Initial Tiger 1 engine deck grilles

[John Glover]

I know there has been a of discussion and possibly some personal thoughts on the subject if these were installed on Initial tiger1 tanks but does any one a definitive answer. I have read different posts, some from other modeling sites that Hillary Doyle and David Byden [Both world renown German armor experts have said that it was .Byden said you can see it on Tiger 100 when on display in Gorky park with the photos available . There is a aerial photo that is not to clear but you can see a difference from the front deck vents to the back ones .When Tiger 1 tanks did have screens fitted the front vents actually had two sets of grills fitted ,one under the other ,the bottom grills being a finer mesh. That might explain why there is a difference from front to back in the photo. There are historical photos showing the two screens one on top of the other.. Aber make a set of the additional grilles. I am collecting parts for a Tamiya Initial and the grilles are not cheap. It will not be a copy of Jims awesome Tiger 100 build. No side turret bins but a lot of the inspiration came from his build. Love it. Regards John.

[Jimster]

You’re too kind.
I have read that the mesh was added after the first 7 initial Tigers had a bit of field experience on the Eastern Front. I would say that it depends on how far back you want to go. In my case it’s all the way back! I have a Panzer III storage bin to add to another “parts” Tiger I have. Of course it’s a very small niche for these initial production Tigers. Very very few.

[John Glover]

Hi Jim, thanks for the reply . A Sol Panzer 111 bin is what I am using. John from East coast armory has supplied most of the conversion parts. You cant supply the name of the reference material you read about the grills could you .Regards John.

[Jimster]

Not off hand. I’ll google it later. I was deep in a rabbit hole when I read it.

[MrChef]

Not off hand. I’ll google it later. I was deep in a rabbit hole when I read it.

Hi Jimster, I'm in "that" rabbit hole now. And I hope what I share is helpful at least but so far unfortunately not conclusive.

I too remember reading that initial Tiger I's did not come from the factory with the mesh screens affixed until after a bit of field experience. I also don't remember where I read this but I will add a few links to hopefully share some guidance.

First the addition of these screens is not specifically mentioned on our regular very well done Tiger I references as far as I skimmed over-

https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/ww2/germ ... _tiger.php

https://tiger1.info/vehicle.html

http://www.alanhamby.com/tiger.html


The screens are specifically mentioned here with possible dates of style/model change-

https://tiger1.info/EN/Mesh-screens.html


Where I did see/notice a difference from actual period photos was from here, on bottom Right of page 91 is an over top view of the engine deck that shows No screens. Especially noticeable at the right side fuel fill point.

https://porschecarshistory.com/wp-conte ... 0Doyle.pdf

This Tiger I is listed as an Ausf. H1 completed November 1942


At the Top of page 104 on the left you can clearly see the frames of the screens on the engine deck. Again near the fuel filler points.
December 1942 is listed for some mods. This is Tiger 131, also an Ausf. H1.
https://porschecarshistory.com/wp-conte ... 0Doyle.pdf


Here is another link to a model forum discussing the same topic. Yes, yes more heresay but it is the same topic. https://www.track-link.com/forums/resea ... 19932/flat

I have been looking at pictures of Tiger 121 of 502 battalion chassis #250004 captured by the Soviets in 1942 and I can't see any definitive evidence of the screens as someone else mentioned. Maybe there are other better pictures out there but I haven't seen them yet.

[MrChef]

At the following link if you look closely you can see on the Soviet captured #211 Tiger I the screen frames on the edge of the engine deck,

https://tanks-encyclopedia.com/t-vi-100/

[Herr Dr. Professor]

Christmas Mr.Chef: thanks for the gift of the .pdf link to Hilary Doyle's book. I wonder if some of all of these links should be put in the "Reference" section, perhaps at viewtopic.php?t=20188

[MrChef]

Christmas Mr.Chef: thanks for the gift of the .pdf link to Hilary Doyle's book. I wonder if some of all of these links should be put in the "Reference" section, perhaps at viewtopic.php?t=20188

Yes, yes gifts came early for us tankers. It's amazing what you find when not even looking for it. Honestly I don't know how I feel about it, someone hosting a PDF of his book. Look at the address, "porschecarhistory". I wonder what that's all about? Oh well credit to Ferdinand Porsche and Hilary Doyle. And Merry Christmas to All of Us.