Tiger II

By: Jan Sobieski

Manufacturer(s): Dragon

Modifications: A lot of sratchworks like a new AA/MG-ring on the commanders coppola, some new Holders for the towing cable. With a copper net I made the amoured cover over the engine ventilator. All hooks and handgribs hab been made new by wire. The camouflage is from MiniNatur and the rabbit is from Mini History.

Description: This Tiger II belongs to the 506.schw. PzAbtl.. The Unit was reequiped with 45 of this powerfull tanks in August and saw action in the battle of Arnhem. In this case I build and painted a tank that saw only minor combat. (less chipping and filters). It is one of the 30 tanks that fought against british forces in Elst some Kilometers before Arnhem

Judge 1: Good work on the construction especially the metal lifting hooks & mesh grill over the engine vent.One of the round etch grills is quite of centre though.The grass & foliage on the tanks is very nicely done too. The camo & rust on the exhaust are well painted, more pinwashes & metallic drybrushing would help especially around the wheels & the bolt details. I am really impressed by the decal application of 2+14 on the zimmerit, (the cross on the rear mudguard is unlikely). The figures are hard to see but the glossy black is unrealistic & the flesh tone a bit bright a darker grey in lines to make or show off creases would make the uniforms more interesting too. Nice work. Sorry could not spot the rabbit! :)
Judge 2: This is a very simple diorama; still you’ve provided us with some sort of covering story which added to your work. The work would also benefit of more photos especially showing it as a whole, not part by part. Even if you take pictures part by part, try to make them all in focus without blurred areas. I don’t think it was a best decision to move a vehicle so close to the edge because it visually unbalanced the diorama. Bright vegetation immediately catches an eye. And you’ve added some flowers, the detail that isn’t present often in other works. The tank is a well-built model with good use of scratch-built details. Painting is quite careful and you justified the way you’ve painted it with your cover story. Foliage is well-applied, though it looks a little artificial in my taste. It’s a pity the figures are not painted as good as the tank looking too simple and glossy.
Judge 3: Although this is not a photographic competition photos are all we have to judge your model and if the photos aren’t great it makes it harder for us to see and reward your hard work. Read our photo tips section for a few ideas on how to improve your photographs. The model seems as though it is well made and the base colours are nicely done with the decals being an impressive stand out. The smaller details are lacking shadows –most noticeable on the wheels- a darker pin wash will help bring them out. As has been mentioned your figures are not at the same standard as your tank, have a look at the diorama “road to Germany” in this month’s competition, his figures are excellent and you should be able to get some ideas by studying them closely. If you are going to use figures it’s a good idea to make them even better than the other elements in the scene as the human eye is naturally drawn to them. Improving your figures will improve the overall impression of your work so spending time here will be very profitable. When creating smaller scenes it is always a good idea to place the main subject –the tank in your case- in the centre otherwise the eye naturally looks around for the reason it’s been placed off centre (which is distracting) and when there isn’t one it looks odd. As tempting as it is to leave the grass as it comes out of the packet it really does need to be painted to make it blend in with the other elements. Look as I might I just can’t find the rabbit, pity I was looking forward to seeing it. Although there are some flaws there are some good points, concentrate on improving the things the judges have pointed out and you’ll be on your way to the next level, keep up the good work.