Left to one side to be ready later for fitting and paint'.

[Ad Lav]

That’s a peach of a tank, great work on all the brass bits! Seems a massive shame to paint it!