no12skyline

Hi,

I'm wondering how I could update my Tiger I from the box-standard early to a mid or late model? Does anyone sell conversion parts? I know the physical differences, like the different commander's cupola, headlight placement, and differing roadwheels, but for the life of me I can't find anyone that sells the parts. I'm on the verge of getting the Wasan Tiger to cannibalize for the conversion parts!

Pzjgr

You can get parts from a couple places to convert to a mid Tiger:
http://www.etoarmour.com/
http://www.welshdragonmodels.co.uk/
http://www.axels-modellbau-shop.de/katalog/
http://www.rctank.de/index.php

Those are just a few places with good service.

Duane

tankman

To be honest converting to a late Tiger 1 is a lot of work especially getting the late metal wheels (not to say impossible just hard ). I know as I've started doing this to my Tamiya Tiger 1 ( about 3 years ago lol) and I'm not done yet. However if I'd ONLY gone for a mid I'd be done by now as you can keep the Tamiya rubber rimmed wheels. I'd say 95% of the upgrade parts are available commercially such as:-

mid/late tracks
mid/late cupola
mid/late idlers
turret fan
close defence weapon
mid/late loaders periscope cover
engine air vent cover
mid/late drive wheel hubs

The only thing I could not find was the rear deck gun travel lock system. But it's a great feeling when you get this conversion going as it then becomes "your" Tiger not what the model company wants you to have. All the best with your Tiger and keep us posted.
Alan

EugeniRUS

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_9216445/tm.htm

Hope it helps

1sgt

Just to add to the outstanding suppliers already mentioned is mato toys. They also sell Tiger 1 ( as well as other tanks ) detail parts.

Jim

manchu9inf

is this a Tamiya or Heng Long Tiger?

Wecohe sells aluminum late wheels.
If budget dictates which to build, the mid-production Tiger would be easier on the wallet, as the wecohe aluminum wheels are not cheap. But they are well designed and are very nice looking wheels.
attached are pics of my Late Jun '44 production Tiger of GD and some of the mods and a mid from the 507th
the Jun '44 Tiger has:
Late wheels - Wecohe
Turret ring guard - eto
small idler wheel - tankzone
KT style loader's hatch - KT kit sprue B
job boom pilzen - KT kit
40mm turret roof - scratch build
close in defense weapon - eto
revised tool layout on upper deck - scratched
metal Schumo tow cable holders - eto
engine screens - eto/arber
single gunner's sight aperture - closed in one of the gunner's sight
late style front hull with cutouts - wecohe
KT style muzzle brake - eto
metal barrel
metal engine intake - eto
revised engine access hatch - scratched
KT jack - KT kit
engine heating access door - KT Kit
single headlight - scratched with kit parts
cupola - eto
track hangars - eto
loader's periscope
zimmerit - Miliput

Mid production has:
cupola
single headlight
track hangars
loader's periscope
engine screens
metal barrel
metal muzzle brake
metal engine intake - eto
zimmerit - squadron green putty

I have late style metal tracks but use them only for show, not to battle with.
I think that is about 100% mods I can think of for the 2 tanks I did, and I hope the information helps you in your build!

Will

no12skyline

Thanks for your help guys, I have a Tamiya. Will post photographs as soon as I can get a working camera!

Jeff489

My Feedback: (12)

Manchu9inf really made a beautiful late June '44 tiger. Myself, I've scratched an April 1944 late Tiger (based on the Tamiya 56010 Full Option Tiger kit). You'll notice we are both quite specific as to the month and year of our "Late Tiger" projects. That's because there is no "prototypical" late tiger, or mid tiger. They quite literally changed the design monthly.

I recommend you get some source material before starting (if you haven't already) your project and really make your conversion individual. I relied on Thomas Jentz' book entitled: Germany's Tiger Tanks D.W. to Tiger I: Design, Production & Modifications, from Schiffer Publishing. ISBN 0764310380. In my experience, Jentz' books are unique, in that all of his work is based on his own independent research (he doesn't rely upon other "books"). With this particular book, about 2/3 of the way through is a double page chart showing Germany's Tiger production by month and year that is cross referenced with all the different design changes on the Tiger 1. You can see the changes made month by month. Great for figuring out what options should be on the Tiger at the same time.

Good Luck!

manchu9inf

Jeff, thanks for the compliment.

I also highly recommend the same book as Jeff, that is an invaluable source of info on the Tiger I.