[D-DAY] My Tiger 1 Normandy build

[cmryanuk]

Great photo of 334 knocked out in a Normandy hedgerow. Note the intact front mudguards, quite bold zimmerit, spare track links as frontal armour and the C hook. It also seems the MG34 bracket wasn't fitted so may have been inside.

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In this photo it's being examined by Allied soldiers. The spare track links are missing from the front. Could this indicate that it took a hit to the tracks which is why the crew bailed out and abandoned it, and didn't have time to sabotage it?

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[cmryanuk]

Does anyone know what happened to this tank after the British captured it?

[MrChef]

Heres some stuff to read about 334=

https://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?t=172421

https://ww2talk.com/index.php?threads/a ... 483/page-2

[cmryanuk]

Hi Mr. Chef thanks for the links. The first I've read but not the 2nd, and I've created an account on the ww2talk website. It's very informative but I'm no closer to finding out who the commander of 334 was when it was abandoned at Rauray. Initially it seemed that it was disabled by John Semken but the reports that he hit the drivers vision port tally with Amselgruber's report that 114 suffered driver injury and bailed out, due to internal shrapnel injuries.
By all accounts 334 was lightly damaged, and judging by photos. So it seems that Möbius was the most likely candidate as commander who lost his nerve and bugged out with the whole crew after 2 minor hits. However in the fog and horror of war its unfair to judge.
It was then reported that 334 was taken to Shoeburyness for testing where it seems to have been shot at and eventually blown up by mines.

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[cmryanuk]

Thanks Mr Chef to your links, I've now found a pretty comprehensive report of what happened to 334 after recovering to Shoeburyness. Sadly it was not treated with TLC. On the positive side it was instrumental in informing the allies of the weaknesses of the Tiger1, and therefore probably one of the most important Tiger's of WW2.
https://www.tankarchives.ca/2023/02/tig ... t.html?m=1

[Herr Dr. Professor]

"Sadly it was not treated with TLC." What? cmryanuk, do you mean you aren't going to do the version after ballistics testing? That's what Bix would do.

[HERMAN BIX]

"Sadly it was not treated with TLC." What? cmryanuk, do you mean you aren't going to do the version after ballistics testing? That's what Bix would do.

I have one I could do that with ....................

[MrChef]

"Sadly it was not treated with TLC." What? cmryanuk, do you mean you aren't going to do the version after ballistics testing? That's what Bix would do.

I have one I could do that with ....................

You've developed quite a reputation for torturing plastic stuff Bix.

[cmryanuk]

Afternoon everyone. Sunday again so time to get the Tiger out. I've been trying to finish off the detailing so today given the tracks, cables, wheels and spare links some rust effect my mixing Valleo burnt umber with Tamiya clear orange and thinner to make a wash.

For the perfectionists among you, you will see the scratch-built starting handle on the deck plate. That was my first attempt at soldering brass tube and copper strip. The fire extinguisher has a label too! I'm very pleased with the left side cable, scratch built from the Tamiya plastic ends joined to brass picture wire. I can't remember who guided me with choosing the correct wire, but thanks again.

What's left? Well I've got a really nice 3d printed MG34 that needs an equally nice turret mount. The metal Taigen one is awful. I've also got to fix the shovel to the front plate, when I find it.

Thanks to all of you for the help, encouragement and pushing me to extend my mode-building abilities. You are a wonderful community

[Herr Dr. Professor]

Thank you for the update, cmryanuk. That Tiger I is really looking great. Like you, I find that the markings on the fire extinguisher are such eye candy. I applaud, too, the clamps on the tow cables, the dinged up exhaust covers, and the super-detailed cap on the commander. In all, I think you have accomplished an impressively balanced level of weathering, "veteran" evidence, and plain wear and tear. I would be proud to do so well.
I have a little "cheat" about figures that might help your tank commander. I keep on hand raw umber, burnt umber, and burnt sienna oils. After spraying the painted figure with a clear, flat lacquer or enamel, I wash the figure, and especially the eyes, in one of those oils (frankly, whichever seems right at the time). The simple trick tones down facial features, blends uniform colors a bit, and even helps eyes look a bit more realistic. I know there are figure painters who can do much more, and even I do a bit more with faces, but this cheat helps me a lot. After the oil wash dries, I use the flat clear again.