Diary of a tiger 1 (includes Final version) (1 Viewer)

[Mitch]

Guys...

I said a few weeks back that I had been contacted bt a chap who wanted two Tiger 1 repainted and converted. I now have these Tigers and, thought I would chronicle the changes as they go. Been given the pics of what he wants and, the colouring etc from him and, they are to be in the end two of the five Tigers given to the 502 heavy tank battalion in and around Lake Lagoda around feb 1943.

I Started this morning taking of the side skirts and front and rear mud guards as you can see some of the original holes for the side skirts can be seen but, these will be sanded and filled. the chap wants some side skirts on and some removed through battle damage and, as some had none at all he wants them all done differently, as he will be buying another three tigers to diorama this unit.

I will be posting the next stage later but, some may need a cup of tea as the real work starts in the next set of pictures.

Hope you all enjoy this start to finish little project
Mitch

 

[Vezzolf]

Re: diary of a tiger 1 with pics!!

Mitch, Looking forward to seeing this process unfold.... could you also offer some how to info.... would be interesting for those who want to give it a try

 

[uksubs]

Re: diary of a tiger 1 with pics!!

Mitch is that a K&C Tiger

 

[Mitch]

Re: diary of a tiger 1 with pics!!

Vezzolf...

No problem mate. The best bet is to forget how much the set costs and focus on your target then, with a deep breath just go for it. I find that with each set have a good old look first and see what bits are added on to the set and, which bits are part of the polystone mould. I hope that you can see that there are holes in the rear of the vehicle where the metal mud guards are glued into place. A little bit of rocket superglue release and a bit of careful manipulation will easily allow these bits to work free. Sometimes you do this without the glue release as, the parts are easy to remove. Its the same with the side skirts, all I did was to work from the middle and gently moved the skirt up and down. Once the middle is free the rest is easy so, to speak. You will be left as can be seen in the pics with some rough edges from the adhesive K&C use however, some fine sanding boards and a little time and patience it will go (as will be shown by the next set of pics later today.

On this particular set I am still contemplating removing the running gear as its held to the superstructure by three points but, I may, leave it as I will be able to repaint all the areas without much difficulty with them in place. Its easier if they are out of the way but, takes more time. The exhausts and guards, front shovel etc all are removable from this set.

For those who want to give it a go its all about a bit of bravery

Hope this helps but, if you want some more info I will put a bit in with the next pics
Mitch

Mitch, Looking forward to seeing this process unfold.... could you also offer some how to info.... would be interesting for those who want to give it a try

 

[Mitch]

Re: diary of a tiger 1 with pics!!

UKSubs...

Its the new Kursk set but, not for long!!!
Mitch

Mitch is that a K&C Tiger

 

[Mitch]

Diary of a Tiger I continued

Guys just finished part two and, the work is dome and ready for painting so, thought I would do this bit now and post the finished product in a few days or so for those interested.

In these photos you can see that both sides are sanded down. The chap wanted smooth sides and did not want to have the tow ropes on the left hand side of the K&C tank so, it was easy to remove a small low powered dremmel type tool took of the rough edges of the tow rope hooks and, the job was completed with a fine sanding board from any model shops or hardware stores. Sandpaper would do but, remember to use fine as it will not change the polystone texture as does the harder grain. (learnt by error).

The only part that needed to be cut was the front left mudguard which, was plastic or polystone but, I may be wrong but, I think its plastic. This was removed with a fine circular cutting tool on a low setting and, has left a nice textured look and feel which, would have occured had the real ones been ripped off in movement of battle.

The only thing I have to do which, will be done in the next few moments will be filling in the left hand side of the tank with a putty based material I use milliput to fill the holes made for the sideskirts to attach to the tank. These will be sanded down and, then a primer coat will be added later today.
Mitch

 

[Blowtorch]

Re: diary of a tiger 1 with pics!!

You can get the side panels off? Hmmm. That does make this model enticing.

 

[jbonzo1]

Re: diary of a tiger 1 with pics!!

If they turn out like your other work, they will be most impressive. I'm interested to see what you do with the wheels... they are the weak spot on the new Tiger, IMO.

 

[uksubs]

Re: diary of a tiger 1 with pics!!

