Tiger Ausf E “F01” Gruppe Fehrmann

[simon_manning]

I recall Tim Bowman going into detail a few years ago about the patination of Zimmerit on Tiger turrets and the variations from vehicle to vehicle, his old thread is probably still on here, regards simon.

[AlastairCooke]

Thanks Simon...

Hi all,
Update 5 Feb 25
Turret bin
Although I have a Sixth Scale Icon brass kit I have decided to go the 3D print route for better durability. The first thing to tackle were the lower supports. Using drawings from Tiger 1 info I marked up and drilled new holes for a revised fixing that mimics the actual lower bracket but provides more support and allows the bin to be removed by sliding it upwards.

Drilling holes in correct location

Lower supports

Supports in situ

The bin floor is designed to be quite stiff, lock into the supports and allow the use of 30 thou Plasticard skins for the front, sides and rear of the bin.

View of the floor from below showing how the supports mimic the prototypical brackets when the bin is fitted.

That's all for now...

[Robert E Morey]

Interesting idea for bin. What material are you using for the printed parts? Your details are really good. Enjoying your build.
Best regards,
Bob

[Tim Carr]

Wow
Again, I can't wait to see how it looks when you're done.
Nice work.

Later Tim

[AlastairCooke]

Thanks Tim and Bob for the kind comments.

The material I use is Nylon PA12. The printing is out sourced to ensure consistent quality and high resolution. The company can turn round the order in less than a week . I usually specify black so that should the paint wear off in the future I get a reasonable weathered look.

Alastair

[AlastairCooke]

Hi All,
Update 9 Mar 25
Painting the turret interior.
As with the chassis, I have decided to paint it Elfenbein (RAL 1001). So, on top of Upol Acid #8 etch primer I airbrushed UMP oxide primer in the nooks and crannies, then used Halfords red primer.

Once dry, several light coats of AK Interactive RC046 were applied…

Note the deliberately mottled coverage intended to give a weathered appearance. The Interior is now ready to be fitted out.


Roof supports
Rear support epoxied in place…

All supports in place…

Roof welds
‘Trough’, formed by upper steel sheet and Evergreen angle epoxied to outer edge, filled with Milliput…

I decided to start with the straight sections and ‘stiffen’ them up with the welds before tackling the curves. Cling film used to stop Milliput sticking to the turret and ease roof removal when putty has set.

Finishing off the ‘trough’…

Getting there…

Next job is to secure the cupola base ring and apply some weld detail. (Note: I will be replacing the cupola, see below)

That's all for now

[Robert E Morey]

Excellent details Alastair! I love the printed turret rim for top and cupola! Lovely details.
Bob

[AlastairCooke]

Thanks Bob...