Re: Tiger front Track Guards.

Andicog · Post by **Andicog** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 6:16 pm

Can someone tell me on what version of Tiger would it be correct to remove the front track guards? I've seen a few modified but wondered if the very early version was produced without, also would many Tigers have had these removed due to battle damage or operating conditions ? I recently picked up a cheap non S+ S Tiger and was thinking of removing the front guards ( although not the side ones ) Same question for the spare track sections carried on the front, can these be left off without ruining the accuracy of the Tiger? Thanks.

Andicog · Post by **Andicog** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 7:16 pm

Thanks for reply and photo's, any idea what would be left on the hull after guards have gone (was there a mounting flange etc) ??

Post by **Woz** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 7:26 pm

The track guards were easily damaged and sometimes it was easier to remove them the repair/replace them.

Crispy · Post by **Crispy** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 7:55 pm

As above really. All the guards including the side and rear where often damaged and removed in the field to stop them foaling the tracks. The front & rear tracks were hinged and you can see this on the HL mouldings. If they were removed carefully one half of the hinge would still be on the armour plate but its just as likely that the hinge would get damaged and pulled or cut off as well.

Andicog · Post by **Andicog** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 8:02 pm

Thanks, didnt think to leave half the hinge , seems like a good plan !

oz · Post by oz » Tue Jan 20, 2009 8:04 pm

if the hinge was removed you would have this, you can see the weld points for the mudguard hinges.....

oz · Post by oz » Tue Jan 20, 2009 8:09 pm

heres the hinge....

Rivetcounter · Post by **Rivetcounter** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 8:24 pm

All Tigers when new had front and rear mud guards but as has already been said these would be riped off from time to time, as for track links on the front plate well there where many different ways of hanging these depending on the unit the Tiger came from some units didn't have them the brackets where a field modification

Crispy · Post by **Crispy** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 8:30 pm

I removed all the guards on my old Tiger 1 while turning it into a Sturmtiger. Used a dremel like mini drill with cutting and sanding disc, its not as hard as you may think but it does make a lot of mess so best done outside or somewhere the missus wont mind ::)

In hindsight, if i did it again i'd use my flat head soldering iron to melt/cut most of the plastic off and then sand & file down the last few mils to clean it up. Much less mess and really quick

It does make the house smell a bit though to open the windows and she'll never know

Andicog · Post by **Andicog** » Wed Jan 21, 2009 9:22 am

Crispy wrote: I removed all the guards on my old Tiger 1 while turning it into a Sturmtiger. Used a dremel like mini drill with cutting and sanding disc, its not as hard as you may think but it does make a lot of mess so best done outside or somewhere the missus wont mind ::)

In hindsight, if i did it again i'd use my flat head soldering iron to melt/cut most of the plastic off and then sand & file down the last few mils to clean it up. Much less mess and really quick It does make the house smell a bit though to open the windows and she'll never know

Somewhere the missus wont mind ? Kitchen it is then . . . .

Thanks to all for photos and info