This is my plan of production for the Tiger cupolas. If anyone has any further information on what I an detailing here please post.
The late Tiger cupola has three type of periscope mounting's.
The first is type (referred to as Type 1) as for as I can tell were only used on the Tiger 1. This is the type that will be fitted in my Tiger 1 cupolas.
The second type , similar to type one, using wing nuts and clamps (referred to as Type 2) Here I have not been able to find any pictures of these clamps, just a drawing. Do not know when these were used.
The third type (referred to as Type 3) as far as I can tell were only used on the Tiger 2. This will be the type that will be used on the Tiger 2 cupolas.
To achieve these changes I have to make two types of cupolas, they are basically the same with some minor changes to the Tiger 2 cupola. This will mean making a mold for the Tiger 1 cupola from the master. Once this is done the changes will be made to the master to mold the cupola body for the Tiger 2.
Here are pictures of the Tiger 1 master cupola body and hatch with production castings in white metal. There is still a little clean up and changes to be made to the master before molding. Note white metal periscope armored covers are loose and may not be in the exact correct position.
Hatch guide, hatch stop, drain slits and rain cover post tube was not added until June 1944, these parts will not be on the Tiger 1 cupolas. Parts will be supplied so you can fit them if you are building a Tiger 1 model after June 1944. The drain slits can easily be cut into the resin body.
When assembling the master to take pictures I missed putting the spacer above the turn wheel, wondered at the time why the bolt was to long. Did not realize my mistake until I got home and started drafting the post.
Once the mold is made for the Tiger 1 cupola the master will be modified with drain slits, so they are in the casting, a slit will also be added to accept the hatch stop. The rain cover tube and hatch guide will be supplied and are just glued into place.
Here are pictures of the interior design of the Tiger 2 cupola, much the same as the Tiger 1 with Type 3 periscope mounting's.
Type 3 periscope mounting's.
Changes to be made to master.
Close up of hatch stop and rain cover post tube.
Close up of drain slits and hatch guide.
Picture of metal castings already made.
Those that have a Tiger cupola on order please let me know if it is for a Tiger 1 or Tiger 2. I am planning on making the mold for the Tiger 1 cupola this coming week. I also have to get the photo-etched ring for the periscope head rests made and the rubber rests, plus the additional parts for June 1944 on. This with the modification of the master for the Tiger 2 and making a second mold will delay to finish of the Tiger 2 cupola, but I still hope to have the Tiger 1 cupolas completed by the end of July.
Sorry these are taking time to finish, but I believe in doing it right or not doing it at all.
Photo credits of Tiger 2 cupola to Panzerbasics. If you have a Tiger 1 or 2 model, you need this DVD for fine detailing.
You can order at: http://www.panzerbasics.com
Regards
Mike
