Dennis's late Tiger 1 build no 022.

[Dennis Jones]

Well here we are again at long last, it's been in boxes since April. I fixed the suspension bars in with nuts instead of fixed ends to aid spraying of internals, I used countersunk bolts for hull brackets as I want to fill holes on outside when ready. I like Phil had to re-position rear deck mounting blocks. Have drilled and pinned suspension arms as they do have a habit of coming undone (even with super Loctite) particularly on the left hand side. Have tested all the running gear and electronics on the bench and they are now back in the box for later. I intend to install moving parts under radio control (hatches, figures, etc) as there is plenty of room, so watch this space. Will keep you updated as I go along.

Dennis.

[Dennis Jones]

Just been fitting the side guards and in case anybody is interested I used M3 x 6 Cap (I had a load left over from Panzer build) to secure the square spacers with a washer from the inside of the hull saves having to glue them in place and the hex m3 x 6 used to fix from the outside doesn't meet the one from the inside.

Dennis.

[Dennis Jones]

Treated myself to a new toy, a Spektrum DX8 radio control system. My old Futaba 6ex, which I use on the Panzer and Comet will not be adequate for the Tiger with proposed added functions. Couple of added functions on the new set, 8 channels, failsafe can be programmed on all channels (not just one), telemetry system from the tank back to tx so I can keep an eye on battery voltages and temp in the tank, 30 models can be programmed in, firmware update via SD card (can also store setup on sd card), 5 proportional channels. Not cheap but it's only money !!!!!
Have just fitted suspension arms and torsion bars to the Tiger, got it wrong about 3 times but got there in the end.

Dennis.

[phil fitzpatrick]

Hi Dennis
That is a nice idea you used on the side guard spacers
Cheers
Phil

[Dennis Jones]

Getting there slowly. The fixing bolts for the drive sprocket hub caps were 2 x 5mm bolts heads cut off and drilled and tapped to 3mm to take the cone headed bolts which are super Loctited in (thanks for the idea Phil). Still trying to decide on colour scheme. I know I have put the mudguard hinges underneath instead of on the top, I think it looks neater but when I checked photos and the 131 at Bovvy they are on the top so will probably change them. I took some photos of 131 at Bovvy last weekend if anybody wants some details.
Going to look at controlling m/c gun next with a servo and drilling out the barrell to take led.

Dennis.

[Dennis Jones]

Layout of electronics. Power on/off switch accessible through left hand rear hatch, volume control easily accessible through engine hatch. Have kept speed cont module and sound unit on same side to avoid extending signal cables. Will have to extend left hand motor cables and power cable to speed contol module. Have left room in front of speakers as I might modify gun elevation motor from horizontal to vertical and by moving it back to the centre of the turret opening it will revolve on it's own axis. Charging sockets and other switches will go under right hand side hatch. Paint and new batteries arrive tomorrow.

Dennis.

[Chang]

Hi Dennis,

A very impressive layouts! With all these open-able hatches on the deck of the engine room, Tiger 1 has got more options of interior layouts than other tanks.

I didn't see the smoke module in her. From my experience, I bet it will not be your last layouts. I have thought and moved all modules from day 1 of installation in my King Tiger, believe me I am still thinking it today.

Cheers,

Lerh Chang

[Dennis Jones]

Hi Chang,

Not decided on smoker yet whether to go water based, not at all or Adrian's one.

Dennis

[Dennis Jones]

Radio control servo for m/c gun now installed, one of the advantages of programmable transmitters these days is you don't have to worry about linkage lengths etc. Now looking at opening and closing of the two front hatches under radio control. RAL7028 in cellulose has arrived now just waiting for some reasonable weather to spray the hull.

Dennis

[Dennis Jones]

Front hatches opening & closing under radio control, still a bit of fine tuning to do. That's what I like about this Spektrum Transmitter you can change the speed of each individual servo operation. Click on the photo for the video.

Dennis.

[phil fitzpatrick]

Hi Dennis
Welldone with the Hatches that looks and works great
Cheers
Phil

[Ray Brown]

g'day. great job. there are so many options and ideas out there. just depends on how far you want to go.

cheers
ray

[Ragnar Arntsen]

Hi Dennis

Looks like a great build,those working hatches look great. Will copy that in the future. To me it looks like you have turned the mg-ball around, mc gunsight and gun are to be changed.
Ragnar

[yves mouton]

Hello Dennis,

Nice job, your working hatches, i like that option
best regards Yves

[Dennis Jones]

Hi Ragnar,

Yes you are correct, I took it apart to spray it and have put it back the wrong way round.

Dennis.