Skybow Tiger 1 Late in 1/48

[wappynutter]

Well i'm here!!....
A little worried amongst all these "GODS" of the modelling community but we will do what we can!.. Thanks for having me!

..and to be a little different i went with this cheap yet cool 1/48 offering..
I have never heard of Skybow and being worried about not getting anything suitable after talking to the guys at Telford, impulse brought this for £11 sterling as a back up plan... SO glad i did now...

Recent Google searches and various forum viewing turned up some kit details and build reference...
I will link to these as opposed to Tiger 1 Wiki facts...
..there are so many Tiger 1 buffs amongst the members here, Mr Coen himself being the "Oracle" even the experts concur with!! lol...

WOW!! Mig Jimenez built the Skybow kit on its initial release...

http://www.network54.com/Forum/110741/t ... in+process

The kit come highly recommended over at the Perth military modelling review

http://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/r ... tp4801.htm

They end their review with the following quote...

"Conclusion:
This is a superbly detailed model with all the correct features for the late production Tiger I and it is clear Skybow have researched this vehicle very well and as mentioned some of the detail is as good if not better than some 1:35 scale Tigers produced in the past.

Highly recommended."

.....and when placed in the hands of a modelling master, great things can be had from this 10 year old kit!

https://houseofqueeg.wordpress.com/2013 ... te-tiger1/

Perth military modelling even do a Skybow/Tamiya comparison rewarding the Skybow as ( apart from the tracks ) the overall superior kit.

http://www.perthmilitarymodelling.com/r ... 1early.htm

Other sites and reviews have mentioned the kit is listed wrong and is actually a Tiger 1 (final) not (late) as labeled...
Something to do with the turret bin drain slots and various other little extra bits..
Anyways there is loads of reading and studying to do, and very little time to do it in....
Wish me luck guys....
Some quick box shots to end with. I shall post some sprue shots once i get a chance to crack open the box.









Thanks again, Stay safe and well guys...

[psydeviant]

i really want one of these , supposed to build up to make a cracking tiger , will be watching

[JayCub]

Looking forward to seeing what you do with this Andy
Tom

[wappynutter]

i really want one of these , supposed to build up to make a cracking tiger , will be watching

Hey Jamie thanks for taking a look buddy. I am still reading up on all things Tiger but apparently this kit is nicely detailed and fairly accurate. Guess we'll see over the next couple of months. I am a "Not so great" modeller so need all the help i can get to make a build look half decent. Here's hoping this kit does all the work for me.
Just gotta find a 1/48 commander for the top hatch. Would go with the Tamiya 1/48 crew and loader set but i'm guessing every other 1/48 build in the SiG will be using that kit.. lol...
Thanks again mate..

Looking forward to seeing what you do with this Andy
Tom

Hey Tom, thanks for dropping by matey, we will see what i can do.... No promises tho'...
My skills are still at about a 1 scale.. lol...
I think if i need a hand there will be a good selection of Tiger builders to ask advise from.. lol..
All the best bud....


Okay so as i did with the "Rising Sun" entry, so i will do with this one...
Lets break open the box and take a quick peek at the styrene goodies inside...



Colour call outs for 4... Yes 4 paint manufacturers....



Usual History.....



Decal application and symbols used info....



Lots of Green sprues in the box...



FULL COLOUR Paint scheme options and Instruction booklet showing a 13 step build...











Upper and lower hull pieces...



..with PRE MOULDED ZIMMERIT.....







Oh No.... A broken piece..... repairable tho'.....



Camera is struggling to focus today..... Sorry....



All the tools and cables etc... are moulded separately...







MG, plus the ring and internal hatch detailing for open hatches....











Wheels and sprocket detail...









...and track links for the turret...



...talking of turret....





Rear bins....



Turret ring...



Screws for the wheels...



Sealed, Bagged Decals...



The only Minus... Rubber tracks.....



Packaged separately tho'...



..and nice and heavy and well detailed...





Missing Axe from the tools sprue...





...And finally the box sides showing the overall dimensions and part count of the kit...







Hopefully this will keep me busy for a little while....
The camo pattern worries me a little, as will the weathering, but build wise i'm guessing i could put the bits in the box, give it a shake and out will drop a tiny Tiger 1... lol...
Wish me luck again guys..... Gonna need it!
All comments welcome.... as always, stay safe and well... Happy Tiger Modelling!!

[Kingdan]

I think you're gonna be fine mate your skill level is more than you think (better than mine) just be patient and don't rush (unlike me) lol
It's not like you never done it before and there's enough people building/built one so plenty of advice at a drop of a keyboard lol




On the bench:

My head

[fly1ngdutchm4n]

I like your build threats Andy, lots and lots of pics to see!
Awesome little kit! Will follow with great intrest

[Coen]

WOW! That is a hell of thing Andy. Thanks for all those pics too bud.
I hadn't heard of Skybow before. What a little gem.
For $11 too! This will be really cool.

