Entry 4: Modelcollect UA35019 1/35 German Heavy Tank "Sabeltiger" E-60 Ausf.B 12.8cm Kwk- Clean Canvas for a Paper Panzer

German Heavy tank “Sabeltiger” E-60 Ausf.B 12.8cm Kwk- Kit number 35019

Scale modelling can be life-long hobby, I have seen many AFV subjects on offer as a model kits. These scale models kits were mainly based on historical vehicles.  Mine preference of scale model kits, has always  been World War II Axis Powers. Armour vehicles from Germany, Japan and Italy is still extremely interesting. Don't get me wrong. I do built the odd Matilda, Jeeps and Shermans. 

But nothing beats an AFV monster from the Axis powers especially German Armour vehicles. Back then, in the 80s and 90s prevalence of this great hobby with its many japanese scale models manufacturers and themes were modelling magazines from Japan such as Model Art Magazine, Armour Modelling Magazine and Model Graphix showcasing wonderful scale model works by great modellers in Japan. 

I recalled being gobsmacked by one of the magazine, publishing of a strange looking 1/35 german panzer called the “Sabelzahntiger”. This was mine first encounter with 'paper-panzers' which was not produced by major kit makers at that time. Back then, being a resin kit, it was expensive and not reachable for a high school student...so cool was these paper panzers designs at it sat at the corner of my mind unreachable..until... Model Collect. range of AFV themes.

Completed Paper Panzer ready for inspection!

Chinese based Model Collect came to the modelling scene in 2014, with their launch of main stay and unusal subjects  1/72, 1/48 and 1/35 . And these subjects included paper panzers!

I purchased this kit back in August 2024, It was basic to say the least, molding lines were soft, vehicle tools could be better. Fitting was also not the best, i recommend test fitting at every stage. Tracks was the big disappointment with their tiny guide horns. I feedbacked to Model Collect and was told, the tracks are being corrected with higher guide horns. Hopefully, these will be used in 2025 production run.

To counter the short track, i had replaced them with Hobbyboss King Tiger late production tracks which fits with adjustments to the track sprocket and idler.

 

Setting the tracks to dry after test fitting

 Apart from the Tracks, the road wheels was also challenging as it has a rather short shaft to adhere to  the suspension system. In order to strengthen these to prevent them from possible breakage, the holes was drilled and extended into the hull and the road wheel's shaft was extended with evergreen plastic rods. to reach the hull providing better strength.

As for assembly instructions, it can also be improvement as there was a lot of guess work involved in during my built and hence test fitting was essential!

Texturing the Armour with Tamiya surface primer

Built completed with surplus parts from Tamiya Tiger I, Tamiya King Tiger tracks and Tamiya Panzer IV, Type J

Even though much was done to the existing kit, it turned out to be a rewarding experience. So much so,  two more kits, Modelcollect 35033 1/35 E-75 heavy tank 2 in 1 10.5cm & 12.8cm KwK Gun  King tiger III and Modelcollect 35032 E-50 Ausf.B 10.5cm KwK L/52 “Panther III” were purchase and addedd to the stash!

With alot of scraps and surplus plastic still available. i will have an interesting time with these monsterous creations.

Note: 

Model collect is known in Japan as ロケットモデルズ rocket models Here are some of my favourites

Rocket Models 47035 Fist of War Series Japanese Army Trial Medium Tank

Rocket Models 47031 1/35 Fist of War Series German Army E-60A

Rocket Models 47045 1/48 Fist of War Series German Air Force Focke Wolf 1000 High Speed Bomber Heavy

Entry 1: The "Original" 1/35 Scale Bergepanther Model Kit from Italeri.

 

Released in 1995, the kit was the first for a vehicle based on the famous German Panther Tank that was not used for fighting purposes but as a recovery and repair platform. Even though the molding was not as sharp as Tamiya or Dragon model's products, but none of them had a BergePanther. 

Then in 2006, ICM Models released it's version of the bergepanther but using majority Italeri mold parts.

 Modellers would have to wait until Takom Model's release in 2018 and Hobbyboss rendition in 2021.

The Build

The built was comparative simple compared to the latest offering by major kit makers. As this kit provided partial interior. I made up more parts from Evergreen Plastic products and surplus parts to enhance the details. Given the original rubber tracks were lacking in details. A set of aftermarket Panther Tank Tracks from SKP Model was added together with Voyager Model PE35981 set for Panther Tank A version, which greatly improved the details on this project. 

Additional Field Mount for Engine (made from Evergreen Plastic products and an engine from a FAMO halftrack  from Tamiya )

Interior 

Building scale models with interior requires painting before the parts are seal off.  Some modellers prefer to approach the interior by paint them on the sprue trees before assemblying. Personally, i prefer build each section as it is (engine, crew interior, etc) then airbrushing them before detailing painting. Experience have shown again and again, gluing painted parts together sometimes causes the plastic to dissolve and mess up the paint, though use thin cement like Tamiya Extra Thin Cement may fix this.

As for painting assembled parts, i have found that as long as it can be seen by the eye, any assembled part or section can be painted, be it very small paint brushes. 

As for the Bergepanther, the interior was painted, weathered and masked off before tackling the exterior assemblies like the hull, tracks, idler and sprocket and the big spade.

Black and White Painting method.

There are many ways to paint scale models. Some preferred priming all black or gray before applying colours. Others, would only shade the areas of shadow with back before applying colours. Some would do a mixture of both approach depending on the model kit and and their colours.  My painting style has been heavily influence by Spanish model builders for armour vehicles such as Mr. JOSE LUIS LOPEZ RUIZ and Mr. Miguel Jiménez. Both artist's published books have been good references for improving the scale model. These books are 

Painting Guide for AFV: of World War Two and Modern Era by Jose Luis Lopez (2014-07-19) 

F.A.Q.: Frequently Asked Questions on Afv Painting Techniques

To such, this time round i have attempted the Black and White method on this scale model kit.

 More on the painting the Bergepather on the next post.