Tim's 2015 Tiger #131 Build Thread
Posted: Fri Dec 29, 2023 10:43 pm
Tim's 2015 Tiger #131 Build Thread
2015 to 2023
Well, I've said for many years that I would someday get a build thread up and also build my Tiger #131. So follow along and lets see if it really totally happens.
I started this build many years ago. Got to a point where I had to decide to add the motion pack etc. or not. Well, I had just bought a King Tiger kit from another company and got burned bad with the deal. (I have been asked not to talk about that company or deal on this forum, I lost around $3,000) After that deal, the idea of spending another $2,500 on motion packs, etc. was hard to do. I took everything apart and left the parts sitting on my special Tiger table for many years, ok, only around 7 years. But a few months ago, I turned 70 and I said time to get things finished up and done around here. The 2nd build started. I'm back at that point again where I need to either add motion packs, etc. or just build a static. Decided to add motion etc.. Also got the chance to buy a Mid Production Tiger 2014 with an Ivano Costini's Maybach engine. So now, one to run (Tiger 131) and one to over build as a great static display. On to more build talk.
TIGER #131
How am I going to build this, HOW? Just follow the 2015 directions from Armortek? Or?
Thought of this while I was starting the 2nd build. Remember I'm going to take it apart, AGAIN, to prime, seal, and paint and install motion pack etc. So, I'll be taking and posting lots of 3rd build pics. After taking it apart again.
Came up with 6 different ways to build it. So Far.
1st From the factory. Model it as it should have come out of the factory doors.
2nd Model it just before it's last fight. Without the battle damage that knocked it out of action. A dusty dirt Tiger going into battle.
3rd Make it just after capture. There are pics out there of this time. Dusty battle damaged Tiger.
4th How about after the British redid stuff to get it ready for Churchills visit. According to records items were replaced and redone using parts from other Tigers to get it running and looking ok for the PM and the Kings visit. That could be hard to find a lot of info and pics on. Just what was replaced.
5th How it looks now at this time in Bovington with the battle damage that is still showing.
6th Looks in Bovington without battle damage.
NOTE both 5 and 6 might show changes that the museum did over the years. Motor type change (HL210 to HL230) Bolts on rear top plates and grills changing from square head to cap head (see current pics), did it start with square head or ? And what else? Or nothing?
In review, thinking about doing numbers 5 or 6. I really don't like the idea of doing battle damage, but I might warm up to doing it. Shall see.
Well, here is a funny pic to start with. My mid production turret on top of my #131 Tiger build. Needed room for a bed for my Son's Christmas visit.
My Tiger Build Table.
About 1/4 of my Tank books.
Where it's at 12/29/2023
More Later as I gave a dozen Roses to my Wife for Christmas, which is a DIY project as they are bushes and they need planting. Really, She let me buy another Tiger Tank so I gave her a dozen Roses, some planting and lots of growth required. I'm part of the DIY part.
Later Tim
Another thread
viewtopic.php?t=9875
2015 to 2023
Well, I've said for many years that I would someday get a build thread up and also build my Tiger #131. So follow along and lets see if it really totally happens.
I started this build many years ago. Got to a point where I had to decide to add the motion pack etc. or not. Well, I had just bought a King Tiger kit from another company and got burned bad with the deal. (I have been asked not to talk about that company or deal on this forum, I lost around $3,000) After that deal, the idea of spending another $2,500 on motion packs, etc. was hard to do. I took everything apart and left the parts sitting on my special Tiger table for many years, ok, only around 7 years. But a few months ago, I turned 70 and I said time to get things finished up and done around here. The 2nd build started. I'm back at that point again where I need to either add motion packs, etc. or just build a static. Decided to add motion etc.. Also got the chance to buy a Mid Production Tiger 2014 with an Ivano Costini's Maybach engine. So now, one to run (Tiger 131) and one to over build as a great static display. On to more build talk.
TIGER #131
How am I going to build this, HOW? Just follow the 2015 directions from Armortek? Or?
Thought of this while I was starting the 2nd build. Remember I'm going to take it apart, AGAIN, to prime, seal, and paint and install motion pack etc. So, I'll be taking and posting lots of 3rd build pics. After taking it apart again.
Came up with 6 different ways to build it. So Far.
1st From the factory. Model it as it should have come out of the factory doors.
2nd Model it just before it's last fight. Without the battle damage that knocked it out of action. A dusty dirt Tiger going into battle.
3rd Make it just after capture. There are pics out there of this time. Dusty battle damaged Tiger.
4th How about after the British redid stuff to get it ready for Churchills visit. According to records items were replaced and redone using parts from other Tigers to get it running and looking ok for the PM and the Kings visit. That could be hard to find a lot of info and pics on. Just what was replaced.
5th How it looks now at this time in Bovington with the battle damage that is still showing.
6th Looks in Bovington without battle damage.
NOTE both 5 and 6 might show changes that the museum did over the years. Motor type change (HL210 to HL230) Bolts on rear top plates and grills changing from square head to cap head (see current pics), did it start with square head or ? And what else? Or nothing?
In review, thinking about doing numbers 5 or 6. I really don't like the idea of doing battle damage, but I might warm up to doing it. Shall see.
Well, here is a funny pic to start with. My mid production turret on top of my #131 Tiger build. Needed room for a bed for my Son's Christmas visit.
My Tiger Build Table.
About 1/4 of my Tank books.
Where it's at 12/29/2023
More Later as I gave a dozen Roses to my Wife for Christmas, which is a DIY project as they are bushes and they need planting. Really, She let me buy another Tiger Tank so I gave her a dozen Roses, some planting and lots of growth required. I'm part of the DIY part.
Later Tim
Another thread
viewtopic.php?t=9875
