I am building my first model tank is some 20 years and I thought I would start with Revell’s Tiger II Ausf B, 1/72 scale. I also have never worked with PE (Eduard’s #22035)- so I’m having a great time. My question is for some historical accuracy or insight as to the need of a couple of items.
Eduard - for version B - has me placing the grills down with a plate that essentially covers the grill. My question is this accurate? I’ve been combing my sources (limited) and some on the web, but can find no visual reference of these plates being installed. One reference (Vangauard Kingtiger-Jentz&Doyle, pg. 21) make a reference to plates over the air intakes for protection from bullet splinters. However, they note that only one was installed and it doesn’t apear to have been field installed either. Do any of you Tiger maniacs know about this? Any insight?
While I’m not an accurate junky, I do want to put my best foot forward if I’ve been provided the pieces.
Chassis #280404 had plates installed instead of screens as a test. This vehicle was a January 1945 production and would have had 4 fuel vent lines, one of them can be seen on the bottom picture.
It wouldn’t have had a jack on the bottom rear of the hull and there would have been no jack block but there probably still have been a mounting for the jack block.
You’re awesome! Thanks for the pics. So I will not include the plates on mine. Also, thanks for that last shot, I was curious how the side of the turret looked in that area and the clearance. [8D]
Well I don’t know about being awesome, but im happy I could help.
The pictures are from Thomas L. Jentz’s book: VK45.02 to Tiger II: Design, Production and Modifications. If you are concerned about historical accuracy on your Tiger II this book is highly recommended.
I have over the years now collected 32 books about Tiger tanks, both Tiger I and II, if you are interested in more titles, just let me know and I’ll make a list of books that a worth reading.
