Author Topic: Tiger 1 Zimmerit application (Read 433 times)

Bodhi · « **on:** April 14, 2005, 09:56:43 AM »

Hey, thought you guys might be interested to see my first attempts at hand applying zimmerit to a 1/35th Tiger I.

This vehicle should not look like production applied zimmerit, as it is a mid-production vehicle that I am doing with a unit that applied the zimmerit in the field.

Any critiques you have would be appreciated.

Pongo · « **Reply #1 on:** April 14, 2005, 10:05:39 AM »

Good Job, looks way better then the first one I did. You controled the thickness of the putty very well which makes a big difference.

indy007 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 14, 2005, 11:17:30 AM »

That's pretty nice. Should take paint very well as long as you're careful about it globbing up in the recesses. What type of putty are you using? I always used "green stuff" from Citadel, but iirc it's "blue stuff" now. Also, how'd you keep it so uniform? Use a comb, or just good with a putty tool?

btw, what was Zimmerit anyways?

Pongo · « **Reply #3 on:** April 14, 2005, 12:26:30 PM »

Zimmerit was an anti magnetic coating developed by the germans and applied to many of thier AFVs from mid 43 to late 44.
They had developed a fantastically effective anti tank magnetic mine and they developed a countermeasure to it in fears of the russians deploying something simulare. No Allied country ever did develope such a weapon though.

GRUNHERZ · « **Reply #4 on:** April 14, 2005, 12:35:01 PM »

Actually zimmerit has no special anti magnetic properties whatsover. It simply provided a set off barrier from the hull metal so the magnetic mine could not attach beacuse of the distance.

It looks like Bodhi used zimmitrite, a two part epoxy putty from http://www.rjproducts.com/

Makarov9 · « **Reply #5 on:** April 14, 2005, 01:33:33 PM »

Thanks, I always wondered why the Tigers had the rough texture to them.

Pongo · « **Reply #6 on:** April 14, 2005, 04:29:54 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by GRUNHERZ
Actually zimmerit has no special anti magnetic properties whatsover. It simply provided a set off barrier from the hull metal so the magnetic mine could not attach beacuse of the distance.

It looks like Bodhi used zimmitrite, a two part epoxy putty from http://www.rjproducts.com/

Are you saying that Zimmerit was magnetic? All I am saying is that it was not magnetic in and of itself and that was its primary reason for use a non magnetic material to try to isolate the magnets on the mine from the metal of the tank. The rough texture was to to increase that effect and deny the magnet a smooth area to adhere.

So its special "anti magnetic" property was that it was non magnetic itself not that it could nullify a magnetic field. Have they ever exaclty established what it compound was made of?

GRUNHERZ · « **Reply #7 on:** April 14, 2005, 04:49:19 PM »

Hmm, what are we arguing about?

Anyway I just didnt want anyone to come away with the idea that zimmerit was some sort of special magnet repulsing material, which was possible to draw from reading your initial post if you arent informed on the subject of germna tanks.

Hmm, what was zimmerit made of? Maybe I should take some samples of the real WW2 zimmerit I have and get it tested at a lab.

Here's what it's made of accoring to one site...

40% Barium Sulphate,
BaSO4 - is made from Barium (Ba) treated with Sulpheric acid (H2SO4), and is water-insoluble
25% Polyvinyl Acetate,
PVA - commonly known as white carpenters glue
15% ochre pigment,
An earth-toned colouring material
10% Zinc sulphide and
ZnS - a natural mineral, and a Zinc ore. 70% Zinc Sulphide and 30% Barium Suphate give Lithopone, a white pigment
10% sawdust

Staga · « **Reply #8 on:** April 14, 2005, 04:55:13 PM »

http://www.kolumbus.fi/staga/101_0188.jpg

I'm wondering if it could be possible to carve a tool which would give the "waffle" like look.

http://www.panzerworld.net/zimmerit.html

Pongo · « **Reply #9 on:** April 14, 2005, 05:50:13 PM »

Just explaining how the stuff works incase you think that I thought it could dampen magnetic fields. If it was worth your time to correct me its worth both our times to be sure we understand.
Saying it just provided a rough surface isnt correct. The fact that it isnt magnetic is very signifigant in its design.

Bodhi · « **Reply #10 on:** April 14, 2005, 06:53:31 PM »

I used Zimm-it-rite.

It is a two part epoxy. I actually spoke to Grunherz about it, and he suggested the product, well, I amde contact, and I now am a dealer for them as well.

If any of you would like some Zimm-It-Rite, let me know, I have some in stock. Each kit of the product is enough to do 4 or 5 1/35 armoured vehicles.

indy007 · « **Reply #11 on:** April 15, 2005, 07:57:47 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Staga
http://www.kolumbus.fi/staga/101_0188.jpg

I'm wondering if it could be possible to carve a tool which would give the "waffle" like look.

http://www.panzerworld.net/zimmerit.html

A meat tenderizing hammer does the job. Just grind the pointy parts flat real quick. Can do it in a few minutes with a table grinder. Just make sure the layer of sculpting putty is kinda thin. Otherwise you gotta do it by hand, and I've found the best for that is the square end of a chop-stick (the chinese restaraunt kind). Just keep the sculpting end moist so it doesn't stick. Time consuming, but the end result looks good.

DREDIOCK · « **Reply #12 on:** April 15, 2005, 08:18:25 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Staga
http://www.kolumbus.fi/staga/101_0188.jpg

I'm wondering if it could be possible to carve a tool which would give the "waffle" like look.

http://www.panzerworld.net/zimmerit.html

Would a rasp work? Perhaps using a hacksaw it could be cut down to a workable size
or how about making a rubber mold of a rasp or some similarly texured peice of material then you can cut it to size and even wrap it around bends.

Used to build alot of models as a kid. Havent done so in a VERY long time Though I do have a partially started P40 up on the shelf my son and I started but never finished.

Anyway I found many common household items were often perfect or near perfect things to make tools out of or add that finishing touch.

Dont know if any of yas ever tried it but if you completely unfold a gauze bandage and manipulate it a little bit and paint it OD it looks remarkably similar to camoflage netting

GRUNHERZ · « **Reply #13 on:** April 15, 2005, 08:52:36 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Bodhi
I used Zimm-it-rite.

It is a two part epoxy. I actually spoke to Grunherz about it, and he suggested the product, well, I amde contact, and I now am a dealer for them as well.

If any of you would like some Zimm-It-Rite, let me know, I have some in stock. Each kit of the product is enough to do 4 or 5 1/35 armoured vehicles.

Heh, how big is my cut of this racket? Do I get a finders fee or something?

How did you like Rich, he's a pretty cool guy?

Pongo · « **Reply #14 on:** April 15, 2005, 10:35:53 AM »

There used to be a tool sold to press waffle patterns into putty for zimmerit.
Myself I will still buy the Cavelier preformed kits. I have installed the one for the Tamiya Panther G and prepared the one for the Tamiya Late Tiger. They really are fantastic products. And they take an hour to apply.