Pla Model (1): Tiger I Early version with zimmerit

Hello everyone, its Madness Monday. Hope this little rambling of mine would take your mind off work, even for just a little while :). Today the topic will be on pla models, which is the Japanese short form for plastic models ( the full pronounciation is purasutiku moderu). The subject of focus will be the Academy Tiger-1 Early version.

The Tiger has become the iconic German Tank of World War 2 (WWII), so much that almost every German tank is called a tiger by the allies. However, the appearance of this powerful tank came too late and little for the Germans. Part of the reason for this late development came from Hitler's inflated optimism that the war would be over in late '40 early '41 but I digress...

I built this model in 2003, under the tutelege of Bernard from M workshop. Bernard is an excellent teacher who taught me many valuable painting and modelling tips, which I still use to this day ( what you learn and remember in school will go a long way :)  ). You can visit his site at
http://www.themworkshop.com/HOME.htm.

Perhaps the most challenging aspect of this build was doing the zimmerit (a non-magnetic coating application that prevents enemy soldiers from sticking magnetic mines to the tanks). It was a coating of epoxy putty and then using a small screwdriver to make each notch. Today Tamiya has come up with a roller applicator that makes the process easier. However, this was definitely a task which gave me a great sense of accomplishment.

Bernard also taught me how to do battle damage and weather the model. Weathering is making the model look realistic by factoring in day-to-day wear and tear on the item in real life.

Here are a few more shots of the completed model. Unfortunately, I have not protected it well from dust and well...

Of course, this is no where near the quality of the works done by professional modellers but it is one which I am very happy with. Speaking of which, if you are interested in seeing how the professionals build and paint a model, I have included a youtube search link. It is commentated in Japanese but you won't have a problem following. https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=plamo+tsukurou.

May your week ahead be filled with blessings and favor!!