hdbeast

I just got my Tamiya King Tiger FO from Hong Kong, $ 420.00 USD plus 135.00 to ship. Ordered it on 11-19 2007, was shipped on the 21st and delivered on the 26th by USPS.
It looks like I have the rest of the year off work (I'm the BOSS) and thought it would be fun to have something to work on.

So this is the start of my build, and I know it has been done before but this will be my way.
First pics is how it was shipped from HK and the parts out of the box with no upgrades YET. There are many plastic parts and lots of metal to this model.

This is going to be fun

I need lots of help on aftermarket parts Info. like do they make bearings for this model? I have not seen any so far. I have placed my order for all the upgrades from Daryl Turner and he is shipping them today, so that part is covered. I've read Sterns build a couple of times and will use some of what he did to this one.

Tell me what you all think as I build this, good or bad. But please no HL vs Tamiya stuff. Thanks,

Gary

Jeff489

My Feedback: (12)

Congratulations on your tank! You're going to love it. I just completed my KT build. ETO sells roadwheels that have bearings, but they're pricey. Most just get the low tolerance bushings for the road wheels. As to upgrades, you already have ordered the "must haves".

Nice esthetic details include: detailed loader hatch, openable driver/radio operator hatches, historically accurate close defense weapon port, opening escape hatch, metal muzzle brake, operating headlight, and metal tracks. The Schumo gear reduction kit brings it down to scale speed; you might want to upgrade to 400 long can motors they make it more nimble, and the drive shaft support bearings will make it more dependable when you drive it alot.

Don't buy the metal mudflaps off Ebay, as I did. The things literally crumbled as I tried in vain to install them. I put the plastic ones on that came in the kit.

As to paint and markings, I did my KT up as an SS tank (as shown in the "Tigers In Combat II" book) that had zimmerit and a 3 color camo job. I applied my own zimmerit using Academy putty.

Good luck!

Jeff.

Wozwasnt

So I take it you're not married

Look forward to seeing this build.

el65co

You should come down on Dec. 2nd for one of our clubs (SCAT) battles. The location is just down the way from Ontario.

ah64

Tell me what you all think as I build this, good or bad. But please no HL vs Tamiya stuff. Thanks,



AWWWW Come on not even a little? .....
Charge up those batteries and make sure the Flash card is Empty because we all love Pictures!!!

hdbeast

Ok, Woswasnt, I'm the Boss for my company, but she (for 31 years) is the boss at home.

el65co, someday I may come down there.

ah64, batteries are ready

jeff489, Just placed an order to ETO for the Drive shaft supports, Wheel bushing kit, and a few other detail parts, Thanks

Need to start reading about the King Tiger to find the colors I'll be painting it.

Perry S.

That's so yesterday. Time to bring on the Tam vs Matorro stuff

elhhss

this might be your choice for high torque transmission, if you ever like to power up you KT.
It is full metal gears, with build-in reduction gear

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzBHFrr3cAY

hdbeast

Hey Perry, it never seems to end.

elhhss, tell me more about this, thanks

elhhss

email me at [email protected]
I will provide the info to see if those met your requirements

elhhss

you can see this at
http://www.etoarmour.com/product_det...ctID=HDTU%2001

Bob gives a very good service

hdbeast

Thanks, elhhes,
I placed an order with ETO and may consider these also.

Jeff489

My Feedback: (12)

Gary,

Are you going to put in openable driver/radio operator hatches?

hdbeast

Jeff489, Yes I have cut out and hinged them on all my tanks, I have not looked at the king Tiger close yet, but will try and open any hatch I can.

Jeff489

My Feedback: (12)

Gary,

If you put the opening hatches on, check to make sure the axe doesn't get in the way of the radio operator's hatch. I installed my charging port and on/off switch inside this hatch, and then couldn't get the hatch to fully open due to the axe being in the way. I ended up flipping the axe lengthwise to get the hatch to open fully. Just thought I'd save you some grief.

hdbeast

Thanks Jeff, for tip, Is there a build of you KT on here?

Gary

Jeff489

My Feedback: (12)

No, I've been too busy building it to get it ready for battleday on Sunday. I took it out and tested it last night. No problems other than the turret hanging up. A few drops of CA on the traverse gear clutch tonight should put that to bed. I have three tanks going to battleday with three drivers. That's alot to get ready. The KT was my baby all along. I'll drive it. The construction was a labor of love, and I took pictures all during construction. I am going to post it, but after seeing Stern's build, I must confess I am intimidated. Nevertheless, I'll put it on for my fellow tanker's enjoyment because they did as well. Seems only fair.

blitzkrieg65

Hello Jeff,

Looking forward to see you and your three tanks on Sunday, and especially the King Tiger!!!

The Blitz

ah64

hdbeast I have seen a book at BArnes and Noble the other day Titled Tiger in Combat also there was a book on German Heavy Armor the last book had lots of pics... Was thinking of getting them I love the Tiger and King Tiger Tanks. I will go back and see if it is still there if I get it I will scan the picts and Post them for you.

hdbeast

Thanks, ah64.

May need to make a book run myself, I've now ordered a number of upgrade and detail parts, some that prevent me from starting untill they show up, so a little reading and study will help make the right decisions on what tank to model after.

If you do pickup the books, please post the pics you like, it will help me and others, Thanks.

Gary

Jeff489

My Feedback: (12)

Gary,

I have copies of Tigers in Combat I and Tigers in Combat II. Both are well worth the investment and have lots of photos and history of Tiger units. They cover both Tigers. For a Tiger 1, I think the best books are Tiger 1 on the Western Front and Tiger 1 on the Eastern Front, simply due to the illustrations that show just about every conceivable paint job in full color.

hdbeast

Thanks Jeff, Will look for them.

edoubleaz

My Feedback: (1)

Just send them to me Jeff. I'll build you a page in a day!

Jeff489

My Feedback: (12)

Ethan,

That's a good point that I forgot about. I'll send you the pics to post. I've got about 15 or so.

hdbeast

Jeff489,ah64

Found three books on Amazon, my local book stores came up short[&o]. They are Tiger in Combat 1, King Tiger Heavy Tank, The King Tiger vol. II. I looked through the book tread and they are recommended by ArmChairGeneral also.[sm=thumbup.gif]