disguising a Tiger 1

simon fuller · Post by **simon fuller** » Sat Jan 23, 2010 7:49 pm

Been keeping my eyes open for a picture of a T1 with the camo in place that was said to be for disguising the whole tank to look like a truck.
That is to say, a tubular framework erected and inserted into the hole on each side of the hull behind the front mudguard and covered with canvas.

Would be interested to see if it was ever demonstrated in training crews,or even on active service whilst parked up.

Did it actually work,or were the reinforced holes that were made in the hull completely redundant.

Only 'disguising' pictures i have come across show sheets draped over the turret and gun barrel with no additional support.

SF.

Paul Morris · Post by **Paul Morris** » Sat Jan 23, 2010 8:49 pm

Hello Simon.
From what i have read the story of gisguising the Tiger 1 as a truck comes a little unstuck when you realise that the front boss that as you say sits behind the front mudguards was not there to take a pole to support any type of scaffolding frame, it was used to support a jib that was used to suspend a chain block to assist with changing the sprocket in the field...mind you that does not mean it did not happen and i am sure that someone will have a picture of a Tiger dressed up that way

but again from what i have read a lot of the museums etc and people in the know were convinced for many years that the front boss was indeed for camoflage purposes. There is a post regarding this i think on the old forum and someone made up some very nice jibs and chain blocks some time ago.
Cheers Paul

Paul's Tank Workshop. 01524 720977 pjtigerman@aol.com

Steve Stuart · Post by **Steve Stuart** » Sat Jan 23, 2010 9:52 pm

Paul, what you have just written makes huge sense!
I love it when something new (to me, at least) comes along and throws light on to an item. If camouflage was the purpose, one would have expected to have found other location points for a framework on the hull and turret.
The question now is, does anyone have any photos of a jib being used in this way?

Steve

Adrian Harris · Post by **Adrian Harris** » Sat Jan 23, 2010 10:00 pm

"Sunshade" and "Houseboat" were the names given to the canvas and steel frames used on Allied tanks to disguise the distribution of armour but I've never heard of the Germans using the same method.

Adrian.

Paul Morris · Post by **Paul Morris** » Sat Jan 23, 2010 10:16 pm

Hello Steve.
There are pictures i am sure i have one somewhere i will have a look tomorrow for you.
Cheers Paul

Paul's Tank Workshop. 01524 720977 pjtigerman@aol.com

Paul Morris · Post by **Paul Morris** » Mon Jan 25, 2010 7:12 pm

Hi Fellas.
All the information about the jib boom including pictures can be found on Dave Birdens excellent site. He also mentions the the canvas truck disguise although adds he has never seen a photo of the boss used this way

TIGER1.INFO

Cheers Paul.

simon fuller · Post by **simon fuller** » Tue Jan 26, 2010 8:52 am

Apology,

Can't seem to locate this info on the site.

Regards, SF.

Kent Wiik · Post by **Kent Wiik** » Tue Jan 26, 2010 9:56 am

Here:

http://tiger1.info/EN/JibSockets.html

Cheers
Kent

Stefan Konitzer · Post by **Stefan Konitzer** » Tue Jan 26, 2010 10:16 am

Hi

Like this

---stefan---

simon fuller · Post by **simon fuller** » Tue Jan 26, 2010 2:07 pm

Thanks Kent.

I wonder what ' the other manual' shows for camouflaging the tank,

Regards,

SF.

Adrian Harris · Post by **Adrian Harris** » Tue Jan 26, 2010 4:32 pm

It's strange that in the picture with the chap changiung the sprocket, the jib appears to be aligned with the front plate, rather than vertical

I guess that's as a result of the weight of the sprocket, though the jib doesn't appear bent.

Adrian.

Brian Leach · Post by **Brian Leach** » Tue Jan 26, 2010 4:44 pm

Stephan,

Nice vice!

I have an EMCO FB-2, not not suce a nice vice yet

Brian

colin fairweather · Post by **colin fairweather** » Tue Jan 26, 2010 7:15 pm

hi paul and stephen

i think you are right any picture i have seen of the tiger in the field they always seemed to use their surroundings as camouflage ie by putting tree branches around and on it now thats not to say they dident use netting

that was me that made the jibs

regards

colin

Paul Morris · Post by **Paul Morris** » Tue Jan 26, 2010 7:42 pm

Hi Colin.
Hows tricks? I nearly mentioned your name in my previous post but I could not be 100% sure

and with no chance of searching the old forum...stuck, but I am glad you posted your photo here for all to see, I still have mine and its still a great bit of kit.
Cheers Paul

colin fairweather · Post by **colin fairweather** » Tue Jan 26, 2010 8:53 pm

hi paul

good thanks still tinkering away hope all is well with you

if i remember rightly nobody actually posted thiers in use but all were happy

glad your still happy with yours as i remember saying at the time they werent bmw engineered but they looked the part

regards

colin