Tiger I-One Tough Cat

[PanzerBob]

Originally Posted by cyberia

LAH, am I failing to see something or is the commander's cupola hatch missing?

LAH your knowledge on the Tiger is impressive, so jumping in here I may be out of my league. However, this shot looks similar to a series of photos when a Tiger or Tigers were being put though it's paces. I know in some of those shot crews where not visible. It may account for a missing cupola hatch as well; being to factory is likely not too far away.

Just a thought, Panzer Bob out

[LAH 1 SS]

panzerbob that is not a bad idea mate could very well be what you have suggested im stiil trying to find more detail on this tiger will keep you posted

[MAGNA]

Originally Posted by LAH 1 SS

all steel with a smaller rear idler wheel. the smaller idler was 600m in diameter and came into use in february 44 before that the idler was 700mm in diameter and was seen on all previous model tigers the reason for the change was to stop the mud build up between the rear wheels.

Thanks for that. I didn't know about the idler wheel either.

[cyberia]

LAH, found this one for you. Marked as an Early Tiger I in Russia, but that's it!

[LAH 1 SS]

thanks mate the caption is correct it is an early tiger one. taking a look at the chassis it has the identifying features of a tiger produced after december 42 and before march-april 43. the main feature that sticks out is the tow shacle area that has the base of it cut away so that the tow shackles can hang freely. if you look at the machine gun area on the front glacis plate the two toggles used to hold the machine gun cover on are still present this feature was deleted in the august 43 production run of the tiger. it is also interesting to note that the tiger has a full compliment of s-mine launchers yet the headlights are not visisble more than likely stowed by the crew becuase they were easily damamged. the turret is easy to date it is definately an early production turret. this turret is known as the second version turret seen on may 43 production tigers then after that in july 43 they went to the cast cupola. having a look at the turret i cant see any s-mine launcher brackets on the turret this feature was deleated in may 43 that is not to say that they havent been broken off but by looking at the condition of this tiger i would say highly unlikely. it is also interesting to note that the tiger has tracks fitted to the sides of the turret this feature was also brought out on the second version tiger turret produced in may 43. lastly where the muzzle brake is situated there would be loaders periscope fitted to the turret roof also seen on the second version turret and after may 43. so in conclusionlooking at the evidence this vehicle was produced after may 43. now the colour scheme is dark yellow and red brown in wide bands. if you look at the drivers side and to the edge of the glacis plate you will see an emblem on the front glacis plate. under close scrutiny this emblem represents a raging bull, which is very significant to the tigers of spz abt505 at the begining of operation zitadelle in the kursk salient july 43. as for the tank number sorry cant help there its definately not clear enough to obtain hope it helps guys

[cyberia]

Amazing LAH. Just Amazing.

[cyberia]

OK, here's another I picked up with no info...

[LAH 1 SS]

hard one cyberia unit and tank number are unable to be defined however looking at the surrounding area i would say that this is in russia and well before allied air supremacy had been established. the tiger pictured is an early tiger it is interesting to note that the k f f 2 drivers forward pericope vision holes are in the glacis plate found just above the drivers visor. this feature was seen on tigers produced in september 42 and were deleted from the production run in february 43. another interesting feature is the tow shackle area that has the base cut out which was seen on tiger chassis after december 42. so looking at the information the chassis of this tiger was produced between december 42 and february 43. the turret is the first version turret produced between august 42 and january 43 this is evident because the turret mounted s-mine launcher brackets are visible just between the drivers head and hatch door. this photo shows to good effect the build up of mud between the treads of the tank tracks very useful for the modeller to note and use if they wish to show this particluar modelling feature often seen on tigers in the mud. it also shows another good modelling feature the single mudflap missing yet a full semi intact set of sidekirts visible as well very good for the detailer out there

[PanzerBob]

Originally Posted by cyberia

OK, here's another I picked up with no info...

This shot is in several other locations without the coluorization (although I like it) it is identified as Tigers belonging to the LSSAH, likely 13th (sw)Kp given the Ostfront location and the fact they are early Tigers. The unit markings look to have been either painted over or brushed over on the photo by censors.

[cyberia]

Wait, that's a colorized pic!!! Damn them!!