Pulled my Cyber-Hobby VK45.02 out of my very modest stash and thought I might have a go at this.
I really should get something done this year. I am also encouraged by those of you having more than one kit on the bench. I can still work on my interminable Panther F as the mood strikes. It’s okay.
Eddy Navarez’s review of the Cyber-Hobby kit on the old Armorama site is invaluable. There is quite a lot to digest.
Which brings me to the various issues: might it be worthwhile to purchase the Hobby Boss kit for the turret or other parts and combine the two kits?
Here is what I have so far: the Cyber-Hobby kit of course, the Voyager barrel and Voyager photoetch detail kit. I also scrounged a few parts from the parts bin such as an open fume extractor as the kit part has it sealed.
I also have the Jentz / Doyle VK45.02 to Tiger II book.
Some aspects which are unclear:
It seems there were as many as three assembled?
A Typ 180 seems to have taken part in some of the last battles?
Since no photos exist, I am left to guess at a finish. Box art for both kits are doubtful although I find the red-brown with green and dark yellow stripes tempting.
Again, what I know is next to nothing, so I’m guessing overall dark yellow, maybe some camo. If a lone Typ 180 was at Kummersdorf, I imagine it would lack tools, a tactical number and maybe even Balkenkreuz markings.
The kit review provides advice for an end of war vehicle, but I am interested in modeling one of the three Typ 180s and not a hypothetical paper panzer.
So I will need to consult my book for the early turret details.
Regarding Ferdinands in the factory such as No. 150100, to my eye, it seems apparent that the running gear is dark yellow. If that’s the case, then of course, the original chassis were dark yellow.
Okay, I ordered a set of R Model Early Ferdinand Tracks. As mentioned, I am going for an early Typ 180 portrayal.
A turret detail is a bit confusing: the large round port side hatch under the commander’s cupola, should I include the disc included in the Voyager Model set and add a weld seam? The Cyber-Hobby kit does not include this detail.
I should also include a pair of conical bolts in front of this, if so. I was on eBay looking at 1/35 bolts, but I don’t know which to buy and it seems no measurements are provided. Anyone know?
Correction: the Voyager set has a photoetch weld ring, not a disk. The C-H kit includes a photoetch disk, but I believe it’s not mentioned in the kit’s directions.
As mentioned in Eddy Nevarez’s review of the Voyager set, the directions do not indicate the manner in which the C-H kit’s fenders are to be cut off.
Anyone have any tips? I’ve never done this before and obviously, I only have one chance to get it right.
I am thinking of making a horizontal score where the body meets the fenders. I imagine I would then have to very carefully file or sand to get a perfect flat edge.
