ABE'S EARLY TIGER 1 BUILD

[John Glover]

Forgot to mention, The bolts I gave Mr Bix were M1.0 and by memory had a shaft length of 6mm.These are the same as what I used on my King Tiger build. Close up photo for size comparison available there. M1.0 bolts used for the guards and M1.2 used on the engine deck screens. I think you will see that M1.2 would look to over size to use as guard bolts. John.

[Abe Froman]

John, i checked out the german site and prices look a lot better. Will go with your recommendation of M1 x 6mm. Many Thanks.

Just completed putting the Aber tow ropes together. I lost one of the tapered end caps somehow!!( where do these Aber parts all slink off to?)

Fortunately i remembered i had an old unopened pack of 2 part moulding clay. Tried it, putty still good so moulded an end and bought £5 of 2 part resin to cast it. Worked spot on. Result. I scales the Aber cable tube and end cap and found them to be too long. Also when dry fitting the cables I noticed the barrel cleaning rod holders are in the wrong place.

Cut the brass tubes, losing 7.4mm of length. Heng Long rod holders cut off body. Despite wanting to finish asap every element requires time to research, cross ref, scratch build and fit. I might not make the end of the Tiger and forget about the Sherman

[Abe Froman]

Finally got my bolts and nuts. I tried the german site but no deliveries to UK probably as a result of brexit maybe?

Got them from UK company BA Bolts Ltd. website https://www.ba-bolts.co.uk/contact.html

[Abe Froman]

Finally got my bolts and nuts. I tried the german site but no deliveries to UK probably as a result of brexit maybe?

Got them from UK company BA Bolts Ltd. website https://www.ba-bolts.co.uk/contact.html

https://www.ba-bolts.co.uk/contact.html

Size looks spot on so thanks John Glover.

[jarndice]

www.prime-miniatures.co.uk
is my go to for all small fixings.ultra relable and always a speedy turn round in my orders.
For small nuts and bolts they sell nut spinners which until you have them you do not know how useful they are.

[Abe Froman]

Hi Jarndice, was aware of Prime but costly i though. Take a look at BA...40 percent cheaper on my order and delivered within 2 days.

[Abe Froman]

Have been doing a bit. All wiring/chains etc completed on smoke launchers. Launchers mounted. Just need to drill the holes in the roof to poke the launcher cables into. Cables are over length at the moment.



Resin bin brackets added.

Tonight should mark the end of the turret build. Have to add the cupppola umbrella brackets and tubes.

Then onto the deck. Will mount the turret then seal up the body before detailing the deck and adding the side skirts.

Slowly getting there.

Stupid question but if the tank is grey, are the interior faces of all hatches, the "Elfenbein" colour?

Thanks in advance

[jarndice]

The interior colours of German tanks changed as the war progressed,
They began with undercoat red oxide then white/cream then matching the external colour on hatches.
There is a reference on a website although I cannot for the life of me find it,
I think Tom Hugill is the best walking/talking source of knowledge on this subject

[MrChef]

Stupid question but if the tank is grey, are the interior faces of all hatches, the "Elfenbein" colour?

Thanks in advance

No stupid questions just a myriad of Tiger stuff down in that hole.

Here is Tiger 131 for reference.





As far as I remember gleaming from others, the inside of the crew hatches were painted the same as the outside basecoat or dunkelgelb. Which makes sense for two reasons. It would stick out like an un-camouflaged sore Fist if you opened it and it was red oxide or cream white And if you were inside in the dark and the whole interior was cream white and you needed to move to a hatch for whatever reason in the heat of battle having the hatch painted the same color as the rest of the interior wouldn't stand out. But of course I could be either over thinking or waxing poetic about the beloved Tiger...

David Byrden would be the human Tiger I reference to ask this for certainty-
https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1A7a9qJcKr/
Here is the FB group where he is active and just about any Tiger I query can be asked and answered.

[Abe Froman]

MrChef, great pics of the top of 131. I have lots but none of the turret top. Any others? I have spoken to David Bryden on this thread over the long build. Its great to hear he is doing well and still involved with the Tiger 1.Thanks for the facebook link. Have asked to join. Cheers sir.

As my build is Jan/Feb 1943 i am guessing the early builds had the interior Elfenbein ivory but will see what David might have to add to the subject. Is it so usefull to be part of a group with so many experts and rediculously skilled modellers. Every build log gives many oppurtities to learn and to attempt new techniques.

Started my build Feb 16th 2015!!!! Need to get this bloody tank FINISHED.

Thanks for help.