With the realease of the first of our sets of zimmerit sheets, it became evident that a tutorial on how to work with the material might be helpful. We can only describe and show so much on our product listing pages and this new approach to adding this feature to tanks deserves more discussion.
Because the zimmerit really excels in the smaller scale, we used the Tamiya 1/48 scale Panther as the demonstration build.
The kit is packaged as a late model Panther G, which shouldn't be built with zimmerit. However, alternate parts are included to allow you to build an early model Panther G and this is where our set will be useful. I learned during this build that good reference is essential in determining details peculiar to an early model vs. a late model. Besides the kit instructions, lots of photos and drawings were studied in order to figure out what was designated officially and what details may have deviated from official doctrine.
I will admit right away that this sample model is not as detailed as it could possibly be. The smaller scale than what I am used to working in, my less than adequate eyesight and impatience all contributed to my decision making when it came to adding or correcting details.
Here is an example of two extremes in approach:
I didn't bother to fill in the sink holes in the inner face of the tracks and I didn't attempt to drill out the guide teeth, even the links most noticeable on the hull sides.
I did decide that it was important to add armored glass to all periscopes and for some reason, the small bumps either side of the hull to stop the driver and radio operators hatch. I also added a cable to the headlight and engine deck screens.
The first photos of the project underway show how the panels have been applied and modified to fit around tool racks and fender rails. The tank has been primed with the inexpensive aerosol I get at Walmart. It's important to prime the tank before applying the zimerit if you use our recommended method of white glue (PVA) thinned with water and brushed onto the tank. The paper won't stick permanently to bare plastic. The red oxide also makes a good contrast to the lighter color paper.
The chipping and battle damage was mostly done before the panels were applied to the model. It was easy enough however, to add further damage when the panels were dry. The white glue holds the paper tightly enough to the paint, but the paper can be cut and pulled off without difficulty.
You can also see some slight modifications/additions I made to the kit, most noticeably, the screens over the engine vents and fans. Some details are simplified or left off the kit by Tamiya. I'll try to point out how I detailed the kit, if they appear in subsequent photos. These two photos show how I used some of the "extra" zimmerit panels to cover the front fenders and part of the commanders cupola. The grab handles on the tanks hatches are molded as raised ribs. You can see where I've removed the rib from the rear escape hatch and will replace it with bent wire.
When designing the panels, I had access to probably half a dozen reference book titles specific to the Panther tank, as well as numerous photo books featuring Panthers in various battles and campaigns. Regarding the building of the Tamiya kit, one book in particular was immensely helpful. John Hoffman lent me his copy of the Japanese publication "Achtung Panzer!" which has a wealth of clear photos and lots of line drawings showing major and subtle differences between the various Panther models. I think this one book is indespensible since the Tamiya kit affords the option of building either a late or early model Panther ausf G.
The kit includes optional parts and the instructions alone weren't clear enough for me to determine all the differences. It's important to get them accurate as the late model G did not have zimmerit applied.
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