Scale Model Enthusiast - Blog on creative military scale models: Tamiya

Monday, February 10, 2025

Entry 7: The case of a more powerful Sturmtiger?

Tiger tanks and their variants are well known throughout the modelling world as one of the must built, especially for AFV modellers. This was the case for the Sturmmörserwagen 606/4 mit 38 cm RW 61 otherwise known as the STRUMTIGER. The rare variant released initially as resin kits in 1987 and 1990 and was followed by the first release in plastic by Tamiya in 1994. Kit Number 35177 was a sensation back in the mid 90s in terms of quality, it reigned supreme until AFV Club's release 12 years later.

Tamiya 1:35 Scale German Assault Mortar Sturmtiger Model Kit, 38 cm

Two was purchased in Hong Kong back in 1997, together with turned aluminium mortar shells and a edurard PE set. These sat on storage until mid January 2025 (29 years!) until i decided to have a crack at it. I 've to admit what put me off all these years was the photo etch set and the need to want it done correctly. Rye Field model released its beautiful version in 2018 was also a kick in the pants to start so stash built. With the rising cost of model kits, what better idea to save money and build those kits purchased.

Therefore, i set about motivating myself to start..... part of me does not want a stock built. How do i make it interesting?

The Sturmtiger armed with a 380mm RW61 mortar on a Tiger I chassis was a German assault gun used for urban fighting. Built byAlkett or (Altmärkische Kettenwerk GmbH), a German company that played a significant role in the development and production of armored vehicles during World War II such as the Sturmgeschütz III and IV and of course, the Sturmmörser Tiger.

Coming back to the kit, i decided to research more about the fearsome 380mm RW61 rocket-propelled mortar. ..."The barrel was radically different in design to other guns, with a cast outer body and a liner inside made from steel about 12 mm thick. Into this liner were cut nine rifling grooves into which splines on the rocket would sit and then rotate during firing."... "together with the splines which went into the rifling of the gun caused the shell to rotate clockwise in flight for stability."... (Source: https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/nazi_germany/sturmtiger.php) And hence since barrel length affects accuracy and flight stability of a shell round. IT will be interesting to see a Sturmtiger with a lengthen barrel.

The first bit was to create the length mortar using a surplus barrel saw off using a razor saw. The two part was taped down before gluing them together.

Lengthen Mortar Barrel

Compared to the Orignal Mortar Barrel.

With the modification completed, its to to add the Photo Etch to the select location and paint the interior and weathered them to give a used look.

AFV Club 1/35 38cm RW6-1 L/5.4 Assault Rocket for Sturmtiger Plastic Model Kit

1/35 Resin Figure Model GK Kits Sturmtiger Crew 5 Soldier Unassembled and Unpainted kit

Interior

Model Casten SK-3 1/35 Tiger I Tank Track Transportation Movable

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

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!