ABE'S EARLY TIGER 1 BUILD

[Abe Froman]

Question for you fine peeps...I have the Aber steel cable sets for towing ref 16030.

Do these need annealing or do they bend ok without. THinking especially of the thick cables mounted on the deck either side of the turret. The big looped ones.



Also the side mounted thinner cables.

Any help appreciated

DB

[Dogberry]

The ABER cable sets are metal but really soft and pliable, They are easy to put together. The cable as provided in the kit is too long for Tiger1 tow cables. I made a simple jig of two nails banged into a piece of wood to get the correct length. The thinner track mounting cable on the side of tank is also easy and again benefits from making a jig

I see you have a reference diagram which is good, but just be advised there are lots of very subtle differences with tool and cable layout during the Tiger production run. This layout was often changed by units in the field. From memory there are about 7 or 8 different layouts of the thinner cable.

[jarndice]

How early is your Tiger 1 build? I ask because the tow ropes on the true early Tiger1s were the other way round,
They looped at the front of the tank and finished over the engine bay the tow ropes were changed to the position that is normally seen in October 1942. and they did not have S mine projectors they did not get fitted until January 1943 indeed the spare aerial holder overhung the end of the rear panel so the S mine projector would have had nowhere to sit and the front and rear fenders were absent the hinged sections.
The track cables pattern can date the tank because the pattern changed during its service.

[Abe Froman]

Hi folks. Thanks for the jig idea Dogberry.

With regard to placement of items I am using the following for reference:


My build is Jan/Feb 1943. I understand the books to be highly regarded so feel safe to do use the info.

[Jofaur86]

Hello, I don't know if this can help?
http://www.alanhamby.com/tiger.html

[Dogberry]

also depends whether you want your Tiger " Factory Fresh" or used a bit. I have read accounts and seen photos where the tow cables are fitted to the shackles when in a combat area to make recovery under fire quicker and easier. I believe one unit fitted all the tigers tow cables the same way to make tiger towing tiger easier ie one cable semi permanently attached front right one rear left. In fact if you look at the picture of your Actung Panzer book the front right shackle is missing. I wonder where it is perhaps still attached to the tow cable

[Abe Froman]

Cheers. Alanhamby site is a good one.

Wont be factory fresh. Depiction will be said tank in late 1944 early 45. So yes, lost parts, moved etc. Lets just see where she ends up.

Anyhoo, on with the skirts. Post soon.

[Abe Froman]

Anyone go to the IPMS at Telford last weekend?

It was well attended on Sunday and heard Saturday was busier. There were some nice 1/16 finished models. 251 Hanomag, Stug III, Us Quadgun Halftrack. Guess I shouldhave got some pics..doh!

Looked like statics though not RC.

[jarndice]

The Alan Hamby site is a brilliant source and I highly recommend it.
Whenever I have a queston about a Tiger 1 that is my first port of call.

[Abe Froman]

Likewise Tiger1.info is a very informative site as well

Between these sites and others, my many books, computer folders full of images etc its a forever dance of cross referencing everything to make sure its relevant.

I just want to get this this sucker BUILT!

Last bit of hull well seam with milliput now, then sealing the turret to the top deck and glueing down deck to hull.