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Converting tamiya 1/16 tiger1 early to later version
Posted: Mon Nov 24, 2025 5:05 am
by yongho
Hello! I got the Tamiya 1/16 Tiger early type for a very good price in the aftermarket!
I'd like to convert this model to a later version.
I found a lot of options on the forgebear site.
First of all, it seems like the sprocket wheels and idlers just need to use the Tamiya's parts as they are and replace the cover of the sprocket wheel.
The road wheels are the type that mount to the taigen tank, Are the road wheels compatible with the Tamiya suspension arm? And is the atak zimmerit good?
Re: Converting tamiya 1/16 tiger1 early to later version
Posted: Mon Nov 24, 2025 10:47 am
by r32
There are many smaller differences but main ones are the commander’s cupola (to do a mid), deletion of the Feifel filters and then the road wheels for the late Tiger
Re: Converting tamiya 1/16 tiger1 early to later version
Posted: Mon Nov 24, 2025 5:24 pm
by Dogberry
First of all. get yourself a good reference source for all the alterations you will need to do. There are a lot of changes but the majority are relatively simple. You will need to do quite a bit of research
I have done this very conversion, I used Torro wheels and tracks. The wheels come assembled on axles. As supplied they will not fit the Tamiya suspension arm. Simply tap the axle with a hammer and the wheel set will come apart, drill the inner wheel to accept a 4mm clevis pin. You will have to trim it to length and reduce the diameter and thickness of the head, then squeeze the wheel set back together in a vice. Then remove the grub screws from the suspension arm and drill it out to 4mm to accept the new axle then put the grub screw back. It sounds a bit daunting but it is really simple. You will need a new smaller diameter idler an a new domed idler hub. Then a new drive wheel hub. I used Torro tracks and work well. I swapped all the wheels and idlers in one afternoon
As for the Zimmerit I bought the Torro Zimmerit set but was disappointed so I bought the Atak set which is brilliant. Ataks choice of adhesive may initially sound a bit daft but follow their instructions they it works.
If you look at Tiger 1 build logs on this forum I posted some photos of my conversion with special attention to the wheels.
Re: Converting tamiya 1/16 tiger1 early to later version
Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2025 5:52 am
by yongho
Thank you
Re: Converting tamiya 1/16 tiger1 early to later version
Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2025 5:54 am
by yongho
Dogberry wrote: ↑Mon Nov 24, 2025 5:24 pm
First of all. get yourself a good reference source for all the alterations you will need to do. There are a lot of changes but the majority are relatively simple. You will need to do quite a bit of research
I have done this very conversion, I used Torro wheels and tracks. The wheels come assembled on axles. As supplied they will not fit the Tamiya suspension arm. Simply tap the axle with a hammer and the wheel set will come apart, drill the inner wheel to accept a 4mm clevis pin. You will have to trim it to length and reduce the diameter and thickness of the head, then squeeze the wheel set back together in a vice. Then remove the grub screws from the suspension arm and drill it out to 4mm to accept the new axle then put the grub screw back. It sounds a bit daunting but it is really simple. You will need a new smaller diameter idler an a new domed idler hub. Then a new drive wheel hub. I used Torro tracks and work well. I swapped all the wheels and idlers in one afternoon
As for the Zimmerit I bought the Torro Zimmerit set but was disappointed so I bought the Atak set which is brilliant. Ataks choice of adhesive may initially sound a bit daft but follow their instructions they it works.
If you look at Tiger 1 build logs on this forum I posted some photos of my conversion with special attention to the wheels.
Unfortunately, forgebear does not ship to my country. Thank you for your advice
Re: Converting tamiya 1/16 tiger1 early to later version
Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2025 11:39 am
by Jofaur86
Hello, a few photos would be very welcome! It's doable, but you'll need to fully understand the difficulties. There's a big difference between Tamiya and today's brands. I recommend reading the post on this forum about the Tiger I; you'll find many solutions, tips, etc. As for suppliers who ship to your country?
Attached is a website in Germany.
https://www.rctank.de/
Tamiya special, still in Germany
https://www.axels-modellbau-shop.de/katalog/en/
https://www.modellbau-seidel.de/
Next, what about delivery? It might be complicated? I don't know any more than that, except for the last link, which I know has restrictions for France and other countries. Good luck.
Re: Converting tamiya 1/16 tiger1 early to later version
Posted: Wed Nov 26, 2025 11:46 am
by Jofaur86
Have you looked on Aliexpress?
Re: Converting tamiya 1/16 tiger1 early to later version
Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2025 7:14 am
by yongho
Jofaur86 wrote: ↑Wed Nov 26, 2025 11:39 am
Hello, a few photos would be very welcome! It's doable, but you'll need to fully understand the difficulties. There's a big difference between Tamiya and today's brands. I recommend reading the post on this forum about the Tiger I; you'll find many solutions, tips, etc. As for suppliers who ship to your country?
Attached is a website in Germany.
https://www.rctank.de/
Tamiya special, still in Germany
https://www.axels-modellbau-shop.de/katalog/en/
https://www.modellbau-seidel.de/
Next, what about delivery? It might be complicated? I don't know any more than that, except for the last link, which I know has restrictions for France and other countries. Good luck.
Thank you for the information! I sent an email to rctank.de last week, but there was no reply!
Re: Converting tamiya 1/16 tiger1 early to later version
Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2025 7:15 am
by yongho
Jofaur86 wrote: ↑Wed Nov 26, 2025 11:46 am
Have you looked on Aliexpress?
AliExpress does not have proper parts!
Re: Converting tamiya 1/16 tiger1 early to later version
Posted: Mon Dec 01, 2025 7:35 am
by Kaczor