The Elefant is one of the definitive Panzers of the Second World War. Large, powerful and technically complex it was capable of extracting a high toll on enemy armour, when correctly deployed, and hence has a certain appeal for modelers. First seeing combat at Kursk in 1943 under the name Ferdinard, they were subsequently overhauled and upgraded with zimmerit applied to the exterior among numerous other improvements. In 1944 they were renamed Elefant. The reworked Elefants saw combat in Italy and on the Eastern Front.

Contents

This zimmerit set from Atak Models of Poland is designed specifically for the DML kit of the Elefant and contains resin parts to cover or replace all panels which wartime photos indicate were covered by zimmerit, including the small recesses above the fenders and the tool box.

The set includes:

• Solid resin parts for drivers frontal armour, front glacis, pistol ports, small curved deflectors on rear, and rear tool box.
• Flexible resin panels for all other panels covered by zimmerit. The panels for the majorside and rear plates are designed to fit around the kits raised detail which offer benefits over some other zimmerit sets for similar kits.

The zimmerit pattern is effectively reproduced with the ridges closely spaced and the texture has the subtle appearance of having been applied by hand. I consider this pattern looks more convincing than what I've seen on sets from Cavalier and Eduard.

Application

The flexible resin parts come on a large sheet and the edges are scored allowing for easy removal. I found the parts could be carefully removed by hand (see photo) and that a knife was only needed for a few stubborn joins and to remove excess carrier film from holes in the larger panels. When removing the carrier film it pays to proceed at steady pace in order to ensure the parts don't tear. The set does not include an instruction sheet.

I found the parts fitted to the Dragon kit neatly and the only real problem I encountered was that the holes for the handle on the rear escape hatch were in the wrong position which I easily corrected by drill new holes. Compared to the putty approach this set is dearer, but produces more reliable and accurate results.

I find the following approach works well with Atak's sets:

• Using super glue, fit the larger solid resin zimmerit parts to the kit in much the same way that you would fit the plastic parts that they replace (see photo).
• Complete the kits major sub-assemblies, but leave off small detail.
• Slightly roughen the kit's surface with sandpaper (optional).
• Using a toothpick, apply a thin swirl of araldite to one panel of the kit. Use an araldite or super glue with approximately 10 minutes curing time to give you time to adjust the zimmerit's fit. Do not overdo the glue or you will have excess glue ooze out when you apply the zimmerit.
• Slowly apply the zimmerit to the panel (see photo). I use an edge or raised detail to initially position the panel and work out from this point.
• Check the zimmerit's fit and gently press it into place, working from the centre out.
• Repeat previous three steps for each panel.
• If any edge did not sit firm, use the tip of an old hobby knife blade to insert some super glue and hold the edge in place for a minute.
• Remove any excess overhand using a fresh hobby knife (see photo).
• Attach the kit's small detail (e.g. tools) and the Atak set's small resin zimmerit parts (e.g. MG mount) using a quick setting super glue.

Recommendation

This Atak set provides an effective option for applying zimmerit to DML's 1/35 Elefant. The set is comprehensive, neatly fits to the model and is a low risk way to ensure an accurate zimmerit finish. Definitely recommended.

User Contributed Notes