Early Tiger I - Taigen Build

[orntar]

Hey everyone. I started my Taigen Tiger I model a few weeks ago, and I wanted to share my progress. It is the "Metal Edition" they call it.

It came in quite a large box for the size of the tank.

I started with the lower chassis, I think most everyone is familiar with Taigen/Heng Long suspension, so I didn't take a lot of pictures.


I did redo the the track holder and all the foot loop like the Tiger 131 has. I have seen this in other historic photos as well in the early Tiger I's
I also added the transmission housing blts, as my kit did not come with this detail part. Made of styrene and brass hardware.


I then moved on to the upper hull. I removed all the modled in tools i wanted to detail out.


I added the grab handle to match the foot loop.


I did the same with the rear plate. Removed the crank handle and filled some holes.

[Jimster]

Looks like a great job so far. Are you modeling a particular tank or going freestyle?

[orntar]

Undecided so far. I will probably do my own thing.

[jarndice]

Hi, As you have included the front step and grab handle you are pretty much committed to an early Tiger of the North African/Italian campaigns,
That of course is only if you are after accuracy, Its your Tank and you have to make that decision yourself,
Lots of detail differences are to be found on this variant in comparison with the slightly later Russian Campaign Tigers.

[orntar]

Thank you, I am going for an African campaign. (so far)

[Max-U52]

It looks good so far. I like the fact that you're getting rid of those crummy molded in tools. I'll be watching with interest.

[jarndice]

Well the step was not fitted for very long, what was also to be seen with the front step would be reversed tow ropes in other words the ends of the tow ropes were over the engine bay and not near the front hatches,
There was no escape hatch on the turret instead there were two pistol ports. one on each side of the turret slightly forward of the stowage box,
All good so far but here comes the first problem,
The early "Feifal" air cleaners comprised of 4 separate drums, two on each side of the rear panel, each pair joined by a short hose, the later "Feifal" air cleaners were a pair of one piece elongated drums that you will have in the kit.
Speak nicely to someone with a 3D printer and they might make your air cleaners for you

[orntar]

Well, i certainly do not want to reverse the tow ropes. Maybe it wont be so accurate.

[Jimster]

I thought the late August ‘42 Tiger action in Russia was their first use in combat? These Tiger projects can certainly lead you down the rabbit hole.

[Max-U52]

You're right, the first four tiger tanks to see combat were sent to Leningrad in August of 1942.