tiger tank commanders hatch operation

[harlequin]

can any of the members help me out with some research ,im looking for film preferably digital (any format) of the operation of the commanders hatch opening and closing as if buttoning the tank down for combat is it a two handed operation or single ? i'm interested in the early to mid tank with the pull down hatch rather than the later slide to the side hatchway .I know they could be closed with a lanyard and the hatches were pre loaded with a spring to help with the weigh but I just cant find any film of it either historic or contempary anywhere I have seen 131 at bovington loads of times but have never seen them open or close the hatch in the arena .So if any of the members can help me out with film it would be greatly appreciated ,thanks in advance
Rob

[ausf]

Just a suggestion, I can't remember specifically, but doesn't the TC abandon the Tiger in Fury after it was disabled?

Or maybe there's a making of type docu out there regarding the film.

[43rdRecceReg]

No video evidence, but the text below the diagram of the Turret basket (lower right hand paragraph)..describes what the commander had to do to shut the hatch...just scroll down.. More info to be had for Haynes "Owner's Workshop Manual ..to the Tiger Tank (Produced in cooperation with the Tank Museum)..One hand would do, probably..

[DavidByrden]

I can't find any video of this right now, but I would expect it to be a one-handed operation. The hatch was counterbalanced, after all.

David

[harlequin]

Thank you gentlemen for taking the time to reply to my request I have fury on blueray so I will have to watch it again and check out if it can be seen ,I have the Haynes tiger manual and will give it a read .I assumed myself that it would be a one handed pull down motion just from a point of speed and safety for the crew /commander and have read that it could be closed with a lanyard
I may give bovington a ring and ask them if they can help or when I attend tankfest this year collar one of the crew in the tank park and plead for a demo lol .thanks once again for the info gents any help is always appreciated keep up the good work
Rob