D-Day. A very British Tiger

[Meter rat]

Excellent Mr. Rat! It's Officially official then.


I really like the story and you've done some good research. I also appreciate the family connection.


But, What does the fox say?

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Thought I'd keep it G rated for the forum family...

That is why I kept it close, to do the research in the family, that and waiting to find a late Tiger.
The Fox, says we’re going to kick your bottoms across France, Belgium, Holland , and defeat you on your home ground. Being From Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire it might be more fruitful than that.

[Herr Dr. Professor]

Meter rat notes that, "Sgt Nelson, from the Recon troop were the first British Troops in Germany on the 21 September 1944...in a Stuart light tank...crossed the Rhine on pontoon bridges one code named Gravesend, and rafts...26 March...1945." That makes sense to me. The so-called Battle of Remagen is given variously at 7 to 17 March or 7 to 25 March, with 7 March given as the capture of the bridge and 8 March given as the start of repairs by welders to make the bridge somewhat more passable. I would think there were numerous crossings via "Bailey Bridges" and rafts from 7 March on.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of ... the_bridge

By the way, Wikipedia, was scorned by academics even up to my retirement. I thought it was a good idea, but I kept my mouth shut among colleagues (while telling year students that it's a good starting place for an overview. Here's why I approved: being open to editing and re-editing, Wikipedia entries are almost the epitome of scholarly critical eye and debate. Instead of one scholar or research team publishing one book or article and then a year or more later (an)other scholar(s) publish(es) a book or article allegedly refuting the first, the whole process can take place quite quickly.

[Ad Lav]

Great write up! Look forward to the build!

[Meter rat]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of ... the_bridge

By the way, Wikipedia, was scorned by academics even up to my retirement. I thought it was a good idea, but I kept my mouth shut among colleagues (while telling year students that it's a good starting place for an overview. Here's why I approved: being open to editing and re-editing, Wikipedia entries are almost the epitome of scholarly critical eye and debate. Instead of one scholar or research team publishing one book or article and then a year or more later (an)other scholar(s) publish(es) a book or article allegedly refuting the first, the whole process can take place quite quickly.

That has all gone waaaaay over my head.
I can only interpret what I read in the books.

Anyway a bit more work done. The Zimmerit is some weird rubber stuff, which peels off very easily. This makes it very easy to make damage, and to cut it for where the markings go. Opened up the drivers visor a bit, and made what I think are the mudguard supports. Used some brass tube and made a new aerial. A start was also made on removing the the tools the upper deck. These will be replaced by better ones.

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[Herr Dr. Professor]

Too modest, Meter rat: "That has all gone waaaaay over my head." Actually, given what you accomplish here in the build and elsewhere, it seems to me you are understanding well what you need to know.
P.S. My sweetheart's bottle from Oban is getting empty, joyfully and kindly shared among guests. I applaud her generosity, but despair of the empty bottle.

[Meter rat]

Too modest, Meter rat: "That has all gone waaaaay over my head." Actually, given what you accomplish here in the build and elsewhere, it seems to me you are understanding well what you need to know.
P.S. My sweetheart's bottle from Oban is getting empty, joyfully and kindly shared among guests. I applaud her generosity, but despair of the empty bottle.

Thank you.

You should always buy three bottles. One to keep, one to swap,
one to drink with friends.

We have an excellent vintners close to us. I could always send some.

[Meter rat]

Meter rat notes that, "Sgt Nelson, from the Recon troop were the first British Troops in Germany on the 21 September 1944...in a Stuart light tank...crossed the Rhine on pontoon bridges one code named Gravesend, and rafts...26 March...1945." That makes sense to me. The so-called Battle of Remagen is given variously at 7 to 17 March or 7 to 25 March, with 7 March given as the capture of the bridge and 8 March given as the start of repairs by welders to make the bridge somewhat more passable. I would think there were numerous crossings via "Bailey Bridges" and rafts from 7 March on.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of ... the_bridge

By the way, Wikipedia, was scorned by academics even up to my retirement. I thought it was a good idea, but I kept my mouth shut among colleagues (while telling year students that it's a good starting place for an overview. Here's why I approved: being open to editing and re-editing, Wikipedia entries are almost the epitome of scholarly critical eye and debate. Instead of one scholar or research team publishing one book or article and then a year or more later (an)other scholar(s) publish(es) a book or article allegedly refuting the first, the whole process can take place quite quickly.

Herr Dr Prof.
The Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry SRY took part in Operation Plunder to cross the Rhine near Wesel which took started on the 23 March, and involved the British 2nd army, American 9th army and Canadian 9th Infantry Brigade. The SYR crossed on the 25 March. Some two weeks after the Rhine crossing by the US over the Bridge at Remagen.

[Meter rat]

Only small amounts of work done, as I am waiting on pay day to buy some materials. Been thinking of trying to make the side mudguards from empty beer cans and plastic rod,but I have a feeling they may be too thin. At least they will get bent and damaged naturally.

Removed all the moulded on tools. And reinforced the damage from underneath. Filled the damage.

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Filled and sanded, and filled and sanded some more. Laid the tools out, and made a new jemmy bar.

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Built up a jack. I need to remove the existing mounts and make some better ones. Found and temporarily installed the fire extinguisher. Brass tube, and PE spru made the new spare aerial tube. I need to do this on Tiger 231 as I am fed up with knocking off the plastic one.

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Ran out of super glue, which is stopping me building the PE bases for the tools.

[Herr Dr. Professor]

Here in the US drink cans are of aluminum so thin that they are translucent when empty. (The cans actually keep their shape in shipping because of the liquid in them). So you may find the metal way too thin, though perhaps close to accurate scale. I am also not sure about painting aluminum. I suggest light brass, available in some hardware stores, hobby stores, and online.

[MrChef]

Looking good Mr. Rat.

Was it a total PITA to remove the moulded (SP ) in tools on the upper hull?

I do have a relatively inexpensive idea for the fenders. When I did the Schurzen for my Jagdpanther I had contemplated using aluminum printed signs, think (Keep off my lawn, Beware of rabid dog, etc.) you can get at a home supply shop IE Home Depot. I actually got a few for only a few dollars each and they're at least 20"x12" so lots of metal to cut yourself on and bleed with. I used tin snips. I ended up not using them and going with styrene sheets because the only reason I thought of using the aluminum was to bend and crumple it. I later found out that Schurzen like that was thicker than the fenders I envisioned and the way it was attached it didn't bend or crumple is would break its mounting bracket and fall off. The styrene sheets were easier for me to fab. And less blood letting...

Anyway, Big Up's