Will you be using photo etched parts on it Mitch
I'm thinking of getting my k&C king tiger repainted & was thinking of replacing the engine grills as they look very poor

 

[Mitch]

Re: diary of a tiger 1 with pics!!

I have some mesh which I use but, as this is for someone else they have not asked for that detail this time what i do on the polystone AFV's is repaint the air vents matt black which gives definition and looks better than the tank colour. Its worth a try though but, i dont know as i have not really tried it before that you may have to remove some of the polystone mould to get them to fit snuggly or the etch or, whatever is used may look like it has just been placed on the top.

I have just finished the first coat of german grey on the Tiger and a couple more coats and some mig fliters washes for panzers and, it will be ready for the whitewash cover. I have a pic which the chap sent from a model mag which, I will post later to show what he wants but, its fun doing it
Mitch

Will you be using photo etched parts on it Mitch
I'm thinking of getting my k&C king tiger repainted & was thinking of replacing the engine grills as they look very poor

 

[Mitch]

Re: diary of a tiger 1 with pics!!

Thanks for that. As for the wheels there is not much that can be done with them a few people have commented on that but, all I will be doing is repaint and add some grease and fluids from the sockets and, repaint the tracks and add some weathering.
Mitch

If they turn out like your other work, they will be most impressive. I'm interested to see what you do with the wheels... they are the weak spot on the new Tiger, IMO.

 

[jbonzo1]

Re: diary of a tiger 1 with pics!!

Thanks for that. As for the wheels there is not much that can be done with them a few people have commented on that but, all I will be doing is repaint and add some grease and fluids from the sockets and, repaint the tracks and add some weathering.
Mitch

Yeah, that's what I meant. There is a lack of weathering and depth which could be notched up with some paint

 

[Mitch]

Re: diary of a tiger 1 with pics!!

I will stick some more pics on soon as the grey is done and, will be sorting out the superstructure tommorow. Post it grey first for those who like grey AFV's then do, the wwhitewashing etc and post later.
Mitch

Yeah, that's what I meant. There is a lack of weathering and depth which could be notched up with some paint

 

[Mitch]

Re: Diary of a Tiger I continued

To the member who e-mailed me over concerns that I was bringing the hobby into disrepute by converting this set. I would like you to post these concerns to the forum as a whole as I am one of a number doing such things and, do not believe it harms the hobby

Mitch

 

[thebritfarmer]

Re: Diary of a Tiger I continued

To the member who e-mailed me over concerns that I was bringing the hobby into disrepute by converting this set. I would like you to post these concerns to the forum as a whole as I am one of a number doing such things and, do not believe it harms the hobby

Mitch

While to some it may be sacrilege to do this to an original piece at the end of the day it yours to do with as you wish. I am sorry but I have never heard anything so ridiculous in all my life, as bringing the hobby into disrepute.

Carry-On Converting Mitch !!

 

[Ken & Ericka Osen/H&A Studio]

Re: Diary of a Tiger I continued

I think it is just fine to convert and/or repaint these products. In most cases it is an improvement in some manner and I would like to see more of it.

This also enables a collector to have a more personalized collection. It is almost impossible for any company to produce products that fit everyone's needs, so using these mass produced products as a basis is a great way to go.

Ken

 

[fmethorst]

Re: Diary of a Tiger I continued

Not sure how any one loses. K&C and the dealer have already received their money, the owner gets the piece he/she wants and the remaining owners of the stock item own a slightly rarer item.

Personally I'm enjoying this thread and quite look forward to the final result.

 

[maddadicus]

Re: Diary of a Tiger I continued

I am not sure the last time I prayed to one of my K/C vehicles....Michael

 

[Jackaroo]

Re: Diary of a Tiger I continued

Not sure how any one loses. K&C and the dealer have already received their money, the owner gets the piece he/she wants and the remaining owners of the stock item own a slightly rarer item.

Personally I'm enjoying this thread and quite look forward to the final result.

Frank,

You took the words right out of my mouth…completely agree. Alby

 

[Wraith]

Re: Diary of a Tiger I continued

I am not sure the last time I prayed to one of my K/C vehicles....Michael

You are forgiven for your failings Michael, as long as you sacrifice a small polystone suckling pig each night.