MATORRO JAGDTIGER CONVERSION

[HERMAN BIX]

Hmm, maybe I could make Britney disappear................into my room !!

Ahem

Now Ive done it, the real work starts.
As all the joints will be glued, its going to be extra important to get the jointing right, and the backing material broad.
I might even use glued brass in places.

[HERMAN BIX]

I was having a bit of a creative barnstorm on how to secure the upper hull to the lower, without magnets, and a simple case of "how do I make the existing hull fixing points meet the new lower" raised its head.
The hull fixing posts are 6mm diameter, and I was just mulling things over while I cleared a bit of flotsam off the table.
A Eureka moment ensued............axle hubs !
Yip, redundant axle hubs from the donor suspension.
Drilled the open end out to suit a press'n'turn fit on each post, after checking fit several times.
The two front posts are shortened and holes drilled in the sponsons.
I prefer screws to secure the hulls on my tanks, but its not without risk or course.

Now I can secure both sections of the slit upper into position, clamp them off, remove and start the joining process.
Last thing I want is excessive gaps in the major areas like glacis and rear engine deck.

[AlwynTurner]

Coming along nicely Herman after some serious surgery. Following along.
Alwyn

[Spartan tracks]

Probably not going to help much Herm!!! But I'm going to do some photography at bovvy tank museum tommorow so if there's any specific close up pics of there JT you would I can post when I get home ,Andy

[AlwynTurner]

Hi Herman I have some JT pics from Bovington, if you pm me your web address I will send them - I don't want to load them all up to photobucket as it will chew up my storage.
Alwyn

[HERMAN BIX]

Thanks lads, sorry about the tardy reply.
I honestly have lots of pics, some my own from Aberdeen, some from walk arounds in Kubinka.
Sure do appreciate the offer though

[Spartan tracks]

Hi Herm may I ask a question? Are you going to do anything about the side profile of the JT ? Regards Andy

[HERMAN BIX]

I considered it, but thought that no matter what I do, its going to be a cluster of parts & processes to turn a pigs ear into a silk purse.
So, to at least keep a fraction of the donor Matorro tank, that really should have been kept intact for posterity, decided not to alter the side profile, but I did reduce the sharpness of the transition to visually improve the finished look.
Otherwise all I would have left is a rear engine deck, rear casemate bulkhead, front bulkhead, upper drivers roof & front upper glacis !!
Hardly a Matorro at all
Might as well have kept it and cut an H/L KT

I am lucky to be in a position to take advantage of donated parts as well, where these have been converted by others without the luxury of so many options for parts. Ive seen one from days gone by that used a full metal Weoche lower however !

As long as it looks right, and doesn't cost more than a Torro-in-a-box to get there, then I'll be happy.

[Spartan tracks]

Thanks Herm that explains everything it's a great build keep up the good work , Andy

[HERMAN BIX]

G'day lads, thanks to Mr Doc Larsson and his PzIII, I am now the gushing father of a Chris Ludwig Jagdtiger Barrel Support system.
Mr Larsson carried through with a surprisingly more expensive "free" deal than most would have entertained, and for that I am truly grateful.
Thanks again mate, I really appreciate your time & integrity.
(not sure if hes qualified for a "Recommended Vendor" but the same spirit applies !)

Along with Mr Jackalopes lower, and Mr Sassgrunts tow hitch, this build is a real team effort, and Im proud & humble to say so.

Cheers to you lads

I'm not going to pull it out of the bag as all the tiny brass parts & bolts might go west, and that I assure you all, will rip a hole in my nightie bigger than Trumps ego

Chris has done a top job producing a working scale support system, and it will be a shame to put paint on it.