Airfix Tiger 1 Tank - 1st build in, erm, 40 years!

[Guest]

Those parts look pretty good for a 1:72 scale kit, certainly a quick-assembly one like this. Tip: leave the whole of the wheels-and-track units off until after painting

[Mini Me]

Thats nice, as someone who hates single link tracks those look far better.

The down side is there is no track face detail to be seen....the option there is to muddy 'em up so no one notices! :thumb2:

[Mini Me]

If it were mine I'd scrape off all the little details like the shovel, sledge, jack block etc. and find some aftermarket accessories to bring it to life. Jakko is right about the mouldings....very flash free to your benefit. enjoy the build!:thumb2:

[pjgtech]

Hi all, so not been on here for ages, sorry. Had a few minor health issues, and the modelling had been put on the back burner. But, I really intend to get started with some modelling asap, so hopefully there will be an update to this thread asap. Looking forward to it actually.... Cheers

[Scratchbuilder]

You take your time, not for the building, it gives us older ones time to find our glasses so that we can see the model, that is why we only do 1/35 scale or for some even larger....

[Jim R]

Nice to see this back on the go Peter.

[pjgtech]

Ok, finally got around to making this build. As I said, unfortunately had a few minor health issues and well, life gets in the way.
This is my first model kit since I was about 14, I used to have a go at painting them, but never really did any weathering.
So no laughing at the back please!
I started this model at about 3pm this afternoon, and have just finished it, so about 5 hours ish.
Amazed at the modern glues, which seem to set really fast and no gloop or sticky fingers, wow!
I did not follow any plan, I just put it together, main body first, then the turret, then the tracks, then painted each section as best I could. My aim was to try to make it look dirty, greasy, rusty, used I suppose....
I made a right hash of the tracks, either need a steadier hand or a smaller brush or both!
But I was just experimenting, used some panel liner, some powdery rust stuff, as well as acrylic paints.
TBH I'm chuffed with it as my first attempt, especially bearing in mind it was fairly rushed. Can I do better, Ho Yuss, next time will be more considered.
But anyway, enough waffle, here it is......

[pjgtech]

Oops, juts realised I have not yet put the transfers on! Oh well, little job for tomorrow.... 8-)

[Jim R]

Nothing wrong with that, Peter. You have every reason to be happy with that after a 40 year absence from modelling.

[Steven000]

Yes a lot has changed in 40 years, welcome back and have fun ?

[Richard48]

Nicely done Peter.Looks like you enjoyed making it Good on ya!!.
Richard

[pjgtech]

Had another little tinker with this little Tiger today, will put pics up tomorrow.
Put a couple of the transfers on, realised I had only done the front wheels, not the wheels at the back/recessed, so did them.
Still not happy with the wheels/tracks....so tried again, and made them a lot darker, muddy, rusty, etc.
I really wanted to try to get a used, dirty, look, of a tank thats seen some action.
The first try to my mind was still a bit too "clean".
So I added some more rust and dirt effects, tried some of the rust powder, mixed with paint on the tracks.
Made some of the panel edges look a bit more rusty, corroded, greasy, etc.
Still not a pro job by any means, but I'm happier with it, I think its looks better, for a first attempt.
Pics tomorrow.....

[pjgtech]

Ok, as promised, photos of my second attempt at making this little Tiger a bit more realistic....
Buggered up the transfers, firstly put the wrong one on the side (cross only) when it should have been cross and number, Doh!
Then completely wrinkled up the one thats supposed to go on the rear, ah well, it is was it is... I'm learning.

[flyjoe180]

You’ve certainly achieved a weathered look Peter. What’s the next build?

[pjgtech]

Ok, last set of photos for this one I think, see below:
Its so easy to get carried away and keep touching bits up, its hard to know when to stop.
This morning I wanted to highlight some of the panels so tried some panel liner paint and also a very thin panel liner pen.
The tank is now looking better, buts still very rough compared to you guys on here, (who have amazing skills I have to say!)

So, what have I learnt?
Well, getting a model to look "realistic" and "weathered" is a lot harder than it looks!
I'm rushing too much, I need to slow down. To be expected I suppose as I was so excited to get my first build done and finished. But, to do anything well you have to prep well and be patient and go steady. I can bit a bit ham fisted and heavy handed some times and I think it shows with this model.
You need more base layers! I only put one coat of here and the paint strokes really show up in places, I now realise that with every additional layer the paint strokes should slowly disappear. Better to build up layers one by one, rather than just slather it all on in one go!
A delicate touch is required, as above (ham fisted and heavy handed) I need to learn to be more precise and careful with where and how I'm applying paint, etc.

But overall, I really enjoyed it.....and I accept that my first attempt is pretty crude, but I am enjoying the learning process.
There is lots still to learn, in fact I already know that this is one of those hobbies where it is a continual learning process, the more you do the more you will learn, so I look forward to getting better at it, even if only slightly better.

Pics......