Takom German Jagdtiger in 1:35 scale
Finished in 2023. Takom offers parts to make a mid or late production Jagdtiger and diagrams the choices well in the instructions. This model depicts a late production Jagdtiger that was made in February 1945. The kit includes photo-etched brass screens for the engine deck and the tracks are link and length. A former is provided to correctly shape the tracks. The styrene barrel is one-piece and comes with basic rifling lands at the muzzle. Fit and detail are very good, the only problem was installing the front casemate plate, which required trimming to complete.
Masterclub tracks were used for the spares because they were easier to drill for the metal rod track pins. The AA defense MG42 is from the kit but the kit’s pedestal was replaced with one built from styrene rod and various bits and bolt heads. The MG cradle is a piece from an Aber Jagdtiger photo-etched brass detailing set.
This model was built using the kit’s late production parts to depict one of the last 20 Jagdtigers produced. [~February 1945; 305062-305074] Primary features from this production period have three columns of spare track on each side, Pilzen sockets on the roof and the AA MG mount on the engine deck itself, not on the engine hatch.
Modifications/additions
The following additional enhancements were made to the model based on my research:
Weld lines & cast texture were added or enhanced
Casting numbers added to exhaust shrouds
24 (hull) + 7 (engine hatch) wire attachment loops added
Front fender constructed from styrene and punched rivets; remaining fender attachment point welds added to remaining fender stations
Bolts added to side armor lugs
Tool holders are 3D-printed parts from MIG Ammo and MJ Miniatures
Painting
A common feature on late-WW2 German tanks is the reliance on the red primer base due to camouflage paint shortages and logistical challenges. This model features a base of red primer with Dunkelgelb and Dunkelgrün camouflage. At this stage, the model is in red primer.
The camouflage paint colors were distressed by mixing AMMO acrylic paint with AK-Interactive Washable Agent, which allows chipping with a wet brush.
The gun barrel was painted to depict a gun already in service as a ground-based anti-tank piece that was moved into Jagdtiger production, so it was painted Dunkel Grau and two shades of Dunkelgelb with hairspray in between the layers to enable paint chipping.
The tracks were painted dark grey, splashed with various brown acrylics and then dry pigments were dropped on them and set with fixative. Worn areas were polished with graphite.
Weathering
The model was weathered using artists’ oil paints. A dark wash of Olive Green was applied to joint lines and around details and then different shades of oil paint dots were feathered out to introduce some paint fading/grunge effects.
Dust effects were added using thinned Humbrol 72 Khaki Drill sprayed over a layer of AK-Interactive Chipping Effects. When the enamel paint was dry, it was selectively removed using water and a paintbrush. The paint was also softened and streaked a bit by using a paintbrush damp with mineral spirits.
The spare track links were oxidized using Jax Pewter Black staining solution. Rust tones were added by sponging with Vallejo paints.
References
Achtung Panzer No.6, by Mitsuru Bitoh, Dai Nippon Kaiga Co. Ltd., 1999
Ground Power No.052, Delta Publishing Co., Ltd., 1998
PanzerWrecks No.3, by Lee Archer & William Auerbach, PanzerWrecks, 2006
PanzerWrecks No.12, by Lee Archer & William Auerbach, PanzerWrecks, 2011