[wappynutter]

I think you're gonna be fine mate your skill level is more than you think (better than mine) just be patient and don't rush (unlike me) lol
It's not like you never done it before and there's enough people building/built one so plenty of advice at a drop of a keyboard lol




On the bench:

My head

Cheers Bro, gonna give it a good go... build up should be fine its the paint job and finish thats gonna scare me! lol...
..cue lots of YouTube and book reading into the night!!

I like your build threats Andy, lots and lots of pics to see!
Awesome little kit! Will follow with great intrest

Thanks Frans, will see how it goes... Peace and quiet and build time may be more once all the kids return to school and i can resume a routine for "Me time"....
Not even getting to follow other build threads and Youtube buddies at the moment its Family time Manic... Party here... party there... Meet up/visit here etc... but gonna make a start soon.... Fingers crossed, good luck with yours mate..

WOW! That is a hell of thing Andy. Thanks for all those pics too bud.
I hadn't heard of Skybow before. What a little gem.
For $11 too! This will be really cool.

Hi Mike, thanks for dropping by bud.... much appreciated.. Skybow is a strange one... Taiwanese who i believe sold off their moulds to... and are now marketed as AFV Club 1/48's.. dunno, just a rumour i was reading on a build thread somewheres....
did find this quote from a review that you would find interesting by a guy called Frank Berger in May 2005...

Hi all; yesterday we received samples of the fortcoming 1/48 scale Tiger I early and late production kits from SKYBOW Co. and I added a short report on the kits to our 1/48 scale Armour Group at Yahoo:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/born-too-late

Quick report
First of all, I should say - Sorry! - because I and David Byrden are
personally responsible for at least two delays of the release date for these remarkable new kits as we've pointed out a couple of mistakes to the guys from SKYBOW after seeing the first samples of the new kits. Most of which have been corrected in the meantime.As I only got the plastic parts, tracks and the decals, I can'tcomment on the instructions and the boxing. Yet, I know that theboxing has been improved compared with the first version, I received.From what I can see at the website, they've made a few of the changes I'v mailed them.


As SKYBOW follows Tamiya closely with the release of their new generation state of the art Tiger I, many of you guys will expect a direct comparison, but I will just examine the kits.

SKYBOW Co. Kit #TP-4801 Tiger I tank / late production

The kit actually represents a Sd.Kfz.181 Ausf.E - Tiger I final production, which has some of the latest features introduced on the production line including the late type Loader's hatch, the two part 40mm turret roof, three sockets for 2t jib boom, late 2 bolt escape hatch hinge, the correct later 600mm type idler wheel and the drain slits in the cupola.

SKYBOW is definetly commited to accuracy, high detail and quality control. The parts are protected by a inner boxing of clear plastic with the tracks packed separately. You get a decal sheet, four sprues with the smaller kits parts and the separate major hull and turret parts, which are packed in that way, that they're protected from the sprues to avoid scratches – all in olive green plastic, the glueable rubber tracks and a bag with screws for wheels and decal sheet. The quality of the plastic moulding is very good with crisp details and only very few pin parks, which should be easy the deal with. Besidethis the parts a absolutely free of any flash.

Hull:
The lower hull is one piece with very good detail and the correct access panel details on the bottom hull and weld seams around the front panels and hull sides. The rear hull panel is a separate part cast together with the rear fender as one part. The area around the final drive will be very detailed on the finished model. The kit has the correct mid/late version drive sprockets and the steel type road wheels, which have very crisp details. Especially nice is the two part jack. The upper hull, with the glacis being a separate part too has excellent surface details (especially around the rear engine deck) with Zimmerit and the correct tool layout for the late version and separate front crew hatches complete with outer periscope guards as well as seperate front ventilator cover. The hull roof has the turret ring guard fitted to the late Tigers. Best news for those, who have already bought the Tamiya Tiger I kit is that all the tools and other equipment like tow cables (having nice cable texture) are separate
parts with the tool clips moulded with the tools. The fit of all the four main hull components (lower hull, hull roof, front glacis and rear plate) as well as the smaller parts like the Bosch headlights is very good.

Turret:
The turret is made up of two parts, the lower turret ring and the roof with two side walls. The other parts are the rear escape hatch with only two securing screws at the bottom and the rear storage box which has great top door and latch details. The turret sides are covered by nicely reproduced Zimmerit surface. The roof has the correct layout for the late two piece 40mm thick roof with eight flush screw heads for the internal travel lock, the weld seam across the centre and the step up between the sidewalls and the roof with very nice weld seams around the top edges. While the Loader's hatch was wrong on the first samples, I got, it by now has been corrected. The hatch has a detailed inside with two grab handles and central locking wheel. The roof has the late cupola with rain slits, commander's hatch with
separate grab handle and open periscopes as well as the extended loader periscope in front of his hatch with separate guard. A big plus and nice detail is the AA MG ring complete with mount and a fairly good MG 34 (separate part). The roof also has the three socket mounts for the 2 ton crane jib fitted to later German tanks. The gun barrel is one (!) part to avoid any mould seams with the correct late version muzzle brake.

