Tamiya KT bits and build

[Rad_Schuhart]

Hey, I feel honoured you mentioned my website!

Yeah, the absolute must mods are what you already got: the gearbox brace, the tensioner and the elevation arm. Sure the tracks are fragile, but you might have some spare links and finding replacement ones is still possible. Taigen and Heng Long tracks are not compatible, neither mato, but the old "Matorro" as far as I know were compatible, but almost imposible to find now. Then, there are other brands but are very expensive. I keep using the stock tracks but it is also true that I don't drive this tank too much.

Gearboxes: Are fine, but they have a defective bearing as all the old tamiya tanks do (except the pershing) but by when it is worn, many things more will be worn in the tank too. Unless you plan to IR battle with it, I'd leave it as stock and upgrade when broken.

Regarding the zimmerit, I recommend you to take a look at my tutorial: https://radindustries.wordpress.com/202 ... /zimmerit/ and I'd never ever spoil my toys with attack or other premade zimmerits.

Oh, and yeah, you all know my love for aftermarket electronics, I'd replace them too!

[Gillaspy2005]

Hey, I feel honoured you mentioned my website!

Yeah, the absolute must mods are what you already got: the gearbox brace, the tensioner and the elevation arm. Sure the tracks are fragile, but you might have some spare links and finding replacement ones is still possible. Taigen and Heng Long tracks are not compatible, neither mato, but the old "Matorro" as far as I know were compatible, but almost imposible to find now. Then, there are other brands but are very expensive. I keep using the stock tracks but it is also true that I don't drive this tank too much.

Gearboxes: Are fine, but they have a defective bearing as all the old tamiya tanks do (except the pershing) but by when it is worn, many things more will be worn in the tank too. Unless you plan to IR battle with it, I'd leave it as stock and upgrade when broken.

Regarding the zimmerit, I recommend you to take a look at my tutorial: https://radindustries.wordpress.com/202 ... /zimmerit/ and I'd never ever spoil my toys with attack or other premade zimmerits.

Oh, and yeah, you all know my love for aftermarket electronics, I'd replace them too!

Hey rad, thanks for the advice. Your website was great for looking at the shortcomings of the kit. Also how it's improved as you have modded it.

I've looked to find some metal tracks, can't find the matorro ones. We'll apart from on a website that doesn't have great reviews. The other makes, Kenny kong and dklm you aren't kidding are expensive, particularly with the weakness of the pound at the moment. Will splurge after Christmas I think, don't think the kids will understand that santa didn't stop however the king tiger runs like a dream

I got started on the build. Started with hand done zimmerit. Milliput superfine. Going to go for the charging knight with just the 2 tone camo. Did a dry run with a 1/35 kit which looked OK I think.

Anyways thanks all for the advice all and I'll post pics as I go.

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[Gillaspy2005]

Hey everyone, been a while but been working away at this. Thought I would post some updates.

So first thing I did was get some aluminium 2mm plate cut to size online and fitted a belly plate, also have put in the DKLM brace (which needed me to get some slightly longer screws as the belly plate added some thickness). Hopefully this will stop any flexing at all, the tub does feel really really strong now

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Have got the motors fitted obvs on top of the brace, also put in the axel support bearings, now these clashed with some of the kits screws, I should have gone and got a countersink however a razor saw and taking off a little bit of the supports was quick and dirty. theyve still got their integrity and to be honest i couldn't be arsed with messing about.

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So after that I needed to get the kit actually built, the roadwheels are all put together, however i dont think anyone wants to see a pic of that! Next bit was to get the zimmerit on then start adding the voyager phot etch. Worked with PE a bit before, kinda like doing it, adds a lot. Anyway some pics

Front glacis with the zimm done (milliput and screwdriver), have also removed the moulded armoured light cable and bent a replacement brass one up

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Have fashioned some plasticard lifting lugs for the front, best thing about armour is that if thse are a bit rought it doesnt matter as they took some hammer in the field i'd say! The stupid moulded handles removed and brass wire ones bent and fitted

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Fitted the vent grilles on the rear deck, snipped off the moulded nuts and then glued them on top of the grilles after. Roughly bent some brass wire for the air intakes then put the circular mesh on top. Also knocked up some overflow from brass, PE and plasticard too

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Put the zimm on the rear, have used the original jack mount as the PE one would just be too delicate. Want to use the tank after all!.

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Have put most of the zimmerit on the turret, left space for the charging knight marking, which i did by masking. started the weld lines for the turret too

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Have started to prep all the external pieces, exhausts, tools etc. Some Mr Surfacer for the casting on the exhaust armoured covers stipled on.

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[Gillaspy2005]

Cut up the jack which was not great and fitted the PE parts, not done yet totally however an improvement. Putty added to fill it out.

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Have started on the tools and the PE clamps, these are tiny but add some good detail, have used oils to simulate the grain. Going to remove all the moulded clamps and then paint up the rest of the tools.

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Aaaaaannnd breathe!! Quite an update there.

I'll get some more updates up as I do the tools. think i will stick with the moulded tow cables and track links, they arent actually too bad and if i top them with some of the PE wingnuts will look ok.

Have some 1mm bolts for the side skirts to get rid of the ridiculous attachment bolts that come with the kit. Will use them and some CA to fit them.

Well thanks all and on to painting when the tools are done I think!

[Gillaspy2005]

Hey all,

A belated Happy new year to one and all. Thought I would put an update up. Been a long time.

Have got the painting done, added all of the voyager photo etch, basic weathering done more to come. Light rain streaking, some light mud, don't want it to overpower anything. Have the tow cables to add with photo etch fixings yet. Filled in the stupid fender screws tamiya used and used some 1mm bolts to fix them with. I think a week or so then one is done.  Kenny kong tracks will be purchased shortly. I am a little worried about the small roller bearings for the turret however the schumo ones are out of stock, any suggestions anyone?

Have loads of build photos but lost my little pooch during it, can't yet bring myself to search through and post them and she's interspersed with them. The tank helped me focus a lot, therapy for sure. Ironic really when the tanks purpose was far from that. A little pic of my best mate first, little darcey.


Cheers

Dave

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[jarndice]

You are doing some great work,
I like that you use voyager PE I find it easier than ABER to work with and yet no less detailed at the same time, the only drawback being the paucity of 1/16 Voyager PE.
The King Tiger was never one of my faves but your build has certainly given it a greater interest.

[Herr Dr. Professor]

Gillaspy, I am impressed by those tiny buckles holding on tools, etc., so small yet so interesting. I was looking at the photo of Darcy and the Königstiger: there are some color similarities, so a bit of your pal lives on. I really am sorry about Darcy, and I hope you can soon enjoy another pal.

[Gillaspy2005]

Thank you for the kinds words there. Darcey was the best friend I could ask for, she will be very much missed. I need the energy of a new pal soon, thinking about it at the minute. You're right about the color scheme, black and tan, subconscious perhaps why I did that.

I've have loved doing the PE, adds loads to the model, the clasps are fiddly yet fulfilling when done. Magnifying glasses needed! The metal tracks are an absolute necessity for this next, the plastic ones are abysmal. I'll post final photos when done. Hopefully someone will find it useful perhaps.

I have a trumpeter 1/350 hood and prinz eugen to do next. The PE for those will be very intense, enjoyable challenge though. I have a strong will to do a jagdtiger or firefly though!

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[Ecam]

Great build, great story. I've lost something similar, I understand the hurt. Great build, keep it up.

[Gillaspy2005]

Thanks for the comments, did a little more today on the clamps. Fiddly but I am sure they will add a lot when I get them on the tank with the tow cables. Would recommend them if you have the inclination.

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