1:35 Lifting hooks - Panther and Tiger II

Lifting hooks 1:35 for the Panther and the Tiger II

A set of small lifting hooks in 1:35 scale meant for models of the German Panther and Tiger II tanks. It is not a kit or a finished model but an accessory with which coarsely molded or missing eyes on the hull and the turret are replaced on a model.

What the set is for

On real vehicles lifting hooks serve for handling heavy assemblies, mainly the turret and parts of the powerpack, and on a model they are small projections with a pronounced silhouette. An injection mold manages them only in a limited thickness, so they tend to be hefty and without an opening. A separate part has the right mass and profile, holds a regular alignment and once painted creates a shadow that breaks up the otherwise smooth surfaces of the armor. The difference shows most on the top surface of the turret and on the hull roof, where a viewer looks on a display model.

Building and painting tips

Cut the original molded hooks off with a scalpel and sand the surface over, especially around the weld beads, which it is worth keeping. Compare the placement with the documentation for your model beforehand, as on both types the position of the eyes differs according to the production run. Glue the parts with cyanoacrylate glue applied on a pin; on thin profiles a real minimum is enough. Before painting, spray the whole model with a primer for adhesion, and once painted let a dark wash and fine rubbing of the edges come out on the hooks, so that they look like worn metal fittings.

Who the set is for

• Builders of models of German tracked vehicles in 1:35
• Modelers who are finishing off the detail of a hull and turret
• Dioramas and display models with a view from above
• Conversions and rebuilds where a uniform shape of the eyes is needed

This is an accessory for the build of a model, not a model on its own. The kit, glue and paints are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.