Tracks:
As expected, the tracks included are continuous length in glueable soft vinyl with rather good detail. Yet, most modelers would prefer link tracks for the better detail and the easier to achieve "natural" sag. In my opinion the tracks are quite good! If you want, you can replace them with individual link tracks for a better appearance.

Decals:
The sheet is well printed and has markings for three Tigers from s.Pz.Abt. 505,s.Pz.Abt.506, s.Pz.Abt.510.

Summary:
Overall this will build into an excellent model of a final production Tiger I. Is it perfect? No kit is...but the very fact the kits are *so good*, I am more than just content with what is in the box. SKYBOW have definetly set the benchmark for these two vehicles in kit form with these excellent kit. In a direct comparison both in with the new Tamiya 1/48 scale kit aswell as the new 1/35 scale kits done by DRAGON and AFV Club, the new kits are among the most accurate representations of the Tiger I tank if compared to my references including the correct asymmetrical turret layout.

...ending his piece with this final detailing list...

With those two little gems in the house, I couldn't resist to try out how well the main hull parts would go together. Yet, I can tell you, that these kits went together quickly and easily. The casting of the parts is superb and the detail is absolutely beautiful on both kits. Even without paint or added detail. The biggest letdown beside the tracks is the lack of interior details, which means that you "look" through the engine deck into the empty hull. At least you should scratchbuild a firewall and add Hauler's new Tiger I grills (Item HLX48025 TIGER I grills), which are designed for the new SKYBOW kits. On the other hand there are many highlights like the one piece AA MG ring with MG mount for thecommander's cupola or the well detailed S-Minen dischargers for the hull roof on the Tiger I early production and, of course, the tank tools and hull deck fittings on both kits.

Just some example what you get OOB:
- correct asymmetrical turrets
- splash guard above the mantlet
- the eight flush screw heads for the internal travel lock
- 2-piece 40 mm roof with counter sunk loader's hatch
- wonderful weld seams along the joinig plate on hulls/turrets OOB
- S-Minen dischargers
- correct late loader's hatch with separat grab handle
- delicate grab handles on all hatches
- beautiful reproduced details in the area of the drive sprocket
- nicely detailed commander's hatch on drum cupola
- separate tank tools with great detail definition
- Zimmerit and/or subtle surface texture OOB
- well done drive sprocket wheels and steel-tired roadwheels
etc.

In spite the driver's and co-driver's hatches lacking the periscopes and the
shortcomings previously pointed out by Frank (rubber tracks, missing interior,
not perfect turret ring guard, etc.) even average modelers can turn these kits
into real "winners" with modest efforts.

Hopefully he was talking about average modelers like me! lol...
Thanks again buddy... All the best..

[Nev]

Don't put yourself down Andy You are a better builder than you give credit for! I really like watching your threads with interest This ones going to be a fun build

[wappynutter]

Don't put yourself down Andy You are a better builder than you give credit for! I really like watching your threads with interest This ones going to be a fun build

Thanks Nev, much appreciated mate... Gonna give it a damn good go..... !
The build should be a breeze according to all the reviews... just trying not to ruin it with a poor paint job will be the challenge....
All the best my friend... Stay safe and well...

[Coen]

Average modeller!!!????

I beg to differ my friend.,.. I remember this wee piece of awesome quite well!




Average... Bah!!


Awesome!

[Kingdan]

Well said coen think he needs a kick in the pants

[Hillbilly]

I have to agree with everyone else,I don't think you should classify your self as "average".I have a feeling you are gonna knock this one out of the park

[wappynutter]

Average modeller!!!????

I beg to differ my friend.,.. I remember this wee piece of awesome quite well!




Average... Bah!!


Awesome!

Hahaha.... i'm grinning now!!
Guess your right Mike, i will do what i can, to the best of my abilities... and know, if needed, i have a bunch of excellent guys to ask advise and help from... Thanks for reminding me how awesome we... as a community... are.. no member is left struggling. Its all about getting enjoyment from the hobby, as i did when building the Solar Car..
Stay safe and well my friend...

Well said coen think he needs a kick in the pants

Pants kicked Dan..... you know what i'm like! lol... Mr "He of little faith"..... lol....

I have to agree with everyone else,I don't think you should classify your self as "average".I have a feeling you are gonna knock this one out of the park

Thanks Steve, much appreciated buddy. Gonna have to give myself a shake and sort this little piece of Tiger goodness out!
You guys give me a real confidence boost when i'm feeling all blown out!
Thanks again everyone.... More soon!..

[wappynutter]

Hey guys, been a while but i'm still here........ slowly doing bits on the builds...
busy searching for the "right" figure in 1/48 to accompany the Tiger...

Anyways, heres where i'm at and what i have been up too.. Not much so wont be a crazy image spammed post.....
... Well... maybe a couple of pictures...





