Weathering

[jarndice]

I go along with BILL and MAC,
Given that the rate of attrition on both the West and East fronts were so high and that there were less than 1400 Tiger 1s built between 42 and 45 and with my own experience of SNCOs who would never walk past a group of men standing around having a smoke without finding something for them to do,
I do think that the amount of general negligence in vehicles as depicted by some Tank builds is over the top,
But Gentlemen/Ladies this is a topic we have visited a number of times before and we have never managed to reach a conclusive agreement and so yet again I think the General has it right, It is your build and we can pick at it all we like but IT IS YOUR BUILD.
Shaun.

[greengiant]

I to spent quite a few years working on the real thing. Other then mud, dust or rust on a tank, truck or anything else in the field was washed off at the first opportunity. Paint was always touched up after washing. The only rust seen would be a maybe a light overnight flash rust in tracks of tanks which was rubbed out with oil as soon as it appeared.
Who is to say what the modeler is trying to achieve. We do what we do because it pleases us.

[Dr Phibes]

As someone new to RC tanks I find this discussion very helpful. Without wanting or intending to be in any way derogatory toward any of the excellent modelling and paint works I have come across here and elsewhere it remains true to say I nonetheless found/find some examples of weathering (especially rusting, flaking, and just what appears to be general aging) to appear, frankly, over the top and unrealistic.

My first project, ongoing, is a Torro King Tiger so, naturally these are what I have been researching in particular, at least to start with (though I already now have a hankering for a T-34, but that's for my next project and I'll have to wait for that). Some of the work I have viewed demonstrates exceptional skill, far beyond what I expect to achieve any time soon. But I still found it a little puzzling that a tank that was in production for little over a year and that, as I understand it, was factory coated with red oxide primer, is sometimes displayed as if it had been rotting in some damp barn for decades. This I have seen on other model military vehicles taken to an extent that is reminiscent of a machine dragged out of a muddy river after resting there for the best part of a century. It is of course each and everyone's choice but, for me, attaining some degree of historical accuracy is part of the fun, and get the impression that a lot of you are of the same mind (certainly many discussion here suggest as much).

However, I didn't want to raise this because, really, I just thought I'm too new on this forum and, as you all know, we want to make friends not enemies (well except when battling these tanks I guess ). So, anyway, what I'm saying is this might be an old debate to many of you guys but this sort of thing is a very welcome tutorial to those like me so do please keep the views, advice, and ideas coming! Thanks.

[ALPHA]

Greetings Dr Phibes ...You shouldn't feel hesitant to give any kind of input...for the most part this is a message board....input of any kind is usually helpful ...Sure there is the possible of stepping on some toes...but most of us have pretty tough feet and can respond with ease....some can't ...but that shouldn't be your concern...be yourself...you should feel comfortable here...after all..isn't that what socialization is all about

ALPHA

[jackalope]

What's up Doc? Never be afraid to ask questions it's how we all learn.

I was unsure so that's why I asked as I feel the same way you do, there is just no way that these things would have gotten to the point that some portray them to have gotten. I too speak not just of this forum nor are my comments meant to be little anyone's hard work, I honestly was curious if people thought the amount of weathering correct on these vehicles.

A Russian T34 on the front wouldn't live long enough to get covered in rust, much like a German heavy tank would never be unattended to the point it would rust while it could still move on its own as they needed every piece of armor they could get their hands on! As for Sherman's....well I'm inclined to think Oddball's little crew was probably more prevalent then not.

[Dr Phibes]

Thanks for the understanding responses. It's not that I'm afraid to say what I think it's just that sometimes the quality of the work is such that the builder has obviously taken a great deal of time and effort, not to mention some often impressive levels of skill, to achieve the finished affect. Consequently I could imagine unintended offence being taken were some relative newbie question the authenticity of their work - human nature is a funny old thing and it's so easy to be misunderstood at times on forums.
Anyway, putting that aside now, I was thinking in particular of those parts that would (I assume) rust fairly quickly - i.e. the exhaust pipes. Clearly some rusting is desirable and authentic but I have seen examples that made the pipes look so rusty and flaking that they looked just about ready to fall off! The effect was, I should mention, amazing but just looked too much I thought.
But a question, what parts and how much would a typical King Tiger corrode in the field? I find it difficult to assess because all the photos I have seen are in black and white of course. I had a good look over the Bovingdon KT but that has been renovated to some extent I assume - it has damage but not much evidence of corrosion at all?

[jackalope]

A King Tiger in the field would have rust on the exhaust pipes with a lite bit of exhaust soot. Beyond that I honestly doubt you'd see much more rust, remember the King Tigers came along pretty late in the war and being the biggest baddest tank Germany had they would have been well cared for. Dirt, streaks of dirt and grime, oil seepage from the center caps of the wheels, possibly worn or damaged zimmeret coating, all of these yes.

MAYBE rust on the spare track links on the turret also but other then that I doubt any more.

Maybe a more knowledge member can chime in if I've missed anything or am incorrect.

[tomhugill]

You would probably see rust on the sheet steel fenders too where the paint was chipped or scratched down to the bare metal

[jackalope]

There you go told you an expert would come along to help.