Time to identify the Tiger

[John Pissey]

Hi All

I’m at the point on my tiger build that I need to give my tank a name and determine the insignia for the time period. I know a lot of you decide what tank you are building before you even start the build but since this is my first I was not sure what I wanted other than to make the build as realistic as I could yet be able to enjoy driving it without fear of ruining some of the fine details. Although it might not be exactly authentic with some of the changes I have made along the way, I think it is a very good representation and only the most discerning of builders may pick out the changes. At least that is my hope. So I’m again looking for advice as to some of the final markings and where to purchase them.

There are all kinds of web sites over here and over there but exactly what to choose and what would be appropriate is the problem. So by all means give me what you can about the time period to be able to present this tank as best as I can.

Do the barrel rings which signify the # of kills go completely around the circumference of the barrel or are they etched into the side of the barrel with a file or the like? What would the correct size and style of numbers be to identify the tank and where would they be located on a 1944 Tiger Tank? The platoon, swastika emblems for that time period like the elephant and or eagle insignia’s decals are all of interest and where I could purchase them. Does anyone know where I could get the appropriate cloth size swastika flag? I was thinking of using Otto Carius tank number which I think was # 217.

So feel free to give your opinions so that I can make this tank the best tank built in Canada.

Thanks
John

[mark lawson]

Firstly the Hakenkreuzwould not be seen on a 1944 Tiger, you need to say which type of Tiger you have is it a late model or Mid model, which theatre interests you the most is it Russia, Italy of Normandy.

Size, shape, location and colour all depend on which Abtelung and zug the given Tiger belonged there was no set rules.

Which branch of service would you like to reproduce Heer or Waffen SS.

Kill rings on a gun barrel were painted on by hand in the field they went all the way round the gun barrel but were not a common site, yes they are seen on Wittmann’s Tiger in Russia but this was done for propaganda purposes this in battle would make the Tiger stand out and mark himself as a target of importance to the enemy.