Wheels...... and lots of them... gotta remember what goes where...





























Method in my madness is the images show the wheel and part number for reference when they all painted and needing screwing in the right order..





Barrel and mantlet clean up time....





Mudguards... now the problem is do i damage them or keep them straight and " just off the train" fresh and new on route to the front???







Exhausts next..... nothing too taxing...















Gluable tracks next....

f





... and that is all for now. I have done a little more but finding the time at the moment is rather hard. Bedroom re-arranging and decorating as the baby grows so fast is the main distraction this week and the next... New wardrobes and furniture swapping and cots etc....
Fingers crossed i manage to pluck up some courage, manage my time a little more and find some primer etc... required to paint this beastie up!
I see everyone elses builds are looking fantastic, Mike's, Seb's, Paul's, Richards's, Devon's.. to name just a couple i spot on my pass over facebook and the channel... Well done to those guys! You are such a talented bunch.... i spend all my time ahh'ing and Oohh'ing and Wowing!!
Awesome stuff...
Okay, as always, thanks for dropping by, all the best, stay safe and well.... Happy Modelling...
More soon!!...

[Coen]

What a wickedly detailed kit Andy! I may have to get one of those myself. So far you've done a masterful job stickin her together.
I think building a safe and happy place for the wee one take precedence over most things so apologizing for taking your time with progress isn't really necessary Andy
Besides, waiting to see what magic you cast on this is worth it.

[alextheblue]

Here, here, well said Mike!

I was going to say, this looks a really nice kit, but I think this has more to do with the person putting it together - nice one Andy!

Hope the wee 'uns doing well!

[Kingdan]

[wappynutter]

What a wickedly detailed kit Andy! I may have to get one of those myself. So far you've done a masterful job stickin her together.
I think building a safe and happy place for the wee one take precedence over most things so apologizing for taking your time with progress isn't really necessary Andy
Besides, waiting to see what magic you cast on this is worth it.

Haha... thanks Mike, your comments always put a smile on my old face...
I do have a plan for the build..... bit of a long shot, but do-able....
Modeling juices are beginning to flow! lol....
...and yeah, as the collection of "Evie" based Facebook picture posts from the wife shows.... she's growing fast!
Making things "Evie-mai" proof is top priority...
Thanks again buddy....
P.S... that dio building Youtube installment was fantastic... well done again!

Here, here, well said Mike!

I was going to say, this looks a really nice kit, but I think this has more to do with the person putting it together - nice one Andy!

Hope the wee 'uns doing well!

Ah, i'm blushing......
Thanks Alex, means a lot mate. My Hobby Time is tight at the moment, but i have big plans....
This may run a little over time, but will be finished asap..
...and thanks, Evie-mai is growing real fast, first tooth is through, she rolls over and moves about when put down to play, everything is being re-arranged and made "Baby-proof". All dangerous bits and bobs are moving, safety gates, fire guards and corner bump guards are in place.. Just gotta convince the youngest boy that Lego and babies don't really mix so he needs to keep it in his room or pick it up! lol...
Thanks again buddy...

Cheers Dan..... Pink did you say?? lol.....


So a quick progress report while i am on...
Not really a lot more done, just a couple of small fiddly bits...
Towing eyes front and rear...







Various track clamps and bits off the rear end, including a nicely detailed jack with separate handle to attach....









Some of the moulded detail under the wheels and fenders...
No idea what the moulded boxes are...







Access hatches i presume??



The jack...





...and handle next to a size 9 blade...



in place...







Back to the sprockets ....











Small screws hold these in place. Once painted and fixed, caps are supplied to hide the screw heads and detail the sprockets and wheels...







...and finally, the ropes and cables...







Thanks again guys for all the positive encouraging comments, very much appreciated, Thanks....
As always, take care, Stay safe and well...... and always Model Happy!
More soon.....

[JayCub]

Looking great Andy and very enjoyable build log, your one of the nicest guys in the community and very modest, always good to catch up
Tom

[fly1ngdutchm4n]

A Tiger in braille scale..... love it!
Great progress so far Andy
Had to look twice at your pics were you show the kit parts. .. I thought they were floating! untill I saw the clear cover underneath it..... lol
good luck with rearranging the kids room mate, it's for a good cause

[Kingdan]

Hurry up

[wappynutter]

Looking great Andy and very enjoyable build log, your one of the nicest guys in the community and very modest, always good to catch up
Tom

Thanks Tom, making me blush... lol....
I think every single forum member is an awesome member, never ever met a bad comment or bad thread from anyone.
Always helpful, alway encouraging.... NO.. rivet counters, in fact....

If Heineken made forums.......
Probably the best forum in the world........ Probably..

Thanks again buddy, much appreciated...

