Bergetiger I - Pre-Build Research - 17 Feb

[RLFoster]

With a coat of primer on my current project, I'm shifting gears and beginning to look at the next build on the workbench.  I think I'm going to go with this "blast from the past":

Italeri Kit #362 - a Bergetiger I produced in 1998.  In order to spruce up the build, I have a set of WWII Production resin workable tracks, the Eduard PE set for this kit, some leftover Eduard PE from another Tiger build, plain brass sheet for replacement side fenders, and my homemade Zimmerit tool to add those details to the kit.

While this kit represents one of the rarest vehicles of WWII - I believe only ONE having been recovered and physically "seen" by the allies - I likely will NOT be trying to replicate this exact vehicle that was found on a roadside in Italy.  Instead I will be building a second "hypothetical" converted Tiger representing one of the three that were supposedly all done at roughly the same time (according to rumored testimony).  While this may not be completely accurate, it will allow me to wander from the exact photographic evidence and build the kit the way I want.

Anyway, I might start building this while still working on painting my current project...we'll see how schedule works out.

Until next time...

[JCON]

That sounds like a fun project!!!

[RLFoster]

I'm looking forward to it, Joe!

[Dukemaddog]

Looking great Robert! I'll be watching this one!

[JED]

I'm in, looking forward to it

[RLFoster]

With my previous build now complete, I've cleaned up the workbench and started the preliminary research into this project.

Upon opening the box, my first surprising discovery was that this build comes with link & length tracks - a rarity in 1/35th scale - and not the vinyl tracks I was expecting. Therefore, I'm likely not going to be using the WWII Productions resin tracks. I'll save those for one of the Tiger I kits that does have rubber band tracks.

Next, my research indicates that the only photographed example of this vehicle was coated with Zimmerit. While it was quite damaged and had come off in areas, it was still present. Even if I am going to build a "fictitious" second vehicle, I'll still want to replicate the Zimmerit coating. Therefore, this morning I pulled out my never before used, homemade Zimmerit tool and tried three different applications. Here's a photo of the results:



From right to left, I tried using automotive glazing compound, Squadron brand white putty, and Aves Apoxy-Sculpt. Obviously, the Squadron putty yielded terrible results. The glazing compound, while much better, suffered from the Zimmerit tool sliding on the plastic, particularly in the second column. The Aves produced a nice, consistent pattern that should get better with a couple adjustments. First, I'll need to make sure I apply the coating a little thinner than on this practice piece. Second, I got some lifting of the Zimmerit along the right side edge because I didn't allow the putty to harden a little before embossing the pattern. A couple more practice pieces and I should be very happy with the results.

Now I need to identify the surfaces that require Zimmerit and which ones can be done before assembly. This will make the application process much easier in some of those areas.

That's it for today...just the quick update to let you know I have moved on to the new project.

Until next time...

[JCON]

That's a cool roller you made!!!

[RLFoster]

Thanks, Joe.

[JED]

Good results to be honest. Like the use of the gear wheel

[Dukemaddog]

Brilliant work Robert! Excellent idea with the Zimm tool. I built one of these in 1/72 scale but Dragon had already molded the Zimm on it.

Bring it on man!