Well, I’m well on my way as you can see, been working on the hull interior about a month. Mr. Tamiya’s interior dimensions did not allow for four round ammo boxes, so I had to go with three. (Purists, excuse me). I’ve done extensive relocating in the drivers compartment, added pedals, linkages, relocated the entire forward wall, brake housings, etc. The drivers ammo rack was scratched and will have to remain empty since I’m fresh out of 1/25th 8.8 rounds. Radio operators optical MG sight and frame work around the FuG- all scratch. I’m currently scratchbuilding the Maybach, along with the fuel cells and the cooling fans. I hope to start on the turret soon. Mixed up my own eifelbein, and am using a lot of Balsa.
Thanks for the kind words guys, but, judging by the lack of response (interest?) I probably won’t post any more of this build. I’ll just enjoy this one for myself.
By the way, I just got the Tokyo Marui 1/24 RC Tiger, and it’s great. The tracks are beautiful, and I’m thinking of getting another set for my 1/25 Tamiya Tiger I. As I’m sure you’ve recognized, the Tamiya tracks are one of the weakest points of that old kit.
First I’ll have to check the compatibility, but they look like they’ll fit.
I’ll post the results here after I check!
Bulletin!
I tried the Tokyo Marui tracks on the Tamiya Tiger, and they fit PERFECTLY!
I’m definitely going to get a set to spruce up my ol’ Tamiya T. It’s funny: the 1/24 Marui tracks are actually narrower than the 1/25 Tamiya tracks, which are too wide and clunky for 1/25 scale. It’s interesting comparing the two tanks side by side. Unfortunately, it also really brings to light the myriad of dimensional and shape problems of the Tamiya kit.
Here’s a pic comparing the two (Marui on the left, Tamiya on the right):
Crockett, how’s the Maybach scratchbuild going? I didn’t try that on mine, but I did scratchbuild the fuel cells and cooling fans, since you can clearly see them through the deck grills.
Looking forward to seeing your progress![:D]
That is really impressive work, Steve. The scratchbuilding looks great. I built the same kit back in the late 1970’s. Well, at least I think it’s the same kit. Too big to be 1/35, too small to be 1/16, so it must be it. I pulled it out of a box last spring, and it was covered in dust and missing parts.
I was all of 11 when I built it. I’d love to fix it up, replace all the missing parts, and basically do it justice, but buying the parts would be expensive, even it they exist at all. I might have to buy the kit off E-Bay.
Keep us posted.
Quite a project you have going there Steve. This the first I’ve seen of it but would like to see more as you progress. Thanks for taking the time to share with us. It would be a shame not to keep us posted. Semper Fi, mike