A Tiger in braille scale..... love it!
Great progress so far Andy
Had to look twice at your pics were you show the kit parts. .. I thought they were floating! untill I saw the clear cover underneath it..... lol
good luck with rearranging the kids room mate, it's for a good cause

Mr Frans Sir, thanks for dropping by buddy...
Hahaha.... yeah i am using the tray the kit came in as a parts tray/catcher as i remove them from the sprue.
When done for the day, lid goes on and it slips back in its box till next model time.... All kits should come boxed this way its excellent, and very useful..
Its the kids room, daughters room PLUS our room to accommodate a cot for the next 6 to 12 months until we can trust the youngest boy not to be climbing in with her... he doesn't leave her alone.... in a loving caring way, gotta be kissing and cuddling her all the time, protective big brother, he's only 5 himself.. lol...
Thanks again Buddy, catch you around the forum or Facebook, stay safe and well...

Hurry up

I'm trying.... i'm trying...... got ideas and plans.....
Thanks Bro....
More soon guys....

[wappynutter]

Hey guys, back again with a small update and possibly mention my plans and ideas with the Tiger...

Got a chance to start adding some of the tiny details etc.... including making a start on Fender damage and early stages of the Diorama idea..

First up the front headlamp....





Bracket is on but the moulded on power cable doesn't go anywhere near it...



Cut out the front hatches...



repaired the broken hammer...



Cleaned up ready...



added the front riveted plates...



Some handle ??



Goes here near the Radio Aerial point...



Like so....



So i have done enough dry fitting, time to build up the Gun, mantlet and turret a little...







The pins/lifting lugs....













Hatches before....



..and after....



Now the bracket is dry, i stretch some blue sprue and glue in place...





Made a start on the left side fender....
Cut, chopped and melted.... twisting it a little...













Cut off and cleaned up the tools ready...





Exhaust covers...






Now after this i sat and pondered my Diorama idea.... searched for a suitable figure in 1/48... he will need doctoring, and he will probably come from the 15 figure set, Tamiya German Infantry 32512. Only 1 figure is required and hopefully i can "Milliput" him a long coat, lose the German markings and reposition his leg...
The person i am basing my modified figure on is not a German Soldier, some references state he is a British Soldier just sheltering from the rain...
The image i am gonna try and model is one of the most seen images of a Tiger 1 on the road to Rome in June 1944...
Pushed off the road, the tank sits at an awkward angle.... I wouldn't shelter there!... lol....
Here then, are a couple of photos found on the internet of the Tiger i hope to replicate....

Tiger I of the 508th overturned on Poggibonsi Road (Highway 6), 20 miles (32 km) south of Florence.

Wiki link.... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/508th_Heav ... _Battalion





..and the scene with Soldier sheltered smoking his cigarette...



Here is the guy, singled out for reference purposes...



With this image in mind i started to carve some insulation foam to create a road, verge, ditch and hedgerow and field...

Just over 20cm square...







After cutting and stepping the foam, i have applied PVA and it is now left to dry overnight so i can apply Decorators filler to create the groundwork and road before building up with soil and ground cover..

So thats where i am at for now guys... Thanks for taking a look.
If anyone could identify the nationality of the soldier it could save me having to spend between £10 and £12 to purchase loads of wrong nationality figures!!... lol....
As always, thanks again for all your comments guys.....
Take care, stay safe and well... Happy Modelling...
More soon....

[ManCupboardModels]

Just discovered this thread Andy, was wondering where you was at, lol! What a cracking kit this is, even the box it came in was cool! I totally agree 100 percent with everybody else mate. You'll make an awesome job of this just like all your work. Brilliant dio idea as well. Can't wait to see more

All the best mate and stay well

[Russ72]

Very cool Andy. Nice idea for the dio.

I had a look in the bits box and found this 1:48 guy that could work for you.



It's yours if you want it.

[Coen]

Jayzeus!!! That's a really nice kit Andy!!! WOW! Aside from a few very tiny booboos that you sorted through she's a great little piece of plastic. All the important bits and pieces are there and they all look the part.
She's going to look cool when you're finished with her.
I love the dio idea too, an awesome shot. Should be another epic Wappyfied piece.

[gosselin2112]

Nice little kit. Thanks for all the details in your build log. Your diorama theme is going to be awesome! Looking forward to seeing the progress.

[wappynutter]

Just discovered this thread Andy, was wondering where you was at, lol! What a cracking kit this is, even the box it came in was cool! I totally agree 100 percent with everybody else mate. You'll make an awesome job of this just like all your work. Brilliant dio idea as well. Can't wait to see more

All the best mate and stay well

Hey Karl, long time buddy hope all is well?
Going to try and get moving with the build over the next month or so but been clearing and packing all my goods away as i work between the kitchen worktop, table or computer desk corner in the bedroom, and real busy re decorating and remodelling the bedroom to accommodate a cot for the little one as she is now too big for the smaller swinging crib at the foot of the bed..
So.... all my modelling gear is boxed and stored in the little caravan on my front yard..... all cold and covered in snow at the moment!..
My AMMO primers have arrived so gonna try get some paint on next week maybe... till then its a quick mess around with the dio base...
All the best bud...

