My Tiger Tank Project

This section is to 'show and tell' about any customizing or re-modeling you have done (or are doing) to a Heng Long tank.
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This section is for posting a build log of your Heng Long tank.
Questions relating to issues you are having with your tank(s) should be posted in the General Questions forum here: viewforum.php?f=14
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Jimster
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Location: Illinois

Re: My Tiger Tank Project

Post by Jimster »

Ha ha. There’s more than one tiger in the house.
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Jimster
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Location: Illinois

Re: My Tiger Tank Project

Post by Jimster »

It’s been a while but I’ve been busy. I’ve completely replaced the Heng Long RX18 system with the Taigen V3 mfu system including their speaker and transmitter/controller. Here’s a pick of everything tucked away fairly neatly and my dust cover over the gears and motors. I’ve also added the Taigen turret with a metal Airsoft barrel and recoil. I’ve modified the turret into an initial Tiger turret by removing the front ridge at the binocular sights and adding the visor. The rear storage has been removed and the elevation gear covered up as good as I could make it (the mammoth decal will help hide my bodywork). I have the side pod storage bins ordered from Herr Ludwig as well as a detailed wooden jack block. I’m also awaiting another pistol port for the right side of the turret. I’ve already removed the emergency escape hatch. I have a metal loaders hatch but it really doesn’t look any better than Taigen’s. I’ve added a metal engine cover modified to represent the initial production Tiger unit. I bought a Taigen hull to use the daughterboard and to use the front plate that has an open vision port and a properly located metal machine gun. It also has the things on either side of the machine gun port to hold the cover in place. The Heng Long molding is nowhere near as accurate. On the rear I’ve added that antenna mount that’s located on the upper right side of the rear plate. I also added a Mato metal jack but I used the Taigen jack handle as the Mato jack didn’t come with one. Funny thing is that the only remaining Heng Long part is the upper hull.
I still have much to do but I just wanted to update you fine folks. As always, any hints, tips or advice would be appreciated.
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Jimster
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Location: Illinois

Re: My Tiger Tank Project

Post by Jimster »

I see that I need to drill two holes above the driver’s vision port. Every time I look I see something else that needs modification. I’ve also removed the smoke unit. Too loud, unrealistic and uses up some battery power. I just ordered a more powerful battery from IMEX to extend my backyard maneuver time. Probably should get a better charger as well.
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Jimster
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Re: My Tiger Tank Project

Post by Jimster »

Still waiting on detail parts and the side storage bin kit but I’ve had time to install the driveshaft bushings. I’m also waiting on new Taigen metal tracks to replace the Heng Long versions. This build is taking a while but the fun is in the journey!
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Jimster
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Location: Illinois

Re: My Tiger Tank Project

Post by Jimster »

Yesterday I received my order from Chris Ludwig including the side storage bins and a detailed jack block kit. Here’s a couple of photos of the installed side bins. I’m still working on the jack block. This project is beginning to take shape. Thanks for checking in to a newbies build thread.
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c.rainford73
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Re: My Tiger Tank Project

Post by c.rainford73 »

I applaud your ability and you have done an outstanding job :thumbup:

Did the bins require much reworking?
Tanks alot.... :wave:
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Jimster
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Re: My Tiger Tank Project

Post by Jimster »

Not really any reworking required. The kit is excellent and the parts only need a little cleaning up with fine sandpaper. The fit is good and only a small amount of light sanding was required to make everything flush. The mounting straps seem a bit thick but I added nut castings to distract a viewer’s attention. Here’s one completed bin alongside the one as is comes in the kit. It came with no instructions but it was pretty straight forward.
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jarndice
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Re: My Tiger Tank Project

Post by jarndice »

I think this is one of the best builds on the Forum although I cannot help wondering when you are going to finish the Jacks mounting clamps on the rear panel and the clamp for the jack handle which goes beside the right hand exhaust pipe,
The long handled shovel was not a usual fitting on the early Tiger 1,
It became a factory fit on the front glacis ( The area in front of the Driver/Radio operator) in October 1942.
But I am being picky and it is your tank not a copy of something that just rolled off of a production line. :haha:
If you can get hold of an "Osprey" Publication titled "Modelling the Tiger 1" It is 37 in the series, It has a load of illustrated detail including Jack Clamps :lolno:
Recommended.
I think I am about to upset someone :haha:
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Jimster
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Location: Illinois

Re: My Tiger Tank Project

Post by Jimster »

Thanks!! You and others have been a great help. I think I’ll remove that rear snow shovel. I saw a photo of an initial Tiger that had a smaller shovel mounted there but that was obviously a rarity and probably unique to that tank. I realize that many field mods were implemented. Besides, removing the shovel will make room for the jack handle clamp to be properly positioned.
Now a question about the jack itself. I replaced the Taigen plastic jack with a metal Mato jack but I’m not so sure that the metal one is more accurate or not. Any thoughts on this anyone? I know that sometimes plastic parts are more finely detailed than cast metal offerings.
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c.rainford73
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Re: My Tiger Tank Project

Post by c.rainford73 »

From my experience the mato metal jack may lack some details. Can you post a side by side of the two? I remember using one and I had to use plasticard to fill the hollow on the other side and add details to it.
Tanks alot.... :wave:
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