I have the Tiger Initial production from DML and am curious about the storage bins on the sides of the turret. The only contemporary photo is from the Soviet picture of a captured Tiger. I have seen and collected a lot of pictures of Tigers and have yet to find a German picture of this arrangement. For some reason I feel like these bins were added by the Russians. I can’t imagine why they would add them but can’t find proof that they didn’t. After seeing some faked pictures and films of WWII Soviet scenes I know that they did “embellish” the truth sometimes. I will be using the single bin on the back of the turret because it looks better than the Dumbo ears of the 2 side bins.
No, i believe that is correct. Theres an illustration in the Osprey New Vanguard book on the Tiger I. In the write up it seems to suggest that it is only on one side, the left. I am sure there is photo somwhere but i can’t find it at the moment.
The “dumbo” boxes are correct but only for 1 vehicle, Tiger #100. The first batch of Tigers that constitute the “Initial” group all had little quirks/modifications to them including the tool layouts, types of storage bins, etc. that made them different from later “standard” Tigers. The Russians didn’t add the boxes, the vehicle was captured just as the Germans had configured it. [;)]
TG, Bish and Bill, I found the answer in some pictures I had downloaded but not looked at. I found two side mounted boxes one on a tank numbered 33X and one with no number visible. I had always assumed from the Dragon kit, that 100 had them on both sides.
Any time. To return the favour it would be great to see some pics when you build it. I have the same kit and plan on building #100 with the side bins and would love to hear what you think of it.
This Tiger, #100, was the only one with these bins. They were added by the Germans in winter 1942. There is a claim from a Russian that the turret was holed on the left side and the left bin was half full of concrete to protect the hole.
I have seen a larger copy of this photo, which is in private hands. The tank is unquestionably the same one.
David, my reference pics were severely cropped and not too clear. I found the same pics full frame and found that it is as you said, 100 is the only Tiger with the side bin/s. I had not heard that the bin might have covered a hole in the turret but I have seen pics with a plate welded over a hole. I wonder why they would repair one vehicle one way and another one differently?
Bish, when I start this model I will post pictures but it may be a while!
Wing_nut, Those links are awesome. In all the internets I searched I’ve never found the Tigers Im Focus site. I had the Tiger 1 in my favorites but had never really looked at it, in fact I forgot I had it. It cleared up all my questions except one: I remember reading somewhere tat the gun tube is too short. I have a scrapped Tamiya Tiger and the tubes are the same length. I shtis just an old, addled brain or is there some truth to it?