Very cool Andy. Nice idea for the dio.

I had a look in the bits box and found this 1:48 guy that could work for you.



It's yours if you want it.

Hey Russ, thanks for dropping by, much appreciated. Glad you like my Dio idea, i thought it was a nice little scene too!...
... and a Figure?... to doctor and make into my smoking soldier... for FREE........ if i want it!
Wow dude, so cool... thanks for taking a look and finding out a suitable piece. I feel quite humbled you would do that for me.... wow!...
Would i like the figure??... Yes please Sir.... I would be forever in your debt though.... The postage costs etc.... so kind.... thanks mate... i don't know what to say... Your on the other side of the World to me....
If you are serious, drop me a PM and we can arrange something..... Wow... made my day, put a Big smile on my face!..
Thanks again Russ, all the best ....

Jayzeus!!! That's a really nice kit Andy!!! WOW! Aside from a few very tiny booboos that you sorted through she's a great little piece of plastic. All the important bits and pieces are there and they all look the part.
She's going to look cool when you're finished with her.
I love the dio idea too, an awesome shot. Should be another epic Wappyfied piece.

Hahaha.... thanks Mike, as always you give me such a morale boost. You Sir, give me a kick up the rear when i feel like things look a little blah! lol....
Still undecided with the camo scheme, the 508 heavy was the larger 3 colour camo pattern i believe though the photos above don't show this??
Well done with your EPIC build dude..... Love the recovery scene!..
All the best buddy..

Nice little kit. Thanks for all the details in your build log. Your diorama theme is going to be awesome! Looking forward to seeing the progress.

Thanks Russ, much appreciated mate. Hope your builds are going well too bud. That Ford Woody and the Huey Hog for the "Outside your comfort zone" GB look excellent... As does the 1/32 BF 109 for Clint's GB.
Stay safe and well, Happy Modelling...


Okay, as i am online, a quick couple of pictures about where i am at with the Dio base.
Folks who use the Facebook page will have seen me post a couple of images up yesterday so i best keep the thread to date too...

After giving the PVA coat a chance to dry, along with the dio base for the "Rising Sun" Gb, i set to work applying some Decorators filler, mixed it to a fairly wet but usable consistency and went to work....

Everything lay out ready...



Tiger base...



Type 97 base...



Filler powder and fine aquarium sand...



Broken, crumbled filler pieces for rocks etc....



Type 97 dio first....





Tiger dio....





Making the road area slightly raised,smoother and giving a roadside edge and verge and add a sprinkling of sand and small dusty filler crumbs for roadside rocks etc....













Gonna leave those to dry now before coming back in with the mud and grass scatter etc....

Thanks again guys for taking alook, Cheers again Russ72 for your kind offer, much appreciated mate..
As always, take care, stay safe and well ISM'ers..
More soon!

[MarkVerploeg]

Awesome work Andy
Great idea too
Looking forward to the end result

[wappynutter]

Awesome work Andy
Great idea too
Looking forward to the end result

Thanks Mark, much appreciated mate... Just need to narrow this camo scheme down...... Lol...
Stay safe and well my friend..

[Kingdan]

still watching


________________________________________________________________________________
On the bench
Airfix 1/72 Saturn v rocket
Revell red bull rb8 racing car
Oh and a couple of bits of crap

[wappynutter]

still watching


________________________________________________________________________________
On the bench
Airfix 1/72 Saturn v rocket
Revell red bull rb8 racing car
Oh and a couple of bits of crap

Hahaha....... Soon bro...soon!!
Think i have found info on the camo scheme now...

Website link here...
http://www.fprado.com/armorsite/tigers-02.htm

and this looks to be the 508 camo scheme....

Tiger1_sPzAbt508.jpg (9.34 KiB) Viewed 2368 times

Used in Italy from late "43"...
if so then just gotta identify the paint colours... lol.
More soon..

[Kingdan]

That'll look good on that little gem

[wappynutter]

Just a quick update guys, nothing special,........STILL not put any paint down!

Just finished clearing the sprues of bits, everything is off, on or in a little tray waiting for the right moment...

Heres what i been up too!...
Track links cut, cleaned up ready for the turret...







Teeny handles and an MG....



Turret filter etc...



First tiny handle cut off....



Cleaned up...



Applied....



...and the other side.... and didn't break or loose them!... lol....



Hatches needing handles....



These are smaller!!...



DAMN SMALL!!.....







MG time....





Those turret filter/vent/port bits...







Cut off all the hubcaps etc.. for the wheels and popped them in a plastic tray for now...



Cupola gun and ring...



Going just here.....



Attached those track links...







Escape hatch...



Top hatch and gun ring on...







More damaged fenders....





Finally positioned the cupola hatch and glued in place.... Thanks Jamie for confirming my thoughts earlier on FB







Thats where i am at for now guys...
Still dragging my heels, worried incase i fudge it up or something....
Painting and Camo is gonna finish me off! lol....
As always, thanks for taking a look, your comments and views mean a lot..
Take care, stay safe and well Fellow builders... Till next time.... Happy Modelling..
More soon!

