A few questions regarding Tiger I upper hulls....

[Tiger111]

Greetings to all the guests and fellow members here at the forum!

Today I am writing another post regarding the upper hull selection of my Tiger I project. I currently own an unmodified Heng Long 1/16 German Tiger I consisting completely out of plastic, which I hope I can revamp it, make it more custom. The two main websites that I've been searching for Upper hulls are TaigenTanks in the US and ForgeBearTanks in the UK. The problems are as follows -
1) Are all upper hulls compatible with Taigen made out of plastic? In other words, is it possible to get a METAL upper hull?
2) Are the decoration accessories on the stock Taigen hull, besides the tow cables and side cables, molded into the hull? I was wondering if any customization of the accessories could be possible (such as moving the faux shovel from its normal place), for I know not all Tiger Is had their tools in the same exact spots.
3) And finally, was it historically accurate to add grille covers in the rear of the upper hull?

Thank you for your time in reading these questions I have, I hope some of you experts have the answers. If I have any more questions I forget about writing here regarding upper hulls, Ill be sure to add them. Thanks!

[silversurfer1947]

My question would be "Why do you want a metal upper hull?" It you are looking to modify/upgrade it, then plastic is much easier to deal with. Secondly, I'm not sure a metal upper on a plastic lower hull is a good idea. Plastic hulls have a tendency to flex/warp. The weight of a metal upper hull would not be good for a plastic lower. It is more usual to approach this the other way round - having a metal lower hull and a plastic upper.

[capt midnight]

I've got to second Richard on this one. A metal lower is more robust, and there is less on it that would really need to be changed. Having worked with both, the plastic is far easier to modify than the metal. Opening hatches and covers is a breeze on plastic. Not so much on metal.

Bill

[Tiger111]

I've got to second Richard on this one. A metal lower is more robust, and there is less on it that would really need to be changed. Having worked with both, the plastic is far easier to modify than the metal. Opening hatches and covers is a breeze on plastic. Not so much on metal.

Bill

My question would be "Why do you want a metal upper hull?" It you are looking to modify/upgrade it, then plastic is much easier to deal with. Secondly, I'm not sure a metal upper on a plastic lower hull is a good idea. Plastic hulls have a tendency to flex/warp. The weight of a metal upper hull would not be good for a plastic lower. It is more usual to approach this the other way round - having a metal lower hull and a plastic upper.

You have a good point. I was wondering it myself afterwards what the purpose of the hull being metal would be. I just liked the idea of an entirely metal tank, however if it is easier to use a plastic upper hull than I'll go for it. (Also, about the other questions.....)

[Soeren]

Being in the progress of tiger builds to start. Don't go for metal upper hulls or even turrets. It is the weight and the difficulty to modify these. Stay on the plastic side, if u need em more sturdy, just glue in styrene sheet. Have look at the bobby boss tiger. You get a full kit for only a small amount more money compared to the hl ot taigen top/turret combinations, including decent detail part.

[jarndice]

Tiger Hi,
The combination that most of us work with is a Taigen Metal Hull and a Heng Long Plastic/ABS body,
But do not disregard the Heng Long Hull thinking it is someway inferior, It is not.
The Taigen Metal Hull comes with a quick release which is compatible with the Heng Long Body,
The downside to the Taigen Body is that most of the tools and fittings are moulded onto the Body which is a pain if you want to upgrade to better fittings and tools whereas the Heng Long body comes with all the tools and fittings easily removable,
This combination gives the Tank the rigidity of the metal hull with an ABS Body that is easy to work on and if Heaven forfend you should make a mistake it is easy to fix with filler,
You can fit a metal body but the only one available is by MATO and is badly flawed and I would avoid it.
Almost every upgrade that Taigen offer for the Tiger 1 will fit as well as the Heng Long upgrades,
As to Engine Grilles they were a part of the real Tiger1, The usual fit is from ABER whose Photo Etch is superior to almost everyone else's.
In Summary if you must be rid of any part of your Tiger 1 I would replace the Plastic/ABS Hull and buy a Taigen Metal Hull,
I would avoid the Taigen and the Mato bodies either Plastic or Metal.
They are no better than the Heng Long and they cost more.
Keep asking the questions,
I think we are still ahead with the answers
Shaun.

[Tiger111]

Tiger Hi,
The combination that most of us work with is a Taigen Metal Hull and a Heng Long Plastic/ABS body,
But do not disregard the Heng Long Hull thinking it is someway inferior, It is not.
The Taigen Metal Hull comes with a quick release which is compatible with the Heng Long Body,
The downside to the Taigen Body is that most of the tools and fittings are moulded onto the Body which is a pain if you want to upgrade to better fittings and tools whereas the Heng Long body comes with all the tools and fittings easily removable,
This combination gives the Tank the rigidity of the metal hull with an ABS Body that is easy to work on and if Heaven forfend you should make a mistake it is easy to fix with filler,
You can fit a metal body but the only one available is by MATO and is badly flawed and I would avoid it.
Almost every upgrade that Taigen offer for the Tiger 1 will fit as well as the Heng Long upgrades,
As to Engine Grilles they were a part of the real Tiger1, The usual fit is from ABER whose Photo Etch is superior to almost everyone else's.
In Summary if you must be rid of any part of your Tiger 1 I would replace the Plastic/ABS Hull and buy a Taigen Metal Hull,
I would avoid the Taigen and the Mato bodies either Plastic or Metal.
They are no better than the Heng Long and they cost more.
Keep asking the questions,
I think we are still ahead with the answers
Shaun.

Thanks A LOT! You answered EVERY question I had! (Or should I say "Tanks a lot" as some say, ha ha)