[Coen]

There's a reason they call it Braille scale haha.
Damn those grab handles are tiny.
The build it looking superb Andy. This kit just gets more and more excellent as I see you build it.

[MarkVerploeg]

Nice work Andy
But how can we be sure those handles are so small , maybe you have huge hands
But they aren't all that big in 1:35 so i can imagine that they must be tiny in 1:48

[PaulAyrey]

An awesome build, really looks great!

[fly1ngdutchm4n]

Great progress Andy
I love that idea for diorama.
But you now that it means you have to paint the underside of the tiger too right?

[wappynutter]

There's a reason they call it Braille scale haha.
Damn those grab handles are tiny.
The build it looking superb Andy. This kit just gets more and more excellent as I see you build it.

Thanks Mike, much appreciated. The kit is pretty cool for what it is and what it cost. I went to Telford to hunt out a Tiger in November last year, and my Eagle eyed Brother In-Law "KingDan" spotted this on a shelf 40 mins before the end at an excellent price. Had to have it, the box alone sold it for me! lol..
Gonna try and get some paint on soon, sat waiting as my Father in Law goes down in the morning to have a serious operation and don't wanna be distracted by unimportant issues... Fingers crossed for a quick, clean Op with no complications...
Thanks again Buddy... Take care..

Nice work Andy
But how can we be sure those handles are so small , maybe you have huge hands
But they aren't all that big in 1:35 so i can imagine that they must be tiny in 1:48

Hahaha....You guessed my problem!! Giant Hands syndrome.... lol... This is why my skills are a little clumsy and awkward....
Thanks Mark for dropping by for a look, glad you are enjoying the thread...
More progress soon, i keep putting off important jobs on the Tiger in favor of easier jobs on the 1/76 Chi Ha build.... lol...
Just scared of messing it up i suppose.. ..
Thanks again buddy, All the best...

An awesome build, really looks great!

Thanks Paul, good to see you buddy. Really appreciate your kind words...
All the best mate...

Great progress Andy
I love that idea for diorama.
But you now that it means you have to paint the underside of the tiger too right?

Hey Frans, thanks for dropping by buddy, much appreciated..
Diorama idea is pretty cool, and yeah, means i cant drill no holes for a "Painting handle".
Its not the painting of the bottom i forget...... usually its the weathering!!
Dirty all over..... clean and freshly painted underside!.. lol...
Thanks again mate.....
More soon!!

[wappynutter]

Back guys with another small update and a huge Thank you Shout out to a fellow modeller and all round good guy Mr Russ72...
You sir are a top bloke and i am eternally grateful for your kind package i received late last week..
Those who have followed the thread will remember Russ offering to post me a figure to fit my diorama idea.... well he posted me a "Platoon" of figures...
All the way around the World from Australia to the UK, these came...











WOW.... totally unexpected and i was moved by the kindness of a fellow ISM member... still amazed by the amount of little guys i received..
Thanks again mate, very much appreciated..

So a couple of these little fella's will be converted to become the Smoking Soldier...
I am sure the Luftwaffe figures have the required pose and head for this, more on that soon... First build progress...

As i have no PE sets for the grills and a large open space visible through them, i cut up some metal mesh and fixed with Gel CA glue and some sprue...



Like so....









All the add ons are attached to sticky tape for painting up...



..and i prepare to join the two hull halves...









Made a start on some round damage to the fenders, zimmerit and exhaust covers...













Nothing special but just adds some interest to the otherwise pristine, never seen action Tiger hull..
Gonna give the road area on the dio a quick Cheap grey primer coat to seal it down...





...and while i have the chance, i bring everything in for a prime with Ammo Grey primer....

Before priming....







Oh so.... many wheels and sprockets...







Dio base first as i will use the primer as a starting point for the road colour...





.. and then the rest!!























...Then disaster struck.....
The Chinese piece of tat Airbrush sprung a leak and started blowing bubbles in the cup when i pressed the trigger to release air....
It was like i was mixing the paint in the cup by placing a finger on the nozzle and forcing air back in....

Luckily.....Very luckily.... the Brother in Law "King Dan" may have saved me with a loan of his spare "Chinese" broken nozzle airbrush....
This is all fine as long as my nozzle fits and it all sprays fine... If not we'll be brush painting the Dunkelgelb and camo pattern!... lol...
Fingers crossed...
Anyway thats all for now guys.... Thanks for watching, we got a little further...
Base colour next time... Hopefully!!
As always, thanks for dropping by....
Take care, stay safe and well...Happy Modelling...
More soon!

[Coen]

Excellent progress Andy.
It's really starting to look the part now.
My wife says that you need to add some sort of camo to that tanks stick of yours. She says that it looks a little bit like something rather untank stick like.
Maybe some stripes or something. Haha.

[Kingdan]

Looks good mate fingers crossed on the airbrush
And Mike that made me chuckle

[Donkeywalloper]

Excellent progress Andy.
It's really starting to look the part now.
My wife says that you need to add some sort of camo to that tanks stick of yours. She says that it looks a little bit like something rather untank stick like.
Maybe some stripes or something. Haha.

Oh God, that actually came into my head as well.
The shot of it stuck in the turret hole with all those crease (veins), left my tired head a bit confused.

John

[Donkeywalloper]

By the way, great build (sorry about my sicko post above, but I was not the only one, I have not slept in 48hrs and the humour monkey is starting to get naughty).
This is what I love about ISM.
The sheer generosity of the great chaps on here.
I was sent some lovely bits in the post for my Chieftain build by the fantastic and generous Chief.
It just bowled me over.
Lovely, lovely chaps and chapess on here.
Great build.
John

[timtamtung]

That looks awesome so far! Russ is a kind man

[PaulAyrey]

Yep, agree with all of the above, great build and great people!

[Russ72]

Hope the airbrush works out for you Andy, builds looking good.

[Hillbilly]

This Tigger is really coming together brilliantly,great work!

[wappynutter]

Excellent progress Andy.
It's really starting to look the part now.
My wife says that you need to add some sort of camo to that tanks stick of yours. She says that it looks a little bit like something rather untank stick like.
Maybe some stripes or something. Haha.

Hahaha.....
My bad... lol.... didn't think anything of it until now...... teasing me over the Tiger Tool! lol...
I wrapped some masking tape around two female shower gel travel bottles as they were the only things i could find that fit the turret and hull turret ring.. Cannot drill a hole as the underside of the tank will be visible in my diorama... lol....
Will amend my tool when the next painting stage takes place.... Awaiting the nod to purchase a new Airbrush, going for the Ultra on recommendation.. was going to Neo for Iwata it but the screw tip nozzle worries me!...
Thanks again Mike, made me and a handful of others giggle....
Naughty Mrs C... lol...
Take care buddy, thanks for dropping by..

Looks good mate fingers crossed on the airbrush
And Mike that made me chuckle

Trust you.... lol..... You need to be purchasing the £60 Ultra to bro, looks to do all that you and i need without the hassle of heavy handed nozzle snapping.. Check out Anthony ( GingerSpook's ) review of the Ultra for a newbie type review... awesome.... Love ya Ant mate... lol..
Keep up the good work on that Jackal Dan..

Excellent progress Andy.
It's really starting to look the part now.
My wife says that you need to add some sort of camo to that tanks stick of yours. She says that it looks a little bit like something rather untank stick like.
Maybe some stripes or something. Haha.

Oh God, that actually came into my head as well.
The shot of it stuck in the turret hole with all those crease (veins), left my tired head a bit confused.

John

Cheers John... hahaha... it never dawned on me until Mike pointed it out.... lol....
Thanks for dropping by for a laugh.... and a look buddy, much appreciated..

By the way, great build (sorry about my sicko post above, but I was not the only one, I have not slept in 48hrs and the humour monkey is starting to get naughty).
This is what I love about ISM.
The sheer generosity of the great chaps on here.
I was sent some lovely bits in the post for my Chieftain build by the fantastic and generous Chief.
It just bowled me over.
Lovely, lovely chaps and chapess on here.
Great build.
John

...and gotta agree 100% top blokes, the lot of ya.... Thanks for all you do!..

That looks awesome so far! Russ is a kind man

Thanks Tungy, much appreciated mate, and yeah Russ is a top bloke...

Yep, agree with all of the above, great build and great people!

Thanks Paul, glad you enjoying the build buddy, means alot..... and Yeah, you fella's rock!

Hope the airbrush works out for you Andy, builds looking good.

Thanks Russ, and Cheers again for your generous donation to the build. I have already created my little chap and will share some pictures next...
Thanks again mate...

This Tigger is really coming together brilliantly,great work!

Hey thanks dude, Airbrush should be being ordered this week so fingers crossed i can progress soon.
Thanks for taking a look, much appreciated.....


..and as promised, figure build up next.
I have shared some pictures on the ISM Facebook page earlier so thought i had best bring the thread up to date...
Starting with a sprue shot or two....





All the bits i am using for the Soldier....



Heads on....



Arm is on, and i shared this picture on Facebook a day or so ago asking for advise as to should i cut and doctor the figure to get the required pose... or leave as is....



Well the response was a 50/50 split so i pressed on and started to cut and shut the little fella....







Then the arm...not perfect, but close enough for my build...









So while i was tinkering with the figure, i did a quick paint up of the bits and bobs.... not finished but its a start to keep the build moving along....











Oops.... blurry images again, sorry!...
Thats it for this post, Thanks everyone for dropping by and leaving your kind words and encouraging comments..
I will get a move on once this new Airbrush arrives, Thanks again, Keep safe and well guys...
Happy Modelling...
